LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 71: Kagaya Ubuyashiki
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In the courtyard, Ryuji sat quietly, sipping tea as his sharp eyes observed the training of Kochou Kanae and Kochou Shinobu. The sound of wooden swords clashing and the faint laughter of the sisters filled the air, contrasting with the otherwise serene atmosphere.
Suddenly, Ryuji paused, setting his cup down with deliberate care. His gaze shifted toward the gate, a flicker of recognition in his amber eyes.
Moments later, the towering figure of the Stone Hashira, Himejima Gyomei, entered the courtyard. His presence was imposing yet gentle, his prayer beads clutched in his hands as always. Gyomei's expression softened as he caught sight of the Kochou sisters training diligently.
He paused, a mix of respect and sorrow flickering across his face. Gyomei knew the sisters well; their unwavering resolve to hunt demons was admirable but heartbreaking. He had refused their requests for training before, hoping they might find a path free from the cruel cycle of death and despair that plagued the Demon Slayer Corps. Yet here they were, persevering under Ryuji's guidance.
Gyomei clasped his hands together and closed his eyes briefly in silent prayer. He mourned the futures they were sacrificing for vengeance. Though he deeply respected their bravery, he knew the harsh realities awaiting them—most Demon Slayers succumbed to the horrors of their duty, and those who survived were often left with scars, both visible and unseen.
Hearing his heavy footsteps, Kanae and Shinobu turned to face him. The younger sister narrowed her eyes, her voice low with annoyance.
"Why is he here again?" Shinobu muttered, her tone laced with defiance.
"Shinobu," Kanae chided gently, casting her a reproachful glance. "That's no way to speak about Gyomei-sama. He has helped us before, even if not in the way we wanted."
Shinobu huffed and stuck out her tongue playfully. "I know, I know. I was just kidding." She returned to her training, though her eyes occasionally flickered toward the towering Hashira.
"Gyomei-sama," Kanae greeted warmly, bowing slightly in respect.
Ryuji, now standing, offered a polite smile. "Gyomei-san, welcome back. I had thought your mission would conclude sooner."
Gyomei inclined his head, his deep voice rumbling. "Ryuji-san." His gaze shifted momentarily to the younger man, and his expression faltered slightly. Despite Gyomei's blindness, his heightened senses detected a shift in Ryuji's presence—an aura far more commanding and intense than before.
"Ryuji-san," Gyomei began, his hands clasping his prayer beads tightly. "Your strength has grown again, hasn't it?"
Ryuji's smile was faint but composed. "You could say that. In the chaos of battle, one often finds clarity." His tone was light, but his words carried a weight Gyomei did not miss.
Gyomei nodded solemnly. "Your progress is admirable. It brings me comfort to know the Corps grows stronger through individuals like you." His sincerity was evident, though the concern in his heart for the young man lingered.
"Thank you, Gyomei-san," Ryuji replied, his gaze steady. After a brief pause, he added, "But I sense there's something you wish to discuss."
Gyomei's expression became thoughtful as he inclined his head slightly. "There is. It is a matter best discussed in private."
Ryuji's sharp gaze lingered on Gyomei for a moment before he nodded. "Then let us speak inside." He gestured toward the house.
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Ryuji led Himejima Gyomei into his modest home, curious about the Stone Hashira's uncharacteristic vigilance. Gyomei's towering figure moved silently through the room, his expression pensive as he seemed to assess every corner for eavesdroppers. His hands never strayed far from his prayer beads, the soft clinking of the wooden spheres the only sound breaking the silence.
Watching this, Ryuji's brows furrowed slightly. Something was clearly weighing heavily on Gyomei's mind.
"What troubles you so much, Gyomei-san, that you must be so cautious?" Ryuji asked, his voice steady but tinged with concern.
Gyomei clasped his hands together and bowed his head slightly. "Ryuji-san, forgive my caution. But the matter I've come to discuss is of utmost importance." His deep voice carried a solemn weight. "The master wishes to meet you."
Ryuji blinked, caught off guard for a moment. Then, understanding dawned on him. It must be about the Breath of the Sun—an ancient and revered breathing technique said to hold unparalleled power against demons. Its rarity and potency were legendary, and Ryuji's recent developments in his training had likely caught the master's attention.
"I see," Ryuji said with a nod. "Very well. I'll inform Kie and the others before—"
"No," Gyomei interrupted gently but firmly, raising a hand. "I must ask that you refrain from contacting anyone until after you've met the master."
Ryuji frowned slightly at this restriction but quickly realized the reasoning behind it. The master's safety was paramount. If word of his movements leaked, it could draw the attention of Muzan Kibutsuji or his Upper Moons. Even though it was daytime and demons could not act openly, the risk was too great to ignore.
"I understand," Ryuji replied after a brief pause. "Let us leave immediately."
Gyomei's shoulders visibly relaxed at Ryuji's compliance. "Thank you, Ryuji-san. Your understanding means much to me."
Together, they departed the town, traversing quiet paths that led toward the nearby mountain range. The journey was uneventful, save for the occasional chirp of birds and the crunch of leaves underfoot. Ryuji walked in silence, his mind wandering to the possibilities of what this meeting could entail.
Eventually, they reached a manor nestled halfway up the mountain, surrounded by the ever-blooming wisteria trees that signified safety from demons. The manor exuded a tranquil yet commanding presence, its structure standing firm amidst the natural beauty of the mountain.
At the entrance, two young girls with identical features stood in silence. Their white hair shimmered in the sunlight, and their pale kimonos seemed almost ethereal. Each held a lantern, their expressions serene and unreadable. Ryuji recognized them immediately as the master's attendants—the Ubuyashiki daughters. They had appeared briefly during the Final Selection, though they were even younger now.
"These are the master's daughters," Gyomei explained, noticing Ryuji's lingering gaze.
Ryuji nodded. "I know. They carry themselves with remarkable grace, even at their age."
The girls bowed simultaneously, their movements perfectly synchronized. Without a word, they turned and gestured for the two men to follow. The walk through the manor was short and quiet, the air heavy with an unspoken reverence.
They were soon led to a room where the master awaited. Inside, a man knelt with his back to them. His presence was calm yet commanding, and even without turning, he exuded an air of wisdom and authority.
"Master," Gyomei said, bowing deeply, his tone laced with respect. "I have brought Ryuji-san, as you requested."
The master rose slowly, his movements deliberate and graceful. As he turned to face them, Ryuji felt the weight of the man's gaze, even through the faint scars that marred his features. This was Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps—a man whose frailty belied the strength of his spirit.
Ryuji lowered himself into a respectful bow. "It is an honor to meet you, Master Ubuyashiki."
Ubuyashiki's gentle smile was both welcoming and sad. "Ryuji-san, the honor is mine. Please, rise. We have much to discuss."
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