A new starting point
In the headquarters courtyard, Ubuyashiki Kōya sat under the eaves, supported by his family. Though his illness had marred his appearance, the gentleness and wisdom he exuded remained undiminished. The pillars and Shiro knelt before him in turn.
"Bai, welcome back." Yaoya's voice was like a spring breeze, breaking the silence. "Don't be too nervous. We've invited everyone here today because we hope to learn about you and help shape your future together. Could you please be honest and tell us about your experiences and identity?"
Under the gentle and tolerant gaze of her lord, supported by the strength of Shiro's tightly grasping hand, Shiro took a deep breath and slowly raised her head. She unleashed a complete and unreserved revelation of everything, from being held captive by Muzan, learning Moon Breathing from Kokushibo, being forced to become a demon after witnessing the Upper Two devouring humans, the three years she spent in the laboratory, meeting Giyuu after her escape, learning Water Breathing, and the deepest cherishment of the Demon Slayer Corps as her "family."
Her voice was sometimes trembling, sometimes choked, but always clear. When she finished the last word, the courtyard was silent, with only the rustling of leaves in the wind.
Ubuyashiki Kōya listened quietly, his face a look of compassion and understanding. "Thank you for your honesty, Shiro. You've endured so much, yet you've maintained a pure and kind heart and protected your comrades so many times. For this alone, you deserve a place in the Demon Slayer Corps."
"I object!" Fuzukawa Miyabi suddenly raised his head and said in a firm voice, "My lord! Those who are not of my race must have different hearts! No matter what she said or did, it cannot change the fact that she is a demon! The blood of Muzan flowing in her body is the original sin! Who can guarantee that she will not lose control in the future? Who can guarantee that this is not Muzan's conspiracy?! Letting her stay in the Demon Slayer Corps, especially staying with Tomioka, is like a bomb that can explode at any time!" His sharp eyes pierced Bai fiercely, with undisguised vigilance and hostility.
"She won't!" Yiyong spoke immediately, his voice cold and firm, his gesture of protecting Bai behind him clearly stated, "I guarantee it in the name of the Water Pillar! If she loses control, I will kill her myself and then commit suicide to atone for my sin!"
"Tomioka! You are completely possessed by the devil!" Shimizu was furious.
"I believe Bai!" Kanroji Mitsuri shouted anxiously, tears welling up in her pink-green eyes. "She saved Mr. Rengoku! She's so kind, how could she hurt everyone!"
Iguro Obana was silent for a moment, then spoke in a low voice, "Her behavior so far has been truly impeccable. It's unfair to dismiss everything simply because of a 'possible' risk."
With tears streaming down his face, Xingming on Beiming Island said in a deep voice, "Amitabha... Judging from her actions and words, this woman is indeed kind-hearted... However, Fushigawa's worries are not without reason..."
Just as the two sides were arguing, Shinobu Kocho's soft but clear voice rang out, and she bowed slightly forward:
"My lord, everyone, please allow me to report an important discovery." She raised her violet eyes, scanning the crowd before finally settling on Shiro. "Through research on Shiro's blood, I discovered that she contains an extremely high concentration of Muzan Kibutsuji's primordial blood. Its purity far exceeds any sample we've ever obtained."
She paused, her tone becoming more serious. "This means that Bai's very existence is an extremely valuable research treasure trove. Through in-depth research into her blood, we are very likely to find a key method to directly restrain or even eliminate Muzan. From a strategic perspective, accepting Bai will bring us far more benefits than disadvantages."
Shinobu Kocho's words undoubtedly dropped a bombshell. Even Fuzuka was momentarily speechless, lost in thought. Strategic value was a practical factor that could not be ignored.
Ubuyashiki Kazuya listened quietly to everyone's opinions, a gentle yet resolute smile appearing on his pale face.
"Shinobu's caution is for the safety of the Demon Slayer Corps; Giyuu's defense is based on trust and a bond; Shinobu's analysis is focused on future victory." His voice was gentle, but it carried unquestionable authority. "However, in my opinion, what matters most is Bai Benxin's choice and her actions along the way."
His gaze turned to Shiro again, filled with love and acceptance. "Shiro, are you willing to continue fighting alongside us as a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, with the will of a human, until Muzan's evil is brought to an end?"
Bai was so excited that tears welled up in her eyes. She nodded vigorously, her voice firm and clear: "I do! I am willing to use my life and all my strength to protect everyone and destroy Muzan!"
Yoya smiled and nodded, finally announcing, "Then, in the name of the head of Ubuyashiki, I declare that the Demon Slayer Corps officially accepts Shiro Inji as our comrade. I hope you will trust her will and choices as you trust each other."
