New Orders for the Hashira, a Journey Northeast

The midday sun shines through layers of branches and leaves, casting dappled shadows on the winding mountain path.

Giyu's steps always maintained a steady rhythm.

The courtyard was surrounded by lush Wisteria vines, their deep green leaves gleaming glossy in the sunlight.

Although it's not yet flowering season, its unique, bittersweet fragrance already fills the air, causing any ghost to instinctively stay away.

Giyu passed through the heavy wooden door and stepped into the courtyard.

The shrubs on both sides of the stone path were meticulously trimmed, and the faint sound of a babbling brook could be heard in the distance.

The main house is a traditional Japanese-style building, with copper wind chimes hanging under the eaves that tinkle softly in the wind, producing a clear and ethereal sound.

Two people were already waiting in the center of the courtyard.

"Oh--! Tomioka!"

His booming voice was so powerful it could shake the leaves from the trees.

The tall man wearing a flame-patterned haori turned around, his long gold and red hair tied into a neat high ponytail at the back of his head, which swung out in a dazzling arc with his movement.

Shinjuro Rengoku's eyes seemed to burn with some kind of blazing flame, and he was laughing and waving at Giyu at that moment.

"You've come at the perfect time! We were just talking about you!"

Shinjuro strode over, each step causing a slight tremor in the ground.

"The battle in Crimson Sakura Village was absolutely brilliant! Four Lower Rank! Although I couldn't be there, just hearing 'Hidden's' report is exhilarating!"

Giyu nodded slightly. "Mr. Rengoku."

"Hey, don't be so reserved!"

Shinjuro patted his shoulder hard.

"Since we're both pillars now, just call me Shinjuro! But speaking of which..."

He suddenly leaned closer, lowering his voice but still surprisingly loud:

"You stole my thunder this time! I rushed there overnight after receiving the news, heading straight for Crimson Sakura Village, only to find out as soon as I got there that 'Hidden' gang had already taken care of it! I made a wasted trip!"

Giyu didn't know how to respond to such a joke, so he just blinked silently.

Just then, another steady set of footsteps approached.

Gyomei Himejima slowly towards them.

He appeared even more composed and steadfast than when we last met. His simple monk's robes swayed gently with his steps, the prayer beads around his neck were perfectly round, and the massive broad axe in his hand seemed to be an integral part of him.

His eyes remained closed, but he walked without the slightest hesitation, as if he could "see" everything around him through some deeper perception.

The tears that kept sliding down his cheeks gave this tall monk an aura of compassion and solemnity.

Namo Amitabha Buddha.

Gyomei clasped his hands together and bowed slightly.

"Giyu, it's been a few days, and your aura seems even more somber."

"Mr. Gyomei! Congratulations on becoming a Pillar."

A gentle smile appeared on Gyomei's pale face:

"Thanks to you. If it weren't for the battle of Crimson Sakura Village that showed my Oyakata-sama my resolve, I'm afraid I would still be..."

"You were meant to be a pillar." Giyu looked at him earnestly.

"Haha! Absolutely right!"

Shinjuro stood with his hands on his hips, laughing heartily.

"Himejima, you clearly have the strength of a Pillar, but you've been stuck in A-Rank. It's embarrassing for us Pillars!"

Gyomei gently shook his head, and tears streamed down his face.

"This humble monk simply believes that saving one more life on the front lines is more important than commanding from the rear. But Oyakata-sama says makes sense... becoming a Pillar Queen might allow me to protect even more people."

"Our Oyakata-sama is never wrong!"

Shinjuro loudly agreed, then scratched his head.

"But seriously, Pillar isn't just good at fighting; he's also responsible for area defense, team member deployment, intelligence gathering... Ah, that's quite troublesome."

He turned to Giyu, his eyes sparkling:

"By the way, Tomioka, how's your adjustment period as the new Water Hashira going? Would you like me to share some management tips?"

After thinking for a moment, Giyu gave his reply:

"No need. I have a master to teach me."

"Mr. Urokodaki..."

Shinjuro wore a nostalgic expression.

"That person is a legendary figure..."

Before the words were finished, the paper door of the main house was slowly pulled open.

Two maids helped a figure out of the house.

Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the 97th head of the Demon Slayer Corps.

He looked to be only fourteen or fifteen years old, his face was so pale it was almost transparent, and his body was so thin it looked like a gust of wind could blow him over.

However, when the sickly young man stood still under the eaves, the atmosphere in the entire courtyard suddenly became solemn.

Shinjuro immediately suppressed his unrestrained smile and stood solemnly.

Gyomei bowed deeply, gently turning the prayer beads in his hand.

Giyu also lowered his head, expressing his silent respect.

Kagaya Ubuyashiki smiled slightly.

His smile was as gentle as the spring sunshine, making one almost forget the scars on his face and his frail body.

