Chapter 111: Judgment of Kaiaku—Death Sentence!

On the way back to the Demon Slayer Corps, Zero ordered his Sound Hashira crow, Snow, to go to Taoshan.

“Snow, go to Taoshan and notify former Flame Hashira Sangdao Ciwulang.”

“Yes, Master!”

At this moment, the Sound Hashira crow had already sensed Zero’s anger—it understood that something major was about to happen.

He had never seen his master this furious before.

Snow had never once seen Zero angry; he had always been exceptionally kind to people and animals alike.

(Black Bear: Roar! 【You’re full of shit!】)

After the Sound Hashira crow left, Zero glanced again at the Demon he was carrying on his shoulder—he wanted to execute him on the spot right now!

But he held himself back—for now.

He pulled out a cloth, lifted the Demon’s head, gripped his belt, and walked slowly back to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters.

Early the next morning, Zero returned to the Demon Slayer Corps.

But his mood was terrible.

The other swordsmen who passed by dared not approach to ask what had happened.

But it must be connected to the swordsman Zero was dragging!

No one could fathom what had occurred to make the usually gentle Zero so enraged!?

As he passed Butterfly House, he happened to meet Kotoha.

Kotoha noticed Zero looked different today—familiar yet strange.

“Brother-in-law, what… what’s wrong?” Kotoha asked.

Zero calmed his inner turmoil and spoke gently: “Little Kotoha, could you ask all the Hashira to come to the back courtyard of Butterfly House? Including former Flame Hashira. Also, inform the Lord.”

Though she didn’t understand what had happened, Kotoha nodded in agreement: “Understood, brother-in-law.”

After Kotoha left to notify others, Zero went alone to the back courtyard of Butterfly House.

He threw the Demon onto the ground, took out paper and pen, and recorded everything he had learned about the Demon from his Analytical Glasses!

The more he wrote, the angrier he became!

He never imagined this Demon had committed so many heinous acts!

Fortunately, last night he had used drones to record every single moment.

Now the evidence is overwhelming—let him try to defend himself!

He forced himself to suppress his disgust and continued recording every detail of the Demon’s crimes…

Moments later.

Kanae and Mitsuri arrived first at the back courtyard.

They had intended to greet him, but saw him calmly writing something.

Add to that the bound swordsman beside him—they dared not disturb him.

They knew Zero: the calmer he was, the greater his rage.

“Zero…”

“Shh, Mitsuri, don’t interrupt him. He has his reasons—trust him.”

“Yes, I understand, Kanae… but seeing him like this, I feel so sad…”

“It’ll be alright, Mitsuri. Everything will be fine.”

Soon after, the rest of the Hashira arrived at the back courtyard.

Kanae had already informed them of the situation, so none of them disturbed Zero.

“What on earth happened to make him this furious?”

Munenori was experiencing Zero’s anger for the first time—the fury, and the hidden killing intent within it!

In the crowd, Himejima saw the bound swordsman with his severed hand and felt a strange familiarity.

Though his head was wrapped, that sense of recognition was unmistakable!

He had definitely seen this man before!

Thus, eleven Hashira stood silently in a row.

Ubuyashiki Yoriichi and his wife also arrived at the back courtyard.

They said nothing, merely sat quietly beneath the eaves and waited.

During the wait, Sangdao Ciwulang arrived at Butterfly House’s entrance, leaning on his cane, rushing in urgently.

This morning, he had received a message from Snow: Zero had summoned him to Butterfly House.

Though he didn’t know what had happened, a terrible premonition gnawed at his heart!

“Lord Ubuyashiki!” Sangdao Ciwulang bowed deeply in respect upon seeing Yoriichi.

Then he stood silently to the side.

Crack!

Zero seemed unable to write further—he crushed the pen in his hand and flung the papers aside; seven or eight sheets scattered into the air.

Finally, he drew the [Dark Alloy Paralysis Gun] strapped to his thigh and aimed it at the Demon.

Kanae and Mitsuri rushed forward, embracing him to stop what was about to happen.

Mitsuri: “Zero, don’t act rashly!”

Kanae: “Zero, don’t do something foolish! Tell us what’s happened—please!”