The lord's order had been given, final. Although Busei-san's brows were still furrowed, he no longer objected. He simply snorted coldly and turned his head away.
Bai's tears fell again, but this time, they were tears of joy and hope. She bent down deeply and bowed deeply:
"Thank you! My Lord! Thank you everyone!"
At this moment, her future was finally closely linked with the Demon Slayer Corps, Giyuu, and all her cherished companions.
Since the Pillars' Coordination Meeting, Shiro's identity has been officially recognized. Although Wind Pillar Fuzugawa Minami still occasionally casts a sharp glance at her, overall, she can finally put aside the burden of secrets and truly live as a member of the Demon Slayer Corps. Giyuu, on the other hand, has focused on improving Shiro's survivability—not blindly pursuing strength, but learning to use power more precisely, efficiently, and with greater care.
The backyard of Tomioka's house once again became the training ground they were most familiar with. However, the training content and atmosphere were now very different from before.
"No." Yiyong's voice sounded calmly. He stood beside Bai, his finger gently tapping her wrist. "Generate the coordinates for 'Wu Jian·Qian Yue'. Faster than 0:00 by three breaths. The energy output will be reduced by 20%, enough to avoid most area attacks. There's no need to pursue extreme distance."
Bai concentrated her mind and calmed her breath, her silver hair fluttering slightly with her breathing. She tried again, and a faint silver light flashed before her, and her figure instantly appeared in the other corner of the courtyard. Her movements were smooth, and she landed silently, her breath much steadier than before.
"Very good." Yiyong nodded, a glint of approval in his eyes. "Remember this feeling, and achieve your goal with minimal effort. Your body is not a weapon to be squandered."
The next training was the integration of breathing techniques, which was a subject that Giyuu tailored to Bai's characteristics.
"Moon Breathing is treacherous and sharp, with a wide range; Water Breathing is long and tenacious, excelling at defense and guidance." Yiyong demonstrated it himself. As he swung his Sun Wheel Blade, azure water and cold moonlight alternated. Though not completely fused, a strange rhythm emerged. "Try to find the 'gap' between them, allowing them to alternate naturally, like tides and moonlight, rather than abruptly shift."
Shiro closed her eyes, feeling the two distinct rhythms of breathing within her. One was the cold moonlight of night and slaughter, branded by Kokushibo; the other was the warmth, like a current of embrace and protection, imparted by Giyuu. She tried to channel them, but at first, they conflicted and faltered. But with Giyuu's patient guidance—a glance, a subtle adjustment of movement—she gradually grasped that subtle feeling.
When the Sun Blade was swung, it was no longer simply water-colored or silver, but had the glow of moonlight with water, or flowing water with the reflection of the moon. Although it was not yet round enough, it had already taken shape, and its power and flexibility were significantly improved.
The intense concentration and energy manipulation training took a huge toll on her. Especially when attempting to finely manipulate the vampire arts, she could clearly feel the rapid loss of energy in her body, and a familiar, subtle burning thirst would come from deep in her throat.
Whenever this happened, Yiyong would stop all his movements.
He would walk up to her, tilt his head slightly and push aside her dark blue hair, exposing the fragile artery on the side of his neck to her. There was no hesitation or reluctance in his movements, as if this was a very common thing.
"Senior Yiyong..." Bai would always feel a little embarrassed, with his cheeks slightly red.
"You need to replenish your energy." His tone was always calm, with a sense of matter-of-factness. "Don't be patient."
Bai then cautiously approached, her sharp fangs gently piercing the skin. She sucked with the utmost gentleness, like a newborn animal, cherishing only the minimum amount of blood needed to sustain her body. For her, Yiyong's blood was not only a source of energy, but also carried a unique aura that brought peace to her mind.
The entire process was brief and peaceful, devoid of any gore or strangeness. Instead, it was filled with an indescribable intimacy and trust. When it was over, President Bai would immediately stroke the tiny wound with his fingertips, watching it heal quickly before he breathed a sigh of relief.
Thus, on days without missions, the two of them would conduct this "sticky" special training day after day in the courtyard of Tomioka's house. One taught diligently, the other studied intently, and in between, they would engage in intimate, blood-based nourishment, a bond that no one else could intrude upon.
A month slipped by quietly, awash in sweat and tacit understanding. Bai's control improved at a noticeable rate, his mastery of his own strength growing more and more adept. The bond between them, through repeated reliance and giving, grew deeper and stronger. The setting sun stretched their figures, intertwining them as if they were inseparable.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
