Qingshui, however, didn't think Iguro Obanai would be able to create a Red Blade.
Among all the Hashira, his strength was only slightly greater than Kocho Shinobu's. Even Tokito Muichiro, who was much younger, was comparable to him, clearly a tier below the other Hashira.
Even if he were to achieve the Transparent World, he might surpass others due to changes in technique. But without manifesting a Demon Slayer Mark, it was almost impossible for him to use a Red Blade on his own.
As expected, Iguro Obanai didn't succeed.
Among all the Hashira, excluding the "bug" that was Qingshui, Himejima's strength was in a league of its own. Uzui Tengen was half a tier below him.
And even Uzui Tengen only barely managed to activate a Red Blade while in the Transparent World by using gunpowder hidden in the layers of his Nichirin Blade. The remaining Hashira likely had no hope.
"So... you're different from them."
Tomioka Giyuu said, his expression indifferent, looking at Obanai's awkward face.
In reality, he felt truly sorry, but his tone combined with his expression made it sound very much like mockery.
"What... you've also learned the Transparent World?"
Iguro Obanai's face darkened, and he stood in front of Tomioka Giyuu.
Shinaazugawa Sanemi exchanged a knowing glance with him, then took a step forward, subtly positioning themselves to surround Tomioka Giyuu.
"I'm different from you."
Tomioka Giyuu simply lowered his gaze, his tone remaining flat.
What he actually meant was that Iguro Obanai and Uzui Tengen were very strong, and he was far inferior to them.
But the way he said it implied that they were the weak ones, unable to compare to him.
"How are you different? Want to try a fight?"
Iguro Obanai's expression became even uglier.
"No need, thank you for your kindness."
Tomioka Giyuu believed Iguro Obanai was kindly offering to help him train to achieve the Transparent World through a sparring match, but he felt he couldn't do it and declined.
"Ahem, Giyu, say less. And Iguro and Sanemi, put your blades away. I'm not finished talking yet."
Seeing that the group was about to start fighting again, Qingshui quickly stopped them, diverting their attention.
"The essence of activating a Red Blade is actually high temperature. Gyomei achieves it by colliding his twin blades with absolute force, and Uzui uses gunpowder. So, if we modify the Nichirin Blade, we might be able to achieve a similar effect.
For example, we could put batteries in the hilt to conduct current to the blade for heating, just like the Yoriichi Type One I made has this function. However, the battery life might be relatively limited. But as long as they don't encounter a Demon with a special Blood Demon Art that can lower the blade's temperature, they should be able to sustain a high-intensity battle."
Shinaazugawa Sanemi's eyes lit up.
"Then I can use a Red Blade too?"
"No, all members of the Demon Slayer Corps will be able to use the Red Blade. Mass-producing batteries isn't particularly difficult. The Uesugi Clan and Ubuyashiki can jointly fund a factory to produce them. After all, batteries are a widely used power source, and the technology isn't particularly high-end, so they can be mass-produced."
Qingshui explained.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya was so excited he could barely speak.
He could already envision the beautiful scene of the entire Demon Slayer Corps, wielding Red Blades, besieging Muzan.
"Qingshui, rest assured. I will commit over half of the Demon Slayer Corps' cash flow, clear all necessary relationships, and expedite the construction of the battery factory. And I will do my utmost to help you gather the materials needed for the Fluorescent Lamps!"
The Ubuyashiki family actually held significant power. Controlling the Demon Slayer Corps, with centuries, even millennia, of accumulated resources, there were few forces in all of Japan stronger than the Ubuyashiki family. It was just that this family had dedicated all its energy to fighting Demons.
As for the Uesugi Clan, while also considered nobility with deep roots, during the Warring States period over three hundred years ago, the Uesugi Clan under Toyotomi Hideyoshi held a position among the Five Elders. They began to decline during the later Tokugawa Ieyasu period, but even in the Edo period, they remained a powerful daimyo in their region.
It wasn't until the late Edo period that they weakened into a powerful regional clan. However, as members of the old nobility, the head of the main branch, Uesugi Shigenori—the current head of the Uesugi Clan—successfully sided with the winning faction during the Meiji Restoration, becoming a member of the House of Peers.
Although they lost their domain, they still retained some political power. However, Uesugi Shigenori was now in his late seventies or early eighties, in the final years of his life, and no particularly capable individuals had emerged from the main branch. Therefore, currently, aside from the retired Uesugi Shigenori, the highest-ranking member of the entire Uesugi Clan was his elder uncle, Uesugi Sakaii—
Last year, he was promoted from Police Superintendent General to Police Superintendent General of Shiga Headquarters, equivalent to a high-ranking official at the vice-provincial level. He was currently in his prime, with a promising future.
Even though their branch wasn't the main one, the entire Uesugi Clan was still pushing Uesugi Sakaii forward, hoping his power would continue to bring prosperity and honor to the Uesugi Clan.
It's worth noting that after Uesugi Sakaii became the head of the Shiga Police Headquarters, he promoted Qingshui's police rank from Police Sergeant to Assistant Police Inspector.
This was already the highest Qingshui could be promoted to at present. If he wanted to go higher, to the position of Police Inspector, he would have to fully enter the police system, accumulating achievements and merits. It would be impossible to dedicate most of his energy to the Demon Slayer Corps as he did now.
That was already a mid-level position within the police system, equivalent to the head of a district or county police force—no small official. For Qingshui to advance further, even with the help of Uesugi Sakaii and the Uesugi Clan, it would take at least two years to be promoted.
Regardless, after taking this step, Qingshui's Fortune progress bar saw another small increase, reaching 98.7%.
He was just one step away from unlocking the next world.
...
...
Naruto World, Sand Village, First Line Gorge entrance.
Mitokado Homura, looking weary, led the Konoha delegation away.
And after seeing off this Konoha elder, the Kazekage Building was filled with celebration.
"I dare say, we absolutely nailed Konoha Village's bottom line this time! Look at that old man's face, seeing his frustrated expression made this old woman feel so incredibly satisfied!"
Chiyo laughed heartily from her chair.
"It was mainly Qingshui. The moment he spoke, he controlled the entire negotiation. Mitokado Homura fell completely on the defensive. From that moment on, the outcome of Konoha's negotiation was sealed."
The Third Kazekage said with an expression of admiration.
It wasn't that the Sand Village lacked skilled negotiators. After all, it was one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, with professionals in that field.
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