Shinobu gasped, feeling something warm flowing through her body and washing away her fatigue. The soreness in her muscles instantly vanished alongside a budding headache.
'That was—'
She was tongue-tied. Unable to resist her curiosity, she turned to Douma, her eyes shining with interest.
"How is that possible? Just like that?"
Douma waved his fan lightly, his smile growing sincere. He felt a little joy at seeing Shinobu's surprised expression.
"Have you ever wondered how demons regenerate?"
He suddenly asked. Others might have thought it was just another ability of demons gained from Lord Muzan, however, he was sure Shinobu wasn't like others. She was someone who had studied demons as a life course and occupation—even having an Upper Moon as a lab rat.
"Energy stored in their cells?"
She asked, suddenly not too sure. With the way things were progressing, she wasn't too sure of her own conjectures any longer.
"Haha, as expected. Shinobu-chan is quite right." He laughed, his fangs bared. "Because of our inhuman DNA, we demons have the ability to easily access Hamon in the surrounding and store it within our cells."
He suddenly tore his left arm away and watched as a new one grew from the bleeding wound.
"Utilizing this Hamon, we're able to regenerate lost limbs and even entire bodies from a small amount of cells."
Shinobu stayed silent, listening. She felt like a student listening to her teacher. Only the teacher was a demon. Super strong. Handsome. Charming. Attractive and Alluring.
'Focus, Shinobu! Focus!'
"Unfortunately, talent also matters for us demons. Those who can adapt to large amount of Lord Muzan's blood are the best demons, often crowned as one of the Twelve Kizuki."
'Still calling him Lord Muzan? Aren't they supposed to be enemies now? After all, he betrayed Muzan by working with me.'
Shinobu thought in a quiet corner of her mind while listening to Douma.
"Do you understand now? Hamon is the energy we use for regeneration."
Suddenly Shinobu frowned.
"If that's it, why does demon slayer wounds not heal as fast as demons?"
Douma tilted his head. "Well, that's the benefit of Demon physiology."
Shinobu scoffed, feeling like he was trying to lure her into becoming a demon.
"But humans can harness it right?" She asked hopefully.
Douma shrugged, subtly inching closer to her. "Barely. Human body isn't that compatible. That's why your injuries always leaves scars."
She fell into deep thoughts. If only humans could actually use Hamon, the tide might turn against the demons for once.
'Even then, I can use Douma. He's definitely strong. Stronger than before. If I can get the Slayer Corps to cooperate with him, then we'll finally stand a chance against the demons.'
She thought solemnly when she suddenly felt his arms wrap around her in a gentle embrace.
"Shinobu-chan is so soft."
She shivered when his cold breath nicked the back of her ears. Despite his status as a strong demon, a potential tool, her conscience still nagged her. He was just a child caged in the body of a heartless demon. Longing for love, care, and affection.
'It doesn't matter. He's a demon now.' She told herself.
...
[Ubuyashiki Mansion]
Again, the Hashiras were gathered with Lady Amane at the head of the table. Lord Kagaya's illness had worsened and he couldn't even leave his sick bed. Helpless, Amane could only attend in his stead.
Beside Giyu, Tanjiro sat nervously, his expression tensed. This was the first time he was in the midst of an Hashira gathering.
Sanemi kept looking at their side with a scowl, probably displeased with Giyu's presence. However, the Water Hashira didn't even pay any attention to him.
"Let us begin with the reports." said Lady Amane.
Muichiro stood up. "The corps have successfully reclaimed four villages from the raging demons and pushed them back into the forest. Right now, the Demon Hunting Spree is going smoothly."
Lady Amane nodded, pleased. That was definitely good news.
Giyu spoke next. "Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Inouske have qualified to become Hashiras. They killed Lower Moon Two and have slain up to fifty demons."
The other Hashiras except Sanemi and Muichiro raised brows, surprised.
"If they're qualified why is Kamado the only one here?" Obanai asked sharply.
Giyu merely glanced at him. "Because Tanjiro is the only one who has fully recovered."
This answered his question. Obanai went silent again, not saying a word.
"That's impressive. Their badges would be ready soon." Lady Amane smiled. "Tanjiro, you'll now be referred to as Fire Hashira."
The red haired boy hurriedly sprang to his feet, then bowed deeply.
"Thank you. Lady Amane!"
Sanemi scoffed silently. "Another brat Hashira."
With that, the meeting continued and finally drew close to the end.
Gyomei, who had been unusually silent finally raised a hand.
"Yes, Lord Gyomei?" Lady Amane addressed him respectfully.
"There is a pressing issue at hand." He said solemnly. "Intel I gathered from demons reveal that Douma and Shinobu are alive and kicking."
The room instantly fell silent—heavy awkward one.
Mitsuri spoke first. "Shinobu... is alive?"
Her eyes flickered with faint hope. Ever since Shinobu had been expelled, no one had seen her. It was like she actively avoided Demon slayers, or she was dead. Now that it was announced that she was alive...
"That damn girl! Still running with demons?!" Sanemi cursed.
Tanjiro turned, confused. "We can get her back can't we? After all, she's just under a spell. Once the demon is killed, we can have the Hashira back."
Gyomei looked at him, a quiet tear spilled from his eyes.
"Shinobu wasn't bewitched." He started. Since Tanjiro was now an Hashira, there was no need to keep secrets from him. "She left voluntarily with the demon."
"Huh?"
Tanjiro's brain halted. Shinobu, someone who loathed demons, left with one?
"You're lying." He instantly denied the idea.
Giyu beside him hummed softly. "We aren't. Shinobu chose to let him live and wanted to protect him."
Tanjiro's head spun. "Wait. What's so wrong about that? You guys accepted me protecting Nezuko right?"
This time, Sanemi replied him.
"That's because you claimed Nezuko has never killed anyone." He scowled. "Unlike her, this demon has killed countless people including Hashiras."
"He's the Upper Moon Two—Douma."