(Third person POV)
"This letter," Kagaya said, his voice calm yet firm, "is from Tanjiro's former master, Sakonji Urokodaki. He has personally vouched for Nezuko's restraint, attesting to her ability to resist human blood. I trust Sakonji's judgment, as should you all."
The Hashira exchanged glances, some sceptical, others contemplative. Kagaya's soft yet commanding tone was difficult to argue against, but the topic remained contentious.
"And in the event that Nezuko does assault a human," Kagaya continued, his words cutting through the murmurs, "Tanjiro, as well as Sakonji Urokodaki and Giyu Tomioka, will atone by committing seppuku."
The declaration struck like a thunderclap. Tanjiro froze, his wide eyes darting to Giyu, whose stoic face betrayed no emotion. For a moment, silence hung in the air, save for the rustling of the wind through the trees.
Tanjiro's throat tightened, and tears welled up in his eyes. He hadn't realized the extent of the trust his master and Giyu had placed in him and Nezuko. It wasn't just their faith—it was their lives. "Giyu... Urokodaki-san..." he whispered, his voice choked with emotion.
Sanemi's sharp voice broke the moment. "So what if they commit seppuku?" His tone dripped with disdain, and he crossed his arms, glaring daggers at Kagaya. "What does that even prove? Their lives mean nothing if a demon kills someone. The damage will already be done. This entire arrangement is reckless, Master, and you know it."
Obanai nodded in agreement, his narrowed eyes fixating on Kagaya. "I agree with Sanemi. Allowing a demon to live among us is a betrayal of everything we stand for. What precedent does this set?"
"You raise valid concerns, Sanemi, Obanai. I do not deny that the situation is unconventional, nor that it carries risks. Your fears are not unfounded."
Sanemi's scowl deepened. "Then why take the risk at all?"
"Because," Kagaya continued, "while we cannot guarantee that Nezuko will never attack a human, neither can we prove that she will. All evidence thus far supports her restraint. She has been traveling alongside Tanjiro, a Demon Slayer, and has refrained from harming humans even when gravely injured or tempted by blood."
The Hashira remained silent, their scepticism palpable but unspoken. Kagaya's words hung in the air, their logic undeniable even if hard to accept.
"I understand your frustration," Kagaya went on. "Our mission is to protect humanity, and any perceived threat to that goal feels intolerable. But you should all know this: Tanjiro has met Muzanette."
"Impossible!" All the Hasira's were surprised at this as even they hadn't met Muzanette yet.
"Kibutsuji has sent a pursuer after Tanjiro and Nezuko, though his purpose may simply be to silence him, but now that Kibutsuji's given herself away for the first time, I don't want to let go. I also believe something's happening to Nezuko that Kibutsuji never saw coming. Can you try to understand?" Kagaya said.
Rengoku was the first to speak. "If Tanjiro Kamado has indeed crossed paths with Muzan Kibutsuji and lived to speak of it, then he carries a burden none of us can dismiss. I trust your judgment, Master, and if you believe in them, then so shall I!" His voice rang with fiery conviction, his words sparking a chain reaction among the Hashira.
Mitsuri nodded hesitantly, her kind eyes softening as she glanced at Tanjiro and the box that held Nezuko. "I'll trust your decision, Master. Tanjiro seems sincere, and Nezuko... I want to believe she's different."
Even the usually aloof Muichiro broke his silence. "If it's Master's will, I won't oppose it."
Sanemi snorted, arms crossed, but he didn't voice further objections, his scowl suggesting he would begrudgingly abide.
Uzui grinned faintly. "Flamboyantly unexpected, but I'll go along with it—for now."
Iguro muttered something inaudible, but his serpentine gaze darted between Kagaya and Nezuko's box before he gave a reluctant nod.
Satisfied with the Hashira's begrudging unity, Kagaya turned his serene gaze toward the Demon Slayer standing guard nearby. "Please escort Tanjiro Kamado and Nezuko to the Butterfly Mansion. They will receive the care and oversight they need there."
Tanjiro hesitated for a moment, his eyes flicking toward Alex, but a soft look from Kagaya reassured him. With a deep bow, he followed the guards, the wooden box on his back as steady as his resolve.
As the guards disappeared into the distance with Tanjiro, Kagaya finally turned his attention to Gyomei's lingering question.
Gyomei stood firm, his massive frame unyielding as his prayer beads clicked softly in his hands. "And what of them?" he repeated, his unseeing eyes fixed in Alex's direction, who took a rest as if he owned the place. "Who are they, and why are they here?"
~~~
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