The meeting with Tamayo was arranged for the following evening in a hidden location that changed periodically to avoid Muzan's detection. Tanjiro had sent word through his crow network, and Tamayo had responded with cautious interest—apparently, the prospect of examining an Upper Moon who had been captured rather than killed was too valuable an opportunity to pass up, despite the obvious risks.
Su Chen spent the intervening day productively. He had Xiao Yi Xian maintain Nakime in a state of conscious paralysis—aware but unable to communicate or use her abilities—while he conducted detailed analysis of her Blood Demon Art. The spatial manipulation technique was more sophisticated than he'd initially assessed, incorporating principles that could enhance his existing dimensional travel capabilities.
Meanwhile, the rescued Upper Moon's presence in the Ubuyashiki estate had created something of a sensation. The Corps members who weren't aware of the previous night's events reacted with predictable alarm when they discovered an Upper Moon demon bound and contained in one of the storage buildings. It took Kagaya—who had awakened that morning feeling stronger than he had in decades—personally explaining the situation to prevent panic.
"Su Chen-san has accomplished in one night what the Corps has failed to achieve in centuries," Kagaya announced to the assembled Demon Slayers during the morning briefing. "He has captured an Upper Moon alive and intact. If Tamayo-san can successfully break Muzan's control over this demon, we will gain intelligence that could lead to Muzan's permanent elimination. This represents our greatest opportunity in generations."
The Corps members' reactions ranged from awe to disbelief to outright fear. But Kagaya's endorsement—combined with the visible evidence of his dramatically improved health—carried enormous weight. If their dying master had been cured and was now supporting this mysterious dimensional traveler, then perhaps the impossible really was becoming possible.
Shinobu had spent the morning in intense discussion with Xiao Yi Xian, the two poison specialists comparing techniques and theories with the enthusiasm of academics who had finally found peers worthy of intellectual engagement. Su Chen observed their interaction with satisfaction—the foundation for successful recruitment was being established through professional respect and shared interests.
Mitsuri, meanwhile, had attached herself to Su Chen's team with the determination of someone who had found exactly what she'd been seeking her entire life. She followed Su Chen around the estate, asking endless questions about dimensional travel, different worlds, and the various abilities his team members possessed. Her enthusiasm was exhausting but also genuinely endearing—her interest came from authentic curiosity rather than manipulative flattery.
"Su Chen-sama," Mitsuri said for perhaps the twentieth time that day, "when you said you travel between dimensions, does that mean there are worlds where demons don't exist? Where people can just live normally without fear? That sounds amazing! Oh, but also maybe boring? Though if it's boring that means it's safe which is actually good! Do you think—"
"Kanroji," Obanai interrupted, having materialized from wherever he'd been lurking to observe Mitsuri's interactions. "You're being excessively familiar with someone you just met. Remember appropriate decorum."
"Iguro-san!" Mitsuri squeaked. "I'm just asking questions! Su Chen-sama doesn't mind, do you Su Chen-sama?"
"I don't mind," Su Chen confirmed, finding Mitsuri's unfiltered enthusiasm refreshing after dealing with so many calculating political operators in other dimensions. "Though Iguro-san's concern about decorum suggests something worth discussing. Obanai Iguro, you've been observing from concealment since yesterday evening. If you have questions or concerns about my presence here, address them directly rather than through surveillance."
Obanai's visible eye widened slightly—he hadn't realized his stealth had been so thoroughly penetrated. "I... I'm protective of my comrades. Kanroji especially deserves protection from those who might take advantage of her trusting nature."
"A reasonable concern," Su Chen acknowledged. "For your reassurance, I have no intention of taking advantage of anyone. My recruitment offers are genuine—those who join my organization do so through informed choice after understanding what they're accepting. Kanroji's enthusiasm is noted, but I won't make final recruitment decisions until after she's observed multiple combat operations and understands the reality of what working for the Stellar Void Pavilion entails."
"You're really considering recruiting her?" Obanai's tone carried a mixture of possessiveness and resignation. "She's... she's one of our strongest Hashira. Losing her would significantly weaken the Corps."
"By the time recruitment occurs, Muzan will be dead and the Corps' primary mission will be complete," Su Chen replied, repeating the argument he'd made before. "At that point, the question becomes: what do the Hashira do with their lives once demons no longer threaten Japan? Some will transition to peacekeeping or training roles. Others might seek new challenges. I'm offering an option for those in the latter category."
