Chapter 239 – 239: A problem

Back to Demon Slayer.

Sanemi’s scowl deepened, his knuckles turning white around his sword’s hilt. His sharp eyes darted between Shalltear and Lupusregina, then back to me. “Negative karma or not, this doesn’t sit right with me,” he growled. “Power like that… It’s dangerous.”

I shrugged, unfazed by his hostility. “Dangerous? Sure. But only if I allow it to be. Shalltear and Lupus answer to me alone, and I’ve already proven I’m not your enemy. What more do you want?”

Rengoku, ever the optimist, broke the tension with a hearty laugh. “It’s a hard truth to swallow, but I’d rather have someone like you on our side than against us. Still,” he added, his fiery gaze meeting mine, “it’s humbling to know we have so much room for growth.”

The murmured words of one of the Hashira caught my ear. “I need to increase my training…” It was a quiet admission, but it carried a weight that rippled through the group. The Hashira, proud and powerful warriors, weren’t used to being outclassed—let alone so completely. Yet, here they were, standing in the shadow of overwhelming strength, their pride visibly dented.

Gyomei finally spoke, his deep baritone breaking the silence. “Humility is a lesson we all must learn, even as warriors. Strength is not just a tool but a responsibility. Alexander, your power is undeniable, but it must be wielded with purpose.”

I gave a slight smile, appreciating his perspective. “Oh, I have a purpose,” I replied. “You’ll understand it in time. But before we get to that, there’s a more immediate problem.”

Kagaya’s calm, knowing smile widened just a fraction. It seemed he had anticipated my words. “Oh? And what might this problem be?” he asked, his tone light yet inviting.

I folded my arms casually. “You see, since I’ve just arrived here, I don’t have a place to live.”

The Hashira exchanged curious glances, clearly unsure where I was going with this. While I could have easily solved the issue myself—creating a fortress using one of my spells—it would have been overkill.

Building a castle in this world would not only stand out like a sore thumb but also distance me from the people I wanted to interact with. Staying near Shinobu and Mitsuri, on the other hand, would give me a better opportunity to observe and engage with them. It was a subtle but intentional choice on my part.

Kagaya’s expression didn’t change, but there was a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. “Oh, that is unfortunate,” he said lightly, though his tone carried the weight of something more deliberate. “However,” he continued after a brief pause, “I could arrange a place for you and your companions to stay. There is, of course, a condition.”

Ah, there it was. The real purpose behind his offer. He wasn’t just offering hospitality—this was a negotiation. I nodded slightly, intrigued. “Go on,” I said.

Kagaya’s voice grew firmer, though it retained its characteristic calm. “I want you to train the Hashira. You’ve already demonstrated your power, and it is clear that you and your companions operate on a level far beyond what we are accustomed to. If you agree to help the Hashira grow stronger, to prepare them for the battle against Muzanette, I will ensure you have a place to stay.”

The Hashira tensed at Kagaya’s proposal, their gazes shifting between him and me. Sanemi’s scowl deepened, clearly not thrilled at the idea of being “trained” by someone he barely trusted. Rengoku, however, looked thoughtful, his fiery eyes narrowing in consideration.

I let out a small chuckle, tilting my head. “Training the Hashira, huh? You don’t ask for small favors, do you?”

Kagaya inclined his head slightly. “The battle against Muzanette is a monumental task, one that we cannot accomplish without becoming stronger. You have shown us that our current abilities are insufficient. If there is even a chance that your guidance can bridge that gap, then it is a risk worth taking.”

I glanced at Shalltear and Lupusregina, both of whom stood silently behind me. Shalltear raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by the unfolding negotiation, while Lupusregina gave a small, mischievous grin. They wouldn’t object to anything I decided, of course, but I could tell they were curious about what I’d say.

Turning back to Kagaya, I smirked. “Fine. I’ll train them. But don’t expect me to go easy. If they’re going to stand a chance against Muzanette, they’ll need to be pushed to their limits—and beyond.”

Rengoku stepped forward, his usual exuberance tempered by seriousness. “If it means we can defeat Muzanette and protect humanity, I’m willing to endure any training, no matter how harsh.”

Tengen grinned, crossing his arms. “A challenge like this sounds flamboyantly perfect for me. Let’s see what you’ve got, Alexander.”

Mitsuri nodded eagerly, her pink-and-green hair swaying as she spoke. “I’ll do my best! If it means we can protect more lives, I’m ready for anything.”

Not everyone was as enthusiastic. Sanemi scoffed, his arms crossed. “I don’t need anyone to ‘train’ me. I’ll become stronger on my own.”

Obanai, who had remained quiet for most of the exchange, finally spoke. “If Kagaya-sama believes this will help us, then I’ll comply. But I won’t blindly trust someone just because they’re stronger.”

Muichiro, seemingly indifferent, merely shrugged. “If it’s necessary, I’ll participate.”

Shinobu’s calm smile widened just slightly, though there was a glint of mischief in her eyes. “I look forward to seeing what kind of training you have in mind, Alexander.”

Gyomei offered a solemn nod. “If this will aid in the battle against Muzanette, then it is a path we must walk. I will learn what I can from you.”

Kagaya’s serene smile returned as he regarded the group. “It seems most of us are in agreement. Alexander, I am grateful to you for agreeing to this. I will have accommodations arranged for you and your companions at once.”

“Good,” I replied, my smirk widening slightly. “This will be interesting.”

~~~

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