[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong-":3,"chapter-this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--chapter-108":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","This Pillar in Demon Slayer Is Extremely Strong but Overly Cautious",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2336034,4566,"Chapter 108: Dream Prophecy","this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--chapter-108",108,"\u003Cp>Seven days have passed since the Blacksmith Village incident; all residents of the village have been safely relocated to another position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To prevent similar incidents from recurring, several more empty villages have been established.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Should any unexpected event arise again, they can immediately transfer to another position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet this brief peace is merely the calm before the coming storm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterward, Ubuyashiki Kagaya convened a Pillars’ Meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since many Upper Moon demons have been slain, and though Kibutsuji Muzan remains silent, this indirectly suggests a great storm may soon descend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, before that, we hope to use this brief calm to train lower-rank swordsmen below the Pillar level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone agreed to this proposal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The training content was simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero Pillar—Zero:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Weight training to enhance physical strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sound Pillar—Uzui Tengen:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Brutal conditioning to enhance stamina.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Love Pillar—Kanroji Mitsuri:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flexibility training to enhance suppleness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mist Pillar—Shinobu Kocho:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speed training to enhance velocity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serpent Pillar—Iguro Obanai:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sword technique training to correct form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wind Pillar—Fujibayashi Shinobu:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Offensive training to enhance aggressive power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rock Pillar—Munemiya Gyomei:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strength training to enhance muscle density.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Former Flame Pillar Rengoku Makio, Flame Pillar Rengoku Kyojuro, and Water Pillar Tomioka Giyu were assigned to conduct sparring sessions among the Pillars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Insect Pillar Shinobu Kocho and Flower Pillar Kanae Kocho were assigned to develop medicinal remedies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, some swordsmen suffered injuries from the training and required treatment from the sisters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet even at the first stage, many failed Zero Pillar’s weight training and were injured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no choice; during training, Zero once again became a devilish instructor, making every participant in his weight drills groan in agony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Basic requirements: 150 jin on each wrist and ankle, plus 100 jin on the back, then run five laps around Butterfly House.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was only the beginning; after running, they had to perform 300 push-ups.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they failed to meet Zero’s standards, did you see the cane in his hand?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would strike them mercilessly with it, leaving them in unbearable pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pssssht!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A whistle blew; Zero stood with his cane, supervising everyone present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You lot can’t even match Tanjiro and the other three! They can handle 1200 jin—you can’t even manage 700!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hurry up! Whoever falls behind gets double the training—until it’s done!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing “double,” everyone immediately sped up, terrified of being last.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Ubuyashiki Kagaya learned of this, he summoned Zero to the mansion for a talk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zero, perhaps you should stop training them—I fear for my children…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero sighed helplessly. “A drop of sweat in training saves a drop of blood on the battlefield. This is already the lightest regimen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ubuyashiki Kagaya smiled bitterly. “You’re right—but if they can’t even pass your test, how will they survive Pillar-level training?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sigh… fine, I won’t train them anymore. I’ll spend more time with Kanae and Mitsuri, and patrol the region to check for any lingering demons.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This relieved Ubuyashiki Kagaya.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the next words Zero spoke made the couple even more grateful they’d stopped him from training lower-rank swordsmen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I carry several thousand jin effortlessly—why can’t they handle even 1000 jin?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero sipped tea, unconcerned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ubuyashiki couple: You’re the one who dares to punch Kibutsuji Muzan—how can you compare to them?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far away in the Infinite Castle, Kibutsuji Muzan suddenly sneezed, a chill running down his spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Zero left, however, Ubuyashiki Kagaya handed him a letter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zero, if you reach Asakusa, could you deliver this letter to Juuetsu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t mention it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, the two exchanged a silent smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Butterfly House.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tanjiro, injured in the Blacksmith Village battle with fractures in several places, now spent most of his time recovering in the ward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the Blacksmith Village incident, Fujibayashi Akemi became friends with Tanjiro.