The wind rises

"Is this the newly appointed Mist Hashira?"

Kyojuro Rengoku's voice carried a hint of curiosity and scrutiny Muichiro Tokito in front of him.

The intelligence they received was brief and direct, merely outlining Muichiro's basic profile:

Name: Muichiro Tokito;

The Breathing Style originates from the Wind Breathing, yet is uniquely distinct as the Mist Breathing.

Because he encountered Lower Rank Six while carrying out a mission, he was promoted to Lower Rank Six after completing the mission.

Beyond that, there are no further details.

After all, they only serve together in the Demon Slayer Corps; simply informing them that there's a new Pillar is enough.

It's not like when Dingyi takes on Teiichi disciple, where you need to explain Muichiro's information clearly.

"Huh? This guy is the Mist Hashira? He looks like a kid, doesn't he?"

Upon hearing Kyojuro's words, Sanemi Shinazugawa turned around in surprise.

He hadn't paid much attention when he saw Muichiro walking towards Kanae and the others, assuming he was just an ordinary team member.

Only after hearing Kyojuro Rengoku's words did he realize that this brat's name was the same as the Mist Hashira's.

No, he is the newly appointed Mist Hashira.

"It's not just that it looks like him, it's a little brat! His face hasn't even fully developed yet!"

Obanai Iguro extended her slender fingers and gently pointed at Muichiro.

The Kaburamaru around his neck also turned, and his cold, serpentine eyes, following their master's direction, stared intently at Muichiro, his forked tongue flicking slightly.

Shinobu Kocho took two steps forward and stood in front of Muichiro. Her voice carried a hint of dissatisfaction and determination. "Hmph, what? Can't a Pillar be made because you're young?"

Upon hearing Kyojuro Rengoku burst into hearty laughter and explained, "Hahaha... that's not what they meant. They just didn't expect such a small Pillar to appear!"

Upon hearing this, Obanai Iguro and Sanemi Shinazugawa did not offer any rebuttal.

They weren't really targeting Mist Hashira, they just couldn't believe it.

After all, most of the pillars present became pillars between the ages of 15 and 18.

Although they weren't very old when they became pillars.

But his body has already begun to grow, while Mist Hashira doesn't look like he's not yet, or has only just entered his growth period.

In the profession of Demon Slayer, where the death rate is quite high.

Compared to the others present, the Mist Hashira was practically the next generation of Demon Slayer.

Kyojuro looked at Muichiro and asked, "How old are Tokito-kun?"

Upon hearing the question, Muichiro calmly looked at Kyojuro.

Muichiro easily identified who was asking him the question based on their hairstyle and clothing.

Rather, it's more accurate to say that each pillar has its own distinct characteristics, making even the most ordinary Giyu Tomioka stand out as unique.

"12 years old," Muichiro replied calmly.

Tengen Uzui was adjusting his headdress when he heard Muichiro's words and couldn't help but laugh, "A Pillar at 12 years old? Hahaha... How magnificent!"

Giyu Tomioka watched Muichiro silently from the side, his brows furrowed, as if he were recalling something.

The scene after the Hashira Meeting flashed through his mind, and a blurry figure gradually overlapped with Muichiro in front of him.

Somewhat uncertainly, Giyu Tomioka asked, "Are you Kato's disciple?"

"Huh?" Muichiro could answer, Tengen Uzui was surprised.

Muichiro gave Tengen Uzui a strange look, then turned to look at Giyu Tomioka.

"If the Kato you're referring to is Master Kato, then I am indeed Master Kato's disciple."

Mitsuri Kanroji listened from the side, completely bewildered. She couldn't help but rub her temples and mutter to herself.

What is Tokito-kun saying? I don't understand.

Kanae smiled slightly and said softly, "Muichiro is Teiichi's disciple! He was taken in after the last Hashira Meeting."

"Ha?"

Tengen Uzui let out another "ha," this time even louder.

Kanae couldn't help but look over, and asked in confusion, "Does Mr. Uzui have some questions?"

Tengen Uzui shook his head, a hint of complaint in his voice.

"Kato actually secretly took on an apprentice? And that apprentice even became a Pillar?!"

How infuriating! I clearly proposed having a Tsuguko much earlier than him!

He found a great talent but didn't even introduce him to me?!

"I introduced Muichiro to Teiichi!"

Upon hearing the gentle words, the pillars immediately reacted and knelt down on one knee towards the house.

"My Master!"

Muichiro followed their example and knelt down in a very proper manner.

Kagaya Ubuyashiki looked at Tengen Uzui and smiled:

"I'm also worried that introducing your Tsuguko will affect your missions and cultivation, so I'm hesitant to do so."

If Tengen is interested in nurturing the next generation, I will introduce any