Chapter 27: Trial.
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DeeplyoftheWorld
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Goto, a member of the kakushi, shook Tanjiro and Takeo hurriedly, like he desperately wanted to leave.
"How long are you going to sleep? Get up! Get up!"
Groaning and opening his eyes, Tanjiro was greeted by the sun. It made him want to close his eyes again, but he kept them partly open to adjust to the light.
Around him were several people. They imposed on him with a terrifying presence. At first glance, they appeared stronger than any demon he's faced, bar Muzan.
He cried out for his friends and siblings. The shaking and shouts finally stirred Takeo, and he too woke up.
"Where are we?" Takeo mumbled, his eyes widening when he saw the people around him.
"What do you think?" Goto said, keeping himself in a kneeled position. "You're in the presence of the hashira!"
"Thank you, kakushi member!" Kyojuro said, his voice booming with enthusiasm. "Indeed, we are the hashira."
Pointing at Tanjiro and Takeo, he continued speaking. "And you are both on trial! It is treason to spare or harbor a demon. Thus, it is within our right to execute you immediately!"
Takeo objected instantly. "Wait, that's not-!"
"I don't disagree, but first, what do we do with Murata?" Obanai interrupted. "He's guilty, and let's not forget about Giyu."
Makomo's hands trembled with indignation. "He's my tsuguko, so it is up to me to decide his punishment. Moreover, the fault lies with Murata, who ordered him to stay silent."
Giyu, while a tsuguko, was behind Makomo and present for the trial. He remained silent and was sitting on his knees.
Tanjiro noticed that Murata was positioned away from the other hashira, thereby isolating him. He wanted to say anything to defend him, but his throat throbbed with discomfort and pain.
"Shouldn't we wait for the master first?" Mitsuri asked. "Shouldn't he be here for something as important as this?"
"We are bound by duty, aren't we?" Sabito countered, a frown etched on his face. "There are traitors and a demon that's still alive. It is our responsibility to uphold the code and rule."
Staring at Tanjiro and Takeo, Sabito offered a mercy. "However, I do want to hear the story firsthand. Why are you protecting a demon?"
Shinobu offered water to both Takeo and Tanjiro. Drinking it with the fervor of a dying man, Tanjiro cleared his throat.
"While we were gone, a demon attacked our family. Nezuko, she's our sister, was turned into a demon. But, she hasn't eaten a single human and she never will!"
"Of course you would defend her if she's family. I, for one, don't believe you in the slightest," Obanai said, glaring down at Tanjiro.
"We became demon slayers to cure Nezuko!" Takeo said. "In over two years, she hasn't killed or eaten anyone!"
"As compelling as that is," Kanae interjected, "you just repeated yourself. Words alone cannot prove such a miracle."
Tanjiro and Takeo continued pleading, but their voice was cut short by the appearance of another hashira.
"What are we doing here?" Sanemi asked. "Are we really entertaining these traitors?"
Seeing the box held up in his hand, Tanjiro and Takeo looked on with dread.
"A demon that doesn't eat humans? You know what we call that here?"
Murata moved to stop Sanemi, but Gyomei intercepted by placing a hand on Murata's shoulder. The pressure forced Murata down, causing him to wince.
Sanemi's grin turned feral as he stabbed into the box.
"A damn delusion, that's what!"
A muffled cry could be heard from the box, and with that, Tanjiro and Takeo charged at Sanemi.
Sabito held both boys back as Makomo announced the arrival of the master.
The hashira bowed together as Ubuyashiki Kagaya was assisted by two of his children. Feeling the sun on his face, he smiled.
"It's a beautiful day, isn't it? While Tengen's retirement is regrettable, it is good to see one of our own return."
"Yes, master. It is also good to see you again, and we all pray for your continued health and fortune," Kanae said.
Sanemi impatiently cut to the chase. Sheathing his sword, he addressed the master.
"Master, could you enlighten us about the demon traveling with these demon slayers?"
Even though he could barely see, Kagaya turned his face towards Sanemi.
