Giyu Tomioka and Shinobu Kocho both knew very wellthey were no match for Carl.

In truth, even Kyojuro Rengoku understood this.

He might have been hot-blooded and upright, but he wasn't stupid.

He knew that his attacks couldn't harm Carl at all.

Even when all the Hashira had joined forces, their strikes had been completely ineffective.

Unlike Carl, who had so easily slain two of their own with just a flicker of intent.

Rengoku knewif he fought Carl, he would die.

But that didn't frighten him.

Death was not something Rengoku feared.

Still, Shinobu's and Giyu's words made him realize something.

He wasn't alone here.

He might be ready to die fighting Carl

but what about the others?

What about the Master?

What about the ordinary Demon Slayer Corps members stationed at Headquarters?

And the Kakushi, the hidden ones who lacked the strength to fight?

They weren't warriorsthey didn't crave battle.

And most of all, they didn't want to die.

So even someone as straightforward and justice-driven as Rengoku…

held his tongue.

All of the Hashira had personally faced Carl's overwhelming power.

They knew what he was capable of.

And with the Master's uncharacteristically calm attitudeand after exchanging glances with Shinobu and Giyu

no one made another move.

For a while, silence fell over the courtyard.

The Master watched the Hashira's expressions and quietly exhaled in relief.

He did not wish to see any more of them die.

Judging from their faces now, they seemed to understand.

What surprised him most, however, was Kyojuro Rengoku's restraint.

Among them all, Rengoku was the one he'd worried about most.

Rengoku's honesty and unshakable sense of duty often made him charge headlong into battle.

The Master had feared he might recklessly attack Carl, which would have been suicide.

But thankfullythankfully

he hadn't.

Seeing no one speak up, the Master turned to Carl.

『Ubuyashiki Kagaya』: "Sir, may I ask your name?"

『Carl』: "Carl."

『Ubuyashiki Kagaya』: "I see…"

He nodded gently, then addressed the gathered Hashira.

『Ubuyashiki Kagaya』: "Sir Carl is not our enemy.

Our goal right now… is not to fight him."

『All Hashira』: "Understood."

Their responses were quiet but compliant.

After a brief pause, the Master continued.

『Ubuyashiki Kagaya』: "Forgive me for alarming everyone earlier.

I have chosen to accept Tanjiro Kamado and Nezuko Kamado into our ranks.

I hope you all will also recognize them."

Carl and Tanjiro seemed to be on familiar termsso he deliberately brought up Tanjiro, trying to ease the tension.

Deep down, though, he couldn't help feeling regret.

If he hadn't brought Tanjiro and Nezuko to Headquarters that day,

perhaps the Wind Hashira and the Sound Hashira wouldn't have died at all.

But regret couldn't change what had already happened.

All he could do now was protect those who remained.

The Hashira exchanged surprised looks.

Even with their respect for the Master, several couldn't hide their unease.

Some outright refused to accept his decision,

while others reluctantly agreedor stayed silent only because Carl was present.

In the end, the matter was settled more smoothly than expected.

Thanks to Giyu Tomioka's support, the Master's authority, and a few careful tests,

the Corps confirmed that Nezuko truly did not attack humans.

Of course, this "test" was far gentler than the cruel one from the original tale

no stabbing, no blood-soaked provocation.

They merely placed Nezuko in a room, surrounded by human observers.

If she were an ordinary demon, the scent of blood and flesh would have driven her into a frenzy.

But Nezuko simply stood there, calm and quiet

not the slightest hint of hostility.

Everyone who witnessed it was astonished.

And with the Master, Giyu, and the Kakushi vouching for her,

even those still skeptical chose not to argue further.

Facts spoke louder than fear.

And so, Nezuko was acceptedif only provisionallyby the Demon Slayer Corps.

Tanjiro's face shone with relief and joy.

For his sister to finally be acknowledged

nothing could have made him happier.

Carl observed silently.

The test was fair enough, and the Corps' attitude was… reasonable.

With the matter resolved, there was no longer any immediate crisis.

At least not for now.

He'd done what he came to do. It was time to leave.

『Carl』: "It's settled, then. I'll be going."

At those words, the Master and the Hashira all quietly exhaled.

So long as Carl remained here, so did the shadow of danger.

His departure meant safetyat least for the moment.

But Tanjiro's eyes widened.

『Tanjiro Kamado』: "You're leaving already, Mr. Carl?

I haven't even thanked you properly!"

He bowed deeply.

『Tanjiro Kamado』: "Thank you for everything you've done for us."

Carl had slain two Hashira, yesbut he'd also saved Tanjiro and Nezuko from certain death,

and destroyed one of the Twelve Kizuki in the process.

Even if Tanjiro found his methods… extreme,

he couldn't deny the help.

Carl gave him a small smile.

『Carl』: "No need to thank me. We'll meet again."

『Tanjiro Kamado』: "Right! Until next time!"

Carl turned to leave

but as his eyes drifted toward Nezuko, standing quietly beside her brother,

he suddenly stopped.

『Carl』: "Tanjiro… do you want to cure your sister?"

『Tanjiro Kamado』: "Huh?"

For a heartbeat, Tanjiro froze.

Then his pulse quickened wildly.

Ever since that night, his sole purpose had been to restore Nezuko's humanity.

Every drop of sweat, every scar from training, every battle he fought

it was all for that single wish.

And until now, he'd found no path forward.

But Carl's sudden question sparked a desperate, trembling hope.

Could it be

Carl might actually have a way?

『Tanjiro Kamado』: "I… of course I do!

It's my greatest wishto make Nezuko human again!

Mr. Carl… you have a way, don't you?"

『Carl』: "I do."

Carl's tone was calm, matter-of-fact.

『Carl』: "However… after the treatment, she'll lose all memory of her time as a demon.

Her body and mind will return to how they were before she turned.

Are you alright with that?"

His "treatment" would use the power of time

reversing Nezuko's body back to what it had been two years ago, before Muzan's curse.

The memories from her demonic period couldn't possibly remain.

Carl remembered the future of this world well enough

Nezuko would regain her humanity someday.

But still, it was best to explain clearly.

『Tanjiro Kamado』: "Of course!

That's no problem at all! As long as she's human again, that's all that matters!"

Carl nodded once, then looked at Nezuko.

She tilted her head slightly, her eyes blank and innocent.

Tanjiro stood frozen, holding his breath, waiting to see what Carl would do

but Carl didn't move.

Seconds passed. Then more.

Nothing happened.

『Tanjiro Kamado』: "Huh… Mr. Carl? Aren't you going to?"

Before he could finish, a soft, clear voice interrupted him.

『Nezuko Kamado』: "Onii-chan? Where… am I?"

Tanjiro's breath caught in his throat.