[{"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-20":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},2335946,4566,"Chapter 20: Nichirin Blade—Scythe","this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--chapter-20",20,"\u003Cp>During the second treatment of Ubuyashiki Kagaya, not knowing what to do, Zero simply took out a sketchbook and pen and began designing the weapon he needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Ubuyashiki Kagaya’s treatment ends, I’ll ask him to help arrange for someone to forge it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ubuyashiki Tane was quietly waiting beside the [Healing Pod] for her husband to finish treatment, along with Ubuyashiki Hinaki and Ubuyashiki Kiriya.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time passed second by second, and Zero had drawn several sheets of weapon designs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were Tang swords, great swords, large cleavers, long spears, and double-edged daggers—but none satisfied him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, his gaze settled on the weapon sketch he had just drawn: a scythe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a sketch copied from the weapon he used before becoming a Reserve Time Patrol Officer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The handle was slightly curved, roughly two meters long; the curved blade measured about seventy to eighty centimeters, with a small backward hook at the junction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He decided: this weapon would be forged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To ensure the blacksmith understood the exact shape, Zero drew several more sheets, detailing every part of the scythe and even marking its dimensions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he couldn’t use Breathing Techniques, could he perhaps achieve a similar effect to the Hinokami Blade through grip strength alone?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After deciding, he organized the other sketches and stored them in the [Nanospace], keeping only the scythe blueprint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having finished, he sat on the wooden plank by the door, gazing at the sky, lost in thought…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But not long after, Xiao Yue arrived at the Ubuyashiki estate, saw Zero sitting by the courtyard gate, and flew straight over to land on his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? Xiao Yue! How did you get here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph, nasty master, you came back but didn’t even come see me!?”, Xiao Yue pouted, staring up at Zero as if she wouldn’t forgive him unless he gave a proper explanation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Zero couldn’t help but smile wryly—he realized she had a point. For over a month, he’d been clearing demons in his assigned territory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d even been delayed an extra day because of that idiot Yebako, so he returned late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only natural Xiao Yue would be upset after he didn’t visit her for over a month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he’d left her to renovate the estate and never came back to check on her—he truly owed her an apology.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Realizing this, he gently lifted Xiao Yue off his chest and held her in his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m sorry, Xiao Yue. I’ve been negligent these past months. I apologize. When today’s business is done, tomorrow I’ll take you out to play, okay?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zero’s sincere apology, Xiao Yue’s resentment softened somewhat, but she still looked a little sulky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, then you must promise me two things!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, say them. Anything within my power, I’ll grant you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You said it! Don’t go back on your word!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I won’t break my word.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My first request is simple: tomorrow, take me out to play!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, I promise. What’s the second?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My second request is also simple: don’t leave me alone so often!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, I promise. Are you satisfied now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm-hmm, my master is the best, hehe~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re still just like a child.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, he still treated Xiao Yue like an older brother treats his little sister—in this world, she was his only true family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Yue flew from his palm to his shoulder and sat beside him as they gazed at the sky together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, Master, Kanae has been coming to the estate often lately—I think she might have feelings for you…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xiao Yue…” Zero cut her off before she could finish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xiao Yue… Luo Li is still waiting for me among the stars.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Yue fell silent at those words, as if caught in a triangle: one vertex her master, one vertex Kanae, and the third vertex Luo Li.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But no matter what, Xiao Yue would unconditionally support Zero’s choices—he was her creator, her master, and her brother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two sat in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ubuyashiki Tane listened to their exchange, unsure what Zero meant by “among the stars,” but she was reminded of her first meeting with Ubuyashiki Kagaya.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was born into a family of shrine priests, named Kamiya Tane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the time, Ubuyashiki Kagaya was thirteen; Kamiya Tane was seventeen. Due to an arranged marriage and the Ubuyashiki family’s cursed short lifespan, she had felt reluctant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, she went to meet him—and Kagaya had told her, “If you dislike this, I’ll be the one to refuse it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Kagaya’s thoughtful consideration of her feelings that changed her view of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She decided to marry Kagaya and changed her name to Ubuyashiki Tane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(In that era of Japan, women who married into their husband’s family typically took his surname—I’m not entirely sure of the details.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She later bore Kagaya five children: Kiriya, the only boy with black hair, was his heir; the others were Hinaki, Hikari, Kanae, and Kanata.