"Ah, yes. Regarding Tanjiro, Takeo, and Nezuko, I have sanctioned their situation. I hope you all respect and agree with this decision."
A cacophony of voices erupted, and the hashira each said their piece regarding the matter.
On one side was Murata, Kanae, and Mitsuri.
The other side included Obanai, Seiko, Rengoku, Gyomei, Sanemi, Sabito, and Makomo.
Shinobu did not say anything, but remained neutral.
Sanemi summed his disagreement poignantly. "It is our sworn purpose to kill demons, not spare them. I implore you to punish both Murata and the Kamado brothers."
Pulling out a letter, the master had one of his children read it out loud.
"This is a letter from former hashira, Urokodaki Sakonji."
Makomo and Sabito looked up with surprise.
I humbly ask that you allow Tanjiro and Takeo stay with their sister, who is now a demon. Despite being a demon on the brink of starvation, her mental fortitude has allowed her to retain her humanity. Not once has she devoured a human, and this has remained true for over two years. Impossible as it is, it is an undeniable fact. However, in the event that Nezuko ever harms or kills a human, I, along with Kamado Tanjiro, Kamado Takeo, Tomioka Giyu, and Sato Murata will commit ritual suicide.
The brothers couldn't help but tear up. Giyu remained as stoic as a rock, and Murata stayed silent.
Sanemi and Sabito pointed out that despite the conviction, it did not guarantee anything. If Nezuko did kill a human, then that was one human dead that could've been saved.
The master acknowledged it, but brought up his own argument. "You are correct that there is no proof that Nezuko will not harm humans. On the other hand, we can't prove that she will attack a human. We know she has not eaten a human for two years and now, five people are willing to put their lives on the line for her. If you deny this, then a more convincing argument must be shown. In addition, both Tanjiro and Takeo have met Kibutsuji Muzan."
More voices raised, and a barrage of questions were thrown around.
"What were his abilities?"
"Where is his stronghold?"
"What was he doing?"
With a small gesture from the master, the hashira instantly quieted down.
"Muzan sent demons after Tanjiro and Takeo. It may be to simply silence them, but I don't want to squander this miraculous opportunity. I also believe that Nezuko is going through a change that even Muzan couldn't predict. Does it make more sense?"
It made sense, at least to Murata. Though, since he was already aware of these things from the beginning, it wasn't a surprise.
Sanemi spared a quick glance at Murata, then faced the master.
"If it were anything else, then maybe I could see it. But, a demon is a different story. After everything we've done to fight demons and the lives that were lost along the way, I just can't accept it!"
Pulling out his sword, he cut his arm. "Forgive me for this intrusion, master, but let me show you the ugliness of demons!"
He carried the wooden box indoors, allowing his blood to drip on the box. Seeing no reaction, he stabbed into the box, prompting a small cry to come out.
Tanjiro and Takeo looked on with anger, their voices shouting for her. Sabito still held on to them firmly, and Obanai stood right behind to keep a close eye.
Murata appeared calm, but he was praying inside. Even if he knew the outcome, it didn't change the fact that his life was on the line!
Nezuko stood up, her muzzle gone and her eyes focused on the fresh wound on Sanemi's arm. Her face flushed, and she started salivating. Getting closer and closer, Sanemi kept a tight grip on his sword, watching for any sign of attack.
After several moments of internal struggle, Nezuko turned her face away, snubbing Sanemi.
He went through several emotions in that instant, but he settled on being dumbfounded. Likewise, the other hashira were either surprised or impressed by Nezuko's fortitude.
After the children described the sequence of events to Kagaya, he allowed himself a small smile.
"I believe with that, Nezuko has demonstrated that she poses no threats to humans," he said. "Tanjiro, Takeo. I'm sure there will be some who still won't accept Nezuko. That being said, prove yourselves. Fight stronger demons, then your words will have weight."
They bowed, and both yelled to the sky that Muzan would be defeated.