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They opened up to each other in conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kamado Kie, upon learning Tanjiro had awakened, prepared many delicacies for him, which Nezuko brought over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Nezuko seemed afraid to come to Butterfly House…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tanjiro ate the food his mother made while chatting with Goto, a member of the Hidden Division.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt—if only this life could last forever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, as long as Kibutsuji Muzan lived, there would be no peace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, you’ve been unconscious for seven days—aren’t you worried eating this much now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Goto watched Tanjiro devouring food with concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No problem! (chew chew) Kanroji-san said (chew chew) to eat more (chew chew)—it’s good for the body.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Goto felt Tanjiro was starting to develop strange habits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cough… water… water!” Tanjiro nearly choked from overeating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You really ate too much!” Goto hurriedly brought him water to soothe his throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, the ward door opened; Koyoharu Gotouji entered holding a brand-new Nichirin Blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mr. Gotouji! You’re here! You’re alright… uh…” Tanjiro fell silent the moment he saw Gotouji’s expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saw ghostly spirits swirling around Gotouji.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They glared at Tanjiro with furious eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gotouji approached Tanjiro; Goto brought him a chair to sit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The silence was terrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while, Gotouji handed the blade to Tanjiro. “This… is the fifth blade. If I see you break it, I’ll kill you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tanjiro, terrified by Gotouji’s aura, immediately swore: “I’ll protect this blade—I won’t break it again!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gotouji didn’t believe him—if oaths worked, the first four blades wouldn’t have been lost or broken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He jabbed Tanjiro’s face with a furious finger. “Remember what you just said! That man never broke my blades—even once—yet you broke four!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And remember this forever: from now on, you must bring me mitarashi dango—until you die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tanjiro quickly replied: “Yes, Mr. Gotouji—I’ll bring them!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, Gotouji calmed down. “Draw the blade.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, yes, Mr. Gotouji.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tanjiro sat on the bed and slowly drew the Nichirin Blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his hand, the entire blade turned black—just as before, but the blackness was deeper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the tsuba was engraved a single character: 【Destroy】.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The character “Destroy”…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The swordsmith who forged this blade intended to destroy all demons. He didn’t engrave his name or any other inscription—only this one character.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Before the Pillar system was established, only Pillars’ Nichirin Blades bore the inscription ‘Demon Extermination.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gotouji explained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So that’s it… what an incredible blade…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before leaving, Gotouji warned Tanjiro once more: don’t break the blade again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nightfall. Asakusa, Tokyo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero stared at the scene before him; memories flooded his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time had passed—three years had slipped by so quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He found Juuetsu’s villa, slipped through the wall unseen, and entered the backyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Juuetsu, on the second floor, saw Zero through the window—her eyes brightened; she hurried downstairs to greet him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zero, it’s been so long!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, it has.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come to my room and talk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I’ll be taking your time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shiro sensed his Blood Demon Art being triggered and rushed downstairs to the backyard—only to find Zhu Shi had already arrived there ahead of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The visitor was someone who made him both fearful and helpless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, he turned away silently to prepare tea and snacks for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He arrived at Zhu Shi’s room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero sat on the sofa, and Cha Cha Wan ran over at the same time and curled up on Zero’s lap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Shi sat across from him and smiled. “What brings you here this time?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There is indeed something.” Zero took an envelope from his chest and handed it to Zhu Shi. “This is from the Head of the Demon Slayer Corps, meant for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Shi took the envelope and pulled out the letter to read.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Dear Miss Zhu Shi,】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【I am Ubuyashiki Yoriyuki, the 97th Head of the Demon Slayer Corps. I have entrusted Zero as my emissary to sincerely invite you, and earnestly request that you come to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters to help us devise a strategy against Muzan Kibutsuji.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【There are children within the Demon Slayer Corps who specialize in the biology and medicine of demons—please consider joining us.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Zero will accompany and protect you. His rank within the Demon Slayer Corps is second only to mine; I am certain he will ensure no one harms you.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Signed, Ubuyashiki Yoriyuki.