56-60

Chapter 56: The Invitation from Ubuyashiki 

At this very moment… 

Unaware of Muzan’s movements, Uchiha Yoriichi Hikari, clad in her protective gear and floating in her miniature “Hikari-chan” form under the pitch-black night sky, was directing her shadow clones as they converged from all directions. They gathered the sealed demons into one place. 

Aside from Rui and “Father,” the other demons on Spider Mountain were weak. For these clones, each possessing a fifth of her strength, dealing with them was effortless. 

After a quick inventory to confirm no sealing scrolls or lightsabers were missing, Hikari dispelled the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu. 

Meanwhile… 

Bulma, now in a fresh set of clothes, stepped out of a small room, drying her damp hair with a handheld hairdryer. “Phew… a bath really does make you feel so much better.” 

“Hey, Hikari, wanna hop in for a quick one? I can keep watch outside.” 

“…Nah, maybe tomorrow.” 

Hikari shook her head. 

Truth be told, she did want a bath. After fighting those two demons, she’d worked up a bit of a sweat, and her skin felt sticky and uncomfortable. 

But the timing and setting weren’t right. 

Dawn was still a ways off, and if Muzan suddenly sent a few Upper Ranks to ambush them, she couldn’t exactly fight wrapped in a bath towel. Plus, with the demons’ bizarre Blood Demon Arts, Bulma might not even have a chance to warn her. 

“Alright then.” 

Bulma scratched her head, stowed the house capsule, and pulled out a pile of bread and drinks from another capsule, handing some over. “Let’s eat something, then. We haven’t had dinner yet.” 

“Thanks.” 

Hikari took the bread and started nibbling. 

A cool breeze swept through. 

Neither spoke, simply sitting on the open ridge, letting the wind blow as they quietly ate. 

After some time… 

A faint glow of dawn appeared on the distant horizon. 

Hikari noticed the light but didn’t pay it much mind. Bulma, however, jumped up, shading her eyes to peer into the distance. “It’s the sun… sunrise is coming!” 

“Oh?” 

Hikari raised an eyebrow, staying seated. 

Under their gazes, the glow slowly climbed past the horizon, like a sprouting bud reaching upward. Orange light bathed the forest, spilling over the mountains and across the land, turning Hikari and Bulma’s hair a golden hue. 

“It’s so beautiful!” Bulma couldn’t help but exclaim. 

“Yeah… it really is.” 

Hikari squinted slightly, feeling the warmth of the sunlight. She suddenly understood why people would brave a cold night on a mountaintop just to witness a sunrise. 

This kind of view was worth the wait. 

“…Let’s go, Bulma.” 

As the sun rose higher, Hikari stood. “It’s about time to meet up with Tanjiro and the others.” 

… 

When they returned to the base of Spider Mountain… 

Hikari saw a large group of Demon Slayer Corps cleanup crew members bustling about, carrying stretchers to bring the wounded down from the mountain. On a nearby clearing, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke were tied up, with a single-ponytail girl in a Demon Slayer uniform standing guard. 

“Hm…” 

It seemed that even in this altered storyline, Tanjiro couldn’t escape being treated as a criminal. This time, it wasn’t just him—Zenitsu and Inosuke were bound too. Maybe they’d stood up for Nezuko alongside Tanjiro? 

On the other side, Tanjiro clearly spotted Hikari and Bulma. He started squirming, shouting, “Hikari-san, Bulma-san, Nezuko, she—” 

He barely got the words out before the ponytail girl swiftly delivered a hand chop, silencing him. Tanjiro’s eyes rolled back as he passed out cold. 

Yup… that’s very Kanao Tsuyuri. 

It was a domestic spat between the young couple, plus internal Demon Slayer Corps business. Outsiders couldn’t exactly meddle. 

Hikari grabbed Bulma, who was about to rush over, and scanned the area. Her eyes quickly landed on the wooden box at the ponytail girl’s feet, then shifted to two figures approaching nearby. 

The petite woman in a butterfly-patterned haori spoke with a smile. “Good morning. You must be Uchiha Hikari-san and Bulma-san, right? I’m Kochou Shinobu, the Insect Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps. I’ve been sent by our Master to invite you both for a meeting.” 

