Chapter 7: Pillars' Assembly

"Zero, for the Pillars' Assembly I hope you can come along with me. I think everyone wants to meet you as well."

"Anything works!"

"I've already arranged for people to build you a residence. If you don't mind, you can stay at the Butterfly Mansion for the time being."

"Thank you, Master!"

"Compared to what you've done, this is nothing."

Afterwards, Kagaya Ubuyashiki, led by his two daughters, headed to the courtyard of the Ubuyashiki estate to meet everyone, with Zero following behind, along with Xiao Bai Yue sitting on his shoulder.

The eight Pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps had long since arrived at the courtyard to wait, among them Butterfly Xiang Nai Hui.

Regarding the Pillars, Zero had also obtained some information through his Analysis Glasses. The Pillars are the highest central combat force within the Demon Slayer Corps, and their status is second only to the Master, the very pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps.

"Miss Xiang Nai Hui, is it true that the young man who slew two Lower Rank demons is also here?" asked a man whose headband was inlaid with many diamond beads, with red floral patterns painted around his eyes and each fingernail painted a different color.

"Oh my, yes! And he's very powerful too — he even nearly slew an Upper Rank demon!"

"Oh? That is truly gorgeous, hahaha! I am very much looking forward to meeting this gorgeous young man!"

Another man, with a white spiky hedgehog-like haircut, three long scars on his face, and his body covered in wounds, let out a disdainful snort: "Tch, an Upper Rank demon is all. If it were me, I definitely wouldn't have let him get away!"

Another composed, calm, unsmiling black-haired youth spoke up: "Then your strength is truly enviable!"

"Tomioka Giyuu, what did you just say?!"

"Nothing."

"Amitabha. Please everyone quiet down — the Master is about to arrive."

Himejima Gyomei spoke up, and the others, seeing this, quieted down and stopped arguing. After all, Himejima Gyomei is the big brother of the Demon Slayer Corps, his strength unfathomable, so naturally his words carry weight.

Not long after, the voices of two girls came over.

"The Master has arrived!"

In an instant, the Pillars standing in the courtyard dropped to one knee in respect.

"My beloved swordsman children, I'm so glad to see you all again. Today's sky is a lovely blue as well."

However, when everyone raised their heads and saw Kagaya Ubuyashiki's appearance, everyone except Butterfly Xiang Nai Hui revealed expressions of utter shock.

That was because they saw that the disfigurement on Kagaya Ubuyashiki's face, caused by the illness left behind by the curse, had largely vanished.

"Master, to see you still in good health brings your subordinate great joy! However, there is one thing your subordinate does not understand — why is that person behind you not kneeling!" said the white-haired spiky-haired man, his tone the complete opposite of when he'd been arguing with the others earlier.

"Thank you, Sanemi. However, the two matters I wish to discuss today both concern him. He is Zero, the one who slew the Lower Rank demons, and he is also the one who saved Kanao Tsuyuri from the Upper Rank demon's hands." Kagaya Ubuyashiki turned his head and smiled, nodding at Zero, hoping he could introduce himself to everyone.

Zero understood, and stepped out from behind Kagaya Ubuyashiki. Only then did everyone get a clear look at Zero's true appearance.

At that moment, a well-endowed girl with three long cherry-pink braids whose tips were grass-green could not help but exclaim: "So cute!"

Zero suddenly sensed an extremely faint killing intent fixed on him, and only then noticed that it was a small child with heterochromatic eyes and a white snake coiled around its neck that was staring at him.

He couldn't understand what was going on. He had never seen this small child before, nor had he offended him, so why would the child show killing intent toward him.

"Hello, I'm Zero. This is Xiao Bai Yue — due to special circumstances, I shrunk her." Zero pointed at Xiao Bai Yue on his shoulder.

"Hello, I'm Xiao Bai Yue, Zero's… sister."

Originally Xiao Bai Yue had wanted to say she was Zero's assistant, but just now she had received Zero's instruction, so she changed her words and said she was Zero's sister.

"Oh my, Xiao Bai Yue, did you rest well last night?"

"Mm, I rested very well in Master… Brother's pocket!" Then she floated up and flew over to Xiang Nai Hui, sitting on her shoulder.

The others were once again shocked by this feat, unable to understand how it was done.

"Wow! So cute! Hello, my name is Kanroji Xiao Mili — can we be friends?" The well-endowed girl's name was Kanroji Xiao Mili. Seeing Xiao Bai Yue's appearance, she couldn't help but reach out and pat Xiao Bai Yue's head.

"Of course!"

"So cute!" Kanroji Xiao Mili directly cupped Xiao Bai Yue in her hands, nuzzling her with her cheek over and over.

Kagaya Ubuyashiki placed a finger before his lips, signaling for quiet: "The first matter I wish to discuss is that I hope Zero can become a Pillar of the Demon Slayer Corps, so I ask that you all accept him."

