Kagaya Ubuyashiki's presence created an immediate shift in the courtyard's atmosphere. The assembled Hashira, who moments ago had been radiating varying degrees of hostility and suspicion, immediately softened their stances out of respect for their dying leader. Even Sanemi Shinazugawa—the scarred, aggressive Wind Hashira—visibly restrained himself, though his hand remained near his blade.
"Please forgive the discourteous reception," Kagaya said, his voice gentle despite his obvious physical weakness. "My children become protective when strangers arrive unannounced. But Kamado has vouched for you, and his judgment has proven reliable. I am Kagaya Ubuyashiki, leader of the Demon Slayer Corps. You are Su Chen, I presume?"
Su Chen bowed respectfully—not the deep bow of a subordinate, but the measured acknowledgment between equals. "Correct. Thank you for agreeing to meet us despite the unusual circumstances. I understand my arrival raises questions, so let me be direct: I can cure your curse, help eliminate Muzan Kibutsuji, and provide resources that will revolutionize your Corps' capabilities. In exchange, I want access to your breathing technique archives and permission to recruit individuals interested in joining my organization."
The courtyard fell silent. Several Hashira looked shocked—Su Chen's bluntness was clearly not what they expected from someone making such extraordinary claims. But Kagaya's expression remained serene, as though he had anticipated exactly this conversation.
"You speak of my curse as though it's a simple matter," Kagaya observed. "Many have attempted to cure or treat it over generations. All have failed. What makes you confident where others have not succeeded?"
"Because they were treating symptoms rather than the actual affliction," Su Chen replied. He activated his dual pupils fully, allowing the golden and silver light to become visible as he analyzed Kagaya's condition. "What your family calls a curse is actually a spiritual parasite—a fragment of Muzan Kibutsuji's consciousness embedded in your bloodline centuries ago. It feeds on your life force while simultaneously monitoring your family's activities and sabotaging the Corps' operations through subtle influence."
Several Hashira tensed at the implication that Muzan had been indirectly observing the Corps through their own leader. Kagaya himself showed the first crack in his serene composure—a flash of anger quickly suppressed.
"You can see this parasite?" Kagaya asked carefully.
"I can see its structure, trace its connections to Muzan's main consciousness, and identify the methodology for safely extracting it," Su Chen confirmed. "The process would take approximately four hours and would be intensely painful, but survivable. Once the parasite is removed and the infection sealed, your body's natural recovery should restore you to health within months. You'd likely live another thirty to forty years instead of dying within the next year."
"Impossible," Shinobu interjected, her pleasant smile not quite masking her skepticism. "We've had the best doctors and spiritual practitioners examine Master Ubuyashiki for generations. None have identified anything like what you're describing."
"Because they lacked the perception to see it," Su Chen stated flatly. "I'm not from this world. My capabilities exceed what your dimension's normal limitations allow. That's not arrogance—it's simply fact. Your practitioners are skilled within their context, but that context has boundaries I've transcended."
"Prove it," Sanemi Shinazugawa demanded aggressively. "You talk big, but talk is easy. Show us something that proves you're not just another con artist trying to take advantage of Master's desperation."
Su Chen considered the challenge. He could demonstrate his power through overwhelming combat superiority—simply release his full spiritual pressure and watch the Hashira struggle to remain standing. But that would establish a relationship based on fear rather than respect, which would complicate recruitment efforts later.
Better to demonstrate capability through utility rather than threat.
"Shinobu Kocho," Su Chen addressed the Insect Hashira directly. "You've been researching poisons capable of killing demons for years. Your current approach uses wisteria-derived toxins concentrated to lethal doses, but you've encountered a limitation—demons with sufficient strength can metabolize even your strongest poisons before dying. You've theorized about poisons that attack on a conceptual level rather than purely biological, but lacked the capability to create them."
Shinobu's smile froze completely, her eyes widening in shock. "How could you possibly know that? Those are private research notes I've never shared with anyone!"