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Night fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Less than a minute remained until the end of Ubuyashiki Kagaya’s second treatment; Ubuyashiki Tane had already prepared fresh clothes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【3…2…1…Ding! Clearance complete】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero opened the lid of the [Healing Pod] and stepped outside with Xiao Yue to wait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few minutes later, Ubuyashiki Tane came to the door: “Zero-sama, please follow me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, they saw Ubuyashiki Kagaya seated cross-legged on the tatami, with Ubuyashiki Hinaki and Ubuyashiki Kiriya beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The disfigured areas on Kagaya’s face, caused by the curse, had completely vanished; his complexion was flushed and healthy—he had clearly recovered most of his strength from the second treatment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One final treatment next month would restore him fully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ubuyashiki Tane led Zero inside, then knelt beside her husband.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero returned the [Healing Pod] to his [Nanospace], then sat cross-legged before Ubuyashiki Kagaya, with Xiao Yue perched on his shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ubuyashiki Kagaya felt no discomfort with Zero’s casual posture; in fact, he preferred it—he didn’t have to be bound by rigid formalities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zero, thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need for thanks. Next month’s final treatment will restore you completely. But I still urge you to avoid strong emotions—your body is only sub-healthy now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I understand. I’ll follow your advice. Thank you for your immense contribution to the Demon Slayer Corps, and for slaying the Upper Moons—it has lifted our morale beyond measure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you truly wish to thank me, then I’d like to ask you for a favor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Name it. The Ubuyashiki family will spare no effort to help you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’d like you to arrange for someone to forge me a Nichirin Blade—just as this design shows.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Zero handed Ubuyashiki Kagaya the several sketches he had prepared that morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kagaya examined the drawings—it was a weapon he had never seen before—but it was no challenge for him; he could simply ask the swordsmiths of the Swordsmith Village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Swordsmith Village was the settlement that forged weapons for the Demon Slayer Corps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had no combat skills, yet possessed unparalleled sword-forging craftsmanship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The village consisted of over a hundred swordsmiths, each day devoted to refining metal into exquisite blades for the swordsmen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course. It’s nothing. I had already planned to have one of our swordsmiths forge a weapon for you—but delivery will take some time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s fine. Thank you, my lord!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking with Ubuyashiki Kagaya for a while, Zero left and returned to the estate Xiao Yue had renovated for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He entered, turned on the lights, and immediately felt a soothing, pleasant calm—the interior was elegantly antique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He even caught a faint, distinctive scent—exactly as he had imagined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xiao Yue, thank you for all your hard work these past months.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As long as my master is happy, it’s all worth it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero smiled slightly, then stepped into the parlor to admire the decor—when suddenly, he sensed another presence in the house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He swiftly pulled the [Dark Alloy Paralysis Gun] from his [Nanospace], gripped the handle with his right hand, steadied the base with his left, and moved slowly toward the direction of the presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the inner courtyard, he discovered the “other person” was an old acquaintance—Kanao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was asleep on a cushion atop the small platform in the parlor, curled up like a sleepy kitten—adorable and serene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he didn’t understand why Kanao was here, since she was an old acquaintance, he had no cause for concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He returned the gun to his [Nanospace], then took out a blanket and draped it over Kanao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps the movement woke her—she rubbed her eyes, blinking sleepily at Zero.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haaah~… Oh? Zero, you’re back…” Kanao yawned, stretched languidly, revealing her figure without a care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zero didn’t care about that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kanao, why are you here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard you returned and defeated an Upper Moon, so I came to see you and congratulate you. I didn’t expect you to be late—I waited here and ended up falling asleep…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see. Sorry—I was helping my lord with his second treatment, so I returned late. You haven’t eaten yet, have you? Let me make you something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I’ll trouble you, Zero. Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No problem. Xiao Yue, keep Kanao company. I’ll go cook.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm-hmm, got it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving Xiao Yue to chat with Kanao, Zero removed his cloak and hood, then entered the kitchen to prepare a simple meal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Zero busy in the kitchen, Kanao somehow felt this—this quiet moment—was quite nice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the scent of noodles filled the kitchen—Zero carried out a wooden tray with a bowl of noodles and placed it before Kanao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A bowl of clear noodle soup, two poached eggs, and some greens—simple, but smelled delicious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Yue had renovated the mansion and entrusted the Yin Bureau to procure these ingredients; luckily, electricity existed in this era, so the refrigerator taken from Zero’s [Nanospace] a month ago was finally useful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorry, these are all the ingredients we have right now—please eat first!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, it’s fine, thank you, Zero.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then eat. I need to maintain my equipment. Also, if you want to rest, I have extra rooms—you may use one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Maintain equipment?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Butterfly Kanae didn’t understand what that meant, but saw Zero enter the side room of the parlor, take out his weapons, and begin scanning their data with his [Analytical Glasses].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he took out cotton cloth and tools to wipe and maintain them—this had long been his habit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through the glass door, Butterfly Kanae watched Zero intently organizing those strange weapons, forgetting to eat the food before her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Xiao Yue hadn’t reminded her, she would have kept staring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time passed slowly; over twenty days had gone by.