"Master, I do not accept it!" Sanemi was the first to voice his opposition.

Zero, meanwhile, used his Analysis Glasses to analyze Sanemi's data.

【Shinazugawa Sanemi — 18 years old】

【Demon Slayer Corps Pillar: Wind Pillar】

【Breathing Style: Wind Breathing】

【Special Physique: Rare Blood. His blood is a rare variety among rare blood, capable of making any demon that smells it become dead drunk】

【Personal Information: Short-tempered. When agitated, his eyes fill with blood vessels. He harbors an enmity toward demons beyond that of ordinary people. He treats his younger brother Shinazugawa Genya very harshly, but in reality is protecting him in his own way, wanting him to leave the Demon Slayer Corps and live out the rest of his life peacefully.】

【Note: Scars detected all over this person's body. The Recovery Chamber's repair mode can be activated for treatment.】

"Master, although he slew two Lower Rank demons, he has never undergone an assessment! Not only that, but I also sense no trace of any Breathing Style in him. If someone like that can become a Pillar, then surely many people will be unconvinced!" When Shinazugawa Sanemi said these words, his logic was clear and reasonable, with no trace of his usual short temper.

Among the Pillars present, aside from Butterfly Kanae Kocho, Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji, and Tomioka Giyuu, the others all agreed with Shinazugawa Sanemi's view.

"Shinazugawa is right — I also think it's unacceptable!" said a person with long hair alternating yellow and red, sword-shaped brows, and bright, piercing eyes, his voice especially resonant.

While Shinazugawa Sanemi had been voicing his views earlier, Zero had already used his Analysis Glasses to analyze the information of the Pillar before him.

【Rengoku Kyojurou — 17 years old】

【Demon Slayer Corps Pillar: Flame Pillar】

【Breathing Style: Flame Breathing】

【Personal Information: Possesses outstanding leadership and judgment. A person of great presence and cheerful disposition, who greatly enjoys looking after others, just like an elder brother. Regardless of gender or age, Kyojurou gets along with just about anyone.】

【Note: This person's eardrums are ruptured. The Recovery Chamber's repair mode can be activated for treatment.】

"Although that is so, I too gorgeously agree with Shinazugawa's view."

【Name: Tengen Uzui — Male】

【Age: 20 years old】

【Demon Slayer Corps Pillar: Sound Pillar】

Breathing Style: Sound Breathing

Personal Info: Former ninja, muscular build, bold personality. Can even force his heart to stop using his muscles to temporarily halt the spread of poison. Loves to hang the word "splendid" on his lips.

"Amitabha! If he can prove himself, then it is not impossible!"

Name: Gyomei Himejima - Male

Age: 24 years old

Demon Slayer Corps Hashira: Stone Hashira

Breathing Style: Stone Breathing

Personal Info: The strongest Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps. Gentle and steady personality. Always weeps while chanting sutras. Always says "Amitabha" when speaking. Always full of sympathy for others, but deeply loathes demons.

Note: Detected that this person is blind in both eyes. Can be repaired using a Recovery Pod.

Looking at the remarks of this group of little brats, Zero felt no fluctuation in his heart. After all, in terms of age, they could only be considered his juniors.

"Actually, whether I become a Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps or not is irrelevant to me. In other words, even if I don't, I will not suffer any loss." Zero immediately expressed his own thoughts.

"Kid, you aren't scared, are you?!" Sanemi Shinazugawa said with some disdain.

"Kid? Hehe..." Zero heard Sanemi Shinazugawa call him kid and felt like laughing.

Zero appeared behind Sanemi Shinazugawa in an instant, lowered his head, and said in his ear: "Little brat, to me, you... are still too green!"

The others were shocked because they couldn't even see how Zero appeared behind Sanemi Shinazugawa.

"So fast!!! When did he appear behind me?!" Sanemi Shinazugawa thought, his hand gripping the sword hilt as a cold sweat broke out.

At this moment, he knew deeply that if the other party were a demon, he would probably already be dead.

"I don't know what the so-called assessment of your Demon Slayer Corps is? Nor do I understand what the rules are? But there is one thing I can clarify here."

Zero came from behind Sanemi Shinazugawa to in front of everyone, took the Dark Alloy Type Four from the nano-space and attached it to his lower back, then drew Type One and held it horizontally before him: "Whether you are dissatisfied or do not agree, I can accept your challenge! As for becoming a Pillar, it doesn't matter to me."

Although Zero came to this world and was suppressed by the boundary, limiting his strength to only about half, it was enough.

Most people were already shocked by Zero's method of taking weapons from the void, and combined with what just happened, they somewhat agreed with Zero, except for Sanemi Shinazugawa who still felt somewhat dissatisfied.

"Fine, I will challenge you! My lord, please grant your permission!"

Kagaya Ubuyashiki said nothing, only looking at Zero.