“Master? Who’s that?” Bulma asked, confused. “You’re the Demon Slayer Corps Hikari mentioned, right? Why’d you tie up Tanjiro and the others? Did they do something wrong?” 

“…This incident is still under investigation. Until we have answers, I’m afraid I can’t say more,” Kochou Shinobu said with a bright smile. 

Tomioka Giyuu, in his two-toned haori, stood expressionless. 

Hikari sighed. The Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps were good people—willing to risk their lives to save others from demons—but their personalities were quirky, to say the least. These two were among the more reasonable ones, yet talking to them still felt like pulling teeth. 

“I’m the one your Master wants to see,” Hikari said softly. “Tanjiro and the others are Demon Slayer Corps members. If they broke the rules, that’s your call, and we can’t interfere. But the girl in that box is our friend. If it’s not too much trouble, could you let us look after her?” 

“…I’m sorry, but the girl in the box is also someone the Master wishes to meet. Until he makes a decision, we can’t hand her over. Besides, she’s a demon. It could be dangerous to approach her carelessly,” Shinobu replied, still smiling. 

Hikari smiled faintly. “I know she’s a demon, but your orders didn’t specify who should bring her to the Master, did they? Since Bulma and I are headed there anyway, letting us take her should be fine, right?” 

“I’m afraid—” 

Shinobu started to respond, but her eyes twitched as Hikari’s figure began to fade from her spot. 

At the same time… 

Another Hikari appeared seven or eight meters away, casually picking up Nezuko’s wooden box. 

“?!” 

Before Shinobu could instinctively reach for her blade, Hikari, box in hand, used the Body Flicker Technique to reappear in front of her. She gently pressed a hand on Shinobu’s, her breath soft as she spoke. “Your orders didn’t include fighting me, did they, Kochou-san? Or you, Tomioka-san?” 

“…Alright.” 

After a brief standoff, Shinobu glanced at Giyuu, who had lowered his guard, and relented. “If you insist, you can take the girl. But once we set out, please cooperate. The route to the Master’s residence is strictly confidential, so please don’t make things difficult for us.” 

… 

The tension at their meeting was just a small hiccup. 

Three days after the Spider Mountain incident… 

Hikari, Bulma, Tanjiro, and the others were escorted by members of the “Kakushi” to the Ubuyashiki clan’s estate. 

Chapter 57: Giving the Demon Slayer Corps a Little Ninja Shock 

In the spacious courtyard… 

Morning light spilled across the scene. 

“Please wait a moment. The Master will be here shortly.” 

After the messenger left, Uchiha Hikari and Bulma each held a cup of tea, sipping quietly in a corner of the courtyard while discreetly observing their surroundings. 

This mansion was remarkably secluded. 

Not only were Hikari and Bulma, as “outsiders,” kept in the dark about its location, but even Hashira like Shinobu Kocho and Giyu Tomioka were blindfolded and escorted here by members of the “Kakushi,” with multiple handoffs and route changes to ensure secrecy. 

Such stringent precautions stemmed from a tragedy centuries ago when a Demon Slayer Corps member betrayed and attempted to assassinate the Master as a tribute to Muzan. 

That traitor was none other than Tsugikuni Yoriichi’s older brother, Tsugikuni Michikatsu—now Kokushibo, Upper Rank One of the Twelve Kizuki. 

At this moment… 

The courtyard and its surroundings were quite picturesque. Traditional buildings, a pond, rock gardens, and, a bit farther off, lush trees and faint mountain ridges gave the impression of being nestled deep in the mountains. 

While Hikari surveyed the area… 

The others in the courtyard were sizing up her and Bulma. 

The monk-like, towering Rock Hashira, Himejima Gyomei; the scarred, bare-chested Wind Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa; the flamboyant Sound Hashira, Uzui Tengen, with dual Nichirin Blades; the pink-haired, warm-hearted Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji; the fiery-haired, intense Flame Hashira, Rengoku Kyojuro… 

Add to that the Serpent Hashira, Iguro Obanai, perched in a tree; the daydreaming Mist Hashira, Muichiro Tokito; and the initial duo of Shinobu and Giyu. 

