Demon Slayer : Breath of The Forest

"A powerful Demon not among the Twelve Kizuki? I've never heard of such a thing before." Under the clean eaves, Oyakata-sama 'Ubuyashiki Kagaya' sat with Shinichi.

Ethereal green branches merged into Kagaya body, channeling a torrent of life force ceaselessly into his increasingly frail form.

Forest Breathing · Ninth Form: Eternal Cycle

This was Shinichi insistence.

Though Forest Breathing couldn't resist the curse eating away at Oyakata-sama, it could at least alleviate his physical suffering, granting him a few days of relief.

It was during this time that Shinichi reported in detail his encounter with the martial Demon to Oyakata-sama, even mentioning that the Demon might have known Shun'ichi Moriki, the ancestor of the Moriki family.

"Is that so? From your description, this suddenly appearing Demon doesn't seem to be like the ones under Muzan's command. An ancestor of the Moriki family, you say? I'll keep an eye out for any related records in the Ubuyashiki family archives. Additionally, Shinichi, you might also try asking Mitsuyo Moriki-san—perhaps you'll uncover more." Oyakata-sama suggested.

Shinichi nodded in agreement. He did intend to ask the Old Man about it.

"Speaking of which, Shinichi, what are your thoughts on the two newly promoted Hashira? I'd like to hear your opinions on Kanae and Giyu" Oyakata-sama suddenly asked.

Shinichi paused for a moment, then answered thoughtfully.

"They're well-suited. Both Kanae and Giyu have the potential to become Hashira. Their promotions were only natural."

Oyakata-sama nodded, then remarked with a sigh "Kanae is such a gentle swordsman—toward both her fellow Demon Slayers and the Demons themselves. I've heard she's always wanted to truly befriend a Demon. Though, I doubt she realizes her wish has already been fulfilled, hasn't it?"

With a knowing smile, Oyakata-sama glanced at Shinichi, who averted his eyes uncomfortably.

His identity was a sensitive matter and even though Shinichi himself was a Demon, he didn't share Kanae ideals.

In his view, he had never considered Demons as his kind—the best way to deal with them was to send them straight to hell.

"Perhaps. But Kanae Flower Breathing is truly exceptional" Shinichi replied offhandedly.

After discussing Kanae, Oyakata-sama continued.

"And then there's Giyu. I've heard that before becoming a Hashira, he challenged you many times. In a way, you've watched him grow, haven't you?"

This time, Shinichi nodded earnestly. "Indeed. As Urokodaki-san said, Tomioka Giyu possesses extraordinary talent for Water Breathing. But before this, he never seemed to realize that his brilliance was always overshadowed by that boy named Sabito.

There's no denying Sabito was also a supremely gifted swordsman, but if I had to choose, I'd say Giyu talent surpasses even his. I believe it won't be long before he reaches heights beyond the current limits of Water Breathing."

Ubuyashiki Kagaya looked at Shinichi in surprise—he hadn't expected such high praise for Giyu.

"Is that so? Though, it seems Giyu has misunderstood you all this time. Don't you plan to explain things to him?"

Shinichi smiled nonchalantly and said "There's nothing to explain. It was all what I should do. Two equally outstanding talents shouldn't overshadow each other. One needs to show their edge, while the other needs to shed their pretenses. Excessive protection and blind heroism are equally undesirable."

From the conversation between the Master and Shinichi, everyone could guess—yes, Shinichi had deceived Giyu.

Or rather, Shinichi had deceived all the swordsmen of that year Final Selection.

Sabito hadn't been eliminated.

Shortly after Sabito left Fujikasane Mountain, Shinichi urgently sent letters to both the headquarters and Mount Sagiri, where the former Water Hashira Urokodaki Sakonji resided, detailing his arrangements.

In truth, Shinichi greatly admired Sabito bravery and sense of responsibility, but he couldn't approve of Sabito blind heroism, even though Sabito intentions were good.

Allowing swordsmen who weren't qualified to pass the Final Selection to join the Demon Slayer Corps was irresponsible—both to the Corps and to those Swordman's lives.

So Shinichi pointed this out bluntly.

However, this wasn't too significant a flaw and Sabito's brilliance wouldn't be overshadowed by it.

On the surface, Shinichi had eliminated Sabito, but this was only to instill a sense of urgency in those who had passed because of Sabito and to prevent them from becoming accustomed to relying on the protection of the strong, instead striving to improve their own strength.

As for Sabito, Shinichi personally invited him to join the Demon Slayer Corps in secret, with the condition that he conceal his identity until the right moment to reveal himself.

So, while Giyu was tormented by guilt over causing his dear friend Sabito elimination, Sabito had already donned the Demon Slayer uniform and wielded a Nichirin Blade, slaying demons in the night.

However, Sabito, who always wore a mask with his face hidden beneath a hood, remained unrecognized.

Among the Demon Slayers, the powerful Sabito was only known as a mysterious high-ranking Demon Slayers.

In fact, Sabito had crossed paths with Giyu multiple times within the Corps. But remembering Shinichi words, Sabito chose not to reveal himself, silently watching Giyu grow from the shadows.

The first one in the Demon Slayer Corps to figure out Sabito identity was likely the adorable girl Makomo.

Almost the moment she saw Sabito, her eyes widened in recognition. But before she could call out his name, Sabito quickly stopped her.

From then on, the Corps had one more member keeping a secret from Giyu.

But Shinichi probably didn't expect that the Master had quietly issued orders—by now, Sabito should have already reunited with Giyu.

As the Master, Kagaya deeply disliked misunderstandings between Demonslayer, especially among such outstanding Hashira.

So after Giyu became the Water Hashira, Kagaya immediately informed Sabito, hoping that when Giyu returned, the rift between the Water Hashira and the Forest Hashira would disappear.

Rustle!

A gentle breeze passed by and the faint green branches gradually dissipated.

For the first time in a long while, Kagaya felt an unexpected lightness in his body.

Unable to resist, he stretched with a big yawn. "Thank you very much, Shinichi" Kagaya said sincerely.

It was at this moment that Kagaya wife, Lady Amane, arrived with two adorable little girls, Ubuyashiki Hinaki and Ubuyashiki Nichika.

Upon seeing Shinichi, Lady Amane bowed deeply and said politely.

"Thank you, Forest Hashira, for everything you've done for Oyakata-sama."

Shinichi quickly returned the courtesy, replying. "It was my duty, Lady Amane. You're too kind."

He then greeted the two adorable girls, pulling a handful of candies from his pocket and placing them in the eagerly outstretched hands of Hinaki and Nichika, whose eyes sparkled with delight.

At that very moment, Lady Amane turned to Kagaya with a sorrowful expression and said.

"The wife of the Flame Hashira, Lady Ruka, has passed away."

"What?" Both Shinichi and Kagaya froze in shock.

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