"It's useless."
The Water Pillar approached and placed a hand on the Wind Pillar's shoulder. He was the only one remaining calm at the scene.
As morning approached, Kagaya sensed something strange about Oboro's behavior and suspected he might not be a demon. According to normal logic, Oboro could have easily dispatched them all, killed them, and escaped. He wouldn't have waited until dawn.
From a secular perspective, given Oboro's identity, they had no way to deal with him. Even if they wanted to avenge the Lightning Pillar, they lacked the power to kill him.
Feng Zhu's eyes burned red with fury, and his unwillingness was evident in every tense muscle. His gaze seemed to want to devour Oboro alive. Deep down, though, he knew his friend was telling the truth.
"I have a question," Kagaya said, looking directly at Oboro and waiting for his response.
"Why?"
Those three simple words carried a weight of meaning that was readily understood. How could Oboro suppress them so easily when he had no sword skills, an average physique, and showed no signs of powerful breathing techniques?
"Here," Oboro replied, tapping his temple gently with his finger. "It's experience."
He had experienced countless battles and faced opponents with extraordinary powers that transcended "traditional power." Many of these opponents were more dangerous and complex than this one. Combined with complex tactics and the dazzling effects of his Nen abilities, he possessed skills that neither swordsmen nor demons had.
Before this, he had always played high-stakes games.
However, his words meant nothing to the Pillars. Experience is a personal accumulation that is not easily shared.
"My breathing, the way I use the blade. Although I don't know sword techniques, all skilled actions have patterns to follow," Oboro explained softly. "When you swing your blade, you first use your limbs. As long as I can read your body's movements, I can judge the blade's angle and speed. Even if you're physically fit, I can still break through with precision and strike first."
"Your thinking has been bound by the breathing method and swordsmanship you've practiced for so long, forming subconscious habits. After fighting all night, you still can't predict my movements, which shows the problem."
"A long time ago, there was a swordsman whose breathing and sword skills were unmatched. Those who fought him couldn't find any exploitable weaknesses because he was completely integrated with his techniques. By the time they wanted to react, his sword had already struck. His sword skills weren't fixed. Breathing was simply a tool he used. He didn't rely entirely on this power. To you, breathing is breathing, and sword skills are sword skills. The two seem integrated, but they remain separate.
As Oboro spoke, the image of Tanjiro Kamado performing the Kagura dance surfaced in Kagaya's mind, blending with the shadow of Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
The Kamado clan couldn't reach Yoriichi's level, so they relied on formal movements to inherit Sun Breathing. For Yoriichi, such formality had been unnecessary.
By observing Sun Breathing, Oboro could determine Yoriichi Tsugikuni's strength.
"The ways I destroyed your sword techniques are your own weaknesses. You should have memorized them. Change them according to your memory of this battle."
After speaking, Oboro raised his hand and pushed away the Wind Pillar's Nichirin Blade with two fingers. Then, he slowly walked away. In the morning light, his words drifted away on the breeze.
"His death was valuable. At least you learned something, didn't you?"
He was referring to the Lightning Pillar.
"AAAAAAAH!"
As they watched Oboro leave, the Wind Pillar let out a heart-wrenching roar that echoed across the sky.
This night marked the most shocking and humiliating moment the Pillars had experienced since joining the Demon Slayer Corps. For some, it was a stain that could never be erased in their lifetime.
"Not sympathy," Kagaya murmured, holding his forehead. "It's charity with a playful purpose."
His grip on his Nichirin Blade tightened involuntarily. Was he angry? Certainly, but unlike the Wind Pillar's open fury, he kept his anger hidden.
Undeniably, Oboro was helping them evolve by motivating their growth through an unforgettable event. However, if becoming stronger meant sacrificing his companions, he would rather not have such power.
Why call it playing? There were many ways to transfer knowledge, yet Oboro chose a method that was, at the very least, unacceptable to them.
What did this man think of life? What was the difference between him and a demon?
A few days later, at the Ubuyashiki clan residence, the six remaining Pillars, led by Kagaya, reported the details of their confrontation with Oboro.
"That's how it happened," the Water Pillar explained.
The six Demon Slayers appeared listless, as if they hadn't recovered even after all this time. Beside them lay a corpse covered with white cloth, the fallen Lightning Pillar, who was already beginning to decay.
They had brought their fallen companion's remains back to see their master.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki gazed at the Lightning Pillar's remains. His face appeared calm, but pain was evident in his eyes.
"I see," he said in a serene voice.
With his wife's help, he stood up, knelt beside the corpse, and took the Lightning Pillar's stiff, cold hand in his. Then, looking at the six frustrated Pillars, he smiled. "Don't blame yourselves. This responsibility is mine. I erred in judgment. Had I discovered earlier that he had escaped Muzan's control, this tragedy would never have occurred. Before I enter hell, I will apologize to Isui-kun in person and explain everything when I die."
"My Lord."
Those words darkened the Pillars' eyes. The phrase "enter hell" revealed the immense pressure and responsibility that Kagaya Ubuyashiki carried.
He took responsibility for every deceased Demon Slayer of his generation, considering himself a "murderer."
Ubuyashiki believed what Kagaya and Rengoku had witnessed. Oboro had indeed transformed into a demon in Aobashi Town, but he returned to human form. Though it sounded absurd, it wasn't impossible. The Ubuyashiki family knew that Muzan had spent years searching for a way to eliminate the disadvantages of his bloodline.
Given Oboro's extraordinary abilities, it wasn't surprising that he could accomplish seemingly impossible feats.