All nine of the Demon Slayer Corps’ current Hashira were present. 

From Hikari’s position, she could faintly hear their whispers. 

“Those two girls over there are the ones the Master wants to meet?” 

“Hmph, they look frail, like a gust could knock them over. Just kids!” 

“Don’t say that, Shinazugawa-san. Those two ladies took down Lower Rank Five at Natagumo Mountain with ease. They might even be stronger than you.” 

“It’s just a Lower Rank…” 

The chatter stopped abruptly when the Master, Ubuyashiki Kagaya, arrived. All the Hashira dropped to one knee, bowing respectfully in greeting. 

“It’s been a while, my dear children. I’ve called you here today to discuss a few matters.” 

“But first, I’d like to introduce two friends who, alongside our members Kamado Tanjiro and others, participated in the mission to defeat the Lower Rank demon at Natagumo Mountain… Uchiha Hikari-san and Bulma-san. May I present you to everyone here?” 

“…Sure.” 

Hikari nodded, though a thought flickered in her mind: The Demon Slayer Corps Master’s voice… it really reminds me of Nagato’s sister. 

Next… 

Ubuyashiki Kagaya took a moment to introduce both sides. 

Though they’d never met, it was clear from the Kasugai Crows’ reports that he was well-informed about most of what had happened. 

“So, in other words…” 

Sanemi Shinazugawa spoke first. “This Uchiha Hikari lady is a ninja, like Uzui? Killing a Lower Rank shows some skill, but that’s about it. The Demon Slayer Corps doesn’t need weaklings!” 

“…Shinazugawa-san, I think you’ve misunderstood something.” 

At the center of attention, Hikari set down her teacup and slowly stood. “I fought those demons purely out of personal friendship with Tanjiro and a bit of curiosity. I have no intention of joining the Demon Slayer Corps. My purpose here… is to learn the secrets of your ‘Breathing Techniques’ from all of you.” 

“Hm?” 

Sanemi frowned. 

Uzui Tengen snorted. “If you’re not joining the Corps, don’t spout such ignorant nonsense. Breathing Techniques aren’t something you just teach to anyone. How utterly unflashy!” 

Hikari nodded. “It’s a bold request, I know. So, I’ve prepared two things to offer in exchange. 

First, detailed intelligence on the abilities of several Twelve Kizuki members, including some Upper Ranks. Second, three miracle pills that can heal any injury, even severed limbs or blinded eyes. 

Which of these would you find more acceptable as payment for teaching me Breathing Techniques?” 

“?!” 

“Upper Rank intelligence?!” 

“Pills that heal any injury… How could such a thing exist?” 

Amid the Hashira’s skepticism, Hikari smiled and turned to Ubuyashiki Kagaya, seated above. “Ubuyashiki-san, what do you think?” 

“…” 

A brief silence. 

Ubuyashiki spoke softly. “Uchiha Hikari-san, I have a question… The techniques you used to defeat Rui at Natagumo Mountain—can they be taught to others?” 

“They can’t. Those are abilities unique to me.” 

“In that case…” 

Ubuyashiki paused, then continued, “I choose the first option: intelligence on the Twelve Kizuki.” 

He turned to the nine Hashira, bowing slightly with an apologetic expression. “I’m sorry, everyone, for making this decision without your consent. But this matter is critical to the Demon Slayer Corps. If any of you find teaching Breathing Techniques too difficult, you’re under no obligation to do so. I’ll find other ways to compensate Uchiha Hikari-san.” 

His voice was soft… 

Yet it stirred a storm. 

“Master, do you really believe this girl…?” 

“Shinazugawa, don’t question the Master’s decision,” Himejima Gyomei said solemnly, his hands pressed together in prayer. 

But Sanemi wasn’t ready to back down. After bowing apologetically to Ubuyashiki, he turned to Hikari with a fierce glare. “Master, forgive my rudeness… 

I can’t believe what this girl’s saying. For centuries, even Hashira haven’t gotten solid intel on Upper Rank demons. You may have killed a Lower Rank, but the gap between Lower and Upper Ranks is a chasm. Show us some real proof to convince us!” 