Before Obanai could respond, a crow arrived with a message—Tamayo was ready to meet at the designated location. Su Chen gathered his team: himself, Xiao Yi Xian (carrying the paralyzed Nakime), Tanjiro (as the one who had established relationship with Tamayo), and Shinobu (who had insisted on attending to observe Tamayo's technique firsthand).
Mitsuri attempted to join as well, but Kagaya gently suggested she remain at the estate to help protect the recovering master. She accepted the assignment with her characteristic enthusiasm, though not before making Su Chen promise to tell her everything that happened during the meeting.
---
The meeting location was an abandoned clinic in a town that had been evacuated due to demon attacks—appropriately isolated while still providing the medical facilities Tamayo might need for examination procedures. Su Chen's team arrived precisely at sunset, finding Tamayo already waiting with her assistant Yushiro.
Tamayo was exactly as Tanjiro had described—elegant, composed, radiating the kind of quiet competence that came from centuries of medical practice. Her demonic nature was carefully controlled, her appearance maintained at around late twenties despite her actual age exceeding several hundred years. She wore simple but well-maintained doctor's attire, and her eyes showed the kind of weariness that suggested she had witnessed far too much suffering.
Yushiro, by contrast, was openly hostile—his body language screaming distrust as he positioned himself protectively near Tamayo. Su Chen's enhanced perception immediately identified him as a demon of Tamayo's creation, probably her first successful case of creating a demon without Muzan's direct involvement.
"Kamado-kun," Tamayo greeted warmly, though her attention quickly shifted to assess Su Chen and his companions. "You sent word about capturing an Upper Moon alive? I confess I was skeptical until Yushiro's surveillance confirmed you weren't exaggerating. May I see the patient?"
Xiao Yi Xian carefully set down the container holding Nakime, releasing the neural disruption enough that the Upper Moon could speak though not enough to allow her to use her Blood Demon Art. Nakime's visible eye tracked Tamayo with a mixture of hope and suspicion.
"Tamayo," Nakime rasped, her voice rough from paralysis. "I've heard Muzan speak of you. The traitor who escaped his control centuries ago. He wants you dead more than he wants to eliminate the Demon Slayer Corps."
"I'm aware," Tamayo replied calmly, approaching to examine Nakime with clinical detachment. "And you are Nakime—formerly Lower Moon, recently promoted to Upper Moon Four. Your Blood Demon Art involves spatial manipulation through sound. Muzan values you highly for logistics and reconnaissance." She turned her attention to Su Chen. "How did you capture her without destroying her? Upper Moons typically choose death over capture."
"I didn't give her the option," Su Chen replied simply. "I disabled her combat capabilities before she could choose suicide, then offered her a choice: cooperation leading to potential freedom from Muzan's control, or death. She chose cooperation."
"Under duress," Yushiro interjected accusingly. "That's not genuine consent—it's coercion! You can't expect Tamayo-sama to help someone who was forced—"
"Yushiro," Tamayo interrupted gently, "every patient I've ever treated was under duress of some kind. Illness is duress. Demonic transformation is duress. Muzan's control is perhaps the greatest duress any demon experiences. If I refused to help those under duress, I would help no one."
She returned her attention to Nakime, her expression softening slightly. "Upper Moon Four, I want to be clear about what I can and cannot offer. I have developed methods to weaken Muzan's control over demons, eventually breaking it entirely. The process takes weeks or months depending on how deeply the control has been established. Upper Moons have the deepest control connections—you might require six months or more of treatment. Additionally, breaking free will be agonizing, and there's no guarantee of success. Do you understand and accept these conditions?"
Nakime was silent for a long moment. When she finally spoke, her voice carried genuine emotion rather than the empty cultured tones she'd used during the temple encounter. "I've been Muzan's puppet for over eighty years. Eighty years of murdering humans because his control forces me to crave their flesh. Eighty years of hating myself for actions I can't fully prevent. If you're offering even a chance at breaking free, I accept any conditions. The pain can't be worse than what I've already endured."
Tamayo's expression showed deep sympathy. "Then I'll help you. But I must warn you—the person you were before Muzan's control is likely gone forever. The demon you become after breaking free will be someone new, built from fragments of your human memories combined with your demonic nature. You won't return to being human. Is that acceptable?"
