"Setting that aside... is there truly a need for a powerful Demon to advertise its nature by tattooing its own eyes? Surely, carving ink into one's flesh does not grant further strength."
"Perhaps it was inscribed for some ritualistic or occult purpose!"
"Ah, now that you mention it, that Demon did say something of the sort. Claimed he was 'chosen by Lord Muzan' or some such nonsense."
Sakata Gin narrowed his eyes as if he had heard something truly preposterous.
"What's the lad sayin'? Those Demon bastards usually drop dead the moment they utter that man's name—Muzan—don't they?"
"It seemed this Demon was exempt from such a taboo. He kept bragging about being chosen, saying he served as a stepping stone for the creation of the Twelve Kizuki."
"The Twelve Kizuki?"
"According to the creature, they are to be a group of Demons serving directly under Muzan, soon to be established."
"Still, it's a wonder he spilled his guts so easily. Did ya have to torture 'im?"
"I simply humored his conversation for a bit, and he told me everything."
"Then the lad's a total screwball, ain't he?"
"Is there a possibility it was all a fabrication?"
"Based on the resonance of his voice and the rhythm of his breathing as he spoke, I did not sense a single lie."
"Well, this one's ears are sharper than a honed blade. If he says so, I reckon it's true."
So, to summarize: the Demon the Echoing Hashira and I faced was a prototype for the Twelve Kizuki that Muzan intends to create.
That crazed mountain cat was a mere trial product? Hell of a beta test.
"Did he say anything regarding whether there are more of these 'prototypes' lurking about?"
The Echoing Hashira shook her head in the negative.
"Good grief... we cannot rule out the possibility that monsters of that caliber still remain," Uncle Banda said, letting out a heavy sigh.
"If they are prototypes for the Twelve Kizuki, perhaps there are ten more..."
"And if you include the actual Twelve Kizuki yet to come, that makes twenty-two..."
Now, that truly wouldn't be easy.
"In any case, it would be wise to instruct all slayers to avoid direct engagement and report immediately if they encounter a Demon with Kanji etched into its eyes. Threats of that magnitude are matters for the Hashira."
The Master reached his conclusion, but the Echoing Hashira seemed to have a sudden thought.
"Hmm... also, if a slayer manages to slay such a Demon, shouldn't we promote them to Hashira on the spot? Slaying a creature of that strength is definitive proof of one's skill."
"Would that not encourage subordinates to charge in recklessly, obsessed with promotion?"
I felt a slight sense of unease.
The benefits of being a Hashira are immense. To become one by slaying just a single Demon?
We might end up with a mountain of corpses from those who don't know their place and charge in blindly.
"And yet, it is a more certain proof of strength than merely culling fifty minor Demons. Her words have merit."
The Wind Hashira agreed.
"Namu Amida Butsu... those who cannot discern their own martial prowess and limits should have already been filtered out by the Final Selection."
The Stone Hashira agreed.
"I'm of a similar mind. We have more use for one lad who can kill a great Demon than a dozen lads who can only handle fifty weaklings."
The Water Hashira and others followed suit.
With the majority of the Hashira in favor, it was decided: any slayer who slays a member of the Twelve Kizuki—or any Demon with 'New Moon' or 'Full Moon' etched in its eyes—would be promoted to Hashira immediately.
I can already see people getting themselves sliced into mincemeat by rushing in foolishly.
@@@
After the Hashira Meeting concluded, the Master retired, supported by his wife.
Sakata, Anji, Shimotsuki, Minase, and Rengoku did not leave immediately. Instead, they lingered to discuss the prototype of the Twelve Kizuki that the Echoing Hashira had battled.
"So, how did Amano fare?"
Uncle Banda, who hadn't joined the main circle of conversation, approached me. It seemed he wanted to know how Amano Ruka performed during the hunt.
"She is formidable, just as you said, Master Banda. I understand why you boasted until my ears rang. We might see another Hashira emerge from her very soon."
This wasn't hollow praise. Aside from the fact that her stamina depleted faster than mine during the fight, she wasn't a burden at all. She even landed several effective blows. Even though she was already trained in Breathing, she had grown exponentially since I first met her.
"Ah."
Amano bowed her head low at my assessment.
"Hahaha! She is my disciple, after all. That much is expected."
Uncle Banda's smile looked as if it might ascend to the heavens. This man is truly a doting teacher.
"So, have you decided on a Tsuguko?"
Tsuguko?
"Not particularly."
I hadn't given much thought to a successor.
It wasn't a matter of being too busy. It was because in the four months I've spent in the Demon Slayer Corps, I haven't encountered a single candidate whose Nichirin Blade turns the same color as mine.
Forget the five main Breathing styles—I've met several candidates compatible with Thunder Breathing (the most difficult to learn) and Mist Breathing (the rarest), Amano-san included.
But I have never seen a purple Nichirin Blade.
I looked into it, and apparently, while black blades—the color associated with those whose lineage of swordsmanship remains undiscovered—have appeared over the last 500 years, there has never been a record of a purple blade.
I tried to seek out those with black blades just in case there was a connection, but those poor souls are all dead now.
Is this color some kind of exclusive skill of mine?
"What about Amano? I have already taught this child everything I can."
Uncle Banda was suddenly putting in an application for Amano to be my Tsuguko.
"But our Breathing styles are different, aren't they? Rengoku said a successor doesn't strictly have to share the same style, but... I don't feel I have much I can teach her."
"I disagree... Didn't you create a new form during that battle? I heard as much from Amano."
"You mean Kyoka Suigetsu?"
"Yes, Kyoka Suigetsu. She mentioned it bore a striking resemblance to Mist Breathing."
Well, I did use it as a reference.
"It is a gut feeling of mine, but I believe this child will have much to learn by staying by your side."
"And is this what Slayer Amano actually wants?"
Amano nodded eagerly.
"I must warn you, I have absolutely no talent for teaching."
"Pwa-hahahaha!"
Uncle Banda let out a thunderous laugh, though I failed to see what was so amusing.
"That is the funniest joke I've heard in recent memory."
I'm serious. I really don't have any.
"You are the one who allowed every single Hashira to master their Breathing styles in a single week, and yet you claim to have no talent for teaching? You have a fine sense of humor."
That's only because you all were monsters to begin with. All I did was throw out a few plausible-sounding lines of nonsense.
@@@
The moment Amano's application was finished...
"Moon Hashira, let's go a round."
The Wind Hashira suddenly stepped forward with a challenge.
"Ugh, a duel? Now? I don't have the time..."
"Didn't you promise we'd have a match once you became a Hashira?"
When did I say that? I said we'd do it *if* I had time. I never even accepted.
"Lord Shimotsuki simply cannot help himself when he sees someone strong. He likely needs a good thrashing before he'll stop pestering you. He was the same with me."
"Hah?"
"Do you wish to go another round with me as well? Oh, but Lord Shimotsuki... you know you can't defeat me no matter how many times you try, right?"
Minase Hiyori taunted him with a beaming smile, her expression as unreadable as ever.
The Wind Hashira trembled with indignation at her words but ultimately let out a deep sigh and offered no rebuttal.
If even that battle-hungry madman Shimotsuki is staying quiet, he must have been thoroughly humiliated by her. Just how strong is this woman?
Shimotsuki turned his gaze back to me.
"Now, draw your sword, Moon Hashira."
The man is a total lunatic. If I don't accept, he'll likely hound me forever. I have no choice.
"The only thing one must fear is becoming a warrior who knows no fear."
Fine. I'll end this in two minutes.