“…Fine.” 

Hikari sighed, rising slowly from her seat. “Words alone won’t do. Let’s settle this with strength.” 

“Hm? You want a fight? If the Master allows it, I’m game!” Sanemi said eagerly. 

Hikari shook her head. “A fight, yes—but not just with you. With all of you.” 

As she spoke, Hikari raised her hand, forming a seal. With a puff of smoke, nine identical copies of her appeared, each with a calm expression, staring straight ahead. 

“One-on-one. Fair, right?” 

The nine Hashira: “??” 

… 

Thanks to Ubuyashiki Kagaya’s intervention, the nine-on-nine battle didn’t happen. 

But Hikari still “sparred” with Sanemi Shinazugawa. 

She used her real body, not a clone. 

If she’d fought with just one-ninth of her chakra, she could’ve taken on all nine Hashira at once, but that would’ve required ninjutsu or even dojutsu. Whether the courtyard would still be standing afterward was anyone’s guess. 

In a one-on-one, she didn’t even need a weapon. With bare-handed taijutsu alone, she easily overwhelmed Sanemi, who wielded his Nichirin Blade. 

Then, with a flashy but impractical Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet—forming 44 hand signs in 4 seconds—she drained the courtyard’s pond in one go, sending Sanemi flying and ending the fight. Just a little ninja shock for the Demon Slayer Corps. 

Chapter 58: Uzui Tengen: Oh No, I’m a Fake Ninja! 

Uchiha Hikari didn’t even dare use her signature Katon jutsu. 

She was worried she might accidentally burn the entire Ubuyashiki estate to the ground. 

As for Shinazugawa Sanemi, despite his hotheaded nature, he wasn’t a complete blockhead. After realizing the massive gap in their strength, he let Himejima Kyoumei support him back to the group, begrudgingly admitting defeat with a bowed head. 

Meanwhile, Himejima Gyomei noticed something else. 

“Uchiha-san, you said that move you used earlier… was a ninjutsu?” 

“Yup, just basic ninja stuff,” Hikari replied casually. She demonstrated a quick Henge no Jutsu, explaining that it was a fundamental technique even kids in ninja school could pull off. 

—And that was true. It was part of the graduation exam at Konoha’s Ninja Academy. 

So… 

After watching her flawlessly transform into each of the nine Hashira, starting with Kochou Shinobu, eight of them—including Shinazugawa Sanemi—turned their gazes in unison toward the Sound Hashira, Uzui Tengen. 

“What? Why’re you all staring at me?” Uzui Tengen stammered, visibly flustered. “Sure, I was a ninja before joining the Demon Slayer Corps, but… what kind of ninja school teaches this kind of flashy basics?!” 

“So-called ‘ninjutsu’ is just sleight-of-hand with props, nothing like the mythical stuff in legends. Even simple disguises require special makeup tools and careful prep… How could anyone just clap their hands and transform?! And changing height and build at will? That’s way too outrageous!” 

“But we saw Uchiha Hikari-san’s ninjutsu with our own eyes,” Kanroji Mitsuri, the Love Hashira, said earnestly. “I even touched her just now, and there wasn’t a single flaw!” 

“Could it be…” Iguro Obanai, the Serpent Hashira, pointed a finger from beneath his scarf, his voice cold. “Uzui-san, maybe you just didn’t master the art?” 

“?!” 

Uzui Tengen was at his breaking point. 

Finally, Ubuyashiki Kagaya stepped in, putting an end to the “ninja” debate. 

“Please, everyone, let’s calm down. The land Uchiha-san hails from is different from ours, so there’s no need to argue over titles.” 

“Since there are no objections, starting tomorrow, I’d like you all to make time to teach Uchiha-san the ‘Breathing Techniques.’ Don’t worry about the difficulty—she has a learning aptitude beyond anything you can imagine. This could be a valuable chance for you to exchange ideas and learn from each other.” 

Pausing, Ubuyashiki turned to Hikari. “Uchiha-san, you don’t mind me saying that, do you?” 

