Hashira Meeting

Not long after New Year's in 1910, Kagaya Ubuyashiki summoned the Hashira-level swordsmen to Headquarters for the twice-yearly Hashira Meeting.

When Haruto arrived, three swordsmen were standing in the courtyard.

They were the Stone Hashira, Gyomei Himejima; Kanae Kocho, who was about to receive the title of Hashira; and Tengen Uzui, whom Haruto had introduced to Kagaya two years earlier and who had now completed the requirements to become a Hashira.

"Amitabha. Haruto, you've grown taller again." Himejima pressed his palms together and recited a Buddhist invocation. "A powerful physique is a swordsman's best friend. It will never betray you."

At eighteen, Haruto had shot up one last time before he stopped growing, bringing his height to over 180 centimeters.

A large frame brought great physical strength, but it could also slow a swordsman's movements and reactions.

Fortunately, Tengen Uzui was just as tall, and with his help, Haruto had successfully mastered his current body.

Tengen Uzui's attention was still focused primarily on Haruto's flamboyant appearance. He seemed rather puzzled that Haruto had tied up his hair to expose his smooth forehead.

Kanae, meanwhile, was a little nervous and gave Haruto a faint smile.

"Where are the other Hashira?" Haruto turned to ask Himejima.

"Mr. Kamishiro was killed two days ago. Amitabha. I will carry on his will and purge the world of demons. Mr. Matsueda has retired, and Mr. Rengoku... still refused to come today." Himejima shook his head. "The only active Hashira now are those of us here."

Had the Demon Slayer Corps' reserves of Hashira-level swordsmen... really dwindled this far?

A trace of worry flashed through Haruto's eyes, but he soon felt reassured. Mr. Kamishiro's death was unexpected, but Mr. Matsueda and Mr. Rengoku were expected. Now that Tengen Uzui and Kanae are here, the Demon Slayer Corps should actually be stronger.

Sabito and Giyu were also close to meeting the required number of demon kills. Things would only get better for the Demon Slayer Corps.

As his thoughts wandered, two white-haired twin girls in matching outfits slid open the door, knelt beneath the eaves, and announced in unison, "The Master has arrived."

They were Hinaki and Nikka. Once the sisters had grown a little older, Kagaya had begun keeping them by his side.

At their announcement, all four dropped to one knee and bowed their heads toward the room.

Thank goodness it was only one knee. If he demanded both, I'd give that Ubuyashiki brat a good beating first...

The sound of cloth-socked footsteps came from the inner room. Kagaya Ubuyashiki slowly emerged and smiled with satisfaction at the four young Hashira and prospective Hashira below him.

"Good morning, pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps."

"Master, may your health be as flamboyant and magnificent as your appearance."

"Master, may the Buddha watch over you."

"Master..."

Everyone offered Kagaya Ubuyashiki their heartfelt wishes. Even Haruto said sincerely, "May you remain in good health."

Wishing him good health... that was the only thing Haruto could do for Kagaya at present.

Kagaya's scarring had spread again, even affecting his eyesight to some extent. When they had discussed it during their previous meeting, Kagaya had still been smiling, while Amane had turned away to wipe a tear from the corner of her eye.

"The spring sun is so warm, and good news keeps arriving." Kagaya gently stroked Hinaki's and Nikka's heads.

"Kanae Kocho, who has run the Butterfly Mansion for over a year, has reached the target of fifty demon kills. With the Demon Slayer Corps bearing witness, she will become a Hashira as of today."

"Tengen Uzui has reached the target of fifty demon kills while refining his 'Score' technique. With the Demon Slayer Corps bearing witness, he will become a Hashira as of today."

"You are all pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps, and you will lead the Corps on a new journey..."

If I'd attended my promotion meeting back then, would I have been praised like this in front of all those senior swordsmen?

Haruto licked his lips and stole a glance at Tengen Uzui and Kanae.

The loose strands of hair over Kanae's forehead had fallen across her cheeks, hiding her expression.

Only Tengen Uzui, the god of flamboyance, was truly enjoying the occasion. He held his head high and gazed eagerly at Kagaya Ubuyashiki, muttering to himself. He was probably saying something like "incomparably flamboyant" again.

"Of course, spring days also bring sorrow. The former Wind Hashira, Mr. Kamishiro Ryo, died fighting an Upper Rank Demon. He fought the demon until his final moments, and everyone in the Demon Slayer Corps will carry on his will."

"Amitabha. I can still see Mr. Kamishiro's face." Tears streamed down Himejima's cheeks, quickly soaking the front of his clothes.

"How are you feeling?"

Haruto rubbed Hinaki's and Nikka's soft white hair and looked at Kagaya with concern.

"Honestly? Not very well." Kagaya shook his head. "It always feels as though there's a thin film over my eyes. Sometimes I can see clearly, and sometimes I can't."

Hinaki and Nikka knelt on the floor, gazing anxiously at their father.

"But it's not as though I'm about to collapse and die right now." Kagaya chuckled softly. "I'm still waiting to lead the Demon Slayer Corps to defeat Muzan in this generation." His voice grew quieter. "No matter how old I grow, the demons won't simply disappear."

"All the more reason to keep going." Haruto tried not to let his sigh sound too heavy and curved his lips into a smile. "Kagaya, Kiriya is still little."

Yes, Kiriya was still little. Kagaya didn't want his son to suffer the same fate.

After chatting with Kagaya for a while, Haruto left the Headquarters building and found Genya and Kanae waiting outside.

Genya had grown quite a bit taller too. He was carrying the basket that had once belonged to Haruto and staring at him with wide eyes.

"Aren't you heading back?" Haruto asked Kanae. "Isn't the Butterfly Mansion busy?"

The Kocho Sisters really were amazing! The Butterfly Mansion, the medical facility they had envisioned back on Mount Sagiri-one that treated injuries and offered rehabilitation training after recovery-had truly been established a year earlier.

With Kanae as the attending physician, Shinobu preparing medicines, and the Tsuguko they had taken in over the past two years helping out, the sisters had actually managed to keep the Butterfly Mansion running smoothly and helped many swordsmen wounded in battle.

"That's why we're heading back now." Kanae's eyes curved into a smile. "Would you like to come, Mr. Haruto? You haven't visited the Butterfly Mansion in a long time."

"Not visiting the Butterfly Mansion is a good thing. It means I've been healthy all this time..." Haruto muttered, then shuddered under Genya's shining gaze. "What are you doing?"

"Teacher..." Genya awkwardly scratched his crested hair. "The Flower Hashira said my brother... is being treated at the Butterfly Mansion."

Oh, that spiky-haired kid who immediately turned down my invitation to become my Tsuguko.

The white-haired man and the boy with crested hair stared at each other.

Watching the master and student act the fool, Kanae raised a hand to cover her smile. "Still, I think Shinobu has prepared a lavish lunch today to celebrate my promotion to Hashira..."

Haruto took off running.

"Teacher?! Where are you going!" Genya panicked.

"Didn't you say your brother was at the Butterfly Mansion? I'm going to check on him!" In the blink of an eye, Haruto had already run far away. He turned back, cupped his hands around his mouth, and shouted, "Well, hurry up!"

Kanae and Genya exchanged a glance, and both quietly smiled.