Chapter 23: The One He Wants to Protect (First Update)

All post-battle arrangements were overseen by Butterfly Shinobu’s apprentice, Kanao Tsuyuri, under the command of the Aftermath Corps. The wounded from Mount Natagumo were carefully escorted away. Inosuke Hashibira and Zenitsu Agatsuma were taken directly to the Butterfly Mansion. Tanjiro Kamado and Nezuko were carried by the Aftermath Corps to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters.

As the return journey began, Butterfly Shinobu and Giyu Tomioka had intended to travel together, hoping to exchange information. However, due to Hayu’s swift advance, leaving no time for others, only Shinobu and Giyu ended up walking side by side.

“Mr. Tomioka, did you encounter any particularly strange demons this time?” Butterfly Shinobu asked with a smile.

Giyu Tomioka paused to think carefully.

“Well, say something,” Shinobu waited for a reply, but none came. A vein pulsed on her forehead.

“Are you still upset because I said people dislike you? I’m sorry—I didn’t mean it,” she quickly realized the cause and apologized.

“Shinobu, why do you ask if I met any strange demons, rather than troublesome ones?” Giyu stopped, then pretended not to hear and continued walking, as if confirming her question.

“When I was rescuing a little blond boy, I met a demon who was sneaky and dressed peculiarly. Out of nowhere, he produced a sword taller than himself. His strength was about the same as a Lower Moon, but he lacked their mark. He wasn’t very precise with his power, so I poisoned him to death,” Shinobu explained, a smile blooming on her face.

Giyu watched Shinobu’s cheerful expression as she spoke of killing demons and was rendered speechless.

“I don’t know. I never remember what the demons I’ve killed look like,” Giyu replied after searching his memory.

“Oh? So you only remember those you don’t kill, is that it?” Shinobu said meaningfully.

Giyu only sped up his pace in response.

“Mr. Tomioka…” Shinobu, seeing she couldn’t win the conversation, hurried after him. No matter how she tried to chat, Giyu responded only with silence. Shinobu grew discouraged, and the remainder of the journey passed without further conversation.

“As expected, Hayu won’t be attending this Pillar Meeting either,” Shinobu murmured with a sigh upon arriving at headquarters, only to find all the other Pillars present except one.

“That kind of guy? Who cares if he shows up,” the Wind Pillar, Sanemi Shinazugawa, replied irritably.

“The Master has told us not to concern ourselves too much with him,” the Serpent Pillar, Obanai Iguro, added.

“Hahaha! He’s been quite active lately, making great contributions to the Demon Slayer Corps. I’d welcome his presence,” the Flame Pillar, Kyojuro Rengoku, laughed heartily.

“True, his temperament is a bit harsh, but his skill is undeniable. More discussion would benefit demon slaying,” the Sound Pillar, Tengen Uzui, remarked.

“Though he seems hard to approach, I think he’s rather handsome. He always completes his missions cleanly and efficiently,” the Love Pillar, Mitsuri Kanroji, said softly.

Obanai Iguro’s impression of Hayu worsened upon hearing his beloved Mitsuri praise that man.

“Amitabha,” the Stone Pillar, Gyomei Himejima, simply chanted.

The Mist Pillar, Muichiro Tokito, seemed lost in thought, as usual, unless there were demons to kill or the Master was present.

At this moment, two members of the Aftermath Corps arrived—one carrying a large wooden box, the other bearing the exhausted, slumbering Tanjiro Kamado.

“Put the box inside. If the demon escapes, it won’t be good,” Shinobu instructed, noticing Hayu was still absent.

Nezuko’s survival would not be decided by her alone; with seven Pillars present, besides herself, Giyu, and Hayu, persuasion would be far more difficult.

“Does Hayu truly care nothing for the fate of this boy and Nezuko?” Shinobu wondered silently.

“So, the Master summoned us all for a reason. There’s a demon in that box?” Sanemi Shinazugawa exclaimed, immediately reacting.

With a swift movement, Sanemi lunged to seize the box.

“Eeek!” The Aftermath Corps member shrieked in fear as a Pillar suddenly appeared before him.

Shinobu was about to intervene when she saw another figure move first, causing her to pause.

Before Sanemi’s hand could touch the box, another hand grasped his arm.

“Tomioka, what do you think you’re doing?” Sanemi glared at the person who stopped him, fury blazing in his eyes.

“Mr. Shinazugawa, the Master ordered us to bring these two back. Please don’t act on your own; that would violate Corps rules. Wake him up,” Giyu said sternly.

Shinobu’s expression grew serious as she spoke, warning Sanemi.

“Yes!” The Aftermath Corps member, startled by the Pillars’ quarrel and even scuffle, hastily followed instructions and set Tanjiro down.

“Wake up, boy, you’re in front of the Pillars,” the Aftermath Corps member shook Tanjiro, calling urgently.

Tanjiro Kamado awoke groggily, his wounds not severe thanks to timely aid, but a night of fighting had left him utterly exhausted.

“The Pillars?” As he opened his eyes, Tanjiro saw several people, each with a distinct appearance.

“The Pillars are the Demon Slayer Corps’ highest-ranking and strongest swordsmen,” the Aftermath Corps member explained, seeing Tanjiro’s bewilderment.

“The Pillars are the strongest swordsmen in the Demon Slayer Corps?” Tanjiro’s sluggish mind caught up, and he looked around, recognizing the gentle yet intimidating woman and Mr. Tomioka, but not Hayu, who was also said to be a Pillar.

“So cute, all sleepy and confused,” Mitsuri Kanroji thought fondly as she watched Tanjiro awaken, careful not to take offense at his lack of recognition.

“Little brother, explain your sister’s situation,” Shinobu gently prompted.

“My… my sister… cough, cough,” Tanjiro tried to explain, but his throat was parched from a night without water.

“Drink first,” Shinobu produced a gourd filled with water and helped Tanjiro drink.

“Mr. Shinazugawa,” she continued, “this boy was saved by Hayu. Hayu also said he knows these two, clearly intending to protect them. The Master specifically ordered us to bring them back, obviously aware of their special circumstances. Acting on your own would not only break Corps rules—it might also draw that man here and cause greater trouble. You understand, don’t you, Mr. Shinazugawa?”

Sanemi’s manic demeanor cooled considerably at the mention of Hayu and the Master. He snorted, shook off Giyu’s hand, and restrained himself for the moment, eager to hear what excuses this kid might offer.