It was a bit childish, and the master gently chided them to take things one step at a time. The kakushi carried them out.
Sanemi wordlessly went back outside, and they began the meeting in earnest. Giyu made his leave with permission from Makomo.
-
Moving into a large room, the master felt the presence of each hashira.
With eleven hashira, the current generation of demon slayers was powerful. Perhaps the most powerful since the Sengoku period.
Tensions fell, but there was still a fair share of hard feelings towards a certain hashira.
"There is one other thing that I would like to discuss now," Kagaya said.
Judging from his tone, it was as serious as the matter involving Nezuko.
Seeing that Murata was not surprised in the least, the rest of the hashira looked at him in varying states of confusion, annoyance, or irritation.
"I suspect Nezuko is someone that will bring immense change. However, Murata has been in contact with another ally, one who bears great knowledge and experience against Muzan."
The door slowly opened, revealing Tamayo.
Everyone stiffened, but holding his hand up, Kagaya stopped any sort of premature attack.
"She has been staying in the Ice Estate, but I want her to move into the Butterfly Estate to continue her work against Muzan. Is that acceptable to you, Kanae?"
Kanae nodded, finding herself easily accepting the proposition.
The meeting continued. An endless amount of questions were asked as Tamayo patiently offered her knowledge. Taking up the entire day, night approached.
-
Leaving the mansion, Murata collapsed just out of sight, taking measured breaths and looking at the stars in the sky.
His relationship with most of the hashira were mended, but the fact that he kept such important information secret put a damper on things.
Makomo followed Murata, seeing him mentally rest from his metaphorical heart attack.
"I know you're still upset."
"That does not even begin to cover the depths of my displeasure," Makomo kept herself calm, but the veins in her forehead and hands proved otherwise.
She sighed, and sat next to him. "I'm sad that Giyu didn't even tell me."
"I told him to be quiet about this."
"That's the other thing," she said, poking his chest. "This was something that could've been discussed with the others, but you believed it was better for it to be hidden. We are hashira. Equals, peers, and above all, a unified front. Even if it was an agreement between you and the master, it's easy to see how this could be perceived as a slight, wouldn't you agree?"
Murata did not have anything to say against her. It was a good thing Nezuko proved herself.
Without results, all he had were words and knowledge of a potential future. Murata did not believe that was enough to convince the others, which was why he went with secrecy in the first place.
Yet, he could understand that being kept in the dark proved to be more hurtful than the actual information itself.
Still, he would not regret what he did.
"In any case, you owe me and Sabito a big favor."
"What for?" Murata gulped, allowing ignorance to guide him.
Her frown could terrify a rock into combustion. "It was very unfair to manipulate Giyu like that and as a hashira, I have to look out for my tsuguko. Don't worry, we'll make sure you stay alive."
Murata prayed for a second time today. His life was on the line once again.
-
Sanemi found himself outside, his thundering footsteps illuminating his mood.
He was raging at several things, but the fact that a demon like Nezuko was allowed to live burned him.
It had nothing to do with the girl herself.
"Are you still sulking?" Kanae snuck behind him, speaking without a hint of playfulness or amusement.
Sanemi cursed. "Obviously."
"Do you want to talk about it?" She walked next to him, keeping up with his pace.
"I can't believe he would hide this from us! Just when you think you know someone-"
"He had his reasons, didn't he?" Kanae defended. "But, that's not what you're most upset about, is it?"
That much as true. Sanemi could even justify it from a logical standpoint. If Murata told him about Nezuko two years prior, he would go over and kill her without question.
Sanemi did not tear up or get emotional. He was the type of person to raise a fit or physically deal with the problem before it advanced any further.
In a quiet voice, he muttered. "It's not fair."
"Hmm?"
"I'm saying it's not fair. What's so different about that girl? 'Mental fortitude?' Don't give me that shit! If anyone had fortitude, it was my mother!"
He plopped himself to the ground, ripping out clumps of dirt. "She loved us, so why didn't she...?"
