Demon Slayer: The Ultimate Defense System

Several days later, Yohan and his companions finally arrived at the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters.

"What a majestic building…" Mitsuri murmured, awestruck.

Before them stood an impressive cluster of towering wooden structures—an immense and magnificent complex that left a deep impression on anyone who laid eyes on it. The headquarters radiated a dignified, almost sacred atmosphere.

At the gate, two Demon Slayer Corps members were already waiting.

As soon as Yohan and his group dismounted from the carriage, the two quickly stepped forward.

"Lord Yohan, welcome to headquarters," one of them greeted respectfully. "We've prepared a special room for your group. You must be weary from your journey—please, rest first."

He added, "Lord Yohan, the Master was most pleased to hear of your arrival. He wishes to meet with you at your earliest convenience."

"Understood. I'll head there shortly," Yohan replied, his tone calm but appreciative.

The efficiency and respectfulness of the Corps throughout this journey had left Yohan with a good impression. Now that they'd arrived at the headquarters, it made sense to let everyone take a proper rest first.

After all, in order to avoid having their presence discovered, they had hurried out of Asakusa, traveling nonstop for days. Even though they'd merely been riding in a carriage, the unending movement had left everyone exhausted.

"Tamayo," Yohan turned to her, "why don't you come with me?"

"Of course, Yohan," Tamayo replied, straightening her posture, fully aware of how important this upcoming meeting would be.

"Mitsuri, go ahead and rest with the others for now. I'll come find you after we're done."

"Mmhm! Go handle your business, Yohan," Mitsuri said with a yawn, clearly too tired to care about anything else. She was perfectly content to leave the decision-making to him for now—she just needed sleep.

"Yushiro," Tamayo turned her attention to her assistant, "you go with Miss Mitsuri and find a room to rest in. Don't wander off."

Given Yushiro's notoriously hot-headed and impulsive nature, Tamayo clearly didn't want him anywhere near such an important occasion. She could only hope he'd quietly follow instructions for once.

"Yes, Lady Tamayo," Yushiro replied, his expression somewhat tight. As a demon entering the very heart of the Demon Slayer Corps, even he understood that one wrong move could easily cost him his life. It was in his best interest to stay in line.

"Lord Yohan, Lady Tamayo—this way, please," the Corps member said, guiding them forward.

They followed him through the quiet halls and eventually arrived at a spacious room. Two low tables were set across from one another, and on one side sat the Master of the Demon Slayer Corps—Kagaya Ubuyashiki.

He sat silently, head bowed over the letters on the table before him.

"You've arrived," he said, his voice so gentle and soothing it made one's shoulders relax instinctively, almost as if his words carried a lightness that lifted pressure from the air.

When Kagaya raised his head, Yohan and Tamayo got a clear look at the man before them.

He wore a simple black and white robe, his dark hair falling to his shoulders. His eyes, a soft violet, exuded calm and wisdom. Despite the severe burns marring the upper part of his face and his obvious frailty, he radiated a gentle serenity.

"Yohan. Tamayo. Welcome."

This was the first time Kagaya had seen either of them in person—one was a man whose feats had reached his ears again and again over recent weeks, and the other was a demon with whom he had long corresponded through letters.

"Greetings, Master," Yohan said politely.

"Lord Kagaya," Tamayo added, bowing slightly.

"Please, be seated," Kagaya invited warmly. "Forgive me for not coming out to greet you personally."

"Not at all," Yohan responded with a soft smile, taking a seat beside Tamayo.

After a moment of mutual observation, Kagaya spoke again.

"Yohan, allow me to first express my sincere gratitude on behalf of the Demon Slayer Corps for everything you've done for us."

He then bowed deeply.

"Thank you for saving the life of Kyojuro Rengoku."

"Please, there's no need to thank me," Yohan replied, somewhat uncomfortable. "To be honest, the demon was originally after me. If anything, Rengoku got dragged into it because of me."

"There's really no need for all this," he said with a dismissive wave.

"And secondly," Kagaya continued, "I must thank you for the iron body technique you provided to us."

"I've heard the details from the Flower Hashira—what you've shared with us is invaluable."

For Kagaya, the life of every Demon Slayer was something he held sacred. He was willing to lead them against Muzan Kibutsuji and even lay down his life if necessary. But if he could help even one of them survive, he would grasp the chance without hesitation.

Yohan saving Rengoku had already earned his deepest gratitude.

And the iron body technique—having seen its effects firsthand from the group who returned from Tokyo—was something that could very well turn the tide of battle in their war against demons.

"Please, you're making this more formal than it needs to be," Yohan said with a slight shake of his head. "If anything, I've received a great deal of help from the Corps. Honestly, I came here because there's something I need to discuss with you."

At that, Kagaya grew quiet and nodded, signaling for him to continue.

"Very well, Yohan. Please speak."

"It's like this," Yohan began, turning the conversation toward Tamayo. "You're familiar with Miss Tamayo, aren't you?"

"Lord Kagaya, it is an honor to meet you at last," Tamayo said, her voice soft.

"Lady Tamayo," Kagaya replied, his expression kind. "I'm glad we finally meet face to face."

Though they had never met before, both Kagaya and Tamayo had been long-time allies in spirit—two individuals who shared a common goal: the annihilation of Muzan Kibutsuji.

Their correspondence had kept their ideals aligned.

But today, for the first time, the man and the demon who fought for humanity stood in the same room together.

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