"Better to be a free demon than a controlled one," Nakime replied without hesitation.
"Very well," Tamayo agreed. She looked at Su Chen with new assessment. "You could have simply killed her and been done with it. Why bring her to me? What do you gain from redeeming an Upper Moon?"
"Information, capabilities, and precedent," Su Chen replied honestly. "Nakime possesses strategic intelligence about Muzan's operations and the other Upper Moons. Her Blood Demon Art is valuable—I've already copied it, but having her as a willing practitioner provides additional refinement opportunities. And most importantly, successfully redeeming an Upper Moon establishes that it can be done. If one can break free, others might follow. That destabilizes Muzan's confidence in his most powerful servants' loyalty."
"Psychological warfare combined with practical benefits," Tamayo observed. "You think strategically in ways the Demon Slayer Corps often doesn't. They're so focused on direct combat that they sometimes miss opportunities for undermining their enemy's foundation." She paused, then asked carefully, "Kamado-kun mentioned you're from another dimension entirely. That you've offered to help eliminate Muzan in exchange for access to breathing techniques and recruitment opportunities. Is this true?"
"Completely true," Su Chen confirmed. "I'm a dimensional traveler who collects knowledge, abilities, and talented individuals across multiple realities. Your world offers unique capabilities I don't possess—breathing techniques that push human capability beyond normal limits, and demon biology that demonstrates interesting adaptations. In exchange for acquiring those capabilities, I'll solve your Muzan problem permanently."
"You speak with remarkable confidence about eliminating someone who has survived for over a thousand years," Tamayo noted. "I've been working to find his weakness for centuries without success. What makes you certain you can accomplish what the Corps and I have both failed to achieve?"
"Because I'm not bound by this dimension's limitations," Su Chen replied. He activated his dual pupils briefly, allowing Tamayo to see the golden and silver light. "I possess capabilities that simply don't exist in your world's normal framework. Muzan is powerful by your standards—approximately Spirit Transformation Realm equivalent by my dimension's measurement system. But I'm Formation Arrangement Realm with divine energy backing. The power disparity is significant enough that the outcome isn't in question. The only unknown is how long it takes to locate him and force confrontation."
Tamayo studied him for a long moment with her centuries of experience evaluating people. Finally, she nodded slowly. "I believe you. Your aura is... wrong, in a way that suggests you genuinely originate from elsewhere. And if you possess even a fraction of the power you claim, Muzan would indeed be overmatched." Her expression became more intense. "If you truly can eliminate Muzan, I will provide any assistance you require. He is a blight on this world, and his death would free hundreds of demons from forced servitude to his cruelty."
"Then we have an agreement," Su Chen stated. "You treat Nakime and any other demons we capture who show potential for redemption. I provide resources, protection, and assistance with Muzan's elimination. Shinobu Kocho observes and learns your techniques so the knowledge isn't lost if something happens to you. Everyone benefits."
Shinobu, who had been silent during the exchange, finally spoke up. "Tamayo-san, I've studied your published research on demon biology. Your work is brilliant, but I have theories about conceptual approaches to demon treatment that might accelerate the process. Would you be willing to collaborate?"
Tamayo's eyes lit up with the enthusiasm of a researcher who had finally found a peer. "Absolutely. I've been working in isolation for so long that having a collaborator—especially one trained in the Insect Breathing techniques—would be invaluable. What did you have in mind?"
As Shinobu and Tamayo began discussing complex medical theory, Yushiro pulled Su Chen aside with obvious reluctance. "I don't trust you. You're too powerful, too confident, and your motives are too conveniently aligned with our goals. But Tamayo-sama seems to believe you're genuine, and her judgment has kept us alive for centuries. So I'll watch you. If you betray her trust or harm her in any way, I'll find a way to make you regret it regardless of our power disparity."
"Your loyalty is admirable," Su Chen replied, genuinely meaning it. "Tamayo is fortunate to have someone so dedicated to her wellbeing. But your threats are unnecessary—I gain nothing from betraying her. She's more valuable as a ally and potential recruit than as an enemy."
"Recruit?" Yushiro's expression showed alarm. "You want to recruit Tamayo-sama? She's not interested in joining organizations! She just wants to practice medicine and research demon biology!"
"Which she could continue doing as part of my organization's Medical Research Department," Su Chen pointed out. "She'd have access to resources, specimens, and knowledge from multiple dimensions. Her research would advance decades in the time it currently takes to progress years. I'm not proposing she abandon her goals—I'm offering her better tools to achieve them."
