Chapter 20: The Doctor Told Me to Get More Sun
"Hmm... I understand your thoughts. Please allow me to consider it."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya did not immediately respond to Ryuji's request for battle. He pondered for a moment before shifting the topic, his voice returning to its steady tone:
"Given that the intelligence you provided in this mission is extremely valuable, and you have indeed demonstrated the practical ability to slay powerful demons... the rule of the Demon Slayer Corps is to be clear with rewards and punishments."
"Therefore, I have decided to promote your Rank from 'Mizunoto' to 'Kanoe'."
As soon as these words were spoken, there seemed to be an extremely faint flow of Qi in the room.
Jumping two Ranks at once was not common in the strictly hierarchical Demon Slayer Corps.
After Ubuyashiki Kagaya finished speaking, he did not act arbitrarily. Instead, he naturally tilted his head slightly toward the Stone Hashira and the Sound Hashira and asked softly:
"Gyomei, Tengen, what do you think?"
"Jumping two Ranks?!"
Uzui Tengen was the first to speak, crossing his arms with a bold grin on his face, his voice booming:
"This promotion method is certainly flashy enough! But... I think we can test his strength."
He then looked at Himejima Gyomei and said, "Himejima-san, what do you think?"
"namu amida butsu..."
Himejima Gyomei softly chanted a Buddhist prayer and did not answer immediately.
He believed that jumping two Ranks like this was a disruption of the long-standing Rank order of the Demon Slayer Corps and, more importantly, potentially irresponsible toward the swordsman himself.
The higher the Rank, the more frequent and dangerous the assigned missions would become.
If one was promoted prematurely without sufficient strength, it would be no different from pushing an unquenched blade toward the guillotine; the chances of survival would be slim.
But... the intelligence Ryuji brought concerned the legendary Upper Ranks.
Its importance was enough to shake the thousand-year-old dark stalemate between the Demon Slayer Corps and the demons.
If this clue could really lead to an Upper Rank demon's trail and allow them to gather their forces to slay it... the boost to the Demon Slayer Corps' morale and the consolation to the countless souls who had sacrificed themselves would far outweigh the significance of an exceptional promotion.
Moreover, to be able to defeat a demon that had eaten fifty-five people, his strength... shouldn't be bad.
After a moment, he nodded. "I think it's fine."
Himejima Gyomei made a concession, allowing this brief transgression of the rules for the sake of that glimmer of dawn that might light up the long night.
Having received the approval of the two Hashira, Ubuyashiki Kagaya turned his gaze back to Ryuji.
Those light purple eyes were as gentle as ever.
"Are you okay with this arrangement, Ryuji?"
He did not impose a decision as the Master but instead sought Ryuji's opinion.
This constant display of respect and gentleness made Ryuji secretly marvel once again:
This is natural-born leadership charisma; he's practically a succubus!
"Thank you, Master."
"That's good. Actually, I have always held this wish..."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya's voice was soft. "That those swordsmen with true talent and caliber can step up to higher positions, one by one, and eventually end the sins of the Ubuyashiki Family... even if I don't live to see that moment."
His eyes held conviction. "Perhaps... in the not-so-distant future, you will be able to stand on your own and become one of the 'Hashira' who can support the future of the Demon Slayer Corps."
"It would be my greatest honor."
Ryuji lowered his head slightly and responded solemnly:
"To be recognized by two Hashira is a great honor for me. Coincidentally, I also have many questions and doubts regarding my Stone Breathing practice, and I hope Big Brother Himejima Gyomei will not hesitate to give me guidance."
Although Zephyr's teaching quality was high, it was, after all, the One Piece system, and he wasn't as thorough in his research of Breathing Techniques as the locals of Demon Slayer. As they say, every profession has its specialists.
Especially when it came to Stone Breathing, the Stone Hashira was the professional.
"namu amida butsu, I will be very strict."
Himejima Gyomei responded in a low voice, tears streaming from his eyes.
"Hahaha, I will also flashily teach you a few things. If you're a good fit, I'll consider taking you as my Tsuguko!"
Uzui Tengen laughed and patted Ryuji's shoulder.
Once the talking was done, they took action immediately.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya was never an indecisive person. He immediately summoned the Kakushi Unit members and gave the order:
"Please go and prepare a suitable open space."
He thought for a moment and added:
"At the same time, notify the Flame Hashira currently at the Headquarters, as well as any swordsmen who wish to observe and learn, to be present."
Teaching one is teaching; teaching many is also teaching.
Right now, it was rare for the Hashira-level members to be gathered at the Headquarters without any outside missions, making this an extremely valuable opportunity.
Instead of letting only Ryuji benefit, it was better to take this chance to let more potential members receive high-level guidance.
These were all the new forces of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Ryuji fell into deep thought as he listened to the Master.
Three Hashira?
There must only be three Hashira right now. It wasn't yet the time when all nine Hashira were present and Genius swordsmen emerged one after another.
Now is the weakest the Demon Slayer Corps has ever been!
"Master, I shall flashily go and prepare for some flashy guidance. I'll take my leave first."
Uzui Tengen stood up, bowed, and spoke loudly.
"Good, I look forward to your flashy performance."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya had a smile on his face.
Uzui Tengen placed his right hand gently over his heart. "It will certainly be the flashiest performance!"
With that, he vanished with a whoosh.
"namu amida butsu, Master, I will also go and prepare."
Himejima Gyomei pressed his hands together and spoke softly.
"Good. Ryuji, stay and chat with me for a bit."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya said softly.
Having received the Master's permission, Himejima Gyomei simply bowed silently and walked out with steady steps.
Only Ryuji and Ubuyashiki Kagaya remained in the room. Lady Amane had left halfway through the meeting to feed their two children.
"What are you thinking about? I saw you were deep in thought just now..."
Ryuji asked tentatively, "There are only three Hashira around the Headquarters. Isn't that a bit too few? It would be better to have more to protect you..."
"Hmm, that won't do."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya nodded gently, his voice still peaceful, yet not hiding the heavy reality:
"Currently, in the Demon Slayer Corps, there are only three active Hashira-level swordsmen: Flame Hashira Rengoku Shinjuro, Stone Hashira Himejima Gyomei, and Sound Hashira Uzui Tengen."
He paused and continued, "The other Hashira... have either sacrificed themselves in missions or retired due to severe injuries and other reasons."
His tone was filled with irreconcilable regret.
"I see. Perhaps other Hashira-level swordsmen will appear soon... the Demon Slayer Corps will become prosperous."
Ryuji comforted Ubuyashiki Kagaya, and of course, he wasn't just talking nonsense.
In the future, the Demon Slayer Corps would have all nine Hashira present.
"They will. Human will never perishes."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya said.
The two conversed, and before long, a Kakushi Member came to report that the open space was ready.
They had even thoughtfully prepared a large parasol and a comfortable chair for Ubuyashiki Kagaya.
The two arrived at the Training Ground, which was much larger than Ryuji had imagined, enough to accommodate over a hundred people training at once.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya looked at the canopy specially opened for him but gently waved his hand and said warmly toward the parasol, "Take away the parasol."
Then, his gaze swept over the Kakushi Members standing by and the swordsmen who were gradually gathering, and he added, "There's no need to prepare a chair just for me. Set some out for the swordsmen who need rest and the hardworking Kakushi Members as well."
Seeing the Kakushi Member beside him seem a bit hesitant, he smiled slightly. "The doctor told me to get more sun... it's good for the body."
He turned to Ryuji and smiled slightly. "You should go in and warm up too. It wouldn't be good if you got injured."
"Yes, Master!"
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