"The Master has arrived-"
The announcement seemed to carry some incredible magic.
The Hashira, who a moment earlier had radiated terrifying auras like ferocious beasts, instantly reined in every trace of their sharp edges and killing intent upon hearing those words.
As one, they dropped to one knee and bowed their heads, welcoming the man about to arrive with the highest respect, born from the depths of their hearts.
The change happened so quickly that Tanjiro was taken aback.
For the first time, it also stirred a flicker of genuine curiosity in Sasuke, standing in the corner, toward this man called "Oyakata-sama."
Two little girls in kimonos, their hair pure white, supported a man as he slowly emerged from deep within the residence.
The man wore a plain kimono, a gentle smile on his face.
Purple scars resembling burns covered the upper half of his face. His eyes were tightly shut, and he seemed to have lost his sight.
Yet his gentle, refined bearing, which seemed capable of embracing everything, made him more the center of this courtyard than any of the powerful fighters present.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki.
The 97th Head of the Demon Slayer Corps.
"Good morning, my dear swordsmen."
His voice was like a spring breeze brushing across a lake, soft yet capable of soothing every restless heart.
"The weather is lovely today, and the sky must be blue, too. It brings me great comfort to welcome our unchanged, twice-yearly Hashira Meeting together with you all like this."
Before he had finished speaking, however, an irritable voice broke in impatiently.
"My deepest apologies, Master!"
Sanemi Shinazugawa knelt with his forehead nearly touching the ground, but his voice was filled with urgency.
"Before your arrival, we discovered a Corps member traveling with a demon, Tanjiro Kamado! I implore you to