I don't want to be an elf!

"Since the commander has already considered this possibility, why risk it alone?"

"You are my subordinates. As your boss, if I don't come to save you, are you going to run away?" Kotori Itsuka snorted proudly. "Since the Demon Slayer Corps hasn't arrived yet, tell me what happened first."

"Of course."

Tanjiro Kamado immediately invited her into Tamayo's residence.

The other members of Ratatosk were already waiting in the mansion, but they couldn't come out because it was still broad daylight outside.

Without any pleasantries, the group went to the living room of the mansion and began the first Ratatosk member meeting.

The whole story was quickly explained by everyone's chatter.

"I'm sorry, it's all my fault. I didn't even realize I was being followed."

Dazai Osamu scratched his head sheepishly and said with an awkward smile, "How about I atone with my death? That would be the only way to show my sincerity."

"Shouldn't this be a reward for you?" Kotori Itsuka rolled her eyes at him. "Now that you mention it, I'm starting to suspect that you deliberately got yourself into trouble."

The course of events is very simple.

Although Kotori Itsuka has been slacking off lately, the Kamado siblings and Osamu Dazai are still carrying out their demon-slaying activities.

Two days ago, as usual, they dealt with a demon in a nearby city and then returned to Asakusa.

On the way back, Dazai Osamu suddenly became inspired to write poetry. After praising the beauty of the moon, he dragged the Kamado siblings to admire the moon for two hours.

During this time, they were spotted by members of the Demon Slayer Corps who had rushed over from the surrounding area.

If it were an ordinary member, they would definitely have been able to notice.

The problem is that those tracking them are not ordinary members.

It is the Kasugai Crow of the Demon Slayer Corps.

For some unknown reason, some small animals in this world possess extraordinary wisdom and intelligence.

For example, the tea balls raised by Tamayo.

For example, the Demon Slayer Corps trains Kasugai crows to deliver information and missions.

Following the Kamado siblings and Dazai Osamu back to their base in Asakusa, Kasugai Crow flew directly to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters and relayed the matter to the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, Ubuyashiki Kagaya.

"This is the letter that the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps wrote to us."

Tamayo handed the message brought by Kasugai-raven to Kotori Itsuka. Beneath her calm expression, a hint of panic appeared: "Commander, should we move our base or agree to Ubuyashiki's request?"

As a demon who had lived for over a hundred years, Tamayo was aware of the Demon Slayer Corps' existence, even though the Demon Slayer Corps was unaware of her existence before this.

Although they share the same goal—to eliminate Muzan Kibutsuji—the Demon Slayer Corps adheres to the principle of ruthless killing of demons, which is why Tamayo has never made contact with them.

However, even after lying low for so long, she was still noticed by the Demon Slayer Corps.

Her peaceful life was disrupted, leaving her somewhat at a loss.

After reading the letter written by Kagaya Ubuyashiki, Kotori Itsuka quickly understood the purpose of the letter.

It's very simple, it's an invitation.

In the letter, Kagaya Ubuyashiki used very amiable language, without a trace of harshness. Instead, he invited Ratatoskr to visit a Demon Slayer Corps mansion three days later for a cooperative discussion.

Of course, friendliness could very well be just a facade.

This negotiation could very well be a trap.

"We now have three options: A. Relocate our base, B. Agree to the Demon Slayer Corps' demands, C. Assume the Demon Slayer Corps has ill intentions and strike first."

After reading Kagaya Ubuyashiki's letter, Kotori Itsuka said calmly, "Then, let's all make the choice."

"The second one," Kamado Tanjiro, who had never learned English, answered first.

“A.” After thinking for a moment, Tamayo gave her answer.

“A.” Yushiro and Tamayo naturally chose the same option.

"Waaah!" Nezuko, unable to speak, raised two fingers.

"I choose C." Dazai Osamu excitedly raised his hand, but anyone could tell that he just wanted to die.

If we exclude Dazai Osamu's choice, then we are left with only A and B to choose from.

The people could not reach the same conclusion.

Therefore, they could only turn their attention to their commander.

"Do you believe me?"

Under everyone's gaze, Kotori Itsuka spoke up and asked.

The unexpected question, completely unrelated to the topic of the conversation, left everyone momentarily stunned.

"Of course I trust the commander."

