Kagaya was well aware of his physical condition. If he didn't hold on, he might not last even a month. Even enduring the pain wouldn't prolong his life much longer. Although he also wanted to witness Muzan's demise with his own eyes, he knew it was unlikely.
Before his death, all he could do was use his remaining life to contribute as much as possible to Muzan's eradication.
Leaving the Ubuyashiki Estate, Chiba Yo's mood became somewhat downcast.
He could clearly sense the Master's physical condition, but he was powerless to do anything about it.
"Yo."
At this moment, Chiba Yo heard someone calling him. He turned his head and found it was Genya, whom he hadn't seen for a long time.
Genya had grown considerably taller than before, and such rapid growth shocked Chiba Yo.
The last time they met was when Genya said he was going to become Gyoumei's disciple. After that, Chiba Yo had never seen him again, but this was normal. It was indeed difficult for two Demon Slayer Corps swordsmen to meet by chance, as everyone basically had to go on missions.
When Chiba Yo encountered Gyoumei earlier, he had intended to inquire about Genya's situation, but as more and more things came up, he gradually forgot about it. Now he didn't even know if Genya had successfully become a disciple.
"It's Genya, long time no see." Chiba Yo greeted Genya.
"Indeed, in this short time, you've already become a Hashira..." Genya's eyes were full of envy as he looked at Chiba Yo.
While he was training with Himejima, he had heard about Chiba Yo. After learning that Chiba Yo became a Hashira in less than a month, he once took it as motivation for his own training, desperately wanting to become stronger.
However, although he did make progress, his strength increase was extremely limited. The most fatal part was that he still hadn't learned a Breathing Technique until now.
This time, he came to find Chiba Yo partly to confide in a friend about his setbacks, and partly to ask Chiba Yo for advice on how to become stronger.
The two then found a place to sit down, and Chiba Yo was the first to ask Genya, "Did you successfully become Mr. Himejima's disciple?"
Genya nodded upon hearing this and replied, "Yes, although there were some twists and turns, I finally succeeded."
"Mr. Himejima initially didn't want to take me as his Tsuguko because my aptitude wasn't good enough, but later when he learned that I could become stronger by eating demons, he agreed."
Chiba Yo was somewhat puzzled after hearing Genya's words.
"Become stronger by eating demons?"
He didn't know Genya had such a talent.
Genya realized Chiba Yo's confusion.
"Oh, right, I haven't told you yet."
He then explained to Chiba Yo, "My biting force and digestive ability are quite outstanding. I can temporarily gain the abilities of demons by eating their bodies, such as their regeneration and Blood Demon Art. At the same time, my strength also increases after eating a demon's body."
After hearing Genya's explanation, Chiba Yo understood. Genya's ability inexplicably reminded him of the demon he had encountered before that possessed multiple Blood Demon Arts. He wondered if Genya could also reach that level.
"That's a good ability." Chiba Yo praised him.
His words were completely sincere. A demon's regeneration and endless Blood Demon Arts were relatively powerful abilities, especially Blood Demon Art, which was diverse in its capabilities. Some Blood Demon Arts could even be troublesome for Chiba Yo.
For example, the demon he encountered that could swap places. Chiba Yo couldn't see how that guy activated its Blood Demon Art through the Transparent World, and its swapping ability was almost instantaneous. Even he had to use several moves to defeat this demon.
If Genya's ability allowed him to eat demons with good Blood Demon Art abilities, then his strength might instantly soar significantly.
"But since you gain the abilities of a demon, do you also acquire a demon's weaknesses? For example, fear of the sun." Chiba Yo asked curiously.
Genya was startled by this. He hadn't considered that point yet.
After thinking for a while, Genya said to Chiba Yo, "I'm not entirely sure about that. Mr. Himejima was worried that I might develop some physical problems from eating demons, so he even asked Kochou to diagnose my physical condition."
"But so far, my body doesn't seem to have had any major issues."
"As for whether I'll fear the sun... battles with demons usually take place at night, so I haven't been exposed to sunlight while in my demonized state."
"If that really happens, I think my body would probably gradually disintegrate like a demon's..."
Gaining power also comes with risks...
After hearing Genya's words, Chiba Yo felt that this world was indeed somewhat unfair. Genya and others worked desperately to become stronger, even bearing various risks, yet they still found it difficult to contend with powerful demons.
And he himself, without much training, already possessed such power.
At this moment, he could better understand what Kyoujurou had told him before: "Protecting the weak is the duty of the naturally strong." Since he had received this power bestowed upon him by heaven, he must use it for the right path: slaying demons and helping the weak.
"You and Mr. Sanemi..."
Genya lowered his head upon hearing Sanemi's name.
"Mr. Himejima told me not to approach my brother again, to avoid any further conflict. So I haven't gone to see my brother during this time..."
Besides Himejima's admonition, Genya was actually a bit afraid to communicate with Sanemi.
Because of Chiba Yo's previous analysis, Genya knew that if his strength remained so weak, Sanemi would definitely continue to treat him violently to force him to leave the Demon Slayer Corps.
Then, after a slight hesitation, Genya stated the purpose of his visit to Chiba Yo.
"Yo, can you tell me the secret to how you became stronger? You must have some trick to becoming a Hashira so quickly, right? I also want to become a Hashira as soon as possible, and then reconcile with my brother. Please!"
Genya stood up and bowed to Chiba Yo.
Currently, Chiba Yo was the fastest to become a Hashira in the Demon Slayer Corps. Genya also wanted to become a Hashira as soon as possible, so after he had some free time and learned that Chiba Yo had returned, he came to find him.
Faced with Genya's behavior, Chiba Yo was somewhat at a loss as to what to do.
For him, becoming a Hashira so quickly was due to his good luck. He had only just joined the Demon Slayer Corps for a short time when he encountered Lower Moon Two, and being able to slay an Upper Rank this time could be said to be due to good luck.
If Gyokko hadn't shown up, it would probably take him a lot of time to find Gyokko with his investigative abilities.
But he couldn't tell Genya these things. Wouldn't that be like he was clearly toying with Genya?