"Xiao Yi Xian," Su Chen gestured toward his companion. "Demonstrate."
The silver-haired poison specialist raised one hand, and a small sphere of rainbow-shimmering toxin manifested above her palm. It rotated slowly, its appearance shifting through colors that shouldn't exist in nature. The assembled Hashira instinctively stepped back—even without directly contacting the substance, they could feel its lethality.
"This is a conceptual poison," Xiao Yi Xian explained in her quiet voice. "It doesn't attack the body. It attacks the concept of 'life' itself, forcing biological systems to forget how to maintain their own existence. Demons are harder to kill than humans because their regeneration constantly reasserts their living state. This poison makes that regeneration impossible by eroding the fundamental principle that allows it to function."
She compressed the poison sphere further until it crystallized into a small pellet, then offered it to Shinobu. "One dose. Sufficient to kill any demon below Upper Moon level with certainty, and capable of critically injuring even Upper Moons. Consider it a demonstration of what collaboration with my organization could provide."
Shinobu accepted the pellet with trembling hands, her analytical mind already racing through implications. "This is... this is what I've been trying to create for years. You're just giving it to me? As a free sample?"
"As proof that our offer is genuine," Su Chen confirmed. "Now, Gyomei Himejima—Stone Hashira. You're blind, but you've developed a form of spiritual perception that allows you to 'see' through sensing heartbeats and breathing patterns. You've achieved something close to what I call 'spiritual sense,' but it's limited to nearby targets. Would you like me to teach you how to extend that perception to kilometer ranges?"
The massive blind Hashira's expression showed rare surprise. "You... you can do that? I thought my perception had reached its natural limits."
"Natural limits imposed by this world's spiritual energy density," Su Chen corrected. "In dimensions with higher ambient energy, similar techniques can achieve far greater range. I can teach you a modified version compatible with your world's conditions. It would take approximately one week of training, after which you could detect demons within five kilometers."
Gyomei's hands clasped together in prayer position, his habitual gesture when moved. "Such a gift would save countless lives. Demons would lose their greatest advantage—the element of surprise."
Su Chen turned his attention to the enthusiastic pink-and-green-haired woman who had been practically vibrating with excitement since Xiao Yi Xian's demonstration. "Mitsuri Kanroji—Love Hashira. Your unique muscle composition gives you strength eight times that of normal humans, but it also creates strain that limits your endurance. I can provide a body refinement technique that would stabilize your physiology, eliminating the strain while increasing your strength to twelve times normal human capacity."
Mitsuri's eyes went huge, her hands flying to her mouth in shock. "You know about my muscle problem? And you can fix it? And make me even stronger?" Her voice rose to an excited squeak by the end of the sentence.
"Given time and proper resources, yes," Su Chen confirmed. He shifted focus to Tengen Uzui—the flamboyant Sound Hashira with three wives. "Your shinobi background gives you advantages in stealth and infiltration, but you've been struggling with the transition from assassin to demon slayer. The psychological burden of your family's expectations versus your desire to live freely. I can't solve that through technique, but I can offer you this: my organization values individual capability over hereditary obligation. If you were interested in joining, you'd be evaluated on merit rather than bloodline."
Tengen's expression became unusually serious, his flashy persona dropping momentarily. "You're offering me the chance to escape my family's shadow entirely? To be valued for who I am rather than who I was born to be?"
"Precisely," Su Chen confirmed. "Though I should note that your wives would be welcome to join as well—my organization doesn't object to unconventional relationship structures."
He continued around the assembled Hashira, demonstrating knowledge of each one's personal struggles, combat limitations, and secret ambitions. Muichiro Tokito's memory problems resulting from trauma. Obanai Iguro's insecurity about his scarred face and dark past. Giyu Tomioka's survivor's guilt and social isolation. With each revelation, the Hashira's skepticism eroded further, replaced by a mixture of awe and unease at being so thoroughly understood by a stranger.