Before Yushiro could respond, Tamayo called out. "Su Chen-san, if you have time, I'd like to examine your blood. Kamado-kun mentioned you've been feeding Nezuko-chan something called 'spiritual energy' instead of human blood or flesh. I'm curious about the biological mechanisms that allows her to sustain herself on pure energy rather than organic matter."
"Xiao Yi Xian can provide samples and explain the process," Su Chen replied. "She's been managing Nezuko's diet and monitoring her condition. You'll find the results interesting—Nezuko has been developing abilities beyond what normal demons manifest, likely because she's not limited by the nutritional constraints of blood-only diet."
As the medical specialists began their collaborative research session, Tanjiro approached Su Chen quietly. "Thank you for helping Nakime. I know you're doing it for strategic reasons, but it's still saving a life. That matters."
"Strategic pragmatism and compassion aren't mutually exclusive," Su Chen replied. "I've learned that the most successful operations often align practical benefits with ethical outcomes. Helping Nakime serves my interests while also being the morally preferable choice. Why not pursue both when they align?"
"Because a lot of people wouldn't," Tanjiro said simply. "A lot of people would just kill her and take what they needed from her corpse. You're choosing the harder path because it leads to better long-term results and happens to be kinder. That's... that's admirable."
Su Chen accepted the compliment without false modesty. His journey had taught him that ruthless efficiency and strategic kindness often produced better results than pure cruelty. The cultivation world's typical "young master" approach of arrogant domination created endless enemies and wasted potential allies. His synthesis approach—overwhelming power combined with reasonable offers—converted potential enemies into subordinates or at least neutral parties.
The evening continued with productive collaboration. Tamayo began preliminary treatment on Nakime, using techniques she'd refined over centuries to start weakening Muzan's control. Shinobu observed with intense focus, occasionally asking questions or suggesting modifications based on her poison expertise. Xiao Yi Xian provided samples and explanations that sent both medical specialists into excited theoretical discussions.
As midnight approached, Tamayo called a halt to the session. "This is excellent progress for a first treatment. Nakime will need to remain sedated for the next several days while the initial control-weakening compounds work through her system. After that, we can begin more intensive treatments. I estimate six months minimum before complete liberation, possibly up to a year."
"That's faster than I expected," Su Chen admitted. "I anticipated multi-year timelines for Upper Moon redemption."
"Your dimensional energy samples accelerated my research significantly," Tamayo explained. "The spiritual energy you've been feeding Nezuko operates on principles that bypass some of Muzan's control mechanisms. If I can synthesize similar energy using this world's resources, I can cut treatment times substantially."
She paused, then asked the question she'd clearly been considering all evening. "Your recruitment offer—it applies to me as well as the Hashira, doesn't it?"
"If you're interested," Su Chen confirmed. "My organization could provide laboratory facilities, research funding, access to specimens from multiple dimensions, and protection from Muzan or any other threats. Your research would continue and expand. The only requirement would be occasional assistance with medical needs for my personnel."
"Tempting," Tamayo admitted. "Very tempting. Let me think about it during Nakime's treatment period. If you successfully eliminate Muzan as you claim you can, I'll give you my answer then."
"Fair enough," Su Chen agreed. They made arrangements for Nakime's continued treatment and scheduled follow-up sessions, then Su Chen's team departed back to the Ubuyashiki estate.
The night had been extraordinarily productive. An Upper Moon was undergoing redemption treatment, two brilliant medical researchers were now collaborating, and Tamayo had been successfully positioned as a potential recruit. Additionally, the Insect Hashira had spent extended time working with Xiao Yi Xian, establishing professional rapport that would facilitate eventual recruitment.
When they arrived back at the estate, they found Mitsuri had waited up despite the late hour, practically bouncing with excitement to hear about the meeting. Su Chen provided a brief summary, and her reaction was characteristically enthusiastic.
"That's amazing! You're helping an Upper Moon become free! And Tamayo-san is helping! And Shinobu-san is learning new techniques! This is all so wonderful!" She paused, then her expression became more serious—as serious as Mitsuri's perpetually cheerful nature allowed. "Su Chen-sama, about your recruitment offer. I've been thinking about it all day. Can I ask you something honestly?"
"Of course," Su Chen replied.
"If I joined your organization, would I still be able to protect people?" Mitsuri asked, her tone showing rare vulnerability. "I became a Demon Slayer because I wanted to use my strength to help those who couldn't help themselves. I don't want to stop doing that just because there aren't demons anymore. Would your organization let me keep protecting people?"
Su Chen smiled, recognizing that Mitsuri had just revealed the key to successfully recruiting her. She wasn't motivated by power or status—she was motivated by the desire to use her abilities to help others. Address that core motivation, and recruitment would follow naturally.
"Mitsuri Kanroji," Su Chen said formally, "the Stellar Void Pavilion operates across multiple dimensions. Every single one of those dimensions has people who need protection from various threats—monsters, criminals, corrupt governments, cosmic entities, dimensional invaders. If you join us, you won't lack for opportunities to protect the innocent. If anything, you'll have more opportunities than remaining in a demon-free Japan."
Mitsuri's eyes went wide, filling with tears of happiness. "Really? You mean it? I could keep helping people, just in different worlds?"
"Absolutely," Su Chen confirmed. "Additionally, I'd provide training and resources to make you even stronger. Your current muscle composition gives you eight times normal human strength. With proper cultivation techniques and body refinement methods from other dimensions, I could increase that to twenty or thirty times baseline. You'd be able to protect even more people, even more effectively."
"Su Chen-sama!" Mitsuri launched herself forward in an impulsive hug, which Su Chen accepted with patient tolerance despite his usual preference for personal space. "That sounds perfect! That's exactly what I want! When can I join? Do I have to wait until Muzan is defeated, or can I—"
"Kanroji!" Obanai's voice cut through the moment, the Serpent Hashira having apparently been lurking nearby despite the late hour. "Control yourself! You can't just—you barely know this person! You can't make life-changing decisions based on one conversation!"
Mitsuri pulled back from the hug, looking guilty. "Iguro-san, I'm sorry, but... but this is what I want. I've been worried about what I'd do once demons were gone and the Corps didn't need me anymore. Su Chen-sama is offering me exactly what I need—a way to keep using my strength to help people. How can I not accept that?"
Obanai looked between Mitsuri and Su Chen, his visible eye showing a complex mixture of emotions—frustration, resignation, protectiveness, and something that might have been jealousy. Finally, he spoke quietly. "If... if you're going to recruit her, then I have conditions. Someone needs to watch out for her. She's too trusting, too kind. She needs someone who will protect her from being taken advantage of."
"You're volunteering to join as well?" Su Chen asked, immediately understanding the subtext.
"If that's what it takes to ensure Kanroji's safety," Obanai replied stiffly. "I won't let her walk into unknown dimensions without someone watching her back."
Su Chen considered this development. He hadn't planned to recruit Obanai—the Serpent Hashira's psychology was complex and potentially problematic. But package deals sometimes made strategic sense, and Obanai's protective instincts toward Mitsuri would make him a stable influence on her more impulsive nature.
"Acceptable," Su Chen decided. "But understand: if you join, you follow orders and work toward organizational objectives. Your protective instincts toward Mitsuri are fine, but they can't interfere with mission requirements. Can you commit to that?"
Obanai was silent for a long moment, clearly struggling with the implications. Finally, he nodded. "If it means ensuring Kanroji's safety, yes. I'll follow your orders."
"Then welcome to the Stellar Void Pavilion, pending final confirmation after Muzan's elimination," Su Chen stated. "Both of you. We'll handle formal recruitment procedures once the Corps' primary mission is complete."
As Mitsuri squealed with excitement and Obanai tried to maintain his dignity despite clearly being emotional about the decision, Su Chen reflected on the day's progress.
Two Hashira tentatively recruited. An Upper Moon undergoing redemption. Tamayo positioned as a potential future recruit. Shinobu building rapport with Xiao Yi Xian through professional collaboration.
The Demon Slayer world was yielding its treasures systematically and efficiently. Soon, he'd have everything valuable this dimension could offer—breathing techniques, demon biology understanding, and multiple talented individuals to strengthen his organization.
Then it would be time to eliminate Muzan permanently and move on to the next dimension. The Marvel Cinematic Universe awaited, with its infinity stones, superhuman individuals, and cosmic-scale threats.
But first, he had a demon king to kill and an organization to expand.
The harvest continued, and Su Chen intended to extract every last drop of value before departing this dimension.