Tanjiro Kamado was the first to answer, saying earnestly, "You saved my sister's and my lives, and I believe you wouldn't harm us."

"I believe too."

Tamayo gave the second answer, nodding slowly.

She is a ghost who has lived for over five hundred years. It's unrealistic to expect her to easily trust another ghost she's only known for less than three months.

However, she believed in Kotori Itsuka's abilities.

Whether it was the imposing aura he exuded upon their first meeting or his feat of easily defeating Upper Moon Six, both left an extremely deep impression on her.

"That's what Lady Tamayo said..."

Yushiro pursed his lips. Just like Tamayo, he also believed in Kotori Itsuka's abilities.

Even if they are still some distance from Muzan Kibutsuji, they should still be able to contend with the Demon Slayer Corps.

"As long as you keep your promise and let me die without pain, I will trust you."

Dazai Osamu shrugged.

He joined Ratatoskr not to eliminate Muzan Kibutsuji, nor did he have any other lofty ideals.

He joined entirely on a semi-voluntary and semi-forced basis.

Even if Kotori Itsuka dragged him to his death, he wouldn't complain.

"Very well, then I'm telling you now, your choice was correct."

Kotori Itsuka smiled.

"In that case, there is only one answer."

----------

----------

Three days later, at the mansion of a prominent family in Asakusa.

The wisteria that used to grow around here has now been completely cleared away, leaving not a single petal behind.

Inside the mansion, in the front yard that was large enough to accommodate the esteemed guests, there were only ten figures.

The man under the central parasol was dressed in a pure white kimono, his face covered with grotesque veins and deformed flesh.

But a kind smile still lingered on his lips, radiating a gentle, spring-like aura.

He is the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, the current head of the Ubuyashiki Group, Kagaya Ubuyashiki.

Behind Kagaya Ubuyashiki were nine demon slayers dressed in Demon Slayer Corps uniforms, each with the words "Demon Slayer" engraved on their Nichirin Blades.

They are the highest-ranking members of the Demon Slayer Corps, the pillars that support the organization.

They, who usually travel all over Japan and hardly have time to rest, have gathered together again today.

Once again, they gathered together for the same reason.

For Ratatosk.

The hot-tempered Sanemi Shinazugawa looked at the bright moon in the sky and couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement.

"The sun has been setting for so long, why haven't those guys come yet?"

Shinazugawa Sanemi, looking impatient, couldn't help but say, "You didn't run away because you were scared, did you?"

"That's a given."

Obanai Iguro yawned and said lazily, "After all, all nine Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps are here. Even Upper Moon One would have to go around him. Of course, a mere demon who has defeated Upper Moon Six wouldn't have the courage to accept the invitation."

"Indeed, they should have faced death as soon as their stronghold was discovered. Amitabha."

Beimingyu Xingming clasped his hands together, two lines of clear tears streaming from his eyes: "We missed our best opportunity and let them escape. Who knows how long it will take to find them again next time."

"Asakusa, huh...?"

Rengoku Kyojuro frowned slightly and muttered to himself, "I didn't expect Ratatosk's hiding place to be here. Kotori seems to have been coming this way a lot lately. Luckily, nothing bad has happened to her."

The Pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps were discussing it.

Kagaya Ubuyashiki, sitting in a wheelchair, paid no attention to his subordinates' gossip.

If Ratatosk appears, that would be ideal.

Both sides share the same goal, and if they can work together to bring this organization to their side, it will certainly be a great help.

But if Ratatosk doesn't intend to appear, that's fine too.

If even the nine Pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps dare not face them, it can only mean that this organization is just a small fry and not worth fearing.

Even if the Demon Slayer Corps doesn't take action, Muzan Kibutsuji won't stand idly by.

After all, he almost made a banner with the words "We have no hostility" and hung it at the front door.

Not only were all the wisteria flowers that demons resisted removed, but apart from the nine pillars protecting his life, there were no other Demon Slayer Corps members around, and the place he chose was even in the center of Asakusa City.

The very act of choosing a place like this, rather than some remote mountain forest, is enough to demonstrate Kagaya Ubuyashiki's goodwill.

After all, this is the city center, a densely populated area.

Neither the Demon Slayer Corps nor the demons could possibly make a move here.

Although the two camps competed against each other last year, they both adhered to one consensus.

That is to keep all battles in the shadows, unknown to the world.