Leaving the brightly lit Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, Adam walked alone on a dimly lit path, still mulling over recent events.
"To think we'd entrust our future to an outsider — it's truly frustrating and vexing." Adam said loudly, then glanced toward an empty space nearby, "You all feel the same way, don't you?"
As soon as he finished speaking, with a whoosh, nine figures materialized in the empty space.
Dressed in elegant attire and exuding an imposing presence, they were the Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps — all nine of them.
"Ah, haha... We've been exposed, haven't we?" Shinobu spoke first, her laughter an attempt to ease the tension.
Among the nine Hashira, she was the most adept at smoothing over awkward situations.
Adam sighed, "I didn't notice at first, but when Master Ubuyashiki mentioned his impending death, I heard a slight noise. It was you, wasn't it, Sanemi?"
Observing the silent Wind Hashira with his head bowed, he hadn't expected this unruly and hot-tempered man to react so strongly to the news of Kagaya's limited time.
It was precisely Sanemi's involuntary sound that had prompted Adam to activate his skill, revealing the presence of all the Hashira.
Come to think of it, not only his sense of smell but his hearing had sharpened too. He suspected this was another effect of his〚Analyze and Copy〛ability.
'It seems this skill has other unknown capabilities yet to be discovered.' Halting his wandering thoughts, Adam turned to ask, "I've already stated that I'll help you deal with Muzan Kibutsuji. Why are you following me? Do you have any other concerns?"
"No, we don't have any issues."
Seeing the inexplicably hopeful look in the eyes of the nine Hashira, he felt a wave of irritation.
Although the Demon Slayer Corps hadn't resorted to moral blackmail and were even willing to risk everything to keep him, he couldn't bring himself to like these people who seemed to disregard their own lives.
"Tch." He clicked his tongue in annoyance, aware of his inability to change their mindset.
Destroying Muzan had become their obsession, and no amount of persuasion would shake their resolve. All Adam could do was try his best to prevent them from sacrificing themselves needlessly.
"Looks like there'll be no sleep tonight..." Muttering softly, he then called out loudly to the nine Hashira, "Hey, you lot, come with me!"
"To tell you more about the Twelve Kizuki." His lips curled into a mischievous smile, "Since you've placed your hopes on me, you'd better show more of that do-or-die spirit... At least, don't get wiped out by the Twelve Kizuki before we even face Muzan Kibutsuji."
Having agreed to help the Demon Slayer Corps eliminate the Demon Progenitor, Adam knew the plan needed to change. They couldn't simply follow the original story, hunting down the Twelve Kizuki one by one. If they did that, how many Hashira would be sacrificed?
These Pillars were invaluable assets, each capable of swaying the final battle's outcome. He was determined to prevent their untimely demise.
A single conclusion emerged: they needed a coordinated assault.
Their strategy? Launch a lightning-fast, decisive strike to catch Muzan off guard. While he reeled, they'd swiftly eliminate him, causing all his demonic underlings to perish in one fell swoop.
Adam had contemplated picking off the Twelve Kizuki individually. However, armed with knowledge of their Blood Demon Arts, he realized keeping them around could actually benefit the Demon Slayer Corps.
As The Art of War states: Know your enemy and know yourself; if you have a hundred battles to fight, you will be victorious a hundred times. While they will have an absolute advantage in knowledge, the demons will remain in the dark.
With proper preparation, the Demon Slayer Corps could efficiently dispatch the Twelve Kizuki and then confront Muzan at full strength — without losing a single member.
Back at the Butterfly Estate, Adam shared crucial information about the Twelve Kizuki with the Hashira, focusing on the Upper Rank demons.
He detailed Upper Rank One's Moon Breathing, Two's Ice Blood Demon Art, Three's martial arts and fighting spirit, Four's clones, Five's pot, and Six's twins. He also mentioned Lower Rank One's nightmare ability.
He spoke until dawn, his mouth parched from the lengthy explanation.
"That's all I know." Adam sighed, gratefully accepting tea from Shinobu and sipping it to soothe his throat.
"Are the Upper Rank demons truly that formidable?" Mitsuri asked nervously, fidgeting as she processed the intimidating information.
"Indeed, they're incredibly powerful. But I'm not afraid!" Kyojuro exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with excitement at the prospect of facing such foes.
Gyomei, the eldest Hashira, spoke with calm reassurance, "We are the Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps. Even against seemingly invincible enemies, we shall not falter."
"You're right." Mitsuri agreed, patting her cheeks, "I'll give it my all too!"
The other Hashira remained silent, their hands instinctively tightening around the hilts of their Nichirin swords.
Adam observed the eager expressions around him as he held his teacup. He felt compelled to temper their enthusiasm with a dose of reality.
"The Upper Rank demons are indeed formidable. At present, we're not strong enough to face them, let alone Muzan Kibutsuji."
"Suoh-kun..." Shinobu's polite smile faltered, her facade cracking under the weight of his discouraging words.
"I'm merely stating facts. Overestimating our abilities will only lead to needless deaths. I'm looking at you, Shinobu!" He fixed her with a stern gaze, "Don't even think about confronting Doma alone. Your life is no longer yours to throw away."
Shinobu hesitated before reluctantly conceding, "Yes... I understand."
For the Corps' sake, she resolved to set aside her personal vendetta — for now.
"I have a proposal," Adam announced, clapping his hands to regain everyone's attention, "From now on, we must avoid unnecessary battles."
"Avoid battles?" the Hashira echoed, bewildered.
"Precisely. This is a critical period for the Corps to build strength. Let the regular members handle demon appearances. Hashira are to remain on standby. If a Hashira must undertake a mission, they'll be accompanied by two others." He paused before adding, "Should you encounter an Upper Rank demon, do not engage. Retreat immediately."
"Are you out of your mind?!" Sanemi erupted, his temper flaring, "You're telling us, the Hashira, to run from demons? Are you mocking us?!"
The very purpose of the Demon Slayer Corps was to eliminate demons. Yet here was Adam, instructing them to flee. What purpose would they serve then?
To the Corps and its Hashira, this suggestion was nothing short of an insult.
"Please listen carefully to what I said," Adam emphasized, "When encountering an Upper Rank demon, turn and run."
"Isn't that the same thing?!"
"Well then, do you have the confidence to defeat an Upper Rank demon on your own?"
Before Sanemi could argue further, Gyomei interjected, "Sanemi, follow the instructions. With our current strength, attempting to kill an Upper Rank demon will undoubtedly result in casualties!"
His words carried the weight of an irrefutable fact.
Given the Demon Slayer Corps' present capabilities, a direct confrontation with the Twelve Kizuki would lead to mutual destruction — a devastating exchange of two or even three Hashira for each demon slain. Such a trade-off would be disastrous, offering no advantage to the Corps and jeopardizing the final battle against Muzan.
"That's right, focus on improving your own strength, Sanemi!" Adam approached him and added, "You're all in the same boat as Shinobu. From now on, your lives aren't yours alone to risk. Dedicate yourselves to becoming stronger, and make your greatest contribution to defeating Muzan Kibutsuji!"
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