Chapter 38: Pillar Meeting (3)

"Mr. Feng," Mr. Himejima mentioned that your self-created breathing technique is incredibly powerful. Is that true?"

At that moment, Mitsuri couldn't hold back her intense curiosity and once again "made the same mistake" by speaking to Maple.

However, immediately after her words, Mitsuri recognized their ambiguity. Her face, which had just regained its color, flushed once more as she hurriedly tried to clarify.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean it like that! It's not that I don't trust Mr. Feng. I'm merely curious, just curious!"

Witnessing Mitsuri's disjointed explanation, Maple and Obanai, though understanding that it was just her "natural disposition," couldn't shake off the impression that she was trying to "hide something but ended up revealing even more."

"Has she always been like this?"

"Yes, my apologies. Please be patient with her."

"It's alright, the one truly enduring this is you, senior."

The silent exchange above was conveyed through the glances shared between Maple and Obanai.

Yet Mitsuri remained unaware of her awkward explanation's impact, growing increasingly anxious. To her, Mr. Feng's silent smile seemed truly "intimidating."

"Oh, Mitsuri, stop. Not just Mr. Feng, even I am at a loss now!"

Obanai, standing behind Mitsuri, found the scene unbearable. He covered his eyes and internally pleaded for assistance.

"Mr. Shinazugawa, Mr. Rengoku, Mr. Tomioka, Oyakata-sama, someone, please shift the focus!"

As if answering Obanai's silent plea, Oyakata-sama spoke just in time.

"Mitsuri, let me address your question. I'm sure others share your curiosity. It all began with a report Shinobu received two months prior."

While redirecting the pillars' attention, Kagaya began recounting Maple's journey.

"Two months ago, Class A member Yamashita Jiro led his team to track down a demon. They eventually located the village where Mr. Feng confronted the demon, and he relayed this to Kocho Shinobu, the area's overseer."

Kagaya paused momentarily, a hint of excitement evident.

"Over those two months, as Kocho Shinobu investigated, our 'yin' documented Mr. Feng's demon-slaying achievements. By the time Mr. Feng encountered Shinobu, he had defeated 53 demons. This includes a skirmish with a lower-ranked demon, witnessed by Shinobu herself! Gentlemen, these are commendable feats!"

Before he could finish, all present, save for the rock pillar and insect pillar who were already informed, gasped in astonishment.

"In merely two months, he defeated over fifty demons on his own. Impressive, Mr. Feng! I must push myself even more!"

Kyojuro enthusiastically patted Maple's back, his usual composure momentarily broken by his heightened emotions.

"Nicely done."

Such praise was unusual from the stoic Tomioka Giyuu, who now looked directly at Maple.

"Hmm... he's decently strong," Sanemi commented, a smirk forming before he delivered a brief nod of approval.

However, Uzui Tengen, standing beside Gyomei, seemed lost in thought. His sharp instincts pieced together a troubling suspicion...

Could this lower-ranked demon possess a breathing technique?

Haunted by this idea, Tengen sought confirmation from Gyomei, his voice grave.

"Gyomei, tell me straight, did you recognize that lower-ranked demon? Who was it?"

"Namo Amitabha…"

As Gyomei chanted, his powerful aura was almost palpable. This odd behavior drew the others' attention, with unease growing amongst them.

"Mr. Himejima?"

Mitsuri inquired cautiously, her eyes filled with concern.

"Oyakata-sama…"

With tear-filled eyes, Gyomei gazed at Kagaya, seemingly seeking approval.

"The last demon Mr. Feng vanquished was the former demon slayer member, Kaigaku. Mr. Maple deciphered his own 'soul breathing' by referencing Kaigaku's thunder technique during combat."

The revelation caused a palpable tension. Except for Maple and Kocho Shinobu, every pillar exhibited a formidable aura.

Breathing techniques manifested powerfully within the confines of the courtyard, creating an oppressive atmosphere that would send any demon fleeing.

"A demon slayer turning demon? What a twisted joke," Sanemi mused, his hand gripping his sword, veins prominent.

"Kaigaku, was it? It's a pity he didn't face me. He would've known true despair..."

The sentiments of all pillars were reflected in Sanemi's words. Even the gentle Mitsuri displayed only anger, as did the usually calm Rengoku Kyojuro.

Seeing such a grave expression on Kyojuro was a rarity for Gyomei. Beneath the suppressed smile lay a burning rage.

"Had it not been for Mr. Feng, this would have been an indelible stain on the demon slayer corps' reputation."

After allowing a moment for everyone to process the revelation, Kagaya continued.

"Today, Mr. Feng has avenged Kaigaku's treachery. From this day, Kaigaku will no longer be recognized as a demon slayer corps member, Gyomei."

"Understood."

"Please inform the former Thunder pillar about this. As Kaigaku's master, he deserves to know. Also, relay that his former pupil's threat has been neutralized. He mustn't seek atonement through self-harm. We need him to mentor future generations in our quest to vanquish demons."

"Amitabha. Your will shall be done."

With Gyomei departing on his errand, Kagaya acknowledged him with a nod, then turned his attention to Maple.

"Mr. Feng's achievements over two months, including eliminating traitors and pioneering the 'soul breathing technique,' warrant a promotion to 'soul pillar.' Yet, upon his request, the promotion is on hold. He remains under Shinobu's jurisdiction and will ascend after perfecting his technique and passing the Fujikasane mountain selection."

~~~

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