“…Not at all.” 

Hikari didn’t care. 

Her goal was to understand the various Breathing Techniques, refine their essence, and integrate them into her own combat style. The process might not be smooth, but sparring ideas with these experienced Hashira and learning from their strengths wasn’t a bad deal. 

Now… 

Hikari was curious about something else. 

The Ubuyashiki clan had a mystical ability to foresee the future. 

For generations, the clan’s leaders had built and sustained the Demon Slayer Corps, battling Muzan for nearly a millennium, largely thanks to this gift. 

So… 

Had her and Bulma’s arrival been anticipated? 

The answer came soon enough. 

After handling Nezuko’s situation in a way similar to the original storyline, Ubuyashiki Kagaya invited Hikari and Bulma into an inner room. He offered them fragrant tea and snacks, politely inviting them to partake. 

“Uchiha-san, your guess is correct. I foresaw your and Bulma-san’s arrival days ago,” he said. “Through the Kasugai Crows assigned to Tanjiro and his group, I also learned of your actions these past days. Though your deeds were driven by personal motives, on behalf of the Demon Slayer Corps, I offer my heartfelt thanks.” 

With that, Ubuyashiki stood and bowed deeply. 

“You’re too kind,” Hikari said, nodding slightly in return. 

As Ubuyashiki knelt back at the table, he continued, “I once saw, through a Kasugai Crow, your clone using a special sword against demons, one that effectively suppressed their regeneration. Could you tell me about it?” 

Hikari glanced at Bulma. 

Bulma scratched her head. “You mean the lightsaber? That’s a beam weapon I invented.” 

“Then, Bulma-san, would you be open to selling such a weapon?” Ubuyashiki asked. “If so, I’m willing to pay any price—gold, treasures, anything you name.” 

“Well… I’m from a rich family, so money doesn’t really matter to me,” Bulma said, pausing. “But if you want, I can give you two of them for free. I made these to fight demons anyway, and they’re not much use to me back home.” 

Ubuyashiki was momentarily stunned. “Bulma-san, your generosity is touching, but… I’m afraid I can’t accept such a valuable gift without compensation.” 

“…” 

It was a rare scene. 

A lightsaber—an incredible piece of tech—one side wanted to give away, and the other refused to take it for free. 

Seeing Bulma’s awkward expression, Hikari sighed and offered a suggestion. “Those crows the Demon Slayer Corps raises seem pretty smart. How about sending us a few cages of them? Or maybe some local handicrafts, interesting toys, or items tied to myths and legends—things with a hint of mysterious power. Those could work as trade.” 

Digging deeper, the Demon Slayer world did have a mystical side. 

For instance, it had a clear system of reincarnation. 

Then there were the Ubuyashiki clan’s foresight and curse, or Tsugikuni Yoriichi’s innate, otherworldly talent—all carried traces of some inexplicable mystical force. The clan’s curse, in particular, could be mitigated through marriage with shrine maiden families, which only added to the mystery. 

—Even Muzan’s origin a thousand years ago was bizarre. Had he not killed that doctor in a fit of rage, who knows how this world’s history might have unfolded? 

So… 

What were the gods of the Demon Slayer world like? 

Were they bound by rules, unable to interfere too much in the mortal realm, only offering small blessings? Or were they just tricksters, sitting in the heavens watching the drama unfold? 

And what about legends like the Three Sacred Treasures—did they truly exist? 

Hikari was deeply curious. 

“Items tied to myths and legends…” Ubuyashiki mused for a moment, then nodded. “Very well. I’ll compile a list for you both to review as soon as possible.” 

Chapter 59: The Concept of the "Ten-Day Breathing Method" 

The two deals were tentatively settled. 

Uchiha Hikari thought for a moment. “By the way, Ubuyashiki-san, besides the nine Hashira here today, I’d like you to summon one more person… Agatsuma Zenitsu’s master, Kuwajima Jigoro.” 

This man, the former Roaring Hashira, was the only living person who had mastered all six forms of Thunder Breathing. To learn the complete Thunder Breathing, he needed to be called in. 

