The Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters, the Ubuyashiki Estate.
The morning sunlight filtered through the Wisteria trellis, casting dappled patterns of light across the white pebble-paved courtyard, creating a serene atmosphere.
Giyu Tomioka and Sabito entered the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters one after the other.
As soon as he entered the courtyard, Giyu paused for a moment.
Two people were already standing in the center of the courtyard.
One of them was very tall, and even just standing quietly, he exuded a strong presence. He wore a monk's robe printed with "Namo Amitabha Buddha," and a large string of red prayer beads hung around his neck. He clasped his hands together, bowed his head, and closed his eyes.
It was none other than the Stone Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps, Gyomei Himejima.
Another person leaned against a pillar, wearing a haori with flame patterns, with long, golden-red hair flowing freely, and carrying a gourd of sake in his hand. He didn't look at the courtyard, but stared at the distant sky, his eyes somewhat unfocused, and he carried the lingering smell of alcohol.
Former Flame Hashira, Shinjuro Rengoku.
As Giyu and Sabito entered the courtyard, Shinjuro Rengoku, who had been keeping his eyes closed, seemed to sense something and suddenly turned around.
His gaze passed over the lively Sabito beside him and landed directly on Giyu Tomioka behind him.
In an instant, Shinjuro Rengoku's cloudy eyes cleared, revealing a hint of awe and excitement.
His gaze was fixed on the half-red, half-white haori on Giyu's shoulder.
Shinjuro would never forget that night on Hachijōjima.
He could not forget the moon blade that tore apart Giyu's haori, nor could he forget the boy who stood up again and again in the pool of blood, and he could not forget the final azure storm that made even Upper Rank One's face change.
Shinjuro Rengoku was startled and instinctively straightened up, leaning against the pillar, while quietly hiding the sake gourd behind his back.
He strode forward, stopped three steps away from Giyu, and solemnly bowed deeply.
"Tomioka... sama."
His voice was hoarse, but full of respect.
The word "Tomioka- sama" stunned Sabito, who was standing next to him.
He glanced at Shinjuro Rengoku, then at Giyu beside him, looking completely bewildered.
What's going on?
The Flame Hashira, a very senior Pillar in the Demon Slayer Corps, actually used a respectful term for Giyu? And even bowed?
Isn't this world a little too crazy?
Gyomei Himejima slowly opened his eyes and looked in Giyu's direction.
Namo Amitabha Buddha.
He clasped his hands together and bowed slightly.
"Tomioka, you've arrived."
His voice was deep and steady, which was reassuring.
"Mr. Himejima, Mr. Rengoku."
Giyu nodded slightly in return, his tone remaining as calm as ever.
The cunning Sabito followed suit and quickly bowed in greeting.
"Mr. Himejima! Mr. Rengoku!"
Shinjuro Rengoku straightened up, his gaze still fixed on Giyu, his eyes filled with complex emotions—admiration and gratitude, as well as a curiosity about that unknown power.
"Tomioka, has your health... recovered?"
He asked cautiously.
After all, that was a wound from being cut in half at the waist.
"Yes." Giyu nodded.
"That's... great." Shinjuro Rengoku breathed a sigh of relief, then his gaze fell on Sabito, and his brows furrowed slightly.
Why is there a non-pillar-level member present at today's Hashira Meeting?
Gyomei Himejima seemed to have noticed as well. He looked at Sabito and slowly spoke:
"This young man exudes composure; he's a good swordsman. I wonder who he is..."
"My name is Sabito! I'm Giyu's senior brother!" Sabito answered loudly, puffing out his chest, before Giyu could finish, as if afraid others would mistake him for a follower.
"Senior brother..."
Gyomei Himejima kept repeating this word in his mind.
To be able to be Giyu Tomioka's senior, he must be no ordinary person.
Just then, a very gentle voice came from deep within the corridor.
"My children are all here."
The sound wasn't loud, but everyone could hear it clearly.
The three pillars and the rabbit in the courtyard turned around at the same time, knelt down on one knee facing the corridor, and bowed their heads deeply.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki walked out slowly, supported by two white-haired girls.
He wore simple hunting clothes, was blind, but always wore a gentle smile.
"Good morning, Gyomei, Shinjuro, Giyu, and... Sabito."
His voice has a magical quality that can instantly calm people down.
"My Master!" the four responded in unison.
"Get up, all of you."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki sat down on the veranda, smiling as he looked at the group of people in the courtyard.
"I've gathered everyone here today because I have two pieces of good news to share with my children."
His tone was light and cheerful.
"First piece of good news. A month ago on Hachijōjima, the Water Hashira Giyu Tomioka and the Flame Hashira Shinjuro Rengoku teamed up and successfully defeated Upper Rank One."