The other Hashira picked up the scattered papers, read the recorded crimes, and their faces darkened with each line.

The hot-tempered Munenori’s veins bulged, his eyes bloodshot!

Zero calmed himself, reminding himself: this creature wasn’t worth such fury.

He stepped forward, removed the black cloth from the Demon’s head, revealing his true face.

“Kaiaku!”

Himejima and Sangdao Ciwulang shouted simultaneously.

Now Himejima understood why he had felt that familiarity—it all made sense!

Everything was clear now.

“Zero Hashira, could you tell this old man what happened? If you allow it, I am willing to take his place…”

Before he could finish, Zero locked eyes with him and said: “If you knew what happened last night, you wouldn’t speak to me like this, Sangdao.”

“I…”

Zero didn’t care what Sangdao Ciwulang was about to say—he kicked the Demon in the stomach, waking him.

“Puh! Cough… Aaahhh! My hand! Why is my hand like this?! Bastard—who did this?! I’ll kill him!”

The awakened Kaiaku felt pain and tried to see who had done this to him.

He looked up and met Zero’s gaze—immediately fell silent, dared not utter a word of complaint.

But the malice and darkness hidden in his eyes betrayed him completely.

Everyone present could see it.

“What? You forgot what you did last night?” Zero asked coldly.

Kaiaku dared not answer; he buried his face in his chest.

“Amitabha… Kaiaku, I never imagined you’d become a Demon Slayer, yet you’re still the same—unrepentant!”

Seeing Kaiaku’s face, Himejima’s mind was flooded again with the unbearable memories he had long buried.

“Kaiaku, why… why have you become like this…”

Sangdao Ciwulang was heartbroken—he now understood what kind of man Kaiaku truly was from Zero’s records.

But remembering those were past deeds, he hurried to Zero and pleaded: “Zero, I know no matter what I say, you won’t forgive Kaiaku—but those were his past sins. Could you perhaps…”

“Sangdao, I’ll say this one last time: if you knew what happened last night, you wouldn’t speak to me like this!”

Everyone was baffled—none of them knew what had happened last night.

Ubuyashiki Yoriichi spoke up: “Zero, I think…”

“YORIICHI!!!”

Zero’s roar startled them all.

It was the first time they had ever heard Zero call the Lord by name.

“I know you treat every member of the Demon Slayer Corps as your own child—you can’t bear to see this happen.”

“But if you imagine this: one day, everyone fights a desperate battle against Muzan Kibutsuji, and Kaiaku suddenly betrays us—causing everyone’s death and letting Muzan escape—would you still feel the same?”

Though harsh, these words were undeniably true.

Finally, Kaiaku couldn’t take it anymore—he screamed: “Enough! I haven’t done anything wrong! Isn’t it natural to want to live? And you, Zero Hashira—what are you? Why do you have the right to control me?! Why do you deserve others’ affection?!”

“You’re a Hashira who can’t even use Breathing Techniques—you have no right to judge me! You don’t even deserve to be a Hashira! If you’ve got guts…”

Boom!

Enraged beyond control, Zero stomped the ground—dust exploded upward!

A crack spread across the earth, stopping just beside Kaiaku.

Kaiaku froze, too terrified to speak further—but his hatred for Zero deepened immeasurably!

Everyone was stunned by Zero’s power!

How immense must his strength be to crack the ground like this?!

But Kaiaku’s words ignited even greater fury—drawing the wrath of all the Hashira.

Not to mention Zero’s status as a Hashira—his deeds alone were enough to earn everyone’s respect!

Without Zero, the Demon Slayer Corps could never have gathered so much intelligence on demons, nor drastically reduced their death rate to the minimum!

Without Zero serving as the examiner of Mount Fujibayashi, the Demon Slayer Corps would never have undergone such a massive reform!

Without Zero, the curse upon the Demon Slayer Corps’ head would never have been lifted.

Without Zero slaying the Upper Moon demons…

Zero’s status within the Demon Slayer Corps is second only to the Head.

Moreover, Kanae and Mitsuri are Zero’s fiancées; without them, Zero might never have joined the Demon Slayer Corps.