Since the topic came up, Hikari casually added, “Kuwajima Jigoro’s other disciple, Kaigaku, once lured a demon into a temple as a boy, causing the death of a child and leading to Himejima Gyomei being falsely accused of murder. Keeping someone like that in the Demon Slayer Corps will only cause trouble. I suggest a thorough investigation.” 

“Kaigaku… You mean that black-haired boy?” 

Ubuyashiki Kagaya looked surprised. “I’ll send someone to investigate immediately. Regardless of the outcome, thank you for the heads-up.” 

… 

Starting the next day… 

Bulma, accompanied by Ubuyashiki’s wife, Amane, with her long snow-white hair, toured the city for sightseeing. In her spare time, she analyzed the minerals and Nichirin Blade samples sent by Ubuyashiki, working on upgrading her laser sword. 

Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke followed Shinobu Kocho to the Butterfly Mansion for special training under Kanao Tsuyuri and others. 

—And maybe a bit of matchmaking. After all, Tanjiro and Inosuke’s future wives were both found at the Butterfly Mansion. 

Hikari, meanwhile, began studying Breathing Techniques. 

After checking in with Ubuyashiki Kagaya, Hikari left her real body in her room, using captured demons to practice the brainwashing ability of “Yatayume.” She then created five shadow clones, each training under four or five Hashira to learn their Breathing Techniques. 

Rock, Flame, Wind, Water, Love, Serpent, Mist, Insect, Sound… 

Plus the former Roaring Hashira, summoned by Ubuyashiki’s letter. 

Ten Breathing Techniques in total. 

With her Sharingan cheat code, there wasn’t a single Breathing Technique Hikari couldn’t master after watching it once. If there was, she’d watch it twice. 

Over the next few days, she gradually mastered the “Total Concentration: Constant” state for all ten Breathing Techniques. 

“Constant” referred to maintaining total focus on breathing at all times, even during sleep. 

Upon reaching this state… 

Hikari quickly noticed something intriguing— 

“Constant” seemed to boost the speed of chakra refinement and subtly enhance jutsu of the corresponding element. 

For example, while maintaining “Flame Breathing: Constant,” casting Fire Release ninjutsu felt easier, and the jutsu’s power increased noticeably! 

This was an unexpected bonus! 

“The amplification effect of ‘Constant’ on ninjutsu ranges from 5% to 10%. The more familiar and proficient I am with a jutsu, the stronger the boost… With more practice, this number could grow even higher.” 

“Unfortunately, I haven’t cracked the ‘Transparent World’ yet, and the Hashira don’t know much about it either.” 

“Also, I can’t mix different Breathing Techniques yet. If I could combine them with Naruto’s taijutsu…” 

—That was Hikari’s next big idea. 

She’d already studied the Scroll of Seals and learned about the training method for the Eight Gates. 

In her opinion, this taijutsu wasn’t quite suited for her. 

The first four gates were manageable. 

But starting from the fifth, the Eight Gates demanded an almost absurd level of physical strength. Without the taijutsu talent of Gai or Lee, plus relentless day-and-night training, opening the sixth gate or beyond was likely impossible in a lifetime. 

However, the Naruto world had another taijutsu called the Seven-Day Breathing Method, developed by Sunagakure. It enhanced physical abilities through breathing adjustments, much like the Demon Slayer Corps’ Breathing Techniques. Its entry requirements were lower, yet its boosts rivaled the first six gates of the Eight Gates. 

So, Hikari was pondering whether she could develop a Ten-Day Breathing Method. 

Theoretically, it seemed feasible. 

After all, Tanjiro had once combined Water Breathing and Hinokami Kagura, leveraging the strengths of both, though he couldn’t sustain it for long. 

Once she refined the “Constant” state of these Breathing Techniques to a higher level, she could give it a try. 

Speaking of which… 

Hikari suddenly realized something— 

In the original story, Tanjiro awakened his ancestral memories, etched in his DNA, during his life-or-death battle with Rui at Natagumo Mountain. That’s when he used Hinokami Kagura: Blue Heaven, a partial version of Sun Breathing. Nezuko also awakened her Blood Demon Art, Exploding Blood, which burned demons with her blood, in that same fight. 