These words stunned both Gyomei Himejima and Sabito.
Upper Rank One!
It has only appeared a few times in records over hundreds of years, and each time it killed several Pillars, making it as terrifying as a legend!
Repel?!
Sabito suddenly looked up, staring in disbelief at Giyu beside him, then at Shinjuro Rengoku over there.
Are you kidding me!
Giyu is indeed very strong, but he is, after all, Upper Rank One!
Even the towering figure of Gyomei Himejima trembled slightly.
His knuckles were white from gripping the prayer beads too tightly.
That's something humans can't handle.
But now, the Oyakata-sama says he has been defeated?
Giyu Tomioka and Shinjuro Rengoku?
He knew Shinjuro Rengoku's strength; although powerful, he wasn't yet at the level to contend with Upper Rank One.
So...
Gyomei Himejima couldn't help but think of the mysterious new Water Hashira who was only thirteen years old.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki seemed quite pleased with the children's shock, and his smile deepened.
"This is the first time in hundreds of years that we have truly defeated Upper Rank. This means that the balance of power between us and Muzan Kibutsuji has begun to shift."
"And then comes the second piece of good news."
He paused, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"According to intelligence from various regions, the Twelve Kizuki have not appeared for the past two weeks, and the activities of ordinary ghosts have decreased by more than 70%."
"My children, do you know what this means?"
Before they could answer, Kagaya Ubuyashiki spoke slowly and confidently:
"Muzan Kibutsuji... he's scared."
Are you scared?
That cruel and cunning Demon King, who had ruled the night for thousands of years, was actually afraid?
The Sabito felt its brain was no longer up to par.
The previous news had already shocked him enough, but this latest news left him completely speechless.
Gyomei Himejima's breathing also paused for a moment.
He couldn't understand what could possibly frighten that thousand-year-old Demon King.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki's gaze fell on Giyu Tomioka.
"During the battle on Hachijōjima, when Giyu was on the verge of death, he awakened a new power. Even Muzan Kibutsuji understand it; that power was immune to the sun, yet its regenerative abilities were stronger than those of the Upper Rank."
"This unknown power is the root cause of Muzan's fear."
"He's hiding because he's investigating this power, trying to understand this power that belongs to 'light.' His hiding has given us a chance to catch our breath."
The courtyard was completely silent.
So... that night's rebirth, that azure blade of light, even the Demon King was afraid of it?
Giyu... just what kind of monster is he?!
Shinjuro Rengoku, on the other hand, looked completely at ease.
Yes, that's exactly it. Only those who have witnessed that power firsthand can understand how terrifying it is. My Master is right.
Gyomei Himejima and murmured Buddhist chants, but his heart was in turmoil.
He finally understood.
Giyu Tomioka, this boy, is more than just a Pillar.
He is a variable.
It is the only variable in this thousand-year war that can change the course of the conflict!
"Therefore, we must seize the opportunity to cultivate more powerful swordsmen."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki's voice brought everyone back to their senses.
"Six months from now, the Final Selection will begin. But..."
The Oyakata-sama changed the subject, a bitter smile appearing on his face.
"The demons of Mount Fujikasane were almost all killed by Giyu and Sabito during the last selection. That's why we have no demons to use right now."
Sabito's face instantly turned red.
This sounds like both a compliment and a criticism.
"Therefore, I have a task for Giyu and Sabito."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki said.
"For the next six months, you won't need to do regular demon-hunting missions. I need you to go to various places and capture some demons suitable for ordinary team members to practice on, and bring them back to replenish Mount Fujikasane."
Catching... ghosts?
Why send someone with such great abilities to be part of a "ghost-hunting team"?
This task sounds like... a waste of talent?
"Yes, sir! Mission accomplished!"
The Sabito got excited; catching ghosts sounded much more interesting than killing them.
Giyu nodded expressionlessly.
"Very good."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki smiled with satisfaction.
His gaze finally settled on Giyu, and his tone softened.
"Giyu, your new sword is being forged personally by the village chief of the Swordsmith Village Tecchin Tecchikawahara. He says he'll use the finest Tamahagane to forge a sword that can withstand the 'storm.' It will be delivered to headquarters tomorrow."
"You can go back to your residence and rest for a day, and set off again after you receive the new knife."
"Yes," Giyu replied.
After the meeting ended, Kagaya Ubuyashiki slowly left with the girl's support.
Only the four of them remained in the courtyard.
"Ghost hunting... that sounds really interesting! Giyu, how about we have a competition to see who catches the most ghosts?"
Sabito sidled up to Giyu and started calculating his KPIs.
Giyu glanced at him, said nothing, and turned to leave.