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On this day, Zero was training in his mansion when he received a message from Kurogane Yuki: a distinguished guest had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Distinguished guest? Who is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Delivery of blades, delivery of blades—the bladesmith has come to deliver the swords.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Delivery of blades?” Zero thought for a moment and understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More than twenty days ago, after completing his second treatment for Ubuyashiki Kagaya, he had entrusted him to forge a weapon for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So much time had passed, yet the weapon had actually arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the mansion gate, he opened the door and saw a man wearing a fire demon mask, his head adorned with countless wind chimes, and behind him a large wooden case over two meters long and about one meter wide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am Koganezuka Hotaru, the bladesmith commissioned by the Demon Slayer Corps’ lord to forge a weapon for Lord Zero. I have come to deliver it. Are you Lord Zero?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord Zero, I’ve studied your blueprint—it’s exquisite. But… why design such a weapon? Do you know how much time and effort it took me to complete?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Koganezuka Hotaru seemed furious, his temper volatile—as if Zero wouldn’t be let off unless he gave a proper explanation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I simply drew it based on a weapon I used before. This design suits me better.” Zero gave a vague excuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph, I hope so! And I hope your weapon turns out to be the legendary red!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Legendary red? What’s that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The legendary red means the blade turns red, nullifying a demon’s regenerative power—commonly called the Crimson Blade.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After inviting Koganezuka Hotaru inside, he began explaining about the Crimson Blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every bladesmith in the Bladesmith Village, when forging swords for swordsmen, hoped to witness the legendary red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ancient texts of the Bladesmith Village recorded: the legendary Crimson Blade could suppress a demon’s regeneration, so every bladesmith aspired to forge one for the swordsmen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was to increase the survival chances of every Demon Slayer Corps swordsman in battle against demons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet after centuries, the legendary Crimson Blade had never appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More precisely, since the Warring States period, when one man once manifested the Crimson Blade, no swordsmith had ever produced another blade that turned red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Koganezuka Hotaru spoke to himself, ignoring whether Zero was listening—but in truth, Zero had been listening the whole time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing Koganezuka Hotaru’s explanation, Zero realized the Crimson Blade he described was the Hekito—because the Hekito was also red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke up: “Mr. Koganezuka, perhaps I already know what you mean by the Crimson Blade—and I can show it to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?! Y-you… you’re serious?!” Koganezuka Hotaru grew excited, immediately setting down the large wooden case and handing it to Zero.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He urged him to show the legendary Crimson Blade at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hurry, hurry—show me the legendary Crimson Blade!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh～”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero opened the wooden case. Inside lay a scythe, identical to the blueprints he had drawn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade’s edge was engraved with the four characters: “Demon Annihilation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The image is my own design; if you want something better, use Tsubaki Saya’s scythe from [End of the Seraphim] as a model.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He picked up the scythe—it was heavy, about sixty to seventy jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this weight meant nothing to Zero.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He adjusted the power of his mechanical left hand, gripped the scythe’s handle with both hands, and lifted it. The mechanical hand’s power surged—gradually, the entire blade glowed a brilliant red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nichirin Blade—Scythe, Hekito manifested!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Red! It’s truly the legendary red!” Koganezuka Hotaru exhaled a puff of white air from the long mouth of his fire demon mask, his fingers trembling with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Look at this red—so beautiful! Such a magnificent red! I’ve finally seen the legendary Crimson Blade! Hahaha!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So the records of the Bladesmith Village were true! The legendary red Nichirin Blade… no, it’s a Nichirin Scythe! Hahaha!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Overcome with excitement, Koganezuka Hotaru danced wildly. After a while, he calmed down and said: “Lord Zero, thank you for showing me the legendary Crimson Blade. I must leave and inform the village chief. Also, treat this blade well—if it’s damaged or lost, I won’t forgive you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry—I’d do it even without your warning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then, farewell!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He came swiftly and left swiftly. After watching Koganezuka Hotaru depart, Zero reset his mechanical left hand to its original state, took the scythe to the courtyard, and began swinging it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh～ That feeling… it’s returned.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Zero prepared to continue practicing, Kurogane Yuki flew over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pillar Meeting! Pillar Meeting! Master, the lord has ordered all Pillar swordsmen to gather at Butterfly House for the Pillar Meeting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pillar Meeting? Something must have happened.” Zero thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood, Yuki. I’m on my way.” He slung the scythe over his shoulder and headed for Butterfly House to attend the Pillar Meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>",2547,"2026-06-20T21:22:22.338Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","207f3d547d31a72e2f8ecdb7f53716de7f97d367de7e1b96e2b6a062ca6d726e","this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--chapter-21","this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--chapter-19",128,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthis-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--cover.jpg"]