Mount Fujikasane is the location where the Demon Slayer Corps undergoes its final trial to select new members.
The mountain is inhabited by many evil spirits, most of whom were captured alive by the Pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps, brought to Fujisaki Mountain, and thrown into the mountain to be used as whetstones for testing new recruits.
Of course, the demons would not want to become whetstones for the Demon Slayer Corps members, nor would they be willing to stay on Mount Fujikasane.
Unfortunately, whether they like it or not, the Demon Slayer Corps will not let them leave this place.
It should be noted that the entire lower and middle parts of Tengxi Mountain are covered with a plant called wisteria.
This flower, besides the sun, is one of only two things that can harm evil spirits; it is a product of nature, born naturally.
It contains a potent poison capable of killing evil spirits; one could say that if the original story were to proceed...
Shinobu Kocho was able to become a Pillar thanks to the toxins in this plant.
Ultimately, while the trials at Mount Fuji can result in death, they are generally not very dangerous.
After all, there are no stable human settlements in these mountains to feed these evil spirits.
If these evil spirits do not eat for a long time, their strength will naturally be continuously weakened.
Therefore, the trials on this mountain are generally used by new members of the Demon Slayer Corps to bolster their courage.
Unfortunately, at this moment, the mountain was actually fraught with danger.
The previous Water Pillar, Sakonji Urokodaki, once captured a demon called the Hand Demon.
Driven by resentment, this hand demon began purposefully hunting down disciples trained by Urokodaki Sakonji who wore Urokodaki Sakonji's signature fox mask for use in trials.
Originally, this fox mask was given by Urokodaki Sakonji to help his disciples overcome difficulties.
Unexpectedly, it became the death knell for the hand ghost to identify its target!
Each successful hunt and consumption of humans makes the Hand Demon even stronger.
Now, it has become a true calamity in this vine-covered mountain.
For regular team members, the "hand ghost" poses some threat, but not necessarily a huge one.
However, for the new recruits participating in the trials, this ghost was a formidable opponent.
Meanwhile, after a month of recuperation and receiving the exclusive training designed for him by Ji Hao, Ubuyashiki Kagaya appeared in this Fujikaze Mountain.
At this point, Kagaya Ubuyashiki had completely changed!
His sickly appearance had long since disappeared, replaced by a tall, handsome young man full of energy.
It can be said that when Kagaya Ubuyashiki, after recovering from his illness, appeared before all the Pillars, his energetic state almost made them think they were dreaming!
It turns out that Ji Hao really does have a way to solve their lord's problem!
The reason why Kagaya Ubuyashiki is here is naturally because he was encouraged by Hiroki to come to Mount Fujikasane to complete his trial in the name of following the tradition of the Demon Slayer Corps.
After all, to officially join the Demon Slayer Corps and slay demons, one must pass the Demon Slayer Corps' trials.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki did not want to break this exception.
Even though he himself is the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Of course, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps never expected that he would encounter that Hand Demon as soon as he arrived at Fujisaki Mountain!
"This is..."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki's pupils contracted sharply as he looked at the demon composed of twisting arms before him.
This aura...
How could there be such a powerful demon on Fujikasane Mountain!
Uzui Tengen and Tomioka Giyu, who were hiding in the shadows, were also suddenly startled.
Fujikazeyama has a demon of this caliber, and even the Pillars didn't know?!
Especially Uzui Tengen, whose gaze involuntarily turned to Tomioka Giyuu.
After all, Giyu Tomioka has only been a few years since he passed the Fujikaze Mountain Trial and was promoted to a Pillar. Logically speaking, he should have encountered this demon.
Was it just good luck that I didn't run into them?
"I don't know. When I was knocked unconscious by the demon, it was... Sabito... who saved me, but he..."
As if he had just realized something, Giyu Tomioka suddenly looked at the Hand Demon with a sharp gaze and his hands clenched tightly.
He probably knows who killed Sabito!
"It's clearly not the start time for the trial, yet there are challengers here?"
"It's alright, eating you will make me stronger, and then I can get revenge on that damned old man!"
The hand ghost emitted a series of different voices, each carrying a hint of childishness, some male and some female...
"Old man? Who are you talking about?"
Kagaya Ubuyashiki's hand was already resting on his Nichirin Blade beside him.
He felt as if he was about to come into contact with some secret matters!
"Who else could it be! It's that old man named Urokodaki Sakonji, of course!"
The Hand Ghost's voice changed to a sharp female voice, seemingly filled with resentment.
"However, I've eaten almost all of his disciples over the years. Watching them wail and call out for their master before they die gives me endless joy! Hahahaha!"
This time, the Hand Demon used a voice familiar to Giyu Tomioka.
That is...
It's a rabbit!
At this moment, Kagaya Ubuyashiki was also taken aback.
No wonder, all the talented disciples that Urokodaki Sakonji, a master of nurturing, has trained in recent years have died in the Fujikasane Mountain Trial!
So that's what it was all about!
"You really are... damn it!"
At this moment, Kagaya Ubuyashiki's body trembled slightly. Those were not just Sakonji Urokodaki's apprentices, but should have been his precious children...
In a fit of rage, Kagaya Ubuyashiki drew his Nichirin Blade and charged towards the Hand Demon with a single step forward!
Today, he will avenge the young heroes who died unjustly in Fujisaki Mountain!
...
At this moment, Ji Hao, who had already left the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters and brought Kanae and Shinobu to slay demons, glanced thoughtfully at Fujikasane.
Judging by the time, Kagaya Ubuyashiki should be facing off against the demon by now.
That's right, sending Kagaya Ubuyashiki to deal with the Hand Demon was naturally the result of Hiroki's efforts.
I originally planned to have Giyu Tomioka go there himself.
Ultimately, while it does have some significance, aside from being a chance to get revenge, it's not significant enough for the Demon Slayer Corps as a whole.
Why not let Kagaya Ubuyashiki go and see for himself how many shortcomings there are in the Demon Slayer Corps under his command?
This can also be considered a form of encouragement.
As for his coming down the mountain with the Butterfly Sisters, it was naturally to test the results of Shinobu Kocho's chain repair.
Originally, Ji Hao hadn't planned to have Kocho Kanae come along, but she insisted on coming anyway, citing her concern for her younger sister.
However...
Why does her gaze often fall on Hiroshi instead of Shinobu Kocho?
Indeed, ever since that day, Kanae Butterfly would often stare blankly at Hiro's figure.
Ji Hao was naturally fully aware of this.
Hmm, the strategy is progressing smoothly!
"According to the information provided by Chain Raven, there is a demon hiding in this town."
Ji Hao glanced at the note in his hand, then at the town in front of him, and slowly continued speaking.
"Remember, this demon-slaying operation is entirely your responsibility, Shinobu. We won't intervene lightly."
"Just do as I tell you, do you have confidence?"
"have!"
Shinobu Kocho responded firmly.
"Great, that's very spirited! I wish you the best of luck!"