Demon Slayer: The Ultimate Defense System

After that day, Aoi Kanzaki finally let go of her inner demons. The three little girls, seeing their beloved Aoi-senpai feeling better, bounced around her joyfully.

But before the moment could grow too warm, Aoi suddenly snapped back into her usual stern expression.

"Terauchi Kiyo! Nakahara Sumi! Takada Naho! Still playing around out here? Get back inside and study, now!"

With loud whines of protest, the three little ones were dragged away by the indomitable Aoi.

"Alright, shall we continue?" Yohan said with a chuckle, turning to Kanroji.

"Mm!" Kanroji nodded cheerfully, and the two resumed their sparring session in the courtyard, the sound of fists and footwork echoing softly under the sun.

Unbeknownst to them, another three or four days quietly passed.

One afternoon, while Yohan was resting in the courtyard, he was approached by a member of the Demon Slayer Corps.

"Yohan-sama, Oyakata-sama has summoned you and Miss Tamayo to attend the Hashira Meeting."

"Understood. I'll go immediately," Yohan nodded and stood, heading into the house.

He reached into the research room where Tamayo and Shinobu had been holed up for days concocting all manner of medicines.

"Tamayo, time to go. We're attending the Hashira Meeting."

Tamayo looked up and smiled warmly. "Of course, Yohan-sama. I'll follow your lead."

Having experienced so much alongside Yohan, she had grown to trust him deeply. As long as she stayed by his side, he would protect her—this was a truth she now believed without question.

"Continue the research after you get back!" came Shinobu's voice from behind them, her usual tone light but the message clear.

Though she still hadn't fully accepted that there could be "good" demons, Shinobu had found her own subtle way to show concern.

Under the escort of a Corps member, Yohan and Tamayo once again arrived at the familiar room where they'd held discussions before. Inside, seated as always, was Kagaya Ubuyashiki—the head of the Demon Slayer Corps. But this time, the garden outside the room was far more crowded.

The current Hashira had all gathered.

As Yohan and Tamayo entered, multiple pairs of eyes turned sharply in their direction.

"Everyone, this is Yohan, the person I've mentioned to you all," Ubuyashiki spoke with calm reverence.

"Yohan, welcome to the Hashira Meeting."

Yohan gave a polite nod and sat down on one side of the room. Tamayo quietly took her place behind him.

"What's the meaning of this?! Why is he allowed to sit inside while we stand outside?" a harsh, gravelly voice suddenly rang out.

It came from Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira—his body crisscrossed with scars, bloodshot eyes glaring with barely restrained fury.

Traditionally, during Hashira Meetings, all the Hashira would stand in the courtyard as a sign of utmost respect toward the Oyakata-sama seated within. But here was this man—this outsider—sitting at ease alongside the head himself. To Sanemi, it felt like blatant disrespect.

"Sanemi, Yohan and Tamayo are guests of the Master, not fellow Hashira," Kocho Kanae's voice cut through the tension like silk over steel.

She had never liked Sanemi's brash attitude, especially not when it challenged Kagaya-sama. And now that Sanemi was clearly targeting Yohan, her dislike deepened.

"Let's hear what Oyakata-sama has to say first," came another calm voice—this one from Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira. His hands were folded in front of him, the characters "Namu Amida Butsu" etched boldly on his cloak.

As soon as Gyomei spoke, Sanemi and Kanae both fell silent, though Sanemi's bloodshot eyes never left Yohan.

Yohan, on the other hand, couldn't be less bothered. If it weren't for Kagaya's personal invitation, he wouldn't have shown up at all. He wasn't a Hashira—why should he stand outside? Frankly, he'd rather be back at the Butterfly Mansion sparring with Kanroji or soaking in the sunlight.

"Everyone," Kagaya spoke again, his serene voice commanding the full attention of the room. "Yohan and Tamayo are honored guests under my invitation. I ask that you all treat them with respect."

"Yes, Oyakata-sama," the Hashira responded in unison. No matter their personal feelings, their respect for the Master was absolute.

Silence fell over the courtyard as they awaited Kagaya's next words.

Yohan, meanwhile, took a closer look at the assembled Hashira:

There was Gyomei Himejima, the towering Stone Hashira; Sanemi Shinazugawa, the fierce and scarred Wind Hashira; Kocho Kanae, the graceful and razor-sharp Flower Hashira; Tengen Uzui, the flamboyant Sound Hashira with his glittering gemstones; Obanai Iguro, the snake-like and enigmatic Serpent Hashira; and Muichiro Tokito, the aloof Mist Hashira.

Though not all nine were present, many matched the familiar figures he remembered before crossing into this world.

"This meeting," Kagaya continued solemnly, "will proceed without the full council of Hashira. Those present today shall represent the will of the Demon Slayer Corps."

He paused briefly before adding, "Now, I will tell you the true purpose of today's meeting."

He turned to glance at Yohan and Tamayo beside him, then his voice lowered gravely.

"Yohan, Tamayo, and I have decided to begin our joint plan… to defeat Muzan Kibutsuji."

"What?!"

"Muzan Kibutsuji?!"

The garden erupted with gasps and shocked mutters. Even among the Hashira, such a name was not uttered lightly. Was the target of this plan truly… the progenitor of all demons?

"The plan is as follows," Kagaya explained. "The Demon Slayer Corps will collaborate with Yohan and Tamayo in the development of a medicine—one that will allow demons to survive under sunlight."

"This medicine will serve as bait… a lure to draw Muzan out of hiding."

"And when he appears… we will destroy him—completely."

The courtyard fell into stunned silence.

"Do any of you have questions?" Kagaya asked.

"If this succeeds, it would be a blessing beyond belief…" Gyomei's white, pupil-less eyes began to fill with tears.

"To finally have a shot at facing Muzan Kibutsuji," said Tengen Uzui, twirling in place with a flourish. His voice was filled with excitement. "Now that is flamboyant."

But then, that same grating voice returned.

"Oyakata-sama," Sanemi growled, his tone dripping with hostility. "I'd like to ask… just what exactly does this guest contribute to the plan?"

It seemed Sanemi Shinazugawa had no intention of letting Yohan off the hook so easily.

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