Tanjiro and Shinobu ran side by side toward the Ubuyashiki estate.
The cold wind struck their faces as they moved, though neither felt any discomfort from the weather.
Shinobu, who had been quiet until now, could no longer hold back her curiosity. She suddenly asked, "Where's your Nichirin Sword?"
He replied casually, keeping his gaze forward. "Gave it to Nayuta."
'...Ha?'
An inexplicable look crossed her face.
"You gave a real sword to a ten-year-old… Is that what you're saying?" Her mind pieced it together almost instantly. "You… you agreed to train her, didn't you?"
Not really caring to hide it, he simply told the truth.
"Yes. I gave her that sword because she's a lot more mature than you think. And don't worry, she's both capable and talented enough to be a Demon Slayer. Anyway, I'm the one in charge of her, so just let her do what she wants." He gave her a brief glance. "You don't want to control her future, do you?"
Her expression shifted at his calm yet sharp words.
She stayed silent for over ten seconds before mumbling with a defeated look. "I… I just want her to live normally. Is that willful of me?"
His answer came quickly. "No. You're simply too worried."
Noticing her mood was still low, he exhaled loudly and added, "If she can't improve much in the next three months, or if she loses interest and passion, I'll make her quit. Now wipe that depressed look off your face. We're about to arrive."
Instantly, a warm smile flashed across her face. "Thanks…"
Sensing several life signatures ahead, he nodded inwardly. 'No other Hashira, huh… Does he want to congratulate us or something? If it's battle data, Shiori must have already told him everything. What is it…'
Glancing at Shinobu, he said gently, "It's nothing. As for the sword, Mitsuri and Kanao are with her, so it's fine."
She nodded. "Mm."
Realizing something, she looked at the metallic wrist guard on his arm with hidden marvel. "You'll use that openly from now on?"
His answer was short and nonchalant. "Yup."
'That sword is out of this world… I wonder who made it in the past?' she thought, recalling the terrifying aura, overwhelming sharpness, and durability she had witnessed last night.
Just thinking about it sent visible shivers through her.
Sadly, it was the only piece. If there were more, how good would that be for the organization.
'He's already so strong without it. If he were to wield it…'
Her brows twitched just from imagining.
"Fate is really smiling upon you, mm… How envious." She said playfully.
To her response, he chuckled lightly. "Well, I'm not the only one…"
'… What does he mean by that?'
Shiori, perched on Tanjiro's shoulder, suddenly flew off. "Too much talk, caw!"
"…"
...
Ubuyashiki Manor.
Tanjiro and Shinobu sat gracefully inside the tatami room, facing Kagaya, who sat in seiza.
The door to the garden was open, letting sunlight pour directly into the room.
The soothing chirping of birds and the constant rustle of leaves filled their ears, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere.
Once the timing felt right, Kagaya's kind and soft voice spoke.
Both listened without interrupting.
"Tanjiro, Shinobu, you two did a wonderful job. By dispatching an Upper Rank demon, it's not wrong to say that you have saved hundreds of innocent lives and brought justice to many. A powerful subordinate of Muzan has finally been defeated, and because of this, so many people are looking up to you two."
With a small, happy smile, he added, "Be proud of what you did. It was an excellent service to humanity."
Tanjiro nodded with a smile while Shinobu replied with a polite bow. "Hai."
Next, Kagaya's expression warmed and he spoke pleasantly. "Is there anything you'd like to have or would like to request? Please say so. I will do everything in my power to make it possible."
'…Hmm? We're being given a reward?' Tanjiro thought.
Before even three seconds could pass, Shinobu voiced her request. "Oyakata-sama, I'd like to request new advanced equipment for the lab. The old ones are limited in number and have been used to the maximum."
'Ohh… If it was a few days ago, she would obviously have asked for assistants.' He realized how his rapid advancement and involvement in the lab had changed her decision.
She wanted a genius like him as her partner.
That's why she chose to teach him alongside her, since that was the best choice, and she refused to include random outsiders to assist her.
Hearing Shinobu's request, Kagaya shook his head slightly. "If it's equipment, we will have them delivered to the lab in a day or two." He then added, "But what I hoped for when I said that earlier is that you should ask for something you want for yourself. Because that's the only thing I can do for you as Oyakata. So if you don't mind, please ask for anything. I would be really happy if you do."
'What a guy…' Tanjiro couldn't help praising Kagaya's character mentally.
Shinobu went into thought before speaking softly. "Kimono?"
Though she could buy one herself with her own money, she clearly had no idea what else to ask for. Since nothing came to mind, she chose the easy way out.
Tanjiro raised a brow in surprise. 'Shinobu in a kimono…'
He wanted to see.
Kagaya nodded and looked at Tanjiro, waiting for his response.
Seeing that it was his turn, he requested, "Can I have a flower called Blue Spider Lily? I'd like to grow it at the Butterfly Mansion."
The Ubuyashiki family knew that Muzan desired to conquer the sun. However, during his short stay, Tanjiro discovered that they knew nothing whatsoever about the Blue Spider Lily. He intended to exploit this thoroughly.
"Blue Spider Lily? Not red?" Shinobu tilted her head curiously. A thought flashed through her mind: 'Mm, so he likes flowers too…'
He cleared her doubts. "Yes. It's a rare flower, very beautiful in appearance. It looks like a Red Spider Lily, but it's blue in color. Hm, I've seen it once on our home mountain when I was young, but I don't know the exact location."
Looking at Kagaya, he said, "Would it be alright, Oyakata?"
Kagaya merely smiled and nodded lightly. "Not a problem at all. I'll have the entire mountain searched for you, Tanjiro."
'... He sure is delighted...'
Afterward, Kagaya told them he had ordered the entire Kakushi branch and Kasugai Crows to look for the Eternal Paradise Faith. Given the effectiveness of the Intelligence department, it wouldn't be long before they found the demon's nest.
Once that matter was discussed, Kagaya smiled brightly and looked at the crimson-eyed boy. "I'd like to make Tanjiro the commander-in-chief of all Demon Slayers, if that's okay with you?"
'…!?'
'Commander-in-chief?' he thought.
Shinobu's lips parted unknowingly.
'Complete authority over the Demon Slayers? That means equal status as Oyakata-sama?' Her purple eyes shifted to Tanjiro.
'The entire organization would be under him…'
Even though she felt shock, she could easily figure out the reason Oyakata-sama would make such a decision.
Tanjiro was the strongest, after all.
He had defeated Upper Rank Four like it was child's play. He had inherited the Sun Breathing Style, the very first Breathing Style from the Sengoku Period, and mastered Total Concentration Breathing: Constant to an unbelievable degree. He also possessed the Mark and could turn his Nichirin Sword bright red.
If he wasn't qualified to be commander-in-chief, then no one else in the Corps was.
Not even five seconds passed before Tanjiro answered with a faint smile. "Sure. If Oyakata believes in me so much, how could I possibly refuse?"
Shinobu pressed her lips inward, goosebumps running through her entire body. 'He accepted!'