"The Master, Kagaya Ubuyashiki"
"Young Aoki, don't be nervous. The Master specifically requested to see you. We wouldn't dare harm you," Rengoku Kyōjurō said, mistaking Aoki's feigned nervousness for genuine anxiety. Aoki's initial words had created an impression of someone weak, cunning, and unable to hide his true nature.
"Hey, Rengoku, we're Hashira! The strongest in the Demon Slayer Corps! Why are you being so polite to someone who's only been a member for less than a day?" Obanai Iguro grumbled, his dislike of Aoki evident. He resented Rengoku's politeness towards Aoki, clashing with his Hashira pride.
Aoki frowned, his dislike for Obanai Iguro growing.
"Hee hee, how lively," a gentle voice echoed from behind them.
Without hesitation, the nine Hashira turned and knelt in a row.
Aoki was stunned. Before he could react, Sanemi Shinazugawa lunged at him, reaching for his head.
Aoki instantly activated his Sharingan, anticipating Sanemi Shinazugawa's move and dodging the attack with a swift sidestep.
"Hm?"
The other eight Hashira were shocked. While Sanemi Shinazugawa hadn't used his full strength, the vast difference in power should have made it impossible for Aoki to dodge such an attack. The only explanation was that Aoki had been concealing his strength.
"Hey, you bastard," Sanemi Shinazugawa growled, his anger fueled by humiliation. A Hashira had been dodged by a rookie demon slayer.
"Mr. Shinazugawa," Shinobu Kocho intervened, "The Master is here. Isn't it inappropriate for a Hashira to act so recklessly?"
Sanemi Shinazugawa's eyes narrowed. "Kocho, you saw him disrespect the Master. Even we kneel before the Master. Why should a mere corps member stand?"
Shinobu Kocho's gentle demeanor vanished, replaced by coldness. "Mr. Shinazugawa, you should recall your own disrespect towards the Master when you first joined the Corps. You even spoke insolently, yet the Master didn't rebuke you but instead advised you. Do you think the Master is petty?"
"You!" Sanemi Shinazugawa's eyes blazed, his anger reaching a fever pitch. But he couldn't deny Shinobu Kocho's words.
Glaring at Aoki, Sanemi Shinazugawa returned to his kneeling position.
Shinobu Kocho turned to Aoki, her coldness replaced by gentleness. Pointing towards Muichiro Tokito, she said, "Will you go yourself, or shall I use force?"
"I wouldn't let a lady resort to force," Aoki said, approaching Muichiro Tokito and kneeling, raising his hands to the others. "Let me clarify; I'm not kneeling because she's a woman. It would be strange if I were the only one standing."
He shrugged, feigning helplessness.
The Nine Hashira: "..."
Aoki looked towards the house, curious about the Master who commanded such respect.
He saw a man in a white robe, his upper face covered in purple lesions and vein-like markings. Despite the disturbing appearance, his peculiar smile somehow made it less unsettling.
"Ding!"
Kagaya Ubuyashiki:
Identity: Master of the Demon Slayer Corps
Personality: Gentle, calm
Skills possessed: None
Combat Power: 5 points
Overall Rating: Level One
Favorability towards host: 4
Aoki's thoughts: "This is the Master of the Demon Slayer Corps? His combat power is only 5 points? A total weakling. Wait, why was I Negative One at 5 points, but he's Level One? System, explain yourself! And why such high favorability? This is our first meeting!"
Kagaya Ubuyashiki extended his arms, supported by two young girls who had appeared behind him.
"Aoki, I hear you killed most of the demons on Mount Fujikasane during the final selection, significantly increasing the number of survivors," Kagaya Ubuyashiki said gently, his voice somehow causing a lightheaded feeling in Aoki.
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