But now… 

Because of Hikari’s interference, Tanjiro and Nezuko never faced Rui, missing that critical growth opportunity. 

That was a bit of a problem. 

Though she’d cosplayed as Tsugikuni Yoriichi, she wasn’t actually his reincarnation and couldn’t stay in the Demon Slayer world forever. 

For the current Demon Slayer Corps, Tanjiro was the only one who’d inherited Sun Breathing and the key to defeating Muzan. If he couldn’t awaken those memories soon… it could lead to some serious complications down the line. 

“…Once things wrap up here, I’ll see about guiding those kids a bit.” 

Hikari mused. 

… 

Though the Master had warned the Hashira about Hikari’s “talent”… 

Her learning speed over these days still left them dumbfounded. 

Shinobu Kocho and Giyu Tomioka were starting to question their qualifications as Hashira. 

Sanemi Shinazugawa and Kyojuro Rengoku, after their initial shock, grew excited. They sparred with Hikari’s shadow clones daily under the guise of “exchanging pointers,” clearly enjoying themselves. 

Then there was Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira, a natural people-person. She’d often show up with plates of sakura mochi to share, chatting with Hikari for hours with starry-eyed admiration, leaving Hikari a bit overwhelmed. 

It’s worth noting that the Demon Slayer Corps’ swordsmanship was generally impressive. 

Without much supernatural power to rely on, these swordsmen had honed their skills over generations to fight demons, resulting in some truly noteworthy sword techniques. The Flame, Wind, and Thunder styles, in particular, could briefly outmatch Hikari in short bursts when using equal strength and speed. 

But… 

While their sword techniques were great, they became Hikari’s the next moment. 

Thanks to her Sharingan, she’d copied plenty of sword moves over these days. 

One other person worth mentioning— 

Uzui Tengen. 

The former ninja and Sound Hashira quietly approached Hikari in private, asking if she could teach him a few “flashy” ninjutsu. 

Chapter 60: Red-Haired, Blazing-Eyed Uchiha Hikari 

To show his sincerity, Uzui Tengen took off the gem-encrusted headband he wore, offering it as “tuition.” 

Uchiha Hikari pondered for a moment. “You’re okay learning something that’s not flashy?” 

“…Sure.” 

Uzui Tengen nodded. 

Though he was always chasing “flashiness,” he knew that many useful skills weren’t glamorous. His own “Sound Breathing” was fairly unremarkable among the nine Hashira, paling in comparison to Flame, Thunder, or even Love. If he could pick up a few tricks from Hikari, he didn’t need to be picky. 

“Alright then.” 

Partly out of camaraderie as fellow ninja and partly to experiment, Hikari tried teaching Uzui Tengen how to refine chakra. 

The results were underwhelming. 

No matter how hard Uzui Tengen tried, he couldn’t produce a single wisp of chakra. 

However… 

When Hikari switched tactics, using her “Yasaka no Magatama” ability to channel a small amount of her own chakra into Uzui Tengen’s body and guiding him to mold it with hand signs, something incredible happened—he actually pulled off a Bunshin no Jutsu! 

The effect was pretty rough, but it was undeniably a real ninjutsu! 

Now that was interesting. 

“So, as long as they have chakra… even people from the Demon Slayer world can use ninjutsu?” 

With a let’s-see-what-happens attitude, Hikari infused a bit more chakra and taught Uzui Tengen some basic ninjutsu knowledge. 

By the second week… 

Uzui Tengen could clumsily perform the Henge no Jutsu and Kawarimi no Jutsu from the Three Basic Techniques. He was especially convincing when transforming into his three wives, almost passing for the real thing. The downside? The transformation only lasted a dozen seconds before he reverted. 

As for the Bunshin no Jutsu… it was still a mess. 

“Hm…” 

Hikari suddenly thought he might have something in common with Naruto. 

Mastering the Henge no Jutsu fastest among the Three Basic Techniques, and excelling at transforming into women… maybe he could try developing the Sexy Jutsu? 

