Challenge of the Hashira

Kanae Kocho was not at all surprised by everyone's reaction. She merely smiled, then looked straight ahead again without offering further explanation.

There was no point in explaining more. Once these Hashira met Makomo, they would understand why.

A short while passed.

At last, footsteps echoed down the corridor. Everyone stopped what they were doing, their gazes sharpening in unison as they looked toward the source of the sound.

A black-haired man in a loose kimono strolled over with a gentle expression, accompanied by a silent young girl with a sword at her waist.

The man was the master of the Demon Slayer Corps.

Kagaya Ubuyashiki.

And naturally, the one who had come along with him was Makomo, who had decided to join the Demon Slayer Corps.

Kagaya Ubuyashiki was only nineteen years old at this point, not much older than many of the Hashira present. His physical condition was also far better than it would be four years later, and he could walk normally without anyone supporting him.

"You're all here."

"My children."

Facing the Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps, Kagaya Ubuyashiki spoke in a gentle voice.

Though the Hashira's gazes all swept over Makomo, and they had guessed that she was likely the newcomer Kagaya Ubuyashiki had proposed making a Hashira directly, no one questioned it immediately. Instead, they all dropped to one knee before him.

"I'm relieved to see that Oyakata-sama is in good health."

Tengen Uzui responded respectfully.

The other Hashira also offered their greetings to Kagaya Ubuyashiki.

Though Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the master of the Demon Slayer Corps, possessed no combat ability, he was indeed their sole spiritual leader. He commanded the overall situation through his wisdom, remembered the name of every Demon Slayer Corps member, and visited the graves of fallen members every year.