Kyojuro arrived, unable to resist asking:
"Mr. Yuki, did that demon escape?"
Yuki nodded.
"Yes, Upper Rank Four was here as well."
"Though I slew three of Upper Rank Four's clones, one managed to escape with that demon."
Kyojuro paused, then burst into hearty laughter.
"No matter! I've already memorized that fellow's face!"
"The next time I see him, please let me fight him!"
Yuki stared, momentarily stunned, at Kyojuro's smile, which shone as brightly as the sun.
It seems I was overthinking things.
Given Kyojuro's character, while he might feel frustrated that the demon had escaped, he would never let it hold him back. He would simply continue to hone his skills, determined to find a way to slay the demon in their next encounter.
With this realization, Yuki smiled as well. "You've probably heard that I'll be teaching you Pillars some new techniques at the Swordsmith Village."
"I believe that once you've mastered them, even facing Upper Rank Three alone won't be a challenge."
"When that time comes, I'll be waiting for your good news."
Kyojuro's eyes lit up even brighter at these words, and he replied loudly, "Excellent! I eagerly await your guidance!"
Yuki's words weren't just meant to encourage Kyojuro. He genuinely believed them.
In the original story, Kyojuro had already been able to hold his own against Akaza before reaching his true peak. Moreover, it's important to remember that Kyojuro never received the complete Flame Pillar inheritance due to his father, the previous Flame Pillar, having abandoned his duties.
He became the Flame Pillar solely by relying on three guidebooks detailing the Flame Breathing technique.
He even mastered the Secret Technique: Ninth Form - Rengoku.
Such talent and ability were truly formidable to the point of being unreasonable.
At that time, Yuki couldn't help but wonder:
If Kyojuro had mastered the Crimson Blade technique to prevent Akaza's limb regeneration, the outcome of their battle would undoubtedly have been different, sparing Kyojuro's tragic sacrifice.
And if Kyojuro had also mastered the Transparent World or even the Demon Slayer Mark...
Yuki exhaled softly, his eyes brightening with renewed determination.
"Let's go back to Headquarters!"
As Yuki and Kyojuro entered the Headquarters courtyard, they immediately saw Kagaya waiting for them.
Despite his frail health, Kagaya rose to greet them the moment he saw them.
He scrutinized Yuki and Kyojuro with his remaining eye until he confirmed they were unharmed, then let out a long sigh of relief.
Facing both Upper Rank Three and Upper Rank Four simultaneously!
When the Kasugai Crow delivered the news, Kagaya's heart had leaped into his throat.
Though the crow had also reported that Mr. Yuki and Kyojuro were safe, Kagaya couldn't truly relax until he saw them with his own eyes.
Kyojuro boomed, "Lord, I'm truly sorry to have caused you such worry!"
"Thanks to Mr. Yuki's intervention, I was able to complete the mission you entrusted to me!"
"Just thinking about it fills me with shame!"
Kagaya smiled gently and patted Kyojuro's shoulder. "Regardless, I'm just glad you returned safely."
Then, Kagaya turned to Yuki. "Mr. Yuki, now that all the Pillars have returned, we can prepare to depart for the Swordsmith Village at any time."
Yuki nodded, voicing the question that had been on his mind since his return:
"I have nine Pillars with me. How can we all travel to the Swordsmith Village simultaneously?"
According to the usual method, whether Pillars or other members, anyone wishing to visit the Swordsmith Village required a dedicated Kakushi escort.
To prevent the village's location from being compromised, all travelers were blindfolded, their ears plugged, and even those with heightened senses like Tanjiro had their nostrils blocked.
Once these precautions were taken, the Kakushi would carry them on their backs for the journey.
Moreover, each Kakushi was responsible for only one segment of the route, unaware of the complete path to the Swordsmith Village.
They would relay the travelers from one Kakushi to the next, ensuring no single individual knew the entire route.
Given this method, transporting nine Pillars plus Yuki to the Swordsmith Village would undoubtedly be a cumbersome undertaking.
Kagaya smiled, clearly having anticipated this concern and already devised a solution:
"I will have the Kakushi transport you in staggered batches, ensuring no two groups travel at the same time."
"Before you and Kyojuro returned, I had already dispatched Gyomei to the Swordsmith Village."
"If you're ready to depart now, then Shinobu will be next in line."
Yuki nodded, noticing a Kakushi already prepared approaching him.
The Kakushi bowed deeply upon seeing Yuki and introduced himself:
"Greetings, Mr. Yuki. I am the Kakushi specifically assigned to escort you to the Swordsmith Village."
"I apologize, but due to the confidential nature of this mission, I cannot reveal my name."
As he spoke, Yuki accepted a pair of earplugs from the Kakushi and inserted them.
He then took a strip of cloth and blindfolded himself.
With these preparations complete, Yuki set off for the Swordsmith Village.
He was somewhat surprised to discover that the Kakushi carrying him, though lacking any Breathing Technique, possessed extraordinary physical stamina.
Even while sprinting with Yuki on his back, the Kakushi's breathing only grew slightly heavier, showing no signs of strain.
Of course, this might also be due to Yuki's standard build, which meant he wasn't particularly heavy.
After several Kakushi relays, Yuki finally arrived at the Swordsmith Village.
The moment he arrived, he detected a faint sulfurous scent in the air.
It was clear there was a hot spring in this village.
Yuki dismounted from the last Kakushi's back, removed his blindfold and earplugs, and earnestly thanked the Kakushi.
However, after politely returning the gesture, the Kakushi still wore a worried expression.
Yuki could hear the Kakushi muttering under his breath:
"That's strange... We've already reached our designated point for Mr. Yuki's route."
"Why is the Kasugai Crow reporting that Mr. Gyomei, who departed earlier, hasn't arrived yet?"
Yuki paused, startled by this news.
His first thought was that Gyomei had either received an urgent mission or encountered a Demon along the way.
Otherwise, there was no reason why someone who had left earlier than him would still be missing.
Just then, the sound of running footsteps echoed from nearby...