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"What's wrong?"
Seeing the grim expressions on Shinazugawa Sanemi and the others after Uzui Tengen's words, Naruto couldn't help but ask, "Did something happen?"
"It's that Tomioka guy!"
Shinazugawa Sanemi spoke with obvious irritation. "That bastard actually protected a demon!"
"What?!"
Naruto's expression changed instantly. He stared in disbelief.
"Mr. Tomioka… how could he—"
Naruto had always had a strong impression of Tomioka Giyu. That quiet, distant aura of his had seemed incredibly cool. He never imagined someone like him would protect a demon.
It felt unreal.
"Actually… it's not quite like that."
Kocho Shinobu spoke hesitantly. She had been involved in the incident herself and instinctively wanted to explain, but the fact remained—Tomioka Giyu had protected a demon.
"The demon Mr. Tomioka protected is… different," she said, her voice uncertain.
"What difference could a demon possibly have?!"
Shinazugawa Sanemi glared at her, clenching his fist in frustration.
"That guy must've lost his mind to do something like that. When I see him, I'm definitely beating the hell out of him!"
"Shinazugawa is right!"
Kyojuro Rengoku declared loudly, his voice firm and resolute.
"No matter the reason, protecting a demon is an unforgivable crime!"
"..."
Kochou Shinobu fell silent.
Even she had to admit it—no matter how unusual the demon seemed, a demon was still a demon.
For the Pillars especially, this was an absolute taboo.
Most members of the Demon Slayer Corps had lost family or friends to demons. If even the Pillars—those meant to uphold the Corps—were to protect demons, what message would that send?
"I agree."
Uzui Tengen spoke with a stern expression.
"Any demon should be flamboyantly annihilated. Still… Tomioka's case should be decided by Master Ubuyashiki Kagaya."
"I want to hear his explanation," Obanai Iguro said after a moment's thought.
"…Give me my blade back."
Muichiro Tokito stared blankly for a second before extending his hand toward Naruto.
"Oh—right."
Naruto quickly returned the now-faded Nichirin Blade to him.
"Hm?"
Uzui Tengen, having arrived late, raised an eyebrow.
"Why was Tokito's sword in your hands? What were you all doing just now?"
His instincts told him he'd missed something important.
"It's nothing, just—"
Muichiro was about to explain when a hurried Kakushi ran over.
"Shinazugawa, Rengoku, Obanai, Shinobu, Tokito, Uzumaki Naruto, Uzui Tengen—Mitsuri Kanroji has arrived. Master Ubuyashiki Kagaya requests your immediate presence."
Gyomei Himejima was already guarding the Ubuyashiki estate. Tomioka Giyu was under judgment. Mitsuri Kanroji was the last Pillar to arrive.
The Pillar Meeting could finally begin.
"Master Ubuyashiki Kagaya!"
Upon arriving at headquarters, Naruto and the others bowed respectfully.
Shinazugawa Sanemi and the other Pillars all turned their gazes toward Tomioka Giyu, who stood alone to the side, restrained and silent. Their expressions ranged from anger to disappointment.
Naruto, however, found his attention drawn elsewhere.
To the bound young man standing near Tomioka—and to the wooden box beside him.
From the young man, Naruto sensed something strangely familiar.And from within the wooden box, he unmistakably felt the presence of a demon.
That box… is that where the demon Mr. Tomioka protected is?
Naruto focused quietly, his brows knitting.
That demon… really does feel different.
"Naruto."
A gentle voice brought him back to the present.
Master Ubuyashiki Kagaya smiled warmly at him.
"This meeting was originally called for your promotion. However, circumstances changed. I would like to resolve Giyu's matter first, and then formally crown you. Is that acceptable?"
"Of course."
Naruto nodded immediately, though his eyes drifted once more toward Tomioka Giyu, hesitation flickering across his face.
"That's good."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya turned to the Pillars.
"My beloved swordsmen, you are all aware of Giyu's actions. Do you have any opinions?"
"Hmph! What opinions could there be?"
Shinazugawa Sanemi spoke instantly, glaring at Tomioka Giyu.
"Anyone who protects demons deserves no mercy. Let that bastard commit seppuku to atone for his sins."
He drew his Nichirin Blade in one smooth motion.
"As for the demon he protected—"
In a flash, Shinazugawa appeared beside the bound young man, grabbed the wooden box with one hand, and raised his blade.
"It's in here, right? I'll end it myself!"
He thrust his blade forward.
"Stop!"
The bound young man suddenly broke free from the Kakushi restraining him and slammed his head into Shinazugawa Sanemi's forehead.
"Don't hurt Nezuko!"
He shielded the wooden box with his body and shouted desperately.
"Nezuko has never hurt anyone! Even after becoming a demon, she's still kind! You can't kill her!"
"Don't be ridiculous!"
Blood trickled down Shinazugawa Sanemi's face as he glared at the young man with murderous fury.
"No matter your relationship with the demon—whether she became one willingly or not—once someone becomes a demon, they exist only to eat humans."
"There is no good or evil among demons."
"Every demon must be decapitated!"
On this point, every Pillar present agreed.
Including Naruto.