"Did you see that? I still can't believe my eyes!"
"Of course I saw it! Lord Yangzhu actually defeated one of the Upper Moons!"
"It can't be fake news… right?"
"What nonsense are you talking about? The lord would never lie to us!"
"Four Upper Rank demons have appeared in the Swordsmith Village. That's terrifying. They're practically going all out."
"But even so, he still beat one of them. James-sama is too strong! I... I want to bear his child!"
"..."
The Demon Slayer Corps headquarters exploded in excitement. Word of the victory spread quickly, and people gathered in twos and threes to share the news. All night, the compound rang with cheers and celebration.
As the moonlight faded into the pale hues of dawn, a brilliant sun rose in the east. James, who had spent the night with his eyes closed in quiet meditation, opened them slowly. The cold blue in his gaze seemed to shimmer more sharply than before.
There was a subtle change occurring within him—James could feel it in his pupils. His eyes, once a clear sky blue since birth, had gradually transformed into a radiant ice blue ever since he awakened the Transparent World. His irises were now crystal clear and gleaming, reminiscent of an ancient deity or a celestial saint.
After observing himself in the mirror for a few minutes, James determined the transformation was positive. Though a bit conspicuous, it enhanced his strength. And if it made him stronger, there was no reason to reject it.
"Qingyi-kun is so handsome…"
Smiling faintly at his reflection, James strapped his Nichirin blades to his side and left for the Ubuyashiki estate. On the way, he encountered Kanroji and Iguro, walking together. The three exchanged greetings and continued toward the meeting together.
This time, the Pillar Meeting was held indoors.
The room was spacious and well-lit, with large fans made of cattail leaves positioned around to keep the air cool. Wind Pillar Sanemi, Stone Pillar Gyomei, Water Pillar Giyuu, Insect Pillar Shinobu, Sound Pillar Tengen, and Mist Pillar Muichirou were already seated, waiting.
It appeared James and his group were the last to arrive.
James found an open seat, folded his arms, and closed his eyes again, waiting quietly for Ubuyashiki Amane's arrival. He was well aware of Ubuyashiki Kagaya's declining health and didn't expect the clan leader to attend in person.
"Tokitou, you've fought Upper Ranks Three and Four, right? What were they like?"
Iguro broke the silence. Though Gyomei and Sanemi also had questions, they weren't familiar enough with James to ask him directly, so they turned to Muichirou instead.
James opened his eyes at the sound of Iguro's voice and said coolly, "If you want to ask me, just ask me. No need to pretend I'm asleep."
Muichirou replied calmly, "They were very strong. Upper Rank Four had multiple abilities, most of which were long-range. He could summon massive creatures with hard outer shells. Ordinary fighters couldn't even get close."
After a short pause, he continued, "But those creatures weren't his real body. He hides while his clones fight. Unless you decapitate the true body, the clones will keep coming, no matter how many you cut down."
"Still, with enough Pillars working together, he's not impossible to defeat. As for Upper Rank Three…" Muichirou's expression darkened slightly. "Even three elite Madara-style swordsmen plus two special swordsmen couldn't defeat him. They could only hold him to a stalemate."
Kanroji, seated next to him, nodded in agreement. The memory of Akaza's overwhelming power had clearly left a mark.
"The Upper Five is a fish-like creature," James said, drawing everyone's attention. "Its ability turns whatever it touches into fish. But its most troublesome trait is teleportation. It's hard to track."
"But Muichirou, after awakening the Madara Pattern, is more than enough to kill it alone."
He gave Muichirou a small nod of recognition before continuing.
"Upper Rank One is a different story. His name is Kokushibou. He's a master swordsman, incredibly powerful, and uses the Breath of the Moon."
Everyone was stunned.
"A swordsman? He uses breathing techniques?" asked Tengen.
James nodded. "Yes. From what I heard, it's indeed the Moon Breathing Style."
His icy blue eyes swept across the room.
"I strongly advise none of you to engage him alone. Unless we have at least five swordsmen with Madara Patterns, don't attempt it. For someone like Gyomei, who has already awakened his Madara Pattern, I estimate three might be able to stand a chance."
A heavy silence followed.
The others knew Gyomei's strength. If it took three of him to fight Kokushibou, then just how powerful was this enemy? And more importantly, how powerful was James?
Under their stunned gazes, James raised a hand.
"As for me… I now have full confidence that I can kill Kibutsuji Muzan."
His calm statement hit like a thunderclap.
Every heart surged with excitement and disbelief. The implications were staggering.
"This is a great honor for the Demon Slayer Corps."
Ubuyashiki Amane stepped out from behind the screen, accompanied by her two children. She took her place at the head seat and bowed slightly.
"I apologize, but due to Lord Kagaya's worsening illness, I will preside over the Pillar Meeting in his place."
Everyone stood to return the gesture with deep respect.
"Everyone," Amane continued, "after the battle at the Swordsmith Village, there have been major developments. Kamado Nezuko has successfully overcome the sun. This changes everything. We must use this opportunity to increase our strength."
She looked toward Kanroji and Muichirou.
"Ms. Kanroji, Mr. Tokitou, could you share your experience of awakening the Madara Pattern?"
A bead of sweat rolled down Kanroji's forehead. Her face flushed red as she murmured a few words, then fell silent.
Muichirou stepped in to explain.
"During my fight with Upper Rank Three, I was knocked away. Several holes were punched into my body. The pain was unbearable, and I fainted."
"But even in that state, I could feel Tanjirou protecting us. A tremendous rage welled up within me, and I recalled painful memories of my past. My body temperature rose, and I forced myself to focus my breathing."
"At one point, my heart rate exceeded 200 beats per minute. It was as if my body activated a final defense mechanism."
Everyone focused on his words, locking on to the two key points: heart rate and body temperature. The room grew quiet as they began to reflect on how they might reproduce such a state themselves.
Ubuyashiki Amane looked solemn as she continued.
"Once awakened, the Madara Pattern cannot be reversed. But I must warn you all: for those who haven't yet awakened it, there may be severe side effects. It is said that those who awaken the Madara Pattern may not live past the age of 25."
A heavy silence fell over the room.
"What a sorrowful power," Gyomei murmured, his eyes welling with tears as he folded his hands together in prayer.
Time passed as the Pillars discussed strategy and future operations. Eventually, they reached a consensus: protect Nezuko at all costs and begin preparations for the final battle. To that end, they initiated the Pillar Training Program, each taking responsibility for instructing various members of the Corps.
"So, this is the overall training plan. If there are no objections, we will proceed as outlined," Gyomei said, placing a thick stack of papers on the table.
"Finally, let's discuss ourselves. All Pillars must—"
"Join my training."
James cut him off with a calm declaration.
In the next instant—BOOM—a tremendous surge of pressure filled the room. It was as though the sky itself had fallen.
The sheer weight of James's released aura made it nearly impossible to move. Bones creaked under the strain. Even the strongest among them could only grit their teeth and endure.
"I'll teach you everything I know," James said, his voice steady and composed. "No one graduates until I say so."
For a long moment, no one could speak.
Then Shinazugawa Sanemi's mouth stretched wide into a grin. "Heh… now this is getting interesting."
Øóffer going on for diamond tier
pàtreøn (Gk31)