"The weather is so nice today."

He spoke softly, his voice clear and gentle.

"I am truly happy to see that everyone is safe and sound."

He slowly descended the steps, needing assistance, but each step was steady and deliberate.

His gaze swept over the three of them one by one, finally settling on Gyomei.

"Gyomei, no, now he should be called [Stone Hashira]."

Ubuyashiki looked at him gently.

"Congratulations on officially becoming Stone Hashira. The achievements of Crimson Sakura Village have proven your strength and determination."

Gyomei bowed deeply, and tears streamed down his face even faster.

"Namo Amitabha Buddha... I am deeply grateful for your kindness, my Oyakata-sama. I will do my utmost to live up to your trust."

"I trust you."

Ubuyashiki slightly, then turned her gaze to Shinjuro and Giyu.

"Shinjuro, Giyu, thank you for your hard work too."

"Although the Flame Hashira couldn't make it to the battle in Crimson Sakura Village, I felt his determination to rush to the rescue overnight. Mr. Tomioka even swiftly killed three demons, buying precious time for the subsequent rescue."

Shinjuro straightened his back and spoke in a loud voice:

"That's only right!"

Giyu simply nodded slightly.

"There are three main things I've gathered here to discuss."

The courtyard was completely silent; even the wind seemed to have slowed its pace.

"First, as you all know, Gyomei Himejima has officially become Stone Hashira."

Ubuyashiki's voice was steady and clear.

"From today onwards, he will be in charge of the central region. This is where the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters is located, and where the Wisteria Houses are most concentrated; a powerful guardian is needed here."

Gyomei clasped his hands together, tears streaming down his cheeks.

"This humble monk understands. I will certainly protect every Wisteria House, so that wounded swordsmen have a place to return to, and innocent refugees find shelter."

"The second item,"

Ubuyashiki continued, taking a map from his sleeve and slowly unfolding it on the stone table.

"Due to the recent significant reduction in the number of Lower Rank Demons, we need to readjust the responsibilities of each Pillar."

It was a detailed map of Japan, with different colored markers dividing the country into several regions.

"Giyu Sang"

Ubuyashiki glanced at Giyu, lightly tapping the northeastern part of the map with his finger.

"Your original responsibility for the northeastern region will be expanded northward to the Tsugaru Strait coast. There have been increasing reports of demon sightings there in recent years, so patrols need to be intensified."

Giyu gazed at the vast area on the map and responded briefly:

"Clear."

"Mr. Rengoku,"

Ubuyashiki's gaze shifted to Shinjuro, her fingers tracing the Kantō Plain.

"Your area of responsibility will expand eastward, covering the entire Kantō Plain. That area is densely populated; if a demonic disaster were to occur there, the consequences would be unimaginable."

Leave it to me!

Shinjuro patted his chest, his eyes burning with fighting spirit.

"I will never let ghosts run rampant on my turf!"

Kagaya Ubuyashiki put away the map, his expression gradually becoming serious.

"And this leads to the third thing... which is also the thing we need to be most wary of."

The sun was still shining brightly, but the atmosphere in the courtyard suddenly became heavy.

Ubuyashiki's voice was soft, but every word landed heavily on everyone's hearts:

"According to the latest intelligence, apart from Lower Rank Five, the other five Lower Rank have been confirmed dead. Four of them perished in Crimson Sakura Village, and one died in the previous Blue Stone Town."

He paused, letting the news settle in the air.

"This is certainly a victory to celebrate, but it also means... that Muzan Kibutsuji has lost most of his direct combat force."

Shinjuro frowned:

"Muzan my Oyakata-sama mean... that Muzan will be enraged and take even more extreme actions?"

Not entirely.

Ubuyashiki gently shook her head.

"Muzan is not a weakling swayed by emotions. On the contrary, he is extremely cautious, suspicious, and adept at concealing his true intentions. The heavy losses suffered by the Lower Rank may force him to make two choices."

He held up one finger, the tip of which was pale:

"First, accelerate the production of more powerful demons to replenish our fighting strength."

"This means we may encounter more demons whose strength is close to, or even surpasses, that of the Lower Rank."

Then he raised his second finger:

Second, remain hidden for now and wait for the right opportunity.

"Muzan has lived for over a thousand years; he has plenty of patience. If we become complacent because of our victory, he might launch a fatal attack at some unexpected moment."

The courtyard was silent.

Even the most boisterous Shinjuro suppressed his smile and became serious.

So, in the days to come...

Ubuyashiki slowly, his gaze sweeping over the three Pillars.

"It could be more dangerous and busier. I need everyone to be more vigilant and increase patrols in their assigned areas."

"At the same time, we must strengthen communication and cooperation among the pillars... The movements of the demons are unpredictable, and we need to be ready to support each other at any time."

