Crossover Anime: Starting with Bankai from Demon Slayer

It was three days later when Shinobu Kocho confirmed that Asuka's physical condition was good enough to leave the Butterfly Mansion.

However, Asuka did not leave alone.

Having just recovered, Asuka planned to visit Kyojuro Rengoku.

Although he claimed to be concerned about Rengoku-sensei's health, Shinobu knew that he was definitely planning to learn Flame Breathing.

She was worried about Asuka's reckless nature, and coincidentally, she was also preparing to check on Rengoku Kyojuro's injuries.

So he and Asuka traveled together to Utsunomiya City.

This is an ancient city that flourished as a castle town during the Edo period and was once known as "Little Edo".

The Rengoku clan, a samurai family that has served the Ubuyashiki family since the Warring States period, has always lived on the outskirts of Utsunomiya City, guarding their ancestral land passed down through generations.

As times have changed, apart from the other collateral descendants who are not skilled in swordsmanship, only three male members of the Purgatory family remain in the world.

Kyojuro Rengoku, his younger brother Senjuro, and their father Makijuro.

On the way, Shinobu Kocho told Asuka about the Rengoku family, especially mentioning the former Flame Pillar, Makijuro Rengoku:

"Mr. Makijuro gave up demon slaying due to the grief of losing his wife, leaving the position of Flame Pillar vacant for a time." She added, "Now he drinks heavily all day and neglects his family..."

"Is he going to quit being a pillar just because he's depressed?" Asuka frowned.

Shinobu Kocho shook her head: "Only we know the details of our own affairs, and it's not appropriate for us to ask too many questions."

As she spoke, she solemnly instructed Asuka, "It's said that even Mr. Kyojuro became the Flame Pillar by relying on the Flame Breathing training manual. So Asuka, it's best not to talk to Mr. Kyojuro unless necessary, so as not to upset him."

Asuka had originally wanted to ask Shinobu about the Rengoku family head being the former Flame Pillar, but she never expected things to turn out this way.

The forepaw is a very special and respected position.

Normally, a Pillar-level swordsman will fight in his/her position until he/she dies or is too old or injured to continue his/her duties.

Arashi-sensei lost her status as the Wind Pillar and became a Trainer because her arm was severed.

These veterans with rich combat experience are the core force in training the Demon Slayer Corps' junior members. It can be said that without them, the Demon Slayer Corps would not be able to replenish its ranks with fresh blood.

As far as Asuka knows, in addition to Arashizaki-sensei, the former Water Pillar and Sound Pillar have also become trainers, but they don't have many disciples and have always been in a semi-secluded state.

And this Makijuro, still in his prime, has already abandoned his responsibility to slay demons, not even bothering to train him...?

Just as Shinobu Kocho said, this was a private matter for the Rengoku family, and he didn't want to delve into it.

Feiniao crossed her arms and sat against a corner of the carriage, quietly admiring the maple leaves along the roadside that had turned red.

Two days later, they arrived in Utsunomiya, but encountered unexpected trouble.

Utsunomiya City was much as Asuka had imagined, still retaining its old-fashioned style—low, traditional wooden townhouses with black tiles and white walls reminiscent of the Edo period, occasionally interspersed with some Western-style brick buildings and utility poles, creating a blend of old and new.

"Asuka, do you know why Zenitsu's teacher, Mr. Kuwashima Jigoro, is called the 'Sound Pillar' instead of the 'Thunder Pillar'?" Shinobu Kocho lightly jumped off the carriage, stretching her slender waist: "It is said that it is because when a user of Thunder Breathing draws his sword, there is a thunderous sound, hence the name Sound Pillar."

"Besides..." she pointed at the telephone pole with a hint of slyness, "some people say that it's because 'thunder pillar' refers to this thing that they don't use that name."

Asuka asked earnestly, "What about before? Was the Naruhashi (Supreme Pillar) of the Sengoku period also for this reason?"

