Anime/Manga: Bankai Starting with Demon Slayer

"My sword was custom-made by the village chief of the sword-forging village; it's very special..."

She pointed to the cold glint on the tip of the blade, where there was a small groove: "I will inject wisteria poison into the blade. It is a toxin that has a restraining effect on evil spirits. Just fifty milligrams is enough to kill a ghost."

When the topic of wisteria poison came up, her eyes flickered, as if there was something else she hadn't said.

"Is this toxin harmful to the human body?" Asuka asked. "What if I accidentally poison myself?"

"Haha, Asuka, you still can't say anything right."

Shinobu Kocho sheathed her Nichirin Blade and smiled easily: "Don't worry, the poison from the wisteria flower is not very toxic to the human body. Unless you drink it like water, there won't be any problems."

Is that so....

Asuka sensed that Shinobu's emotions always fluctuated when the topic of wisteria poison was brought up.

I hope she really won't get hurt because of this.

Later that evening, the Lord's messenger, Kasugai, also arrived at the Butterfly House.

It looked at the bird with curiosity, its eyes filled with undisguised doubt: "Good day, bird, how are you feeling?"

"It's business as usual."

"...You and Kyojuro are a miracle of the Demon Slayer Corps. Until now, no swordsman has ever survived such a fierce attack from an Upper Moon demon..."

The messenger flapped its wings and hopped onto the bird's bed: "And... you actually managed to sever the neck of the Upper Moon Demon Moon... This is truly unprecedented good news."

"It's a pity we couldn't kill that demon..." Asuka murmured.

"Don't blame yourself, Asuka. The waxing crescent moon is no ordinary evil spirit. It has been causing havoc for hundreds of years and cannot be killed so easily." The messenger comforted Asuka, which made him feel a little better. "In addition, the lord has other plans for you."

The bird calmly looked at the messenger, who then said:

"According to Kyojuro, during the battle with Upper Moon Three, you displayed tremendous power that turned the tide of the battle, which saved everyone's lives."

"The Lord's decree: Although the Demon Slayer Corps has never had such a precedent, the times have changed, and perhaps this is a signal that our generation is about to end the era of demons."

"Asuka, effective immediately, you are now the tenth Pillar-level swordsman of the Demon Slayer Corps!"

"His title is—[Arashi]!"

Lan....

Asuka recalled how, at the end of that battle, she had changed her breathing rhythm based on her fighting instincts.

"So I am, Arashi Pillar?"

"That's right, bird."

The messenger bowed respectfully to him: "Thank you for your contributions to the Demon Slayer Corps. The Ubuyashiki clan extends its deepest respects to you."

"As for the arrangements to come, my lord hopes you can take good care of your health and not push yourself too hard." It smoothed its fine feathers and said with a smile, "Why don't you go back to Hayama for a visit? I'm sure Mr. Arashizaki will be happy to do so."

In the past, Breath of the Wind was not among the top of the five major schools. It was only in the hands of the current Wind Pillar, Saneya Shinazugawa, that it was elevated to a higher level, thereby improving the overall level of the training institute.

Asuka's Breath of Arashi, which is not yet fully formed, is born from the wind and can be said to be the pride of the entire Hayama Breeding Center.

Although Asuka has never cared about empty fame.

But thinking about how he had become a pillar, he figured he hadn't embarrassed the teacher, so he nodded sullenly.

"Also..." The messenger looked at Asuka's Nichirin Blade placed beside the bed and spoke uncertainly, "According to Tanjiro and the others' report, you let the blade burn during the battle? And strange markings appeared on your body? Is that true?"

"...I don't know, the battle was too intense at the time, and I was trying to sort out the situation."

Asuka wasn't lying; he genuinely didn't know whether it was Hato who had used some kind of power or whether he had unintentionally triggered something.

He only vaguely remembered that he was much stronger than usual, and the blade was burning hot.

Similarly, my body was under a heavy burden, and my heart felt like it was on fire.

The messenger nodded: "No need to force yourself, Bird. There are still many days ahead, you can reflect on them slowly."

"Perfect timing, I have a story to tell you."

Its words were slow and drawn-out, as if recalling a distant history:

"It is said that during the Warring States period..."

Meanwhile, at the Ubuyashiki Mansion.

"Amane! Amane, do you understand?! What does this mean?!" Kagaya Ubuyashiki, unlike his usual calm self, jolted awake from the bed, his emotions running high. "The Marked Swordsman who defeated the Upper Moon has awakened! He's not dead! The Upper Moon isn't invincible... cough cough..."