Kanae and Mitsuri felt deeply uneasy—Kaiaku’s words were clearly an insult to their husband.

They wanted to strike, but forced themselves to hold back.

Then Zero spoke slowly: “Last night, I encountered Upper Moon One—he is already dead.”

“What?!”

This was like a massive bomb detonating in water, sending up a huge wave.

If Zero spoke the truth, did that mean all the Upper Moon demons had already been eliminated by him?!

Recalling Zero’s deeds, everyone quickly calmed down.

“However, before slaying Upper Moon One, Kaiaku defected to the demons…”

“I know none of you may believe me, but I have recorded everything that happened last night.”

These words plunged Kaiaku into the deepest abyss of despair.

He had bet that even if Zero spoke out, without proof, no one could touch him!

But he hadn’t expected…

No, this must be a lie! He’s tricking everyone to force a confession!

Kaiaku comforted himself internally, clinging to that faint, fading hope.

Then Zero entered the inner chamber, activated the [Analytical Glasses]’ projection mode, and played back what he had witnessed last night for everyone to see.

About half an hour passed.

After watching the recording, everyone’s hearts grew heavy, their emotions Jiujiuwufapingjing .

What followed was a burning desire to tear Kaiaku apart limb by limb.

Heartbroken, Sangdao Ciwulang could only turn away silently, tears streaming down his face.

“I know the Demon Slayer Corps’ rules—so I’ll handle what comes next.”

No sooner had he spoken than Zero walked toward Kaiaku.

“No… no… you can’t kill me! Master! I’m sorry! I know I’m wrong! Please… please save me! Head, I swear… I swear I’ll never do this again!” Kaiaku screamed.

At that moment, five or six swordsmen burst into the Butterfly House and knelt before the group.

“Head! Pillar Lords!”

The five or six swordsmen knelt in unison and pleaded: “Zero Pillar, please let us execute Kaiaku, this scum ourselves—we will accept any punishment afterward!”

The five or six swordsmen stared at Kaiaku, their eyes brimming with murderous intent!

“Ah…” Ubuyashiki Yoh Zai sighed in disappointment, his heart equally pained.

Then, supported by Ubuyashiki Tianyin, they left the Butterfly House together.

As for what comes next…

Everything is left to Zero’s judgment.

“Kaiaku’s crimes—judgment: death!”

Just as Zero prepared to execute Kaiaku, Sangdao Ciwulang stepped forward, seized the gun, and stopped him.

“Old Master Sangdao, are you still pleading for Kaiaku?!”

“Zero… no, Zero Pillar, please allow this old man to do it myself—raising such a disciple, I, the trainer, am also guilty!”

“Agreed.”

Zero slowly stepped aside and nodded to the five or six swordsmen.

The swordsmen understood his meaning and stepped forward to drag Kaiaku out.

As Sangdao Ciwulang prepared to follow, Zero blocked him and said: “Old Master Sangdao, Kaiaku is not worth your doing this. Don’t forget—you still have Zenitsu, a fine disciple.”

His thoughts exposed, Sangdao Ciwulang bowed his head in shame and said: “Ah… I understand.”

Originally, Sangdao Ciwulang had planned to commit seppuku after resolving Kaiaku’s case.

But now it was clear nothing could hide from Zero’s eyes.

“Hahahaha…” Sangdao Ciwulang laughed loudly, his laughter filled with guilt, helplessness, and regret.

A tear slipped unbidden from his eye.

Click!

His cane struck the ground, then slammed down with sudden force.

The cane shattered into splinters, revealing the hidden Nichirin Blade within; he walked slowly out of the Butterfly House.

Soon, thunderous explosions echoed through the forest, accompanied by Kaiaku’s agonized screams.

The Kaiaku affair was now closed.

Zero gazed at the sky and sighed deeply.

He felt he had truly changed.

In the past, he would never have cared about such matters.

It seemed… he was becoming more human…

The others gradually left the scene.

Kanae and Mitsuri stepped forward and embraced Zero, comforting him: “Zero, it’s alright—no one blames you for this.”

“Zero, don’t be sad. Let’s go home.”

“Mm…” Zero nodded silently, and with his two fiancées beside him, returned to his residence.