"As we approach the final battle, if anyone must make the ultimate sacrifice, it should not be any of you who can still fight—it should be me, with this frail body."
Hiru couldn't help raising his head at those words, meeting Kagaya's gentle yet resolute gaze. After a brief pause, he let out a quiet sigh.
"That's enough. Let's drop this topic."
He looked away slightly.
"There's no point discussing who should be sacrificed before the battle has even begun."
"In any case, I want Tanjiro back to being human before the final battle. But because of him, Muzan will definitely become more aggressive. Incidents involving demons attacking people will only increase."
His tone grew more serious.
"That's the real problem we need to deal with right now."
"Yes, that is indeed our most urgent concern," Kagaya said with a slight nod.
"From everyone's reports, demons at the level of the Lower Ranks have already been mostly eliminated. So before the full-scale war begins, there are only two priorities."
"First, we strengthen the abilities of our corps members."
"Second, we hunt down as many Upper Moons as possible in preparation for Muzan."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"As for training, I would like to entrust it primarily to Kyojuro and Makomo while they recover, with former Hashira assisting them. The current Hashira may submit their training plans or participate when time allows."
"What are your thoughts?"
"Leave it to me!" Rengoku declared, as spirited as ever. "I will devote myself fully to meeting Oyakata-sama's expectations!"
Makomo gave a small nod.
"For those of us unable to return to the battlefield immediately, this is indeed the most appropriate role. Please leave it to us."
"Please also allow Shinobu and me to oversee post-training recovery," Kanae added, lifting her head. "If fatigue accumulates without proper care, it will ultimately affect everyone's performance in battle."
"Then I'll leave that to you," Kagaya said, shifting his gaze to the others.
"Earlier, Hiru provided intelligence on the Upper Moons and even succeeded in eliminating one…"
He paused slightly.
"Although, due to certain circumstances, we were unable to obtain a detailed assessment of its combat capabilities."
…He had it coming. Who told him to be that disgusting and useless in close combat?
Kagaya noticed Hiru averting his gaze, the faint smile on his lips deepening slightly.
"Even so, we must not underestimate the Upper Moons simply because Hiru dealt with one with relative ease. In terms of physical ability, humans still cannot match demons."
"Speaking of Upper Moons," Sabito said, tilting her head slightly, "Uzui, you're already preparing, aren't you? Do you need my assistance?"
"That's true, but as the God of Festivals, I also have the responsibility of keeping an eye on Hiru…" Uzui rubbed his chin.
"Compared to someone like you, who chose suicide in the illusion, I'd rather work with Iguro—who actually managed to suppress his appetite."
"Absolutely not," Iguro replied firmly. "I cannot coexist with demons."
His tone did not waver.
"I will not participate in future training, and I will no longer use any drugs."
"Call me hypocritical or ungrateful if you want. If you're dissatisfied with me learning Yoriichi's techniques, you may strip me of my strength at any time."
He lowered his gaze slightly.
"But I simply cannot accept it."
"I will not coexist with them."
"Skipping training might be one thing," Hiru said, leaning forward slightly, "but giving up the drugs? That's going to be difficult for you."
"Back when the former Flame Hashira was still active—and when Mikazuki was still around—they took an interest in the pain-relief incense I used regularly. Later, I refined it and had it distributed to headquarters."
"The current uniforms are made with those medicines infused into them from the start."
"And the demon-repelling incense used in Wisteria Houses, the demon-attracting agents used by high-ranking swordsmen—even the latest medicines. I've had a hand in refining all of them."
He tilted his head slightly.
"So if you really don't want to use any drugs… you'll probably have to start running around naked."
Sanemi, who had remained silent until now, watched as Iguro actually began removing his clothes.
Letting out a long sigh, he reached out to stop him before turning toward Hiru.
"You've got a personality that's downright unbearable. Were you like this even when you were human?"
"Just stating facts," Hiru replied with a shrug, before turning to Uzui. "So—which Upper Rank are you targeting? And how do you want me to assist?"
"The lowest-ranked one you mentioned—the twin demons in the red-light district," Uzui said, stroking his chin. "I'm planning to take them down. We'll go over the details after the meeting."
Hiru recalled their last collaboration, his expression turning slightly complicated.
"You're not planning to make me disguise myself as a child and sneak into a brothel again, are you…?"
"Don't be ridiculous!" Uzui snapped, jabbing a finger at Hiru's forehead. "Use your brain—that's obviously not happening!"
"The identity we used last time is already useless because of you!"
"And even if I did sell you in as a child, there's no way I'd let someone who's been single for hundreds of years pretend to be a client. You'd get exposed instantly!"
"Even if you could take that demon down directly, you're not the one who needs to evaluate its strength right now."
"So just follow my plan and let me make flashy use of you until the very end!"
Hiru was about to respond when a poorly suppressed laugh sounded nearby.
Turning toward the source, he saw Mitsuri covering her face, her cheeks flushed bright red.
"I'm so sorry…"
Kanae couldn't help letting out a soft laugh as well.
"As expected… even though Hiru always says he doesn't get along with Uzui, the two of you are actually quite close."
"Well, it can't be helped," Uzui said, crossing his arms as his usual arrogance returned.
"After all, only the God of Festivals would show mercy to such a useless Demon King. A god must have compassion."
…I really should've wiped their memories from the start instead of holding back. This is so annoying.
"Well then, we'll conclude today's Hashira Meeting here."
Supported by his wife, Kagaya slowly rose to his feet, a faint smile in his voice.
"I imagine everyone still has much to discuss among themselves…"
He turned slightly.
"Yoriichi, would you accompany me for a short walk?"
The Hashira fell silent, their gazes turning toward Yoriichi.
"…Yes."
Under their watchful eyes, Yoriichi rose to his feet, his head still respectfully lowered.
"I will follow your command, my Master."