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shiro placed the tea and snacks before Zero, then obediently stood behind Zhu Shi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After reading the letter, Zhu Shi fell into deep thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero did not disturb her. He stroked the cat quietly, waiting for her reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while, Zhu Shi finally spoke: “To invite a demon like me to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters—is that truly appropriate?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s no ‘appropriate’ or ‘inappropriate’ anymore. Times have changed. Don’t judge the present with old thinking—rigid, outdated ideas only hold you back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah… give me some time. I need to think carefully.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm. I’ll wait right here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ubuyashiki Yoriyuki, who had been resting, suddenly woke from his sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ubuyashiki Tane saw this and asked anxiously: “Yoriyuki, what’s wrong? Did you dream again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ubuyashiki Yoriyuki wiped sweat from his brow. “A force stronger than Muzan Kibutsuji is descending upon the Demon Slayer Corps…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he told Ubuyashiki Tane of his prophetic dream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had seen a colossal, never-before-seen iron bird descend from the sky and land over the Demon Slayer Corps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From its body emerged seven fully armed individuals, each as powerful as Zero—five men, two women.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of them radiated the same aura and battle-hardened killing intent as Zero!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their chilling presence—even seen only in a dream—sent shivers down the spine!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even countless Muzan Kibutsuji could not stand against them!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dream ended there. Ubuyashiki Yoriyuki did not know whether those seven were friend or foe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ubuyashiki Tane grew worried. If they weren’t enemies, fine—but if they were…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry, Tane. I believe these outsiders are not enemies.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm, I understand. I trust you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hours of deliberation, Zhu Shi finally made up her mind: she would go to the Demon Slayer Corps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not for any other reason—her only goal, the sole purpose she had clung to all this time, was to destroy Muzan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I accept. I’ll go with you to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really? Then I’ll escort you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need for thanks. I should be thanking you—for turning Nezuko back into a human.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wasn’t that our original agreement? A fair exchange.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. A fair exchange.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zero, may I ask you something?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ask.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Shi glanced at Yu Shiro.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shiro understood at once and left Zhu Shi’s room, waiting outside the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Shi calmed her racing heart and asked: “Zero… I was wondering… do you… have…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Have what?” Zero frowned. He had never seen Zhu Shi like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How to put it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a girl experiencing first love—blushing, shy, trembling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I… I just… do you…” She stammered for a long time, unable to finish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One hand gripped her collar tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero: ???\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So what exactly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her expression now was almost identical to when Kanae had confessed to him…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it be…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No. Impossible. Surely not…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He and Zhu Shi were merely collaborators and pen pals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There had been no emotional connection between them at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Zero dismissed the idea that Zhu Shi liked him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though she was beautiful—like a warm, sunny neighborly older sister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his own world, suitors would have lined up for miles—or perhaps across several dimensions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she was married, even if her husband was no longer alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, she had her own unique charm, undeniably attractive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Combined with her tragic past, she evoked a desire to protect her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it wasn’t her fault—Zero himself carried a special aura, one that gave people an overwhelming sense of safety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just humans—even female demons were inexplicably drawn to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t even Kanao—Inosuke—get excited just being near him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Zero: I deal with demons, but I don’t date them.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Miss Zhu Shi, if there’s nothing else, please prepare quickly. I’ll escort you to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah… yes… yes…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Shi sighed and left silently to make preparations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching her retreating back, Zero exhaled in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d overthought it again—and thank goodness he had. Otherwise, the consequences might have been unbearable.\u003C\u002Fp>",1985,"2026-06-20T21:22:22.338Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","beb98924758d4c2965fc26ed94a84ea2e9e998d705af278da15073eb6170d4e1","this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--chapter-109","this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--chapter-107",128,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthis-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--cover.jpg"]