Uzui wasn't about to seriously argue with a pair of kids, so he turned back to Hiru and began discussing how to hunt the Upper Moons.
The two quickly found themselves at odds. Hiru wanted to charge in head-on, while Uzui insisted they needed proper intelligence—and even suggested Hiru stay back as a precaution.
As their argument dragged on, Yuichiro and Muichiro turned to Tanjiro, asking what the Transparent World actually felt like.
"It's like your body suddenly heats up—then everything feels lighter. Your heart starts pounding, and your vision tightens. The world dims, but you can see everything clearly—your opponent's muscles, their movements… even what they'll do next," Tanjiro explained earnestly. "But I'm not very good at it yet. When I use it, the Slayer Mark appears on its own, so I have to stay focused to suppress it."
Muichiro: Did you get that, brother? (☌ - ☌ )
Yuichiro: …No. (゜-゜)
The three exchanged glances, then silently dropped the topic. Instead, they turned hopeful looks toward Hiru and Uzui, who were still arguing.
Hiru noticed and let out a sigh.
"Alright, alright. We'll talk about that later. I actually wanted to introduce you to someone."
"Hm? Who?"
He briefly explained about Zenitsu, hoping Uzui would take him under his wing.
"It can't be that simple, right?" Uzui rubbed his chin. "If it's just about sharp hearing, you wouldn't personally recommend some kid who just joined the Corps."
"Yeah. He wasn't my first choice. If you want to know more, I'll tell you later."
"…Fine."
Uzui rested a hand on his hip and let out a long breath.
"By the way—you've got an older brother, right? What's the plan for him?"
Hiru felt Muichiro's grip tighten slightly, but he simply smiled reassuringly, his tone unchanged.
"I'll talk to him again. If we can settle things before the final battle, that would be best."
Uzui nodded casually, about to continue, when he caught sight of a figure at the training ground entrance. He immediately raised a hand, his voice lifting.
"Finished talking with the Master?"
Hiru turned, spotting Yoriichi walking over.
"Perfect timing, brother. It's about time Tanjiro's issue gets sorted out."
"Mm. I'll guide him shortly. Before that, I'd like to speak with you."
Hiru paused, then nodded and followed him. They didn't go far, stopping near the entrance.
From where he stood, Uzui could only see Yoriichi's back and Hiru's profile. He couldn't hear what they were saying, but he clearly caught the look of shock on Hiru's face after hearing something. A moment later, Hiru turned away, leaving Uzui with no way to guess what had been said.
It wasn't that he was trying to pry—given their recently revealed identities, he simply couldn't help being wary. With that in mind, Uzui rubbed his brow irritably.
[I'll just have to keep an eye on them during this mission… What a headache.]
"Hey, Uzui, let us join this mission too."
Uzui opened his eyes and looked at Muichiro, who was tugging on his wrist.
"No. Even if I take someone along, it won't be you two."
Muichiro was about to protest, but Yuichiro stopped him.
"It's fine. We'll just go with Hiru."
"That's not happening either." Uzui's irritation deepened. "This isn't a game. I don't have time to babysit you."
"But we don't need babysitting." Muichiro tilted his head. "My brother and I lost our parents early. We've been taking care of ourselves for a long time."
Uzui: "…That's not what I'm worried about."
Yuichiro, as usual, had no answer for his brother's airheadedness—but he understood exactly what Uzui meant. He looked up.
"Hiru won't hurt us. Ever."
"Yeah," Tanjiro added with a smile. "He really cares about you two. That side of him only shows when you're around."
"Even so, Hiru went too far this time." Muichiro crossed his arms. "He's always telling us to be careful and value our lives, but he doesn't care about his own at all. And he hid something this important from us. And you too, Tanjiro—you knew, didn't you? Why didn't you say anything when we were together?"
"Huh? I thought you already knew, since you seemed familiar with Takeo's teacher," Tanjiro said, reaching out to ruffle his hair. "Sorry about that. If I learn anything else about him or my teacher, I'll tell you first."
Yuichiro, however, glanced toward the two figures still talking in the distance.
"Hey, Tanjiro… is brother Yoriichi okay?"
"Hmm… He was really angry during the Hashira Meeting, but don't worry—he's calmed down now." Tanjiro smiled and reached out to Yuichiro as well. "I don't think Hiru will do something like that again. You don't need to worry anymore."
Unlike Muichiro, Yuichiro only let him ruffle his hair briefly before stepping back and avoiding his hand. He then looked up at Uzui.
"Anyway, we're going on this mission. If you won't allow it, we'll ask the Master. He'll definitely agree."
Uzui clicked his tongue, glancing toward the entrance, where the two now seemed to be arguing rather than talking. His brows furrowed, fingers unconsciously brushing the hilt of his sword.
Just as Yuichiro thought he'd refuse again, Uzui finally spoke.
"…Fine. But you know the situation. You'll follow my orders completely. Can you do that?"
"Alright," Yuichiro agreed immediately, stopping Muichiro from speaking. "I'll keep an eye on him."
Uzui nodded, then looked back toward the entrance, a headache forming as he watched the brothers' heated exchange. He raised a hand and pointed at Yuichiro.
"Then we start now. You—spar with Tanjiro."
Yuichiro: …?
"You've fought him before. You should know best how strong he is with the Transparent World—and you're the ones most likely to get something out of it," Uzui said, pointing toward the open space behind him. "I don't want my future subordinates dragging anyone down."