The Hashira Meeting was held the next day.
It had already been scheduled so that Kanzaki Kumo, now recovered from his injuries, could personally tell the other Hashira about Upper Rank Five. Kanae's promotion to Flower Hashira had simply happened to coincide with it.
Early the next morning, when Gyomei and Shinjuro saw Kanzaki Kumo arrive for the meeting holding a girl by each hand, neither knew what expression to make.
"You little..."
Shinjuro patted Kanzaki Kumo on the shoulder. He said nothing more, merely shooting him a warning glare.
"Amitabha. I hope you won't let their feelings for you down, Kumo," Gyomei said with his palms pressed together, then said no more.
It was someone else's private life, after all.
Kagaya was in a very good mood that day. Although the curse was weakening his body, an Upper Rank had been killed and a new Hashira promoted in just a few short months. It truly made him happy.
For the first time in the several hundred years since the Demon Slayer Corps had been founded, an Upper Rank had been killed. To him, perhaps this was a signal, an omen that his family's long-cherished wish would finally be fulfilled in his hands.
After the customary greetings came the matter of dividing patrol territories. Kanae's choice was much like Makomo's, between the areas Kanzaki Kumo and Shinjuro were responsible for.
Then came the exchange of information.
"Upper Rank Five's abilities mainly fell into two categories. One involved using the various pots it created to unleash its Blood Demon Arts, and the other involved fighting with its true body after leaving its pot..."
Kanzaki Kumo recounted his battle with Gyokko, including his plan to goad it out of its pot with words and wait for Gyomei to arrive so they could