"Hush..."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki spoke, "He once sent pursuers after Tanjiro. This is enough to prove that there is something about Tanjiro and his sister that attracts him." "Although his stated reason was to silence them, this is the first time I've managed to grasp Kibutsuji Muzan's tail. I fear there's something about Tanjiro and Nezuko that we don't know." Clearly, this information had come from Tamayo.
"Understood, Oyakata-sama. However, while the human can be spared, the demon cannot. This has been the fighting creed of our Demon Slayer Corps until now. Countless people have sacrificed themselves for this. I cannot agree." With that, the Wind Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa, drew his Nichirin blade and slashed his own arm. His blood was Marechi, incredibly alluring to demons. "Let me demonstrate the ugliness of demons."
"No need for your demonstration—" Uchiha Nagi's voice came from the side.
"What did you say?" Sanemi Shinazugawa glared ferociously at Uchiha Nagi. He hadn't forgotten their earlier encounter.
"My blood is the rarest of the rare, even more alluring than yours. Nezuko hasn't attacked me despite being around me for many days. I am the best proof," Uchiha Nagi stated calmly. White Zetsu cells, combined with Uchiha cells, had made him a delicacy in the eyes of many demons in this world—like a mythical ginseng that could grant a thousand years of power upon consumption.
"Ridiculous! You claim your blood is rarer than mine? Who can prove it?" Sanemi Shinazugawa roared.
"I can. On the very first day Mr. Uchiha Nagi appeared, I received a letter from a certain friend. He is indeed of a rarer blood type than yours," Kagaya Ubuyashiki said with a gentle smile.
"I can offer something of equivalent value in exchange, to vouch for Nezuko," Uchiha Nagi said calmly.
"Exchange? Are you thinking of using money? Who here is short on money?" Sanemi Shinazugawa sneered. Most people here had little concept of wealth. Apart from their Nichirin blades, they needed almost nothing. Money was only for daily meals and lodging. Besides, a Hashira's monthly salary was two hundred thousand, and they could take more if needed...
"I will exchange my Medical Ninjutsu." Uchiha Nagi gathered green, glowing chakra in one hand. He walked over to Sanemi Shinazugawa and gestured for him to extend his arm. The Wind Hashira frowned, but after Kagaya Ubuyashiki heard his daughter whisper something to him, he nodded. "Sanemi, extend your hand and let Mr. Uchiha Nagi try. I believe that as a human, he will not harm you."
Ultimately, Sanemi resentfully extended his arm. Uchiha Nagi covered the wound with his Palm Healing jutsu. A miraculous scene unfolded: the bleeding stopped, and then the wound slowly began to heal. In a short while, under the astonished gazes of everyone present, Sanemi's wound completely vanished. Not only did it disappear, but there wasn't even a scar left.
"Sugoi... Not even a scar remains! Shinazugawa-san is fortunate; all the wounds on his body can be healed," Shinobu Kocho exclaimed in amazement.
"Bastard! Scars are a man's pride! Who wants them healed?!" Sanemi Shinazugawa roared in anger.
Many fell silent. They all knew that this thing called Medical Ninjutsu, though it seemed simple, would be incredibly valuable in battle. With such a miraculous ability, who knew how many casualties could be reduced.
"At the same time, I promised Miss Tamayo that I would temporarily join the Demon Slayer Corps. In exchange, after joining, I am willing to trade my ninjutsu for knowledge of Breathing Styles," Uchiha Nagi finished, then formed a hand seal.
Poof!
Before the dumbstruck eyes of the group, several Uchiha Nagis appeared—the Shadow Clone Jutsu. To demonstrate their utility, the shadow clones took turns lifting Tanjiro as a model.
Tanjiro: "........"
Amazing...If I knew this, my strength would probably multiply several times over, right? Shinobu thought. As the only Hashira who fought primarily with poison, Shadow Clones would be an incredible asset to her, almost tailor-made.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki leaned down and asked his daughter something, then nodded. "Mr. Uchiha Nagi, Giyu's and Mr. Sakonji Urokodaki's guarantee for Nezuko was already sufficient. However, as you said, the Demon Slayer Corps is in dire need of the abilities you've demonstrated. They can help strengthen our children and reduce casualties. Please forgive my audacity in accepting." After a pause, Kagaya Ubuyashiki continued, "As for Breathing Styles, anyone who joins the Demon Slayer Corps, even those outside it, as long as they are willing to fight Kibutsuji Muzan, we are willing to teach them. After all, the more strength humanity has, the greater our chance of eliminating him." "Then, if there are no objections from anyone, Mr. Uchiha Nagi will be the Demon Slayer Corps' newest Hashira."
"What? A Hashira?" "I disagree! Why does he get to be a Hashira right away? Just because of these few ninjutsu?" Several Hashira were clearly displeased.
"That's right," Sanemi Shinazugawa said. "Every Hashira here has a record of slaying numerous demons, even members of the Twelve Kizuki. What has he done?"
Just then, a calm voice interjected. It was Giyu Tomioka. "He defeated you with genjutsu earlier....." Sanemi Shinazugawa's mouth twitched.
Shinobu Kocho also covered her mouth and chuckled lightly. "Mr. Uchiha Nagi also slew one of the Twelve Kizuki last night, a fellow named Rui. He was Lower Moon Five, you know." Sanemi Shinazugawa was completely petrified into silence...
After sunrise, Rui's body had naturally turned to ash. As for his soul, it was unknown if this world's Shinigami would come to contend with Uchiha Nagi for it, as it was still sealed within the Sword of Totsuka by Nagi.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki smiled. "Then let us formally welcome Uchiha Nagi into our Demon Slayer Corps family. Afterwards, someone will be assigned to craft your exclusive Nichirin blade and uniform. I am not feeling well, so I shall take my leave first. Please, everyone, get to know each other better." "Tanjiro, please send my regards to Miss Tamayo..." Tanjiro was shocked upon hearing this. How did this Master know Tamayo?
"Oh oh, another Hashira has been added. This is a good thing~" the elder brother figure, the Flame Hashira, said happily. "I'm interested in that clone jutsu. I wonder if I can learn it..." the Mist Hashira, Muichiro, said blankly, tracing circles on the ground with his finger.
Subsequently, Tanjiro and his sister were taken by the support staff to Shinobu Kocho's residence, as it served as the Demon Slayer Corps' medical and logistical base.
Uchiha Nagi didn't mind and directly explained that ninjutsu required chakra as a fundamental energy to be performed, simultaneously giving a basic explanation of how to knead chakra.
"Mmm... This is hard to grasp. I don't understand it at all..." the Flame Hashira said bluntly. "It seems learning it won't be so easy," the Stone Hashira also nodded.
"The many ninjutsu I know, such as Water Style, Fire Style, Earth Style, Wind Style, and Medical Ninjutsu, all require chakra as a foundation. Once you all succeed in kneading chakra, you can come to me to learn them." After letting several of them touch and feel the difference between chakra energy and Breathing Styles, Uchiha Nagi left with Shinobu Kocho. He was going to check on the injured.