"...That's just a lame joke, Asuka."

"So that's how it is, ha, ha."

He chuckled twice, then noticed the strange atmosphere on the street.

The sun hadn't even set yet, but the streets were already sparsely populated, and many shops had closed early.

Looking into the distance, at the end of the street, in the central square formed by the intersections, people were setting up several temporary sheds.

Many soldiers in khaki uniforms stood in front of the tent, setting up white cloth banners with ink still wet.

[The 14th Army Corps! Loyal and brave soldiers are welcome to enlist!]

[One hundred million hearts united! The rise of the empire!]

Several officers with grim faces and swords at their waists stood under the strip of cloth, directing the soldiers. A few young men were sparsely lined up at the wooden table in front of the shed.

Most of them were dressed in worn clothes, with fanatical expressions, and were registering something.

"Hurry up, don't linger."

Upon seeing the large characters written in ink, Shinobu Kocho frowned slightly and immediately tried to pull Asuka away, but it was already too late.

"Hey! Hey! You over there, man!"

After several calls went unanswered, a burly officer with a mustache and wearing the rank of major approached with two soldiers, looking menacing.

His eyes swept over the birds like searchlights—young, strong, and sharp-eyed, they were perfect targets.

"Judging by your physique, you're a fine prospect! The Empire needs young men like you right now! Come and register! Enlist immediately!"

"No interest, I refuse."

Asuka's answer was without hesitation, causing the lieutenant who gave him the order to twitch his muscular face.

He seemed surprised to be so bluntly contradicted in front of everyone, and his face instantly turned red.

The major roared, "Damn it! Don't be so ungrateful! As a citizen of the Empire, how can you back down!"

As he roared, several soldiers around him pulled back their bolts with a clatter, their gun barrels subtly rising.

The atmosphere on the street suddenly became tense.

Asuka had already placed his hand on the tightly wrapped oilcloth package, ready to draw his knife and subdue the group of thugs if things went wrong.

"Please wait a moment, sir." Shinobu Kocho's voice rang out, smiling as she stepped between the two, interrupting Asuka's surging killing intent.

"Woman, who are you? How dare you interfere with military affairs?" The major impatiently tried to push Shinobu Kocho away, but found that her slender wrist was unusually strong and did not budge.

Shinobu Kocho did not answer him directly, but instead took out a small wooden box from her bosom.

Inside, several documents and a delicate little seal were neatly arranged.

She took out one of the documents bearing the Cabinet seal and elegantly handed a business card with the words "Shinobu Kocho, Director of Ubuyashiki Co., Ltd." to the officer.

"Excuse me." She nodded slightly, her voice clear and her demeanor composed. "This young man is our company's security consultant, an employee of the Ubuyashiki family."

Ubuyashiki family? The major felt that the name sounded familiar.

He opened the document, looked through it carefully, and his expression changed repeatedly before he finally remembered.

The Ubuyashiki family is a noble family with a long history. It is said that they have a certain ability to foresee opportunities and have an incredibly accurate eye for investment. Their businesses span multiple fields such as finance, trade, and real estate, and they have accumulated astonishing wealth.

Within the Chinese community, there are different factions.

The current Prime Minister, Hara Takashi, was a member of the anti-war faction who rose to power with the support of the elder statesman of the nobility, Duke Saionji Kinmochi, and was at odds with their army.

The Ubuyashiki family is a cowardly family that stands with that old dog Saionji, and they are very annoying!

The major folded the documents with some dissatisfaction, but before he could speak, Shinobu Kocho continued, "We are here in Utsunomiya on the orders of our clan head to handle important business. Regarding this young man's military service, the Ubuyashiki family will provide the relevant authorities with a reasonable explanation."

Her formulaic smile held an unusual firmness:

"Your current behavior may cause unnecessary misunderstandings and even damage your good relationship with the Ubuyashiki family, don't you think?"