Already gathered at the butterfly estate, some pillars and kakushi who weren't too busy had finally decided to listen to the insect pillar's request. Though some of the pillars were missing -mostly due to being busy or not caring-, Mitsuri and Giyuu were present. Tengen would've been there if not for the fact that he was currently on a mission in the red light district along with the kamaboko gang.

Muichiro was also there, but his quietness made it impossible for people to notice his presence even if they wanted to. He was just there, listening to Shinobu's ideas.

"After looking through some books and papers in the library of the estate, I came across a particular brew that my sister, the former flower pillar, had come up with. The instructions aren't very clear because the paper got damaged by time and..." she made a short pause, a bit flustered by what she had to say next, "my sister's handwriting resembled that of a 4-year-old toddler."

Nobody dared to laugh, but they all, except for Giyuu and Muichiro, wanted to.

Specially Mitsuri, whose cheeks had filled with air as she focused on not letting out a loud laughter. "Don't laugh, don't laugh...!" She repeated in her head, even though Shinobu had set her eyes on her and noticed how obvious her amusement was, so she simply let out a sigh and continued on with the explanation.

"As I was saying, my sister probably never used it before, as there were no records of it in the estate's library besides this. But I believe this is our best option right now." she commented; a hint of sorrow present on her gaze. She bit her bottom lip for a couple seconds, thinking about what would happen if it didn't work. She paused, inhaled the fresh air of her garden's atmosphere, before speaking again. "I will need your help to gather the herbs, insects and other materials needed to prepare it. We need to hurry before her condition gets worse."

They simply nodded and wasted no time to leave after getting a predetermined list from the petite woman. Muichiro was given no list or anything like that, he simply sat there, motionless, his brows furrowed ever so slightly.

Shinobu sat on the grass in front of him, a tired look on her beautiful features.

"I spoke to Oyakata-sama before coming here" she began, "he suggested that if the brew doesn't work, we could consider turning [Y/N] into a demon just like Nezuko"

Muichiro's eyes widened as those sharp words hit him.

He had never considered that a possibility. But, if they did that, she was sure to be able to live longer until they find a cure. She wouldn't have to suffer anymore.

He blinked, regarding her a moment before daring to ask. "Who is this 'Nezuko' you're talking about...?"

"Ah... of course you wouldn't remember"

"I don't tend to remember anything that isn't related to [Y/N]" he said, shrugging.

"Well, Nezuko is... a demon that doesn't have any ill-intent towards humans and instead protects them. She's pretty docile and nice whenever she's around people she cares about."

"So, you're telling me that there's a way of making [Y/N] into a demon like that, and that Oyakata-sama himself suggested it?"

Shinobu nodded, "He said he knew someone that could help us with that"

Before Muichiro could get the slightest bit of hope, Shinobu spoke with words that carried a certain sadness and the abrupt reality.

"But turning her into a demon doesn't imply that she would be exactly like Nezuko. She could not be able to control herself, would probably constantly be starving, would not be able to go into the sun, would not be able to properly speak, would lose all her memories and... and the Corps would most likely have to lock her up or chain her so she doesn't hurt others. It's all up to chance if we decide to go that route"

The cold air brushed them both as the silence grew larger. Muichiro's long locks swaying to the side, his face shadowed as he remained in deep thought. Shinobu had a pitiful stare, hands clenched above her lap. She, too, knew how frustrating everything must be to him.

"But she would still be alive" he muttered, his voice deeper and more emotionless than usual. Shinobu's eyes grew wide, surprised by his reaction. "It doesn't matter if I can still feel her heartbeat. As long as she can still live-"

"Muichiro" she cut him off, deciding that it was best if he didn't keep making excuses inside his head "Is making [Y/N] go through all that pain worth it? Specially when we don't even know when we're going to have the cure or if that would be enough to turn her back at all. Would you seriously be willing to make her suffer just to get the minimal chance of saving her in an unlikely future?"

Muichiro did not respond. His emotions were overwhelming him to the point that he felt completely lost.

"It's her decision anyway, and with how foolishly idealistic she is, she might just allow herself to become a demon if we suggest that. And then, we would all die of old age before we are able to kill Kibutsuji Muzan or find a cure for her demonization."

Shinobu watched as Muichiro wrapped his legs with his arms and buried his face between them, seemingly tired of all that talk. He didn't know what to do. Whenever he had to make difficult decisions, he would ask [Y/N] first and she would decide for him. Like what should they have for dinner and stuff like that.

"What should I do then...?"

Shinobu let herself smile a little. It was a weak smile, but it was enough to fill her with the determination she needed.

"I already promised her that I would find a way to cure her, so leave that to me. The brew will work for sure. After all, it's something that my dear older sister left for me"

"Just stay by her side, like you've been doing all this time.

It's all she needs right now."