Muscular Man, Himejima Gyomei

"Big brother, there's no rush to become sworn brothers. We'll have plenty of opportunities later," Hiruma said with a smile, slinging an arm around his brother's shoulders.

"Then come to my place. I've already prepared a room for you."

"My mother has been mentioning you constantly. Please, let me thank you again for treating her illness!"

In recent years, Rengoku Ruka's condition had worsened considerably, and the Demon Slayer Corps' medical department was completely helpless. It wasn't until Shinjuro Rengoku brought back that bottle of medicine that Ruka's condition stabilized.

For the Rengoku Family, this matter had always been a heavy burden, making it hard to breathe.

It was no exaggeration to say that Hiruma had swept away the Rengoku Family's gloom, and his status in their hearts had soared, not at all inferior to Oyakata-sama.

"Big brother, please don't. If you consider me a brother, then don't act like this."

"Rengoku, that idiot just likes to meddle. You get used to it!" Iguro Obanai's voice suddenly chimed in. He was sitting on the wooden fence as if suspended in mid-air.

"Long time no see!"

"Mhm!" Iguro Obanai nodded, a perfect picture of a cool, aloof idol. "I'm off to train."

He had come solely to see Hiruma, with no other purpose.

Hiruma and Kyojuro walked ahead, their shoulders linked, with Shinobu Kocho following behind.

Boys' relationships are so strange, she thought. They just met for the first time.

Shinobu was deeply puzzled by their behavior.

Shinobu's destination was the medical department, while Hiruma had been summoned by Oyakata-sama.

After parting ways with Kyojuro, a member of the In guided him to Oyakata-sama's residence.

Within the Demon Slayer Corps, the Swordsmith Village was the most confidential location, with Oyakata-sama's residence being the second most secure.

After navigating winding forest paths, an In member led Hiruma to a clearing in the woods.

The clearing was perfectly square, with trees on all four sides trimmed identically. Standing in the center, it was nearly impossible to tell north from south.

Even the In member who guided him only remembered the section of the path they were responsible for; in short, it was very easy to get lost.

"Tendo-san, please wait here. A Kasugai Crow will guide you from here."

The masked member, wearing a black uniform, spoke kindly. He bowed slightly, as it was his first time seeing Oyakata-sama specifically summon such a young swordsman.

He felt a degree of respect, as every swordsman fighting on the front lines deserved to be respected.

"Thank you. Please take care of me from now on!"

Hiruma thanked him with a smile and watched the In member depart.

A moment later, a Kasugai Crow emerged from the dense forest, carrying a black blindfold.

"Please cover your eyes. Only the Hashira know the location of Oyakata-sama's residence," the Kasugai Crow said in a cultured, polite manner.

"Alright!" Hiruma complied.

"Now, please take three steps to your left, then walk straight!"

"Listen to my commands next!"

The Kasugai Crow flew ahead, and Hiruma followed behind. During the journey, not a single leaf touched him.

Covering my eyes actually helps train my senses. Why not?

After about an hour, Hiruma received the Kasugai Crow's command to stop. He removed the blindfold and was met with a towering "wall."

To be precise, it was a mountain of a man. The muscles he possessed were so developed that even ten years of gym membership couldn't achieve them.

They were perfect, shining, super muscles.

Sensing Hiruma's unique aura, Himejima Gyomei turned around.

Hiruma looked up and met the gaze of those blank white eyes. Although the man was blind, Hiruma felt as if he were being scrutinized.

This was the future "eldest brother" of the Nine Hashira, the Stone Pillar whose body had been refined to its absolute limit—Himejima Gyomei.

At this time, Himejima Gyomei was only nineteen years old. Aside from appearing slightly young, his attire was similar to what Hiruma remembered.

He was a monk-like giant with a very long scar across his forehead, wearing the brown kasaya inscribed with "Namu Amida Butsu" over his dark brown Demon Slayer Corps uniform.

"Sir, what business do you have?"

"Namu Amida Butsu!"

Hiruma clasped his hands together instinctively and replied with a smile, "Hello, I am Tendo Hiruma. I have been summoned by Oyakata-sama and have come to pay my respects."

"You are quite extraordinary!"

Himejima Gyomei blurted it out almost immediately. Since he was blind and relied entirely on his senses to perceive the world, this was the first time he had encountered someone whose senses resonated with his own.

He could feel that the person before him was not very strong, but only for now. Perhaps in the future, he could surpass him.

"You flatter me. We are all born to slay the demons of this world!"

Hiruma's voice was young, but the power contained within his words was not at all weak.

"Slay demons!"

Upon hearing this, Gyomei's eyes welled up with tears.

"Stone Pillar, Himejima Gyomei!" he introduced himself directly.

The two strongest future forces of the Demon Slayer Corps met thus.

Just then, the mansion's gates opened, and Ubuyashiki Amane stood at the entrance, her smile gentle.

"Please, both of you, come into the courtyard!"

"Amane-sama, congratulations!"

"It's the aura of new life, sob sob sob!"

Himejima Gyomei clasped his hands together, moved to tears.

"Hello, I am..."

While shocked, a hint of joy flashed in Amane's eyes, but she immediately interrupted Hiruma, her smile widening.

"Hiruma, may I call you that?"

"That's what Senior Kuwajima calls me!"

"Oh my!"

"So you already know each other, then I won't say more, hehe!"

So the old man paved the way for me, not bad.

Amane made a gesture to invite them, and the two followed her into the courtyard.

The moment they stepped into the courtyard, a relaxing voice sounded.

"Gyomei and Hiruma have arrived!"

Upon hearing that voice, Hiruma felt his head become light and airy, a sense of submission welling up in his heart.

But it was only for a moment before he suppressed that strange feeling.

Looking up towards the pavilion not far away, a young man in white sat quietly, holding a calico cat in his arms.

Undoubtedly, this was the Demon Slayer Corps' only succubus, the Master who commanded everyone's unwavering loyalty.

Hiruma had to admit that Ubuyashiki Kagaya truly possessed the aura of a leader.

"Master!"

Himejima Gyomei knelt on one knee, his tone extremely respectful.

Hiruma bowed slightly and said with a smile, "Master, I am Tendo..."

"Tendo Hiruma, I'm looking forward to knowing you!"

"Seeing you is better than hearing about you. Hello, I am the 97th Master of the Demon Slayer Corps, Ubuyashiki Kagaya."

"Senior Kuwajima said you're quite casual, so please feel free to be yourself!"

If he hadn't known the plot, Hiruma might have truly been subdued by Ubuyashiki Kagaya.

As the head of the Ubuyashiki Family and the Master of the Demon Slayer Corps, his status was noble, yet he was not arrogant in his nobility. He treated people with warmth, completely lacking the haughtiness of a superior.

"Since the boss has spoken, I'll just be casual then!"

"May I ask why you called me here?"

Ubuyashiki Kagaya smiled slightly and replied, "I've been looking forward to meeting you for a long time, that's all!"

Hiruma: "???"

Just wanted to meet me? What exactly did my old man tell Kagaya?

Could it be because I'm too handsome?

Or because I'm too much of a genius?

As Hiruma was lost in his thoughts, Ubuyashiki Kagaya walked towards him.