In the spacious courtyard.
Morning light spilled down.
"Please wait a moment. Master will be here shortly."
After the messenger left, Uchiha Hikari and Bulma each held a cup of tea as they sat in a corner of the courtyard, taking small sips while discreetly surveying their surroundings.
The estate was situated in an exceptionally secluded location.
Not only were the two of them "outsiders," but even Pillars like Shinobu Kocho and Tomioka Giyu had been blindfolded and brought here by Kakushi members who repeatedly changed hands and routes along the way.
Such stringent security measures were because, several centuries ago, a Demon Slayer Corps member had betrayed them and attempted to assassinate Master as proof of allegiance to Muzan.
—That traitor had been Tsugikuni Yoriichi's elder brother, Tsugikuni Yoriichi, who was also Upper Moon One of the Twelve Kizuki, Kokushibo.
At this moment.
From what she could see, the scenery both inside and outside this courtyard was quite pleasant. There were antique-style buildings, ponds, rock gardens, lush trees farther away, and faintly visible mountain ridges. The entire estate seemed to be nestled deep within the mountains.
As Uchiha Hikari looked around.
The others in the courtyard were also observing her and Bulma.
There was the Stone Pillar Himejima Gyoumei, dressed like a monk and towering with a massive build; the Wind Pillar Shinazugawa Sanemi, bare-chested with crisscrossing scars over his chest; the Sound Pillar Uzui Tengen, carrying twin blades on his back and looking flamboyant; the Love Pillar Kanroji Mitsuri, with pink hair and a very generous figure; the Flame Pillar Rengoku Kyoujurou, whose golden-red hair and bright eyes were striking...
Along with the Serpent Pillar Iguro Obanai in the tree, the absentminded Mist Pillar Tokito Muichiro, and Shinobu Kocho and Tomioka Giyu, whom she had met earlier.
All