His emotions were so intense that he excitedly pulled his wife along while vomiting blood.

Ubuyashiki's condition has worsened again; the scars on her face have now spread to her neck, and her complexion has become even paler.

“How glorious... Calmness.”

"Haha...yes, I need to calm down...but it's been a hundred years, a hundred years! We haven't defeated the Upper Moon in a hundred years!"

Although he readily agreed, Kagaya Ubuyashiki's emotions did not calm down; even his coughs carried a hint of amusement.

"During the Warring States period, the first generation of Pillar-level swordsmen once cornered Muzan Kibutsuji!"

"It is said that they all have markings resembling ghost patterns on their bodies!"

"Asuka is no ordinary child! He can sever the head of Upper Moon Three and awaken his markings..."

"Although hundreds of years have passed, we no longer know the conditions for the awakening of the markings, but the saying passed down from generation to generation is not wrong—as long as one person awakens, then more swordsmen will be influenced by him and awaken one after another in resonance!"

"Do you understand? Times are changing!"

"Muzan Kibutsuji! He will definitely die at the hands of our generation!"

Chapter 65 The Roaring Wind

It was three days later when Shinobu Kocho confirmed Asuka's condition and was able to leave the Butterfly Mansion.

However, the bird did not leave alone.

Having just recovered, Asuka planned to visit Rengoku Kyojuro.

Although she said she was concerned about Mr. Rengoku's health, Shinobu Kocho knew that he was definitely planning to learn Flame Breathing.

She was worried about Asuka's reckless nature, and coincidentally, she was also preparing to check on Rengoku Kyojuro's injuries.

So they went together with Asuka to Utsunomiya City.

This is an ancient city that flourished as a castle town during the Edo period and was once known as "Little Edo".

The Rengoku clan, a samurai family that has served the Ubuyashiki family since the Sengoku period, has always lived on the outskirts of Utsunomiya City, guarding their ancestral land passed down through generations.

As times have changed, apart from the other collateral descendants who are not skilled in swordsmanship, only three male members of the Purgatory family remain in the world.

Rengoku Kyojuro, his younger brother Senjuro, and their father Makijuro.

On the way, Shinobu Kocho introduced the Rengoku family to Asuka, especially mentioning the former Flame Pillar, Makijuro Rengoku:

"Mr. Makijuro gave up demon slaying due to the grief of losing his wife, which left the Flame Pillar position vacant for a time." She added, "Now he drinks heavily all day long and doesn't even care about his family..."

"Just because you're depressed, you're not going to be a pillar anymore?" Asuka frowned.

Shinobu Kocho shook her head: "Only we know the details of our own affairs, and it's not appropriate for us to ask too many questions."

As she spoke, she solemnly instructed Asuka: "It is said that even Mr. Kyojuro became the Flame Pillar by relying on the training book of Flame Breathing. So Asuka, if it is not necessary, it is best not to talk to Mr. Kyojuro, so as not to provoke him."

Asuka had originally wanted to ask Shinobu Kocho about the fact that the head of the Rengoku family was the former Flame Pillar, but she never expected it to be like this.

The forepaw is a very special and respected position.

Normally, Pillar-level swordsmen will fight in their posts until they die or retire due to serious injury or old age that prevents them from fulfilling their duties.

Arashizaki-sensei lost her status as the Wind Pillar and became a Trainer because her arm was severed.

These veterans with rich combat experience are the core force in training the Demon Slayer Corps' grassroots members. It can be said that without them, the Demon Slayer Corps would not be able to replenish its ranks with fresh blood.

As far as Asuka knows, in addition to Arashizaki-sensei, the former Water Pillar and Naruto Pillar have also become trainers, but they don't have many disciples and have always been in a semi-secluded state.

And this Makijuro, still in his prime, has already abandoned his responsibility to exorcise demons, not even bothering to raise him...?

As Shinobu Kocho said, this was a private matter for the Rengoku family, and he didn't want to delve into it.

Feiniao crossed her arms and leaned against a corner of the carriage, quietly admiring the maple leaves along the roadside that had turned red.

Two days later, they arrived at Utsunomiya, but encountered unexpected trouble.

Utsunomiya City was much as Asuka had imagined, still retaining its old-fashioned style—low-rise traditional wooden townhouses, black tiles and white walls with Edo-era charm, and occasionally some Western-style buildings and utility poles with brick and stone structures, creating a blend of old and new.

