章 24: Chapter 24: Thunder Pillar Aomori
Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters, Ubuyashiki Mansion, Central Courtyard.
Boom!
Gyomei's robust frame was once more brutally slammed into the ground, his cry echoing in the air.
Struggling to sit up, he managed to cross his legs, but he lacked the strength to rise and confront his opponent.
After an intense and protracted battle, Gyomei could hear the man's deep, powerful breaths, a testament to the strength still coursing within him.
"What a monstrous being," he thought.
Never had he imagined that the very person once labeled a monster would one day apply the term to another.
Amongst the combatants, Gyomei stood as the last, while the others lay scattered on the ground, exhausted. He let out a sigh, bending towards Kagaya Ubuyashiki, and spoke, "Lord Master, this Mr. Aomori possesses extraordinary power, and his words are trustworthy. On behalf of the Pillars, I agree to Mr. Aomori's request."
Though this skirmish had dealt a blow to the Demon Slayer Corps' reputation, the prospect of an additional ally far outweighed the tarnish.
It seemed the time to vanquish demons was finally drawing near.
Tears welled up in Gyomei's eyes at the thought.
"You've all done admirably," Kagaya Ubuyashiki stated, bowing in respect, having already been informed of the battle's outcome by his daughters.
"Mr. Aomori, I apologize on behalf of these young ones. I hope you can forgive them."
Aomori waved away the apology, his breathing gradually steadying. "When it comes to defeating Kibutsuji, we are natural allies. I hope we can work together effectively in the future."
"Absolutely!" Kagaya, eager to rid the world of demons, could hardly contain his excitement. The future he had envisioned seemed to be unfolding before him. "We will wholeheartedly cooperate with you from now on. Unfortunately, today's Pillar meeting has been cut short."
With the exception of Sanemi, who had relentlessly attacked Aomori until he fainted, the other Pillars had sustained various injuries, necessitating at least a day of rest and recuperation.
"That's not a problem; let's first address a few of my requests."
"Please, go ahead."
"Firstly, I require two Nichirin Swords."
"Certainly. I will have our swordsmiths craft two Nichirin Swords tailored to your specifications."
"Secondly, I need all the information regarding the Breathing Techniques employed by the Demon Slayer Corps, including their training methods."
"The information currently held at headquarters can be delivered to you tonight. As for the data distributed among the Pillars, former Pillars, and potential successors, I will issue orders to have it collected and delivered to headquarters within five days."
"Thirdly, I wish to join the Demon Slayer Corps. From this moment forward, I am Aomori, the 'Thunder Pillar'!"
…
"Husband, is he the one we have awaited for?"
Following the Pillar meeting, Kagaya Ubuyashiki returned to the inner chamber, where he met his wife, Amane Ubuyashiki.
"Yes, he is," Kagaya Ubuyashiki affirmed with a cough. "In the clash of thunder and light, demons and curses shall be banished."
The Ubuyashiki family bore a blood connection to Kibutsuji, and ever since his transformation into a demon a thousand years ago, the family had seemingly been cursed. Babies born into the family were often frail, and even those who survived rarely lived past thirty.
In Kagaya Ubuyashiki's eyes, the enmity that had persisted for over a millennium would finally be resolved in this generation.
…
"This is the Butterfly Estate, a treatment facility under my management," Kanae explained with a smile as she introduced Aomori and Tanjiro. A group of Pillars followed, either assisted or carried by Demon Slayer Corps support personnel.
Given Kanae's relatively minor injuries, Kagaya Ubuyashiki had entrusted her with providing a private tour to Aomori, as well as bringing over several more seriously injured Pillars for treatment.
Upon entering the Butterfly Estate, they were greeted by two girls emerging from the inner room.
"Big sis, you're back!" The elder girl exclaimed, bounding toward Kanae, with the younger one trailing behind timidly.
They were Kanae's biological sister, Kocho Shinobu, and her adopted sister, Kanoe Tsuyuri.
"Huh?" Kocho Shinobu was the first to notice Aomori standing beside Kanae, and then her gaze shifted to the group behind them. "More injured individuals?"
She shuddered with a sensation akin to an electric shock, unable to fathom why the formidable Pillars would be injured simultaneously.
"Of course not! They had a dispute during their meeting and resorted to fighting amongst themselves," Kanae clarified, pushing Kocho Shinobu toward the injured Pillars. "They're relying on you, little Shinobu."
With that, she led Aomori into the inner chamber.
"Are you certain it wasn't demons?" Kocho Shinobu looked at the injured Pillars, her suspicion evident.
"Ah, this is a battle worth remembering!" Rengoku raised his head and laughed.
"It's true." Tomioka Yoshiyuki said expressionlessly.
"That's right, it's all the fault of that guy Sanemi!" Tenzen also said in support.
"Oh." Shinobu believed it for the time being.
...
Kanae escorted Aomori to an empty room, exhaling a sigh of relief. "Phew, it's challenging to deceive Shinobu."
"A slight inconvenience," Aomori commented. He had requested that the Pillars keep his arrival discreet to avoid premature detection.
However, Butterfly Kanae shook her head. "This is a Demon Slayer uniform, but it might take two days for the Haori, signifying the Thunder Pillar's identity, to be delivered. Is there anything else you require?"
She had sensed Aomori's initial reluctance when she had seemingly endorsed his leadership of the Demon Slayer Squad, a decision she herself found perplexing.
"That will suffice." Aomori reclaimed the Demon Slayer uniform and locked Kanae out.
He seems rather reserved, Butterfly Kanae mused, her hand supporting her chin.
After a while, the door swung open once more.
Butterfly Kanae, who had waited outside, scrutinized Aomori with suspicion, casting her gaze up and down. She then turned her head to peer into the room. Sensing no signs of another person's presence, she hesitantly inquired, "Mr. Aomori?"
"Crush the darkness with thunder. I am the new Thunder Pillar, Aomori. Pleasure to make your acquaintance," Aomori declared, standing before the door. He was now an attractive young man donned in a Demon Slayer uniform. The key distinction was the pair of black-rimmed glasses perched on his nose, and a warm, charming smile played upon his lips.
This smile is worlds apart from Mr. Aomori's icy demeanor, Kanae thought, taking a step back, her lilac-pink eyes expressing caution.
"It's you! Truly magical," she exclaimed in astonishment, circling around Aomori, puzzled by how a pair of glasses could wield such a transformative effect.
"It's quite remarkable, isn't it?" Aomori replied, removing his glasses and reverting to his original voice. "It's me." He donned the glasses once more. His sunny, outgoing persona shifted back to that of the Thunder Pillar!
"Incredible! It's like magic! Can it alter one's personality too?" Butterfly Kanae asked, her words flowing rapidly as she seemed entranced. "Do you possess spells that can penetrate walls? Or perhaps an invisibility spell?"
A string of questions tumbled from her lips, leaving Aomori momentarily dumbfounded.
"Ah, my apologies. Did I get carried away? I'm just so fascinated by this!" Butterfly Kanae blushed, feeling a tad embarrassed.
"It's quite alright. As long as it brings you joy."
"But it seems like you're enjoying this as well," Kanae teased.
"Please, take me to the Swordsmith Village immediately," Aomori urged, steering the conversation back on track.
"Of course, follow me."
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