Hashira Meeting

Tsugikuni Kuuga had been recuperating at the Wisteria House. After all, his immediate superior had given the order—he only needed to return once he had fully recovered. Even Shinobu Kocho had stayed behind to look after him.

Besides, there was no need to feel embarrassed at the Wisteria House. Families like these had once been saved by Demon Slayer Corps members, so they offered free assistance to Corps members and were exceptionally friendly.

While it took others a hundred days to recover from broken bones and torn muscles, Tsugikuni Kuuga recovered in just half a month. It was time to set out for the Hashira Meeting. He had heard that quite a few people would be promoted to Hashira this time.

After bidding farewell to the kind old grandmother, Tsugikuni Kuuga and Shinobu Kocho began their journey home. Five days later, they returned to the Butterfly Mansion, where Tsugikuni Kuuga naturally could not avoid being scolded by Kanae Kocho.

Tsugikuni Kuuga obediently endured the scolding. After all, he had indeed acted somewhat impulsively this time. Once it was over, he went to visit his mother.

All that remained was to wait for the Hashira Meeting the next day. Before long, the next day arrived.

In the courtyard of the Ubuyashiki Estate, two rows of swordsmen knelt on one knee. Only Tsugikuni Kuuga stood out, standing there alone, while Obanai Iguro leaned against a tree like a snake.

"Master, we wish you well!" everyone said almost simultaneously.

Oyakata-sama rose from his cushion and said with a smile, "You have all worked hard. Please rise!"

The strongest fighters of the Demon Slayer Corps, the Hashira, had gathered here. Tsugikuni Kuuga swept his gaze over them. There were people he had met before—more precisely, he had met every one of them.

At the far left of the first row stood Flame Hashira Rengoku Shinjuro, followed by Stone Hashira Gyomei Himejima. Wind Hashira Sanemi Shinazugawa stood beside the Stone Hashira, and Tsugikuni Kuuga's older sister, the Flower Hashira, stood beside the Wind Hashira.

Of course, Serpent Hashira Obanai Iguro was also in the tree behind them. His situation was somewhat unusual.

The second row consisted of those about to be promoted to Hashira. Shinobu Kocho stood at the far right, with Tsugikuni Kuuga beside her, and beside him stood a beautiful young woman.

The girl had large pale leaf-green eyes, flushed cheeks, and a mole beneath each eye. Her hair was braided into three long cherry-pink plaits, their tips grass-green. She was Kanroji Mitsuri, the future Love Hashira.

Even Tsugikuni Kuuga had to admit that Kanroji had an incredible figure. Especially in such a revealing Corps uniform—who wouldn't be dazed by that? Her boobs were way too huge. What a deadly high schooler.

Perhaps Tsugikuni Kuuga was the only one acting this way. Everyone else's attention was almost entirely on the Master, while he occasionally stole a glance at the Love Hashira.

But Tsugikuni Kuuga did not know that Shinobu Kocho had been watching him the entire time. Shinobu first looked at her own chest, then at Kanroji. She truly could not compare. Sure enough, men were all pigs.

Once the meeting ended, she would have to teach Tsugikuni Kuuga a proper lesson. That pervert, that pig.

Tsugikuni Kuuga felt a chill run down his back and unconsciously looked in Shinobu Kocho's direction. Seeing Shinobu Kocho's benevolent smile, he swallowed with difficulty. I'm dead.

"Today's Hashira Meeting has two matters to address. One is to report recent discoveries, while the other is that four members will be promoted to Hashira due to their outstanding performance," Oyakata-sama said with a smile.

The Hashira then reported on their work. Tsugikuni Kuuga paid particular attention to Kanae Kocho's report. She mentioned the Eternal Paradise Cult.

So that time is coming—the time to fight Upper Rank Two, Douma.

"I believe the Eternal Paradise Cult is connected to demons, and that demon is certainly not ordinary. However, further investigation is needed!" Kanae Kocho said.

"Then please continue your investigation, Kanae. Be careful!"

"Thank you, Master!"

Afterward, Rengoku Shinjuro stepped before everyone. He first bowed to Oyakata-sama, then cupped his hands in salute to the others.

"Everyone, from today onward, I will be stepping back from the front lines. The position of Flame Hashira will be inherited by my son, Rengoku Kyojuro!"

After speaking, Rengoku Shinjuro returned to his place. Oyakata-sama nodded and said, "Kyojuro slew Lower Rank Two. He is approved to inherit the title of Flame Hashira!"

Upon hearing Oyakata-sama's words, Rengoku Kyojuro stepped forward and bowed, officially becoming the Flame Hashira.

"Next is Kanroji Mitsuri. During her time as a Corps member, she successfully slew more than fifty Evil Demons. Today, she too will be promoted to Hashira!"

Kanroji Mitsuri walked forward with a smile, making no attempt to hide her delight.

"Love Hashira, Kanroji Mitsuri! Please take care of me from now on. Hehe!"

Oyakata-sama nodded in acknowledgment, and Kanroji Mitsuri stepped into the first row. Next came Shinobu Kocho.

"Shinobu Kocho, as a physician at the Butterfly Mansion, has not only saved the lives of many members, but also diligently completed her own missions. She has likewise slain more than fifty Evil Demons and will therefore be promoted to Hashira!"

Shinobu Kocho appeared very calm. She walked forward, first thanked the Master, then saluted everyone. During this, she gave Tsugikuni Kuuga an extra glance.

Everyone present was a Hashira, their senses far keener than ordinary people's. They all noticed Shinobu Kocho's little gesture.

Rengoku Shinjuro wore the expression of an old father and smiled happily. Kanae was already used to it, while Sanemi Shinazugawa had absolutely no idea what was happening.

Only Kanroji Mitsuri had little stars in her eyes, her gaze constantly jumping between Shinobu Kocho and Tsugikuni Kuuga with an expression of sudden understanding.

She had heard of Tsugikuni Kuuga's accomplishments, and the two of them occasionally met at the Rengoku Family home. Kanroji had a very good impression of him. She had thought her goal of finding a husband was about to come true, but it seemed he already belonged to someone else.

At that thought, the Love Hashira could not help sighing, but she quickly regained her smile. After all, watching the drama was more important.

Oyakata-sama also wore a smile that said he understood everything. Under everyone's strange gazes, Shinobu Kocho's face was about to turn red as she hurriedly said:

"Insect Hashira, Shinobu Kocho. Please take care of me from now on!"

Then she hurriedly ran back down, not forgetting to glare at Tsugikuni Kuuga along the way.

Tsugikuni Kuuga looked completely at a loss. What did I do? I got hit while lying down, waah!

"Then, next is our super rookie. During the selection, he wiped out every Evil Demon on Mount Fujikasane. On his first mission, he slew two Lower Ranks. He can be called a Genius Swordsman!"

"Slaying a Lower Rank is also a condition for promotion, so Tsugikuni Kuuga will likewise be promoted to Hashira!"

Tsugikuni Kuuga himself did not seem to feel much about it. He slowly walked before the Hashira, bowed to Oyakata-sama as well, then turned around and introduced himself.

"Um, hello, everyone. I am Tsugikuni Kuuga, from the Butterfly Mansion, and the adopted son of Flower Hashira Kanae Kocho!"