"Asuka, do you know why Zenitsu's teacher, Mr. Kuwashima Jigoro, is called the 'Sound Pillar' instead of the 'Thunder Pillar'?" Shinobu Kocho lightly jumped off the carriage, stretching her slender waist: "It is said that it is because when a user of Thunder Breathing draws his sword, there is a thunderous sound, hence the name Sound Pillar."

"Also..." she pointed at the utility pole with a hint of slyness, "Some people say that because 'thunder pillar' refers to this thing, they don't use that name."

Asuka asked seriously, "What about before? Was the Singing Pillar of the Warring States period also for this reason?"

"...That's just a lame joke, Asuka."

"So that's how it is, ha, ha."

He chuckled earnestly twice, then noticed the strange atmosphere on the street.

The sun had not yet set, but the streets were already sparsely populated, and many shops had closed early.

Looking into the distance, at the end of the street, in the central square formed by the convergence of several intersections, people were setting up several temporary sheds.

Many soldiers in khaki uniforms stood in front of the tent, raising white cloth banners with ink still wet.

[The 14th Army Corps! Loyal and brave soldiers are welcome to enlist!]

[One Hundred Million, One Heart! The Rise of an Empire!]

Several officers with stern faces and swords at their waists stood under the strip of cloth, directing the soldiers. A few young men were sparsely lined up at the wooden table in front of the shed.

Most of them were dressed in old clothes, with fanatical expressions, and were registering something.

"Hurry up, don't linger."

Upon seeing the large, bold characters written above, Shinobu Kocho frowned slightly and immediately tried to pull Asuka away, but it was already too late.

"Hey! Hey! You man over there!"

After several unanswered calls, a burly officer with a mustache and wearing the rank of major approached with two soldiers, looking menacing.

His eyes swept across the birds like searchlights—young, strong, and with sharp eyes, they were perfect targets.

"Look at your physique, you're a fine prospect! The Empire needs young men like you right now! Come over and register! Enlist immediately!"

“Not interested, I refuse.”

Asuka's answer was without hesitation, causing the lieutenant who gave him the order to twitch the fat on his face.

He seemed surprised that something like this would happen to him, and his face flushed red.

The major roared, "Damn it! Don't be so ungrateful! As a citizen of the Empire, how can you back down!"

With his angry shout, several soldiers beside him pulled back their bolts with a whoosh, and the muzzles of their guns subtly rose.

The atmosphere on the street suddenly became tense.

Asuka had already placed his hand on the tightly wrapped oilcloth bag, ready to draw his knife and subdue the group of thugs if things went wrong.

"Please wait a moment, sir." Shinobu Kocho's voice rang out as she smiled and stepped between the two, interrupting Asuka's surging murderous intent.

"Woman, who are you? How dare you interfere with military affairs?" The major impatiently tried to push Shinobu Kocho away, but found that her slender wrist was unusually strong and did not budge.

Shinobu Kocho didn't answer him directly, but instead took out a small wooden box from her bosom.

Inside, several documents and a delicate little seal were neatly arranged.

She took out one of the documents bearing the Cabinet's seal and elegantly handed a business card with the words "Shinobu Kocho, Director of Ubuyashiki Co., Ltd." to the officer.

"Excuse me." She nodded slightly, her voice clear and her demeanor composed. "This young man is our company's security consultant and an employee of the Ubuyashiki family."

Ubuyashiki family? The major felt that the name sounded familiar.

He opened the document, looked at it carefully, and his expression changed repeatedly before he finally remembered.

The Ubuyashiki family is a noble family with a long history. It is said that they have a certain ability to foresee opportunities and have an incredibly accurate eye for investment. Their businesses span multiple fields such as finance, trade, and real estate, and they have accumulated astonishing wealth.

Within the Chinese community, there are different factions.

The current Prime Minister, Hara Takashi, was an anti-war figure who rose to power with the support of the elder statesman of the Chinese nobility, Duke Saionji Kinmochi, and he is at odds with the army.

The Ubuyashiki family is a cowardly family that stands with that old dog Saionji, and they are very annoying!

The major folded the document with some dissatisfaction, but before he could speak, Shinobu Kocho continued, "We are here on the orders of our head of the family to handle important business matters in Utsunomiya. The Ubuyashiki family will provide the relevant authorities with a reasonable explanation regarding this young man's military service."

Her formulaic smile carried an unusual firmness: