Chapter 246: Selfish Reasons

At Marcus’s cutting question, the corner of Sanemi’s mouth twitched.

"The master, the Demon Slayers, and the Ubuyashiki family have been generous to me." His voice softened, then gathered strength. "And I know full well that the best way to repay them is by killing Muzan."

Marcus chuckled. "I didn’t expect that, of all the Slayers, you’d be the one who sees it most clearly."

"Everyone sees it." Sanemi shook his head. "The difference is that none of them can make the decision I’m making. Himejima is the strongest, our pillar. He can’t transform, or panic would break out and the Corps would fall apart. Kyojuro is the heir to the Flame Hashira; for the honor of his family, he can’t either. Uzui and Giyū might take the initiative, but they haven’t felt the gap in power with Muzan firsthand, so they cling to the vain hope that humans can defeat him."

"So you alone, the Wind Hashira, are willing to sacrifice yourself and bear the infamy of having brought about the betrayal?"

"..."

Sanemi fell silent. "...It’s not a sacrifice. I have my own selfish reasons."

"Selfish reasons?" Marcus’s interest was piqued. "Tell me."

Sanemi lifted his head. In his ever-fierce eyes, a hint of fragility surfaced. "Kyojuro said that... before dying... a person can see their... loved ones from when they were alive?"

Marcus was stunned for a moment.

And after a few seconds of silence, he couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

"What are you laughing at?!"

Sanemi shot to his feet. "Is wanting to see my family and beg my mother’s forgiveness funny to you?!"

"S-Sorry, sorry...," Marcus waved his hand, wiping away a tear. "I thought you’d already started seeing Nezuko as your mother."

Blood rushed to Sanemi’s head, and he made as if to draw his blade. "Bastard! I’m being serious!"

"My mistake, I really couldn’t hold it in," Marcus tried to calm himself, though he kept a faint smile.

Watching Sanemi’s embarrassed fury, he turned serious. "Yes, it’s possible. If you need it, before the transformation I can bring you to the brink of death so you can say whatever’s left unsaid. Shinobu saw her sister before transforming—you can ask her for the details."

Thud

Sanemi’s legs gave out, his knees struck the tatami, and he collapsed.

Covering his face, tears began to roll down uncontrollably, though he didn’t make a single sound in front of Marcus.

Marcus looked away and picked up his cup.

Only once Sanemi had composed himself did he ask in a subdued voice, "When will you transform me?"

"As soon as you come back with me."

"...Fine. I’ll come tomorrow morning." Sanemi rose to his feet and, not wanting to show his reddened eyes, took his leave.

Watching his resolute figure disappear into the distance, Marcus smiled.

Gaining the second-strongest Hashira made the trip worthwhile. With Sanemi’s current level, his endurance, and his unique blood type, becoming a Vampire would give him enough strength to defeat Douma in a one-on-one.

As for the future...

Sanemi possessed a strong sense of morality, but his irritable, impulsive temperament made him ill-suited for diplomatic missions.

However, his unwavering loyalty and his word of honor made him the perfect candidate to serve as a guardian.

With Hakuji as the public face and Gyutaro as the hand in the shadows, a man like Sanemi suited Marcus perfectly for his personal guard.

A moment later, the door opened.

Shinobu peeked in, and Nezuko poked half her body out from behind her. Noticing that Sanemi was already gone, the little girl let out a disappointed "Uh."

"Come, keep writing." Marcus beckoned to her.

Nezuko frowned and came back at a slow pace, sitting down at the table to take up the brush.

Shinobu settled in beside her to help.

Marcus looked at them and remarked, "Tomorrow, on the way back, there’ll be one more person."

"Mm." Shinobu nodded.

The rooms had acceptable insulation, but Shinobu’s perception, even without demonizing, already surpassed that of Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke.

Being right beside him, it would have been impossible for her not to overhear.

That same night, Sanemi remained in Kagaya’s room until the early morning hours. The next day, under the resigned gazes of the other Hashiras, he departed alongside Marcus.

He wasn’t the only one: the Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji; the Insect Hashira, Shinobu Kocho; the former Water Hashira, Sakonji Urokodaki; and Nezuko also set out on the journey.

With them they carried one hundred and twenty million ryo, all the cash the Ubuyashiki family had on hand. One hundred million corresponded to the earlier deal, and the remaining twenty were a gift of gratitude for saving the Swordsmith Village, beheading Upper Rank Four and Five, and delivering the "Letters of Resignation." Kagaya took the opportunity to order more vials; after discovering that they counteracted Muzan’s toxins, that drug had become his most valuable resource.

With the money secured and two Hashiras added to their ranks, the trip was a resounding success.

For the entire journey, Marcus couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.

"Have a little shame."

At Shinobu’s merciless teasing, Marcus, who was carrying Nezuko in his arms, felt no shame whatsoever.

"I’m happy—am I forbidden from smiling?"

He glanced at her sidelong and added in a mocking tone, "Did you forget last week, when Kanae was able to speak? Who was it that started hugging her sword, laughing like a little fool in front of everyone?"

Cheeks flushed, Shinobu shot him a withering glare. "Don’t get cocky! Onee-chan said that when you get back, she intends to have a serious talk with you."

"Let her say whatever she wants—do you think I’m afraid of her?" Marcus retorted brazenly. "If it’s about meeting the family, I’ve already done whatever I pleased with you, so what could she possibly do to me?"

"Tsk!"

"Hey, don’t draw your katana!"

"Hold still!"

"Not a chance! Take my secret weapon! Nezuko-chan!"

"Jiji~ Hugs, Shinobu-nee~"

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