"Oh, right, does the Demon Slayer Corps have a Pillar with a loud voice and hair like fried shrimp, and another with a deadpan face who likes to make sarcastic remarks?" Uesugi Sakai suddenly asked Shimizu.
"Ah, yes, one is the current Flame Pillar, and the other is the Water Pillar. What's wrong?"
"They're here to notify you that Kagaya Ubuyashiki is on his last legs and wants you to go back with them immediately. Hurry and take them away. One of them almost ate all the fried shrimp in the police cafeteria, and the other…"
"The other one shouldn't have such a big appetite, right?"
"But his mouth is too offensive. Before they came, my guards almost couldn't resist drawing their guns on him. You should take them away quickly. I'm really afraid a conflict will break out."
Uesugi Sakai's expression was a little subtle, wondering what shocking things Giyu Tomioka had said again.
… …
… …
The next day, at the Ubuyashiki estate.
Shimizu led Giyu Tomioka and Kyojuro Rengoku into the courtyard, through the corridor, and into a room.
"Yes, I'm here."
The Pillars made way for Shimizu, allowing him to reach Kagaya Ubuyashiki's bedside.
Under the scan of the Transparent World, Kagaya Ubuyashiki's physical condition was completely revealed.
With Shimizu's current medical ninjutsu skills, it was clear that Kagaya Ubuyashiki was nearing his end, perhaps in the next few days.
Even with Shimizu's medical ninjutsu holding him, it would only make him less painful before he passed.
"How is Shinobu doing? Pregnancy is very tiring. I still remember Amane's appearance when she was pregnant… Cough cough!"
Kagaya Ubuyashiki couldn't help but cough after saying a few words.
Amane hurriedly held a handkerchief and stepped forward to support him.
Spots of fresh blood appeared on the handkerchief like plum blossoms.
"Shinobu is currently in the best hospital in Japan, with former Sound Pillar, Sangima-senpai, and two female members above Rank B guarding her. Oh, and Shinobu's adopted sister, Kanao, who just passed the Final Selection last month. Although her rank isn't high, she has mastered Constant Total Concentration Breathing and has the combat power of a Rank A swordsman, enough to protect Shinobu's safety."
Shimizu extended a hand, placing it on Kagaya Ubuyashiki's body, emitting specks of green light.
The Healing Palm Technique could make Kagaya Ubuyashiki feel more comfortable, preventing him from coughing blood after just a few words.
Shimizu had already demonstrated this ability.
Although it was somewhat similar to a Blood Demon Art, Shimizu was not a demon. He could walk in the sun, didn't eat people, and had killed many powerful Twelve Kizuki.
Even if the Pillars were surprised, they wouldn't deliberately ask as long as Shimizu didn't say anything.
They only needed to know that Shimizu could kill demons and save people, which was enough.
"Is that so? That's good."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki took a few breaths and continued to ask:
"Shimizu, how much time do I have left? I have a feeling it's in the next few days."
"Three days, probably not enough for the fourth. Your internal organs have shrunk to a certain extent and can hardly continue to function."
Shimizu said truthfully.
"Namu Amida Butsu…"
Gyomei Himejima's face showed a look of unbearable grief, and he chanted a Buddhist prayer.
The other Pillars mostly had the same expression. Muichiro Tokito, being younger, quietly wiped away tears, and Mitsuri Kanroji almost cried out.
Because the male members of the Ubuyashiki family don't live past thirty, they usually take over as the head of the family before the age of ten.
That is to say, Kagaya Ubuyashiki has been the head of the Demon Slayer Corps for more than ten years.
Currently, Gyomei Himejima, the Rock Pillar, is the most senior Pillar, having been recruited into the Demon Slayer Corps by Kagaya Ubuyashiki seven years ago.
It can be said that this batch of Pillars was basically discovered and nurtured by this weak, short-lived young man. His personal charisma and management skills are very high, and he has a high reputation among most of the swordsmen of this generation of the Demon Slayer Corps.
"I have gathered you here because I want to do one last thing for you at the final moment of my life, and that is to use my life to lure out Muzan."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki stared at Shimizu, then looked at the others one by one.
"Master! You mustn't do this!"
Obanai Iguro shouted.
"Master, there's no need for this. I will personally cut off the heads of those demons. You just need to rest quietly!"
Sanemi Shinazugawa also shouted.
"Please be quiet for a moment."
Seeing that several Pillars were about to speak, Kagaya Ubuyashiki signaled everyone to be quiet.
"We have no other way to lure out Muzan. This is the only feasible method with the least risk and the highest success rate. Given Muzan's personality, if he knows my whereabouts, he will definitely come to take my life in person.
It just so happens that my time is almost up, so I will use this as a trap, everyone! Since childhood, Yozaya has been weak and sickly, unable to fight and eliminate demons like everyone else. I can only do some small things within my ability, but at this last moment, I finally have the ability to fight alongside everyone!"
Even through the bandages, unable to see his expression, everyone could still feel the almost pleading emotion from Kagaya Ubuyashiki.
The first to respond was Kyojuro Rengoku.
"I agree. I can feel the will burning in Master's heart. This is the climax of life burning to its last moment. I will not refuse Master's final order."
He straightened his body and said loudly and sincerely.
"Kyojuro, you…"
Sanemi Shinazugawa shouted at Kyojuro Rengoku and looked at Shimizu.
In this situation, Shimizu, who was designated by Kagaya Ubuyashiki to take over as the acting head, was not suitable to speak.
So Sanemi Shinazugawa looked at Gyomei Himejima, the most prestigious among the remaining Pillars.
"Gyomei, what do you think?"
The latter began to chant scriptures.
"Bodhisattva relies on Prajna Paramita, so there is no hindrance in the mind. Because there is no hindrance, there is no fear, far from distorted dreams, and ultimately Nirvana…"
Muichiro Tokito, who spent more time with Gyomei Himejima, said:
"This is the content of the Heart Sutra of Prajna Paramita, meaning that the Bodhisattva relies on wisdom to reach the other shore, without hindrance in the mind, without attachment, without fear, far from all delusions, and reaches the state of Nirvana.
Gyomei means that Master is now like a Bodhisattva, letting go of the fear of death and worldly concerns, fearless, compassionate, and saving all living beings."