He looked at the three of them, his eyes firm and full of trust:

"The Demon Slayer Corps' battle against demons has lasted for a thousand years! We have experienced countless victories and endured countless sacrifices! But as long as there are still people willing to wield their swords to protect others, the light will never be extinguished."

He stood up, needing assistance, but his back remained ramrod straight.

Please help me, everyone.

By the time the meeting ended, the setting sun had bathed the courtyard in a warm golden hue.

With the help of her maid, Ubuyashiki slowly walked back to the house, leaving the three pillars in the courtyard.

Shinjuro stretched out his arms, his bones making a crisp "crackling" sound:

"Ah--it's finally over! Every meeting feels more tiring than killing ghosts!"

Gyomei's lips curled slightly, and tears glistened in the setting sun.

"Mr. Rengoku is always so full of energy."

"Of course!"

Shinjuro turned to Giyu and patted him hard on the shoulder.

"By the way, Tomioka, you're going to the Tohoku region next, right? I heard it's terribly cold there in winter, remember to bring plenty of warm clothes!"

Giyu nodded.

"And another one,"

Shinjuro leaned closer and lowered his voice.

"If you encounter a tough demon, don't try to tough it out; send a signal for help. A Pillar's responsibility is to protect, not to die needlessly, understand?"

Giyu looked at the sincere concern in his senior's eyes, and his icy blue eyes flickered slightly.

He nodded again. "I've got it."

"Okay! I'll go first then!"

Shinjuro waved his hand and strode out.

"While I was away from the jurisdiction for a few days, ghosts might have already been causing trouble!"

His figure quickly disappeared outside the porch, but his booming voice still echoed in the courtyard:

"Himejima! Tomioka! I'll treat you to drinks next time we meet!"

Only Giyu and Gyomei remained in the courtyard.

Gyomei turned to Giyu and asked softly:

"Lord Giyu, are those two young ladies... alright on Mount Sagiri?"

"He's training... very hard."

"That's good."

A look of relief appeared on Gyomei's face.

"I have always worried that it is too cruel to make them embark on this path at such a young age! But as you said, they have no way out!"

"At least, with Urokodaki- senpai guiding me at Mount Sagiri, and with you occasionally returning to visit... it's much better than wandering the world."

Giyu was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked:

"After becoming a Pillar, will Mr. Gyomei return to Crimson Sakura Village for a visit?"

Gyomei gently shook his head, and tears streamed down his face.

"Not for now. The aftermath has been handed over to 'Hidden,' and the survivors have been properly accommodated."

"This humble monk now has a more important responsibility—to protect more 'Crimson Sakura Villages' and prevent more people from experiencing such tragedies."

He clasped his hands together, tears streaming down his face.

"Namo Amitabha Buddha... This is the path I have chosen, and it is also the heavy burden I must bear."

Giyu looked at him and suddenly spoke:

"You're suited to be a pillar."

Gyomei was slightly taken aback, then smiled:

"Thank you for your recognition. Well then, this humble monk should take his leave. There are still many matters to attend to in the central region."

He bowed and turned to leave.

His tall figure appeared exceptionally steadfast in the setting sun, like a mountain capable of bearing all burdens.

Giyu stood in the courtyard for a moment longer.

A gentle evening breeze caused the Wisteria vines to sway softly.

He thought of Mount Sagiri, his master, and the two girls sweating profusely on the training field.

Then he turned and walked towards the room where he would receive his mission documents.

By the time we left the Oyakata-sama's residence, night had completely fallen.

Giyu carried a new mission document in his arms and had a supply of medicine and rations hanging from his waist.

He stopped at the door and looked back at the mansion surrounded by Wisteria.

Warm light shone through the window, proof that Kagaya Ubuyashiki was still working!

This frail Oyakata-sama always worked tirelessly for the Demon Slayer Corps and for more people to live in the sunlight.

Giyu turned around and embarked on a new path.

The Northeast region, a land he had never set foot on.

I've heard that there are vast forests, rugged mountains, harsh winters, and many more villages and towns that need protection.

He gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, his white haori billowing high in the night wind.

The figure gradually receded into the distance, eventually disappearing at the end of the dark mountain path.

Meanwhile, in the remote Mount Sagiri, Kanae and Shinobu had just finished a day's training and were sitting side by side under the eaves, gazing at the starry sky.

"Elder sister,"

Ren asked softly, his eyes reflecting the starlight.

Where is Senior Brother Giyu now?

Kanae looked up at the starry sky:

"He must be somewhere where he's needed."

He'll come back, won't he?

Yes, it will.

Kanae held her sister's hand tightly.

"So we need to train hard and let him see our progress when he comes back."

A shooting star streaked across the night sky, leaving a long trail of light.

It's as if it's illuminating the path for those who are walking in the dark.