Kanae squatted next to Sanemi, wrapping an arm around him. He kept ripping out dirt as his vision blurred.
"How long are you going to sleep? Get up! Get up!"
Groaning and opening his eyes, Tanjiro was greeted by the sun. It made him want to close his eyes again, but he kept them partly open to adjust to the light.
Around him were several people. They imposed on him with a terrifying presence. At first glance, they appeared stronger than any demon he's faced, bar Muzan.
He cried out for his friends and siblings. The shaking and shouts finally stirred Takeo, and he too woke up.
"Where are we?" Takeo mumbled, his eyes widening when he saw the people around him.
"What do you think?" Goto said, keeping himself in a kneeled position. "You're in the presence of the hashira!"
"Thank you, kakushi member!" Kyojuro said, his voice booming with enthusiasm. "Indeed, we are the hashira."
Pointing at Tanjiro and Takeo, he continued speaking. "And you are both on trial! It is treason to spare or harbor a demon. Thus, it is within our right to execute you immediately!"
Takeo objected instantly. "Wait, that's not-!"
"I don't disagree, but first, what do we do with Murata?" Obanai interrupted. "He's guilty, and let's not forget about Giyu."
Makomo's hands trembled with indignation. "He's my tsuguko, so it is up to me to decide his punishment. Moreover, the fault lies with Murata, who ordered him to stay silent."
Giyu, while a tsuguko, was behind Makomo and present for the trial. He remained silent and was sitting on his knees.
Tanjiro noticed that Murata was positioned away from the other hashira, thereby isolating him. He wanted to say anything to defend him, but his throat throbbed with discomfort and pain.
"Shouldn't we wait for the master first?" Mitsuri asked. "Shouldn't he be here for something as important as this?"
"We are bound by duty, aren't we?" Sabito countered, a frown etched on his face. "There are traitors and a demon that's still alive. It is our responsibility to uphold the code and rule."
Staring at Tanjiro and Takeo, Sabito offered a mercy. "However, I do want to hear the story firsthand. Why are you protecting a demon?"
Shinobu offered water to both Takeo and Tanjiro. Drinking it with the fervor of a dying man, Tanjiro cleared his throat.
"While we were gone, a demon attacked our family. Nezuko, she's our sister, was turned into a demon. But, she hasn't eaten a single human and she never will!"
"Of course you would defend her if she's family. I, for one, don't believe you in the slightest," Obanai said, glaring down at Tanjiro.
"We became demon slayers to cure Nezuko!" Takeo said. "In over two years, she hasn't killed or eaten anyone!"
"As compelling as that is," Kanae interjected, "you just repeated yourself. Words alone cannot prove such a miracle."
Tanjiro and Takeo continued pleading, but their voice was cut short by the appearance of another hashira.
"What are we doing here?" Sanemi asked. "Are we really entertaining these traitors?"
Seeing the box held up in his hand, Tanjiro and Takeo looked on with dread.
"A demon that doesn't eat humans? You know what we call that here?"
Murata moved to stop Sanemi, but Gyomei intercepted by placing a hand on Murata's shoulder. The pressure forced Murata down, causing him to wince.
Sanemi's grin turned feral as he stabbed into the box.
"A damn delusion, that's what!"
A muffled cry could be heard from the box, and with that, Tanjiro and Takeo charged at Sanemi.
Sabito held both boys back as Makomo announced the arrival of the master.
The hashira bowed together as Ubuyashiki Kagaya was assisted by two of his children. Feeling the sun on his face, he smiled.
"It's a beautiful day, isn't it? While Tengen's retirement is regrettable, it is good to see one of our own return."
"Yes, master. It is also good to see you again, and we all pray for your continued health and fortune," Kanae said.
Sanemi impatiently cut to the chase. Sheathing his sword, he addressed the master.
"Master, could you enlighten us about the demon traveling with these demon slayers?"
Even though he could barely see, Kagaya turned his face towards Sanemi.