Finally, Su Chen returned his attention to Kagaya Ubuyashiki. "Master Ubuyashiki, I've demonstrated knowledge that should be impossible for an outsider to possess. I've offered practical solutions to problems your Hashira have struggled with for years. I've provided a sample of capabilities that exceed this world's normal parameters. Do you require further proof, or shall we proceed to substantive discussion?"
Kagaya was silent for a long moment, his clouded eyes somehow still managing to convey intense evaluation. When he finally spoke, his voice carried a weight of decision. "You have proven your capabilities are genuine. You have demonstrated goodwill by offering assistance before demanding payment. And you have shown respect for my Corps by engaging honestly rather than simply imposing your superior power. I am inclined to accept your proposal."
"Master!" Sanemi protested immediately. "We can't just trust some dimensional traveler who appeared out of nowhere! What if this is an elaborate trick? What if he's working with Muzan?"
"If I were working with Muzan, I would have killed you all already," Su Chen pointed out with brutal pragmatism. "My actual combat capability is approximately..." he paused to calculate relative power levels, "...equivalent to if all nine Hashira fought simultaneously and then multiplied their combined strength by ten. I could level this entire estate before any of you completed a sword draw. If I had hostile intent, this conversation would be unnecessary."
To emphasize his point, Su Chen released a fraction of his spiritual pressure—perhaps two percent of his total capacity. The effect was immediate and dramatic. The courtyard's stone tiles cracked under the weight of compressed power. Several Hashira dropped to one knee, their bodies instinctively recognizing a threat beyond their capability to resist. Even Gyomei and Sanemi—the physically strongest members present—visibly struggled to remain standing.
Kagaya himself showed no outward sign of distress, though his attendants stumbled under the pressure. "I think," he said calmly, "we have adequate proof of power. Su Chen-san, please release your pressure before my children injure themselves trying to resist it."
Su Chen retracted his aura immediately, allowing the Hashira to recover. Several gasped for breath as though they'd been holding it underwater. Mitsuri had actually fallen to her hands and knees, her superior strength insufficient against power operating on fundamentally different principles.
"Forgive the intimidation," Su Chen said without particular remorse. "But Shinazugawa-san's skepticism needed to be addressed directly. I am not your enemy, but I am also not someone who can be dismissed or deceived. I offer partnership between equals, not subordination in either direction."
Sanemi glared at Su Chen with barely contained fury, but even his aggressive nature recognized the futility of challenging something so far beyond his capabilities. "Fine," he spat. "You've made your point. You could kill us all. That doesn't mean we should trust you."
"Trust must be earned," Su Chen agreed. "Which is why I propose the following: I will cure Master Ubuyashiki's curse immediately, without requiring advance payment. This demonstrates good faith. Then we'll conduct a trial period—one week where my team assists your Corps with active demon hunting. At the end of that week, we evaluate whether continuing the partnership serves both parties' interests. If you're unsatisfied, we part ways peacefully. If you're satisfied, we proceed to full collaboration."
Kagaya considered this proposal carefully. "A generous offer. Almost too generous. What prevents you from curing my curse, gathering what you want during the trial week, and then departing without fulfilling your promise to help eliminate Muzan?"
"My word," Su Chen replied simply. "And the fact that incomplete extraction of knowledge and abilities would offend my collector's instinct. I don't do things halfway—if I commit to acquiring everything valuable from this dimension, I'll follow through completely. Additionally, several of your Hashira interest me as potential recruits. If I betray your trust, they'll never willingly join my organization. That would be counterproductive."
"You speak of recruiting our Hashira," Obanai Iguro interjected, his voice muffled by the bandages covering his face. "You want to steal our strongest warriors?"
"I want to offer them opportunities," Su Chen corrected. "Whether they accept is their choice. I don't conscript—I recruit by demonstrating that my organization provides better advancement opportunities than remaining here. For some, that might be true. For others, their loyalty to this world and this Corps will prove stronger than any material benefits I can offer. I respect both outcomes."
