"Of course it's not a problem. Breathing techniques are important to us, yes, but we've never intended to keep them secret from others. In fact, as long as someone is human and willing to learn, we'll gladly pass them on," said a warm, enthusiastic voice from outside.
"That's right. Breathing styles were created by humans for the sole purpose of fighting demons. If you're human and your goal is to eliminate demons, then it's only natural to share this knowledge," came another voice in agreement.
Moments later, several figures stepped into Kevin Cross's view.
Although this was technically their first meeting, Kevin instantly recognized who they were.
Kyojuro Rengoku, the Kyojuro Rengoku. Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira. And several others.
A group of Hashira from the Demon Slayer Corps had arrived all at once.
"So handsome!" A dreamy, slightly dazed voice broke the moment. Kevin turned to see Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira, her pink and green hair flowing as her eyes sparkled while looking at him.
Standing beside her was a man who exuded an aura of gloom. His eyes narrowed as he stared at Kevin with a faint hint of hostility. No more like caution.
Kevin quickly recognized the source of that tension, especially when he saw the white snake curled around the man's shoulders.
Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira. The man known for his deep, unspoken affection for Mitsuri Kanroji, yet crippled by self-doubt and fear of rejection.
Seeing Mitsuri's subtle infatuation with Kevin had clearly triggered something in Obanai. Kevin was just too good-looking. Obanai had never seen a man who exuded such charm and confidence. Compared to himself, he felt plain. The self-deprecation sank deeper into his heart.
But then, his eyes fell on Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Hashira, standing slightly behind Kevin, her presence serene but warm.
A realization struck Obanai: Kevin was already with Shinobu. Surely, he wouldn't pursue Mitsuri too… right? Then again, Kevin was so perfect strong, intelligent, resourceful and now he'd even brought along weapons capable of killing demons? If someone like Tengen Uzui could have three wives, could Kevin not…?
Obanai's mood plummeted once more.
"Let's set the breathing techniques aside for now. I'm guessing the real reason you're all here is because of the xenon lamps I brought. You're really more interested in them, aren't you?" Kevin said, laughing softly.
The Hashira chuckled awkwardly but didn't deny it. After all, Kevin was right.
He took out a large batch of xenon lamps and distributed them one by one. These things weren't expensive. Honestly, Kevin could outfit the entire Demon Slayer Corps without putting a dent in his finances. Giving each Hashira a few even a backup and one for display was no big deal.
"Don't be so careful. These things are sturdier than they look. They won't break easily. Let me show you how to use them," Kevin said with amusement, seeing how cautiously they were handling the devices.
Still, he could understand their reactions. To them, these were divine artifacts, practically sacred weapons. If they broke one, they'd probably consider ritual suicide to atone for it.
Kevin demonstrated the operation mainly just flipping a switch. The key, however, was explaining how to recharge them.
While electricity existed in this world, it wasn't widely available, especially not in the rural areas where many of the Demon Slayer bases were located. Even if they had basic lighting, charging such a modern device wasn't easy.
Kevin carefully explained the charging methods and mechanisms. The Hashira listened intently. Now they knew these lamps weren't as fragile as they feared, but still, they treated them like priceless treasures more precious than their Nichirin Blades. After all, these lamps didn't require combat technique or training. Just aim and flip the switch. They were far more convenient than breathing styles or swordplay.
With these xenon lamps, some of them were even beginning to consider skipping the intermediate steps in their battle strategy and luring Muzan Kibutsuji out directly.
The idea was simple: use either Nezuko or the mythical Blue Spider Lily as bait to draw Muzan into the open. Once he showed up bam. Hit him with sunlight-grade illumination. It would be the end of him. No drawn-out battle. No casualties. Just death.
The only issue was secrecy.
These lamps, as powerful as they were, couldn't be revealed to the public or the demons just yet. Muzan was paranoid. Skittish. The slightest disturbance would make him retreat into hiding again. If he even suspected something like the xenon lamp existed, he'd vanish and they'd never find him again.
For now, the xenon lamps were restricted to the Hashira. No one else was allowed to know about them, let alone use them.
But they didn't need to keep it a secret for long.
Truthfully, even if Kevin hadn't brought the lamps, the Demon Slayer Corps had already started preparing to strike. Their strategy had been to eliminate Muzan's lieutenants first Rui on Natagumo Mountain, the demon siblings in the Entertainment District, and Doma of the Eternal Bliss cult before moving in for the final blow.
Now, with Kevin's tools in hand, they could skip all that.
Straight to the boss battle.
Shinobu Kocho looked around at the other Hashira, each holding their xenon lamps as if cradling sacred relics. Her heart swelled with determination and gratitude. She turned to look at Kevin, her eyes filled with trust and warmth.
This time, she was sure.
With Kevin's help, they could wipe out every last demon.
Even Muzan Kibutsuji himself.
A clear electronic tone chimed in Kevin's mind.
Ding! Mission Triggered: Exterminate the Demon Clan in "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba," including Muzan Kibutsuji. Reward upon completion: 20,000 points.