Regardless. 

For a ninja from the Demon Slayer world to perform ninjutsu from the Naruto world was already mind-blowing. As for truly “flashy” techniques like Water Dragon Bullet or Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation, those were advanced ninjutsu even in the Naruto world, reserved for elite ninja. Expecting Uzui Tengen to learn them in a short time was unrealistic. 

“Not bad,” Hikari finally said. “The Three Basic Techniques are just the fundamentals, but in your world… they might actually be pretty useful. There’s still plenty of my chakra left in you—enough for a thousand or two uses of the Three Basic Techniques. You can keep practicing the feeling and try refining your own chakra. 

“I’ve taught you the method. How far you go is up to you.” 

“…Got it.” 

Uzui Tengen hesitated, then gave a formal disciple’s bow. “Thank you, Master Hikari.” 

“Huh?” 

… 

During this time, Ubuyashiki Kagaya wasn’t idle either. 

On one hand… 

Based on Hikari’s intel about Kaigaku, the Demon Slayer Corps launched an investigation. Though Kaigaku vehemently denied luring demons into homes, signs of deception were detected, and he was temporarily detained. 

—Kaigaku’s true crime was his future betrayal of the Corps, joining Muzan and causing his master, Kuwajima Jigoro, to commit seppuku in shame. Since that hadn’t happened yet, his past misdeeds as a child would likely earn him leniency, not execution. 

But that was the Corps’ business. 

Hikari had done her part by mentioning it and wasn’t about to meddle further. 

On the other hand… 

Using Hikari’s Twelve Kizuki intel from their trade, the Corps conducted a wide-ranging search. 

Hikari knew mainly the Blood Demon Arts of the Twelve Kizuki and how to kill them. But since most didn’t travel in groups and their whereabouts were often unpredictable, pinpointing them with just this info was no easy task. 

Still… 

At least two Kizuki were traceable. 

Upper Rank Two, Douma, was the leader of the Eternal Paradise Cult and hadn’t stepped down even after becoming a demon, often lingering within the cult. In theory, he could be tracked through the cult. 

Upper Rank Six, the Daki and Gyutaro siblings, posed as the oiran “Warabihime” in Edo’s Yoshiwara District, living long-term as a human. They’d gone undetected because every Demon Slayer, including Hashira, who encountered them was killed. 

After some investigation… 

The Corps located a few Eternal Paradise Cult members, but they were clueless commoners who knew nothing about the cult’s structure. 

However, scouts sent to Yoshiwara quickly zeroed in on “Kyogoku House”—the hideout where “Warabihime” was concealed. 

So… 

Under Ubuyashiki Kagaya’s orders, the Flame, Sound, and Serpent Hashira assembled swiftly, leading nearly twenty lower-ranking members, including Tanjiro’s trio, and a large group of Kakushi for support, heading to Yoshiwara. 

Hikari waited three or four days after their departure, confirming the situation and planning her move. That evening, she sent a shadow clone with half her chakra, riding the Somersault Cloud, to catch up. 

That same night… 

A significant battle erupted in Yoshiwara. 

Despite the Corps’ prior intel, Yoshiwara was one of Edo’s most densely populated areas, teeming with people at night. Plus, Kyogoku House’s underground held hostages. To evacuate civilians and minimize casualties, the Corps left openings, alerting the Daki and Gyutaro siblings. Gyutaro emerged earlier than expected. 

During the clash, half a street near Kyogoku House was leveled, and Tanjiro and the others were briefly in grave danger. 

Of course… 

There was no way this battle could be lost. 

Three Hashira against Upper Rank Six, armed with key intel, meant victory was only a matter of time. 

So, at the critical moment when the tide was about to turn… 

Red-haired, blazing-eyed Uchiha Yoriichi Hikari descended from the sky once more, overwhelming the Daki and Gyutaro siblings with devastating force before sealing them away… or rather, with a single glance, the Upper Rank Six siblings gave up resistance, standing still as they were sealed into a scroll. 

The process was so smooth that Rengoku Kyojuro and the others briefly wondered if the siblings were throwing the fight. 

(End of Chapter)