"Ah, yes. Regarding Tanjiro, Takeo, and Nezuko, I have sanctioned their situation. I hope you all respect and agree with this decision."
A cacophony of voices erupted, and the hashira each said their piece regarding the matter.
On one side was Murata, Kanae, and Mitsuri.
The other side included Obanai, Seiko, Rengoku, Gyomei, Sanemi, Sabito, and Makomo.
Shinobu did not say anything, but remained neutral.
Sanemi summed his disagreement poignantly. "It is our sworn purpose to kill demons, not spare them. I implore you to punish both Murata and the Kamado brothers."
Pulling out a letter, the master had one of his children read it out loud.
"This is a letter from former hashira, Urokodaki Sakonji."
Makomo and Sabito looked up with surprise.
I humbly ask that you allow Tanjiro and Takeo stay with their sister, who is now a demon. Despite being a demon on the brink of starvation, her mental fortitude has allowed her to retain her humanity. Not once has she devoured a human, and this has remained true for over two years. Impossible as it is, it is an undeniable fact. However, in the event that Nezuko ever harms or kills a human, I, along with Kamado Tanjiro, Kamado Takeo, Tomioka Giyu, and Sato Murata will commit ritual suicide.
The brothers couldn't help but tear up. Giyu remained as stoic as a rock, and Murata stayed silent.
Sanemi and Sabito pointed out that despite the conviction, it did not guarantee anything. If Nezuko did kill a human, then that was one human dead that could've been saved.
The master acknowledged it, but brought up his own argument. "You are correct that there is no proof that Nezuko will not harm humans. On the other hand, we can't prove that she will attack a human. We know she has not eaten a human for two years and now, five people are willing to put their lives on the line for her. If you deny this, then a more convincing argument must be shown. In addition, both Tanjiro and Takeo have met Kibutsuji Muzan."
More voices raised, and a barrage of questions were thrown around.
"What were his abilities?"
"Where is his stronghold?"
"What was he doing?"
With a small gesture from the master, the hashira instantly quieted down.
"Muzan sent demons after Tanjiro and Takeo. It may be to simply silence them, but I don't want to squander this miraculous opportunity. I also believe that Nezuko is going through a change that even Muzan couldn't predict. Does it make more sense?"
It made sense, at least to Murata. Though, since he was already aware of these things from the beginning, it wasn't a surprise.
Sanemi spared a quick glance at Murata, then faced the master.
"If it were anything else, then maybe I could see it. But, a demon is a different story. After everything we've done to fight demons and the lives that were lost along the way, I just can't accept it!"
Pulling out his sword, he cut his arm. "Forgive me for this intrusion, master, but let me show you the ugliness of demons!"
He carried the wooden box indoors, allowing his blood to drip on the box. Seeing no reaction, he stabbed into the box, prompting a small cry to come out.
Tanjiro and Takeo looked on with anger, their voices shouting for her. Sabito still held on to them firmly, and Obanai stood right behind to keep a close eye.
Murata appeared calm, but he was praying inside. Even if he knew the outcome, it didn't change the fact that his life was on the line!
Nezuko stood up, her muzzle gone and her eyes focused on the fresh wound on Sanemi's arm. Her face flushed, and she started salivating. Getting closer and closer, Sanemi kept a tight grip on his sword, watching for any sign of attack.
After several moments of internal struggle, Nezuko turned her face away, snubbing Sanemi.
He went through several emotions in that instant, but he settled on being dumbfounded. Likewise, the other hashira were either surprised or impressed by Nezuko's fortitude.
After the children described the sequence of events to Kagaya, he allowed himself a small smile.
"I believe with that, Nezuko has demonstrated that she poses no threats to humans," he said. "Tanjiro, Takeo. I'm sure there will be some who still won't accept Nezuko. That being said, prove yourselves. Fight stronger demons, then your words will have weight."
They bowed, and both yelled to the sky that Muzan would be defeated.
It was a bit childish, and the master gently chided them to take things one step at a time. The kakushi carried them out.