Shinobu spoke up, her analytical nature clearly churning through implications. "Let's say we accept your trial proposal. You cure Master's curse, assist with demon hunting for one week, and we evaluate results. What specifically do you want from our archives? And which Hashira are you hoping to recruit?"
"From your archives, I want documentation of all breathing styles—particularly Sun Breathing, which I understand Kamado has inherited fragments of," Su Chen replied. "I also want any research on the origin of demons, Muzan's biology, and the blue spider lily that Muzan has been seeking. Regarding recruitment..." He paused deliberately, making eye contact with several specific individuals. "Shinobu Kocho, Mitsuri Kanroji, Kanao Tsuyuri, and potentially Tengen Uzui if he's interested. Possibly others depending on who I meet during operations."
Mitsuri squeaked in surprise at being named. Shinobu's expression became thoughtful rather than immediately defensive. Tengen showed genuine interest. The other Hashira displayed varying reactions from relief at not being targeted to offense at being excluded.
"Why those specific individuals?" Kagaya asked curiously.
"Compatibility with my organization's culture and operational needs," Su Chen explained. "Shinobu's analytical mind and poison expertise complement my Research Department. Mitsuri's enthusiasm and combat capability suit our Combat Operations division. Kanao's potential is currently being underutilized in her current position. Tengen's infiltration skills and unorthodox thinking would benefit Special Operations. Each one fills a niche while also being offered opportunities for personal growth that this world can't provide."
"And what happens to the Corps if you successfully recruit multiple Hashira?" Sanemi demanded. "We're already short-handed fighting demons. Losing our strongest members would cripple us."
"By the time recruitment occurs, Muzan will be dead and the demon threat will be eliminated," Su Chen countered. "At that point, your Corps' primary mission will be complete. Some members will transition to peacekeeping or other roles in a demon-free Japan. Others might seek new challenges. I'm offering an option for those in the latter category."
Kagaya raised a hand, silencing further debate. "These are complex matters requiring careful consideration. For now, let us focus on immediate concerns. Su Chen-san, you offered to cure my curse tonight. I accept. If you succeed, we'll proceed with the trial week as you proposed. Does this arrangement satisfy all parties?"
Su Chen nodded immediately. The Hashira exchanged glances, silently communicating through looks and subtle gestures. Finally, Gyomei spoke for the group. "We accept, contingent on Master's approval. But we will be observing closely. Any sign of deception or betrayal will be met with immediate response, regardless of power disparity."
"Understood and acceptable," Su Chen confirmed. "Now, Master Ubuyashiki, the curse extraction will require privacy and approximately four hours of intensive work. I'll need a quiet room with space for formations. My companion Xiao Yi Xian will assist—her poison expertise will be crucial for safely neutralizing the parasitic consciousness without damaging your spiritual foundation."
"The ceremony room is available," one of Kagaya's attendants—his wife, Amane—stated. "It's the most spiritually pure location in the estate and has adequate space for whatever preparations you require."
"Perfect," Su Chen replied. "Shall we begin immediately? The sooner the curse is removed, the sooner your body can begin recovering."
Kagaya smiled—a genuine expression of hope mixed with cautious optimism. "Yes. Let us proceed. I have died by inches for years. If there's even a chance of escaping that fate, I will seize it."
As they moved toward the ceremony room, Su Chen caught Shinobu observing him with intense curiosity. Their eyes met briefly, and he saw her analytical mind working through calculations about his nature, his organization, and what working with him might entail.
The first seeds of recruitment had been planted. Now he just needed to demonstrate value through actions rather than words.
The curse extraction would serve that purpose perfectly. And afterward, the real work would begin—hunting demons, copying abilities, and showing the Hashira exactly what partnering with a dimensional traveler could accomplish.
The Demon Slayer world was about to experience forces beyond its normal understanding. And by the time Su Chen departed, this dimension would have been thoroughly harvested of everything valuable it possessed.
Starting with saving the Corps' dying leader and proving that his promises, unlike most, were backed by genuine capability.
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