Oboro's understanding of the Demon Slayer Corps, Muzan, and this fateful battle that had lasted generations likely surpassed that of the Ubuyashiki family.
Soon, assistants from the Demon Slayer Corps arrived to prepare the Lightning Pillar's body for burial.
Ubuyashiki led the discussion about Oboro. Before long, the six Pillars fell into disagreement, with the Water Pillar and Wind Pillar holding opposing viewpoints.
"Even you admitted he was toying with us," Feng Zhu spat. "He can't even use a blade properly, and he's our enemy. Why should we accept his charity? From now on, I'll never practice that breathing technique again. I have my own method. I can still kill demons, including Muzan. I'll prove it!"
"Calm yourself," Kagaya said, frowning. "You're acting on impulse."
"Impulse? How cute, Kagaya, you heartless bastard! Don't forget that Otomo Isui died for us. If he hadn't taken the lead, you'd be dead, or any one of us!"
Feng Zhu grabbed Kagaya by the collar and yanked him upward. His eyes were bloodshot. "I've decided. If I can't find Muzan soon, I'll go to Youguo, where that bastard lives, and kill him. Even if I can't defeat him, I'll kill everyone around him so he can experience the pain of losing the people he cares about!"
"Yes, I don't want to accept his power either," Kagaya replied calmly. "But this could make us stronger and allow us to kill more demons and improve the Demon Slayer Corps' situation! It could reduce the number of companions we lose when we finally face Muzan. Compared to what Oboro did to us, I'd rather not watch you fall before me tomorrow, the day after, or sometime in the future when I'm powerless to stop it. Once is enough for this kind of pain!"
Kagaya met Feng Zhu's rage with steady eyes, not flinching.
"Call me ambitious, or mock me. I don't care. Otomo Isui is dead. I hate Oboro, but I know I can't avenge him yet. Instead of venting my frustration here, I'll become stronger, even if it means using power given to me by my enemy. Once I'm strong enough to kill Muzan, I can kill anyone. I can do anything."
Feng Zhu gritted his teeth, unable to counter a single word.
Using Oboro's teachings to kill him was feasible. Without Oboro's breathing lessons that night, they would never have broken through their limitations alone.
"I don't know your thoughts," Kagaya said, glancing at his companions. "But, except for Rengoku and Tsukahara, who became Pillars by killing Lower Moons, the rest of us reached this level by killing ordinary demons. I've fought Upper Moons. Though I hate admitting it, if I rely solely on my previous methods, I may never kill an Upper Moon. I'm not degrading myself, just stating facts."
"Our generation of the Demon Slayer Corps has suffered devastating casualties. Only six Pillars remain. In my view, we failed to protect our younger members and failed to put pressure on Muzan and his demons. This allowed them to attack us recklessly. There was a time when demons would hunt down our members just for hearing the term 'demon slayer' nearby."
"Considering everything, I'll accept this power, even against my pride."
After listening to Kagaya, Feng Zhu snorted, released him, shoved him to the ground, and walked away.
"I think he's amazing! Unbelievably powerful!" Rengoku suddenly shouted.
"His breathing method can help us and all Demon Slayer Corps members. With this training, new members will emerge and easily surpass our generation, hastening Muzan's demise. I support Kagaya. This power must be passed on intact."
The Stone Pillar rumbled in his deep voice.
"You!" Feng Zhu's anger flared even hotter.
Seeing another argument brewing, Ubuyashiki Kagaya, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up.
The breathing method was already widely practiced throughout the Demon Slayer Corps. Beyond the Pillars, many skilled swordsmen had begun training with it long ago. Even former Corps members who had left were studying it.
For Ubuyashiki, Muzan's demise did not need to occur during his lifetime or with his generation. However, it must happen as soon as possible because every delay meant more innocent lives would be claimed by Muzan.
The glory of killing Muzan was irrelevant to Ubuyashiki; he only demanded Muzan's death. Anyone could be the hero.
Upon hearing his master's statement, Feng Zhu could only fall silent.
"From Oboro's behavior, it seems he has some thoughts about the Demon Slayer Corps. However, his disregard for human life remains unacceptable."
The Pillars quieted and listened to their master's analysis.
"What concerns me more is if someone like him joins forces with Muzan someday or switches sides to the demons. The blow to our cause would be devastating."
"However, don't worry excessively. Though I've met him only once, someone like him cannot be controlled by Muzan. He became a demon in order to cure his illness. Now that he's reappeared, Muzan must have sensed it. Based on my understanding of Muzan, he will certainly seek out Oboro because Oboro possesses what Muzan desires!"
Nothing is absolute. Once Oboro and Muzan make contact, who can predict the outcome? Might Oboro be convinced?
"No," Kagaya shook his head, watching the expressions change. "He became a demon but returned to human form. If he craved demonic power or longevity, he wouldn't have reverted. This shows contempt and disdain for demonhood. Muzan's blood was merely a tool for him. He's determined to preserve his humanity and maintain his principles." Therefore, even if they meet face-to-face, the outcome is predetermined: Muzan will suffer.
"That might be the only good news.
"I'm confused," said Sayuri, the sole female Hashira. "If he despises demons so much, why didn't he join the Demon Slayer Corps? If he wanted nothing to do with us and looked down on us, why would he show us kindness, teach us breathing techniques, and give us instructions?"
Ubuyashiki contemplated her words, recalling his meeting with Oboro.
Looking skyward, he said, "He has a purpose. Though we don't know what it is, we must remain vigilant."
"He's dangerous."
...
I Have finally arrived at the One Piece Arc, it's currently on my patreon, is you guys wanna read ahead, go there and experience Semi-Greatness (;D)