Zero nodded to indicate it was acceptable.

Everyone immediately made way, leaving enough space for them to perform.

Sanemi Shinazugawa stood opposite Zero, gripping his sword hilt in a combat stance, while Zero made a diving posture, extending his mechanical left hand to rest the front section of the blade of Type One on his right hand.

"Little brat, three moves!"

"Damn it, kid, don't get too arrogant!"

Wind Breathing, First Form: Dust Whirlwind Cutter!

Sanemi Shinazugawa struck first, launching a high-speed assault while leaving rotating wind blades behind him capable of easily cutting the ground.

Just as the Sun Blade was about to approach Zero, Zero showed no panic. He moved a short distance to one side to dodge the attack, then stomped hard and charged forward, swinging Type One to deliver a flat, semi-circular slash directly at Sanemi Shinazugawa.

Seeing this, Sanemi Shinazugawa immediately blocked with his Sun Blade in front of him.

Clang!

However, what he did not expect was that a powerful collision cracked a fissure in his Nichirin Sword.

After quickly jumping backward to create a small distance and preparing to swing his Nichirin Sword again, Zero directly turned from passive to active and attacked him.

"Wind Breathing, Third Form: Gale-Storm Tree!"

Sanemi Shinazugawa instantly unleashed three powerful wind blades centered on himself, wanting to use them to block Zero's advance.

Seeing these three wind blades, Zero immediately changed from a charging posture to a sliding stance to dodge the three attacks, then used his mechanical arm to push against the ground, supporting his body, and delivered a flying kick straight to Sanemi Shinazugawa's stomach, kicking him flying.

"Damn it!" Sanemi Shinazugawa's face became grotesque, bloodshot veins appearing in his eyes.

Wind Breathing, Eighth Form: First Gale Slash!

He launched another assault, circling Zero with the force of a gale to slash once around, while powerful spiral wind blades swirled around his body.

The wind blades constantly swept around Zero, tearing his clothes. Seeing this, Zero directly drew Type Two and alternated slashing at extreme speed to block these attacks.

After the attack ended, he instantly charged and appeared behind Sanemi Shinazugawa.

Sensing Zero behind him and preparing to continue his attack, Zero directly struck Sanemi Shinazugawa's wrist with the flat of Type One's blade, causing him to lose his weapon, while Type Two was held at his neck.

Sanemi Shinazugawa prepared to clamp his Nichirin Sword with his toes to continue fighting; this was his special technique, reserved for when his hands were restrained.

However, he felt a very intense killing intent spreading behind him, cold sweat streaming down, and the other Hashira also felt this killing intent.

Turning his head, he saw Zero's red eyes become even more blood-red; if not for the fact that Zero could stand in the sunlight, they would have even suspected he was a demon.

He sheathed Type One and Type Two back into their scabbard box, picked up Sanemi Shinazugawa's Nichirin Sword, and returned it to him.

"I lost!"

Although Sanemi Shinazugawa was still somewhat dissatisfied, a loss is a loss; he dared to act and dared to take responsibility.

He inserted his own Nichirin Sword into the scabbard and returned to the ranks.

"I also want to challenge you." Another Hashira walked out from the ranks and came before Zero.

Name: Iguro Obanai - Male

Age: 18 years old

Demon Slayer Corps Hashira: Serpent Hashira

Pet Partner: Kaburamaru

Breathing Style: Serpent Breathing

Personal Info: Accustomed to mocking people when speaking, but actually values his partners very much. Like Sanemi, he hates demons very much and does not easily trust outsiders; only when facing the Master and Mitsuri Kanroji does he completely open his heart.

Note: Detected a crack at the corner of this person's mouth. Can be treated using a Recovery Pod.

After reading Iguro Obanai's information, Zero also understood why he had shown a faint killing intent and that sour smell of jealousy towards him; it seemed to be because of that big-breasted girl.

Regarding the big-chested girl, he also obtained some data through the analysis glasses.

【Name: Kanroji Xiao Mili - Female】

【Age: 16 years old】

【Demon Slayer Corps Pillar: Love Pillar】

【Breathing Style: Love Breathing】

【Special Physique: Eightfold Muscle Density】

【Personal Information: Cheerful and lively personality; once shy, she will blush and sweat profusely, wanting to find a partner willing to stay with her for life.】

After understanding the situation, looking at Iguro Obanai standing before him, he also figured out why he wrapped bandages around his face and refused to show it.

Coupled with the information about the others just now, he understood that they all had some lingering disabilities on their bodies, so he had another plan in mind.

"Your name is Iguro Obanai, right? I accept your challenge."

He drew the Dark Alloy Form Four once again.

Iguro Obanai also drew his own weapon — a curved, serpent-blade style Nichirin Sword.

Just like that, Iguro Obanai also engaged in a contest with Zero, and his attack angles were rather tricky.

……