Kagaya Ubuyashiki's words sent Suzuki Makoto into deep thought. He never imagined that a final boss type like Muzan Kibutsuji, who had all but grasped absolute power, could still possess such a strategic mind.
"You don't seem too surprised by this, Mr. Suzuki?"
"No. Based on the man-eating demons Muzan has created so far, they don't have many unique traits. Aside from enhanced strength and agility, the only thing worth mentioning is their immortality. To be honest, their Blood Demon Arts haven't impressed me much."
Suzuki Makoto would never consider any tactic despicable, because victory is the only answer that matters.
"It could be said that Muzan Kibutsuji's most prominent advantage is his 'immortality,' and this strategy of his certainly allows him to maximize that advantage. Using only the lesser demons created from his blood to wear down the Demon Slayer Corps while he hides in a safe place, awaiting the right moment... it is indeed a very good tactic."
However, a question remained, and Suzuki Makoto voiced his confusion.
"But, how is it that you know all this, Lord Kagaya?"
"My apologies. The records I gave you before were, in fact, incomplete. Certain disgraceful events concerning the Demon Slayer Corps and the Ubuyashiki family were not included in the books you were given to read—Muzan Kibutsuji was once a member of our Ubuyashiki clan."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki's voice was filled with deep apology. Shinobu Kocho covered her mouth in shock.
"Muzan Kibutsuji... is the Master's ancestor?"
"Yes. And that is why the Ubuyashiki clan's bloodline is dwindling, and why men like myself cannot live past the age of thirty. It is a curse from the heavens. Unless Muzan Kibutsuji can be killed for good, our Ubuyashiki clan will bear this curse for eternity."
At this point, Suzuki Makoto already believed Kagaya Ubuyashiki's explanation. His original assessment of Kagaya Ubuyashiki as a 'genius envied by the heavens' was not a figurative personification but a statement of objective fact.
As for him keeping these matters hidden, it was indeed understandable. After all, this information didn't affect his own efforts to reverse-engineer Sun Breathing, but if it were to be leaked, it could very well cause a fundamental crisis of faith within the Demon Slayer Corps itself.
"Therefore, the Ubuyashiki clan has some records of Muzan Kibutsuji's life before he became a demon. He was suspicious and cruel by nature, and would do anything, pay any price, to survive!"
"You must have read the account of Yoriichi Tsugikuni encountering and attacking Muzan Kibutsuji, but you probably don't know what happened after that. Afterward, Muzan Kibutsuji tempted the second-strongest swordsman in the Demon Slayer Corps at the time, Yoriichi Tsugikuni's older brother, Michikatsu Tsugikuni, with eternal life. That shameless man, in order to please Muzan Kibutsuji, murdered the Ubuyashiki head of the family at the time."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki's expression was tinged with sadness. Yoriichi Tsugikuni might have been a sharp blade sent by the heavens to kill Muzan, but tragically, they failed to seize that opportunity.
"The next head of the family who succeeded the position of Master was still very young and lacked sufficient prestige. Therefore, under pressure, he had no choice but to allow the other members of the Demon Slayer Corps to expel Yoriichi Tsugikuni. After that, there were no more reported sightings of Muzan Kibutsuji. This situation continued until Tanjiro Kamado's sighting."
"After meeting you, Lord Suzuki, I became convinced that this is the heavens showing mercy on humanity once again, for the first time since the Sengoku period. You must be the one who can kill Muzan Kibutsuji! That is why I absolutely cannot let this chance slip away. Against Muzan Kibutsuji, any number of regular Corps members can only serve in logistical roles. Only the Hashira are effective combatants, and this generation of Hashira, I am certain, is the strongest group of Hashira since the very first ones!"
The terminally ill man looked at Suzuki Makoto with fervent eyes.
"I am already approaching the end of my life. If I can become the bait to completely sever this root of all evil, Muzan Kibutsuji, then I will gladly do so!"
Tears streamed down Lady Amane's face as she grasped Kagaya Ubuyashiki's hand, but Kagaya didn't even have the strength to wipe the tears from his own wife's eyes.
"I promise you, Lord Kagaya Ubuyashiki, as long as we can lure Muzan Kibutsuji out, I will kill him—not a single trace of his filth will be left in this world!"
This was a promise between men!
--------------------------------------------------
The wooden door slid open, and Suzuki Makoto, along with Shinobu Kocho, returned to the main hall. The Hashira noticed that both Shinobu Kocho and Lady Amane looked as if they had been crying, and their hearts sank.
"Lady Amane, is the Master's health alright?"
the Wind Hashira asked nervously.
"Although Lord Kagaya is gravely ill, he can still hold on for now."
This statement did little to soothe the Hashira's mood. After all, they had all been watching Kagaya Ubuyashiki's condition worsen day by day, a situation that was clearly irreversible for the time being.
"I support the proposal for collective training."
Suzuki Makoto stated his position simply, then sat down and said no more.
"Aside from Lady Shinobu Kocho and Lord Suzuki Makoto, who have other duties and will not participate in the collective training, all of you are to take part in this training."
"I'm sorry, I may not be suited for this position."
Giyu Tomioka stood up.
"Tomioka! This is an order from the Master!"
Sanemi Shinazugawa's voice held obvious, suppressed fury.
"I am not like the rest of you."
At these words, everyone's expression changed. The Wind Hashira stood up directly, his hand on the hilt of his sword, his face dark.
"Mr. Giyu, you are Mr. Urokodaki's student. You shouldn't say such things."
Even Suzuki Makoto frowned. The Giyu Tomioka he knew didn't seem like such an arrogant person.
"I... I am not a qualified Water Hashira. I don't have the right to sit in this position, nor do I have enough talent. To ask me to teach the other Corps members... I don't think I have that ability."
Eh?
Everyone was stunned, completely caught off guard that Giyu Tomioka would give such an answer.
"If it's possible, I think we should have Mr. Urokodaki return to train them. That would be more effective. As for me—I am not qualified."
Giyu Tomioka lowered his head, his perpetually stoic, icy face showing a hint of dejection. It was clear he believed this from the bottom of his heart.
This time, even Sanemi Shinazugawa was at a loss for what to do. If Giyu Tomioka had remained arrogant to the end, he would have genuinely dared to draw his sword and clash with the man, but seeing him like this...
"In that case, why don't we ask Lord Urokodaki to return and take charge of the training, and you, Mr. Tomioka, can also participate? Of course, not as an instructor, but as a trainee."
Suzuki Makoto said with a smile, offering him an out.
"I imagine that a collective training session in which even a Hashira must participate will do even more to inspire enthusiasm among the regular members of the Demon Slayer Corps, don't you think?"
____
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