Adam agreed to accompany Shinobu to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, but he was required to wear a black cloth bag over his head, obscuring his vision and other senses.
This was a non-negotiable condition.
He understood that this measure was intended to conceal the location of the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters and protect their base's security.
However, in reality, this precaution was entirely ineffective for him.
Adam possessed the〔Perception〕skill, which allowed him to thoroughly survey the surrounding terrain. Even with his eyes covered, it had no impact on his abilities whatsoever.
This situation perfectly illustrated the futility of conventional methods against fantastical abilities!
Of course, Adam wasn't foolish enough to reveal, "This is useless for me."
After all, wouldn't that be deliberately toying with people's minds?
"I apologize, Suoh-kun, but this is a rule of the Demon Slayer Corps." Shinobu explained as she placed the black cloth bag over his head, "It's to prevent the location of our headquarters from being exposed and to protect the safety of our master. I hope you understand."
"It's perfectly fine. I understand completely." Adam replied, obediently putting on the bag without any sign of reluctance.
Muzan Kibutsuji and the Ubuyashiki family were locked in a centuries-old game of hide-and-seek, each seeking to find the other in an attempt to resolve their conflict at its source.
Yet both sides had concealed themselves so well that for a thousand years, neither had discovered the other. Instead, they relied on their subordinates to wage desperate battles of wit and courage on their behalf.
The Ubuyashiki family, currently powerless to protect themselves, relied solely on the Demon Slayer Corps. Their need to remain hidden was understandable.
Muzan, however, was the true master of self-preservation.
Despite being invulnerable to everything but sunlight, he lurked in the shadows, dispatching his minions to wreak havoc. His caution knew no bounds.
Moments later, several figures clad in black materialized from the darkness. They wore hoods and veils, their eyes the only visible feature. Their uniforms bore a large character for "Hidden".
These were the Kakushi, members of the Demon Slayer Corps. They handled various tasks for the organization, tied up loose ends, and served as the emergency response team for the Butterfly Mansion.
Shinobu greeted the Kakushi with a smile, "I'll leave him in your care."
"You can count on us, Lady Kocho!" A Kakushi member replied respectfully, "We'll ensure his safe arrival at headquarters."
With that, they hoisted Adam up and whisked him away.
After several handovers, Adam arrived at the Demon Slayer Corps' stronghold, feigning ignorance of the route.
— The Demon Slayer Corps headquarters.
Upon arrival, the black cloth bag was removed from Adam's head. Scorching sunlight flooded his eyes. As his vision adjusted, he surveyed his surroundings.
Before him stood the eight pillars — the elite of the Demon Slayer Corps!
Stone Pillar · Gyomei Himejima
Serpent Pillar · Obanai Iguro
Mist Pillar · Muichiro Tokito
Love Pillar · Mitsuri Kanroji
Sound Pillar · Tengen Uzui
Flame Pillar · Kyojuro Rengoku
Water Pillar · Giyu Tomioka
And beside him, the Insect Pillar · Shinobu Kocho.
These individuals, dressed distinctively and brimming with character, matched the Demon Slayer Corps Hashira members in his memory perfectly!
All the Hashira were present, save for Sanemi Shinazugawa.
"My, my, all familiar faces... This is truly exciting beyond measure." Adam murmured softly. His unheard thoughts continued, 'These people all possess powerful breathing techniques and sword skills!'
His gaze intensified with interest.
Shinobu gestured towards him, introducing him to the Hashira with a smile, "This gentleman is Takeshi Suoh, a guest invited by our master."
"Hello everyone, I'm Takeshi Suoh. Please take care of me." Adam said, waving in greeting and using his alias.
"Oh! Hello, I'm Kyojuro Rengoku. Please take care of me too!"
"The flamboyant me is Tengen Uzui!"
"So handsome! Um... I'm Mitsuri Kanroji. Please take care of me."
"Ah, I'm Gyomei Himejima."
Only four people responded to Adam's greeting; the rest remained silent.
Well, well! The silent ones were playing it cool, acting like experts.
Shinobu, familiar with their temperaments, looked at the center of the scene and asked, "What's going on here? What's happened? Why is Tanjiro Kamado here?"
"We're here to pass judgment on Tanjiro Kamado!" Kyojuro declared, pointing at Tanjiro, who knelt before them, covered in wounds, "As a member of the Demon Slayer Corps accompanying a demon, he must be executed!"
"He must die!" Obanai, the Serpent Hashira, added venomously, "A demon hunter with a demon — it's preposterous!"
Gyomei's face showed compassion, but his words were unyielding, "One who aids evil demons forfeits their right to live in this world."
Tengen drew his dual swords, "I'll handle the execution. He'll die a flamboyantly bloody death!"
The others remained silent, tacitly agreeing. Muichiro gazed absently at the sky.
Only Mitsuri spoke up hesitantly, "Um... he was on a mission with a demon, wasn't he? Surely the master knew. If we punish him ourselves, won't the master be displeased? Is this really alright?"
"That's true. The master can't be unaware."
Mitsuri's words resonated, and the Hashira fell into contemplation.
Adam observed silently, assuming events would unfold as he remembered if he didn't intervene.
Indeed, the Wind Pillar soon arrived. After some heated exchanges, Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the Master, intervened to defuse the situation. Following debates, tests, and Kagaya's appeals, the group reluctantly agreed to spare Tanjiro's life.
Throughout this process, Adam remained a spectator.
He had to admit, witnessing it firsthand was far more engaging than watching it on screen. No wonder people preferred live concerts to recordings.
However, he was surprised when Kagaya unexpectedly involved him in Tanjiro's judgment.
"Carter… I mean, Suoh-kun, what do you think of this arrangement?" Kagaya asked him, who was observing from the sidelines, "Do you have any additional insights?"
"Insights..." Adam frowned slightly, "This is an internal matter of your Demon Slayer Corps. As an outsider, I shouldn't have the right to interfere, should I?"
"But you saved Tanjiro at that time, didn't you?" Kagaya 'looked' at him with a smile, "Regardless of your purpose, your interference in Shinobu's capture of Tanjiro is a fact."
This must have been specially reported to him by Shinobu. Along with his original name, so Kagaya should already know that he's a foreigner. Yet he still treated him gently.
"That's right, I did interfere." Adam admitted frankly, contentedly accepting Tanjiro's grateful gaze.
"Then, Suoh-kun, why did you save Tanjiro, and what was your purpose?" Kagaya asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Don't misunderstand — it was purely for my own selfish reasons."
"Yes, selfish reasons." Adam looked at Tanjiro and, facing his puzzled expression, enunciated each word, "For the Sun Breathing!"
"What?!!!" Chorused nine voices in unison.
With this revelation, all hell broke loose.
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