Through Rengoku Kyojuro's revelations, Yohan and Mitsuri learned that recently, the number of demon appearances in the Tokyo Prefecture had been increasing at an alarming rate.
"That's the reason I was sent here to investigate," Rengoku explained. "Our commander believes that the demons are searching for something under the Demon King's orders. Regardless of what they're looking for, our duty is to stop them."
After mentioning the Demon King, Rengoku's expression turned fiery with determination. The Demon Slayer Corps had been hunting for Muzan Kibutsuji's whereabouts for years, yet they had never even encountered an Upper Moon demon, let alone the Demon King himself. The battles had been mostly against Lower Moons and ordinary demons, and despite that, the losses they suffered were severe. Now, for the first time in a long while, the demons seemed to be making a coordinated move. This was an opportunity they couldn't afford to miss.
Yohan listened intently, deep in thought.
Searching for something… Could it be the Blue Spider Lily? But if I remember correctly, the Blue Spider Lily only became relevant near the end of the story. Did information about it surface earlier than expected? Or could they be after something else?
Wait.
"Rengoku, can I ask when exactly these demonic activities started?" Yohan suddenly inquired.
"Hmm, apologies, but I wasn't given the exact date," Rengoku replied, scratching his head. "Our commander only provided the information that it has been happening recently."
"I see..."
Mitsuri, who had been following Yohan's train of thought, suddenly gasped. "Yohan! Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
Yohan nodded. It seemed they had reached the same conclusion.
"What is it?" Rengoku asked, intrigued by their silent exchange. It seemed rather coincidental that these two individuals he had randomly met would possess knowledge about the very situation he was investigating.
Without hesitation, Yohan and Mitsuri recounted their recent battle in the mountains, where they had encountered and slain Lower Moon Three.
Hearing their story, Rengoku's expression grew serious. "So, you're saying that you encountered Lower Moon Three in the mountains and managed to kill him?"
He was visibly intrigued by this revelation.
"And you suspect that the demons' current movements are a result of his death?" he continued.
Yohan nodded. "It's possible. If a Lower Moon was slain by someone outside the Demon Slayer Corps, it would definitely catch Muzan's attention. He might have sent out demons to investigate or even to hunt us down."
Rengoku processed the information carefully. "Indeed. For two individuals who aren't even part of the Corps to take down a Lower Moon… It makes sense that Muzan would find this concerning."
To Yohan's surprise, Rengoku did not question the credibility of their story, nor did he demand details on how exactly they had survived until sunrise. Perhaps another Hashira might have doubted them, but Rengoku had always been someone who trusted his instincts. Even with this brief encounter, he could sense the sincerity in Yohan and Mitsuri.
"In that case," Rengoku said, "allow me to report this to our commander. Whether or not the demons are truly targeting you, the death of a Lower Moon is a significant event."
With that, he took out a small piece of parchment and began writing a report. Once finished, he attached it to his Kasugai Crow, which flapped its wings and took off into the sky.
Watching the crow disappear into the distance, Mitsuri's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "It actually talks! That's amazing! How do you guys train them?"
She had been fascinated by the bird ever since Rengoku started writing his message. In fact, she had tried to pet it, only for the crow to squawk, "No touching! No touching!" and fly out of reach, much to her surprise.
Rengoku chuckled. "Haha! Actually, I don't know how they train them either. Our commander provides them to all Demon Slayers, so I imagine it's a specialized process."
Then, his eyes brightened as an idea struck him. "Since you seem so interested, why don't you both consider joining the Demon Slayer Corps? Once you become official members, you'll each receive your own Kasugai Crow."
Rengoku's tone was filled with enthusiasm. Having witnessed their strength firsthand, he was eager to recruit them. If these two could defeat a Lower Moon without even possessing Nichirin Blades, then their potential was truly immeasurable. With proper training, they could even become Hashira in the future.
"Ah, joining the Demon Slayer Corps..." Mitsuri hesitated, glancing toward Yohan. "I'll listen to whatever Yohan decides."
She might have been tempted by the idea of owning a talking crow, but such an important decision was something she felt Yohan should make.
As for Yohan, he pondered the idea for a moment before shaking his head. "No, I think I'll pass."
"Oh?" Rengoku tilted his head, surprised. "Why is that?"
"I value my freedom too much," Yohan admitted. "I prefer making my own decisions. But if the Demon Slayer Corps ever needs my help, I won't hesitate to step in."
Rengoku regarded him thoughtfully before nodding. "I see. If that's your decision, I won't force you."
Yohan had already resolved to take down Muzan Kibutsuji. However, he didn't believe that joining the Corps was the only way to accomplish that goal. With his unique abilities, he would continue to grow stronger in his own way.
Still, visiting the Corps in the future might be beneficial. He was certain there would be plenty of opportunities for new quests, and there were a handful of Demon Slayers he greatly respected. However, there were also a few individuals he had no patience for. The last thing he wanted was to be forced into working alongside people he disliked. If a certain someone irritated him enough, he might even lose his temper and draw his blade—something he'd rather avoid.