"Hashira Meeting, Hanafuda"
Following Amane Ubuyashiki's statement, all nine Hashira, including Aoki, bowed deeply in a gesture of respect and deference.
"You are too kind. We sincerely hope the Master's life will endure, and that you, Amane-sama, will remain strong and unwavering," Gyomei Himejima stated.
Amane Ubuyashiki's expression clouded momentarily, revealing her deep love for Kagaya Ubuyashiki, despite their arranged marriage.
However, Kagaya's rapidly deteriorating condition and inability to lead the Demon Slayer Corps had placed the immense responsibility upon her. As the new leader, she couldn't afford to show vulnerability before her subordinates.
The fleeting sadness vanished instantly, replaced by a composed demeanor. "I thank you all for your kind words. You've all heard about the appearance of a demon who can withstand sunlight. Muzan Kibutsuji will undoubtedly do everything in his power to obtain her to gain the same ability."
"A large-scale final battle is imminent. Following the Swordsmith Village battle, we received reports of unique markings appearing on Muichiro Tokito after his fight with Upper Moon Five. Therefore, I'd like Muichiro-sama to explain the conditions for the appearance of these markings to the other Hashira."
"Markings?!" Muichiro Tokito was startled. Although it had happened only once, the experience was unforgettable.
His body temperature had reached 39 degrees Celsius, and his heart rate had soared to 200 beats per minute—an immense strain on the human body.
However, the markings, besides the immense physical burden, also resulted in a significant increase in strength, a fact he knew from personal experience.
Ignoring Muichiro Tokito's surprise, Amane Ubuyashiki continued, "Legend speaks of a group of swordsmen from the Sengoku period who wielded Sun Breathing and nearly killed Muzan Kibutsuji. They all bore markings similar to a demonic seal."
This revelation shocked not only Muichiro Tokito but all the Hashira present. The possibility of awakening these markings offered a chance to defeat Muzan Kibutsuji.
"But this is merely legend, known to very few," Amane Ubuyashiki added.
"I've never heard of this. Why were we kept in the dark?" Sanemi Shinazugawa asked, his question born of curiosity, not complaint.
Amane Ubuyashiki explained, "Because many exceptional swordsmen, upon learning of this, became despondent and disheartened after failing to manifest the markings themselves. We were forced to keep it secret."
"The details of the markings' inheritance remain unclear. Whether it was due to insufficient attention to this phenomenon at the time or lost during several near-extinction crises, we cannot say for sure."
"Only one sentence has been passed down: 'Whenever a marked swordsman appears, others will appear in resonance.' A swordsmen using Sun Breathing wrote this in his notes."
"In this era, the first swordsman to manifest these markings was not a Hashira, but an ordinary swordsman: "
"Tanjiro Kamado!"
Aoki's brow furrowed. Tanjiro was indeed the first to display the markings, during his battle with Upper Moon Six in the Yoshiwara Entertainment District. However, they appeared on his forehead scar, making them difficult to notice. Aoki, focused on defeating Upper Moon Six, hadn't paid attention to them.
He was unaware that these seemingly insignificant markings were a sign of a dramatic increase in strength.
Amane Ubuyashiki continued, "But he himself doesn't understand how to trigger the markings, so it's been put on hold for further observation. During the Swordsmith Village battle, Muichiro-sama also awakened the markings."
"Therefore, Muichiro-sama, please tell us the conditions for their appearance."
Taking a step forward, Muichiro Tokito answered without hesitation, "I don't have a clear memory of how the markings appeared, but recalling the battle, I noticed several details different from usual."
"By fulfilling these conditions, perhaps those present could awaken the markings. I'll share what I can remember."
The Hashira's expressions tightened. The final battle with Muzan Kibutsuji was approaching, and these markings could be the key to their victory.
Muichiro Tokito: "During the fierce battle, I was severely poisoned and almost immobile. I used Breathing techniques to slow my blood circulation, mitigating the spread of the poison. As the young man I was trying to save was about to be killed, my past memories returned."
"Overwhelming rage consumed me. My pulse was probably over 200 beats per minute, and my body felt like it was on fire. My temperature was likely over 39 degrees Celsius."
"Fighting in that state?!" Shinobu Kocho, as a doctor, was shocked by the immense physical strain. "That's life-threatening."
Muichiro Tokito: "Precisely. I believe this is the key. Surviving this high-risk state might be the condition for the markings."
"A pulse over 200 is understandable, but how did you determine the temperature was precisely 39 degrees?" Amane Ubuyashiki asked.
Muichiro Tokito explained, "Good question. While receiving treatment from Shinobu, my high fever persisted, and the thermometer read 39 degrees. Based on my feelings, this temperature likely corresponds to the appearance of the markings. These are the two main conditions I can recall. Whether there are others, I don't know."
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