Whoosh--!
In the courtyard,
Kanae was kneeling just behind and to the side of Giyu Tomioka.
This cunning older sister, who just boasted on the street that she would make Giyu her personal knight, showed no signs of backing down now.
Instead, she quietly moved forward half an inch, using her fair knee to seemingly casually but precisely press against Giyu's side.
A tingling, electric-like sensation instantly traveled through my calf nerves and spread throughout my body.
Giyu's breath hitched, and his back instantly straightened.
This woman is incredibly bold!!
Our Oyakata-sama is still speaking at the front!!
Giyu stared straight ahead, trying to appear as if he were a block of granite, oblivious to everything around him.
But his slightly reddened ears had already given him away completely.
Kanae lowered her head, a subtle and sly smile playing on her lips.
Watching this invincible swordsman be flustered by my little gesture is simply the most amusing pastime in the world!
"My children..."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki spoke, his voice like a spring breeze across water, possessing a strange, soothing magic.
"I have all the battle reports from the Battle of Mount Sagiri."
"Faced with the encirclement of multiple Upper Rank demons, you not only did not retreat, but fought to the death to defend the last line of defense and preserve that vital hope."
"This is the most glorious victory the Demon Slayer Corps has achieved in hundreds of years."
Kagaya turned his head slightly and accurately located Giyu Tomioka's position.
"Especially you, Giyu."
"Without your extraordinary, mortal strength, without you single-handedly defeating your powerful enemy, probably not even one in ten of us here today would survive!"
"You are undoubtedly the strongest shield of the Demon Slayer Corps."
Praised so highly in front of everyone, Giyu Tomioka knelt on one knee and bowed his head.
"This is simply my duty as a pillar. My Master flatter me."
Water Hashira's answer was as methodical as ever, without a single flaw.
Only he himself knew the truth.
I didn't eat enough this morning, and then this woman hugged and rubbed against me on the way here, which burned three times my usual calories.
My left calf is still being pressed against her, and the muscles are almost cramping up o(╥╥)o
"When can we eat... I really want to eat radish and salmon."
Just as Giyu's mind was filled with all sorts of random, irrational thoughts...
Kagaya Ubuyashiki's smile gradually faded, replaced by a somber expression tinged with sadness.
Everyone held their breath, knowing that what was about to be said would be the real core of today's meeting.
"Children, I have gathered you here today because I have something very regrettable, but something I must announce."
Kagaya paused for a moment, his voice slightly hoarse.
"Flame Hashira, Shinjuro Rengoku..."
"From today onwards, I will officially step down from my position as Zhu and announce my retirement."
Boom--!
This statement was like a bombshell dropped into a calm lake.
Although everyone was somewhat prepared when they saw Shinjuro's injuries.
But when this fact was actually announced by the Oyakata-sama...
That heavy sense of sorrow still pierced everyone's hearts in an instant.
As the Oyakata-sama's words fell.
Shinjuro Rengoku stood up from the line and walked to the very front of everyone.
It wasn't until he turned around completely that everyone could clearly see his current miserable state.
His left sleeve hung empty, drooping helplessly at his side in the wind.
Such injuries would have left an ordinary person lying in a coffin and buried long ago.
Even for a pillar with physical abilities far exceeding those of ordinary people, it is already a miracle that he was able to survive.
However,
Faced with this disability that could destroy the will of any swordsman.
There wasn't a trace of dejection, despair, or self-pity on Shinjuro's face!
His long, fiery red hair danced wildly in the wind.
Looking at his group of young colleagues, covered in wounds yet still standing tall, he suddenly grinned and let out a hearty laugh!
"Ha ha!!"
"Why are you all making such a long face?! I'm not dead yet!!"
Shinjuro patted his chest with his only remaining right hand.
"The Future of the Demon Slayer Corps!"
"It's you young people, especially you, Giyu!!"
Shinjuro's eyes were fixed on Giyu Tomioka.
"It was your unwavering blade that reignited the dying embers in my old bones!"
"That battle at Mount Sagiri was incredibly satisfying! I hacked and slashed with absolute gusto!!"
"My life has been worth it!!"
Shinjuro strode up to Giyu and Sabito.
He extended his calloused right hand and patted Giyu on the shoulder.
"With only one arm left, I can no longer unleash a perfect Flame Breathing."
"Forcibly occupying the pillar's position will not only fail to protect others, but will also become the biggest burden on the front lines!!"
"Therefore, I proudly retire!!"
Shinjuro's eyes were slightly red.
But his smile was brighter than ever, even carrying a hint of carefree joy at finally being able to go out for a drink.
"I can't go any further down this road!!"
"However, the ultimate hope of destroying Muzan Kibutsuji and severing this thousand-year-old destiny is entrusted to you young monsters..."
"I, Shinjuro Rengoku, have complete peace of mind!!"
"With my flames, burn that damned demon Demon King's head to a crisp!!"
A series of bold and ambitious words.
There were no sorrowful cries, only the ultimate romance and magnanimity belonging to warriors.
Tengen Uzui gritted his teeth, his eyes instantly turning as red as a rabbit's.
The tall man turned his head away, not wanting anyone to see the tears welling up in his eyes!
"I swear, this is absolutely the most magnificent curtain call I've ever seen in my life!!"
Gyomei Himejima into tears, and even the huge red Buddhist prayer beads creaked as he squeezed them.
"Namo Amitabha Buddha, the weight of this lineage is as heavy as Mount Tai..."
Giyu Tomioka remained silent.
But in his deep blue eyes, an unprecedented fervor flashed.
The veteran's career is over!
This means that... the true, all-out war belonging to this new generation of monsters has officially begun.
The atmosphere in the courtyard reached its peak of tragic grandeur and passionate fervor at this moment.
However,
Just as everyone was immersed in this profound emotion.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki and the others calmed down a bit.
His bandaged face suddenly turned and fixed on Kanae Kocho, who was standing behind Giyu.
"Alright, children."
Kagaya's voice rang out again, carrying an eerie and mysterious quality that caught everyone present completely off guard.
"Next..."
"I have the second announcement for today!!"