Sanemi wordlessly went back outside, and they began the meeting in earnest. Giyu made his leave with permission from Makomo.
-
Moving into a large room, the master felt the presence of each hashira.
With eleven hashira, the current generation of demon slayers was powerful. Perhaps the most powerful since the Sengoku period.
Tensions fell, but there was still a fair share of hard feelings towards a certain hashira.
"There is one other thing that I would like to discuss now," Kagaya said.
Judging from his tone, it was as serious as the matter involving Nezuko.
Seeing that Murata was not surprised in the least, the rest of the hashira looked at him in varying states of confusion, annoyance, or irritation.
"I suspect Nezuko is someone that will bring immense change. However, Murata has been in contact with another ally, one who bears great knowledge and experience against Muzan."
The door slowly opened, revealing Tamayo.
Everyone stiffened, but holding his hand up, Kagaya stopped any sort of premature attack.
"She has been staying in the Ice Estate, but I want her to move into the Butterfly Estate to continue her work against Muzan. Is that acceptable to you, Kanae?"
Kanae nodded, finding herself easily accepting the proposition.
The meeting continued. An endless amount of questions were asked as Tamayo patiently offered her knowledge. Taking up the entire day, night approached.
-
Leaving the mansion, Murata collapsed just out of sight, taking measured breaths and looking at the stars in the sky.
His relationship with most of the hashira were mended, but the fact that he kept such important information secret put a damper on things.
Makomo followed Murata, seeing him mentally rest from his metaphorical heart attack.
"I know you're still upset."
"That does not even begin to cover the depths of my displeasure," Makomo kept herself calm, but the veins in her forehead and hands proved otherwise.
She sighed, and sat next to him. "I'm sad that Giyu didn't even tell me."
"I told him to be quiet about this."
"That's the other thing," she said, poking his chest. "This was something that could've been discussed with the others, but you believed it was better for it to be hidden. We are hashira. Equals, peers, and above all, a unified front. Even if it was an agreement between you and the master, it's easy to see how this could be perceived as a slight, wouldn't you agree?"
Murata did not have anything to say against her. It was a good thing Nezuko proved herself.
Without results, all he had were words and knowledge of a potential future. Murata did not believe that was enough to convince the others, which was why he went with secrecy in the first place.
Yet, he could understand that being kept in the dark proved to be more hurtful than the actual information itself.
Still, he would not regret what he did.
"In any case, you owe me and Sabito a big favor."
"What for?" Murata gulped, allowing ignorance to guide him.
Her frown could terrify a rock into combustion. "It was very unfair to manipulate Giyu like that and as a hashira, I have to look out for my tsuguko. Don't worry, we'll make sure you stay alive."
Murata prayed for a second time today. His life was on the line once again.
-
Sanemi found himself outside, his thundering footsteps illuminating his mood.
He was raging at several things, but the fact that a demon like Nezuko was allowed to live burned him.
It had nothing to do with the girl herself.
"Are you still sulking?" Kanae snuck behind him, speaking without a hint of playfulness or amusement.
Sanemi cursed. "Obviously."
"Do you want to talk about it?" She walked next to him, keeping up with his pace.
"I can't believe he would hide this from us! Just when you think you know someone-"
"He had his reasons, didn't he?" Kanae defended. "But, that's not what you're most upset about, is it?"
That much as true. Sanemi could even justify it from a logical standpoint. If Murata told him about Nezuko two years prior, he would go over and kill her without question.
Sanemi did not tear up or get emotional. He was the type of person to raise a fit or physically deal with the problem before it advanced any further.
In a quiet voice, he muttered. "It's not fair."
"Hmm?"
"I'm saying it's not fair. What's so different about that girl? 'Mental fortitude?' Don't give me that shit! If anyone had fortitude, it was my mother!"
He plopped himself to the ground, ripping out clumps of dirt. "She loved us, so why didn't she...?"
Kanae squatted next to Sanemi, wrapping an arm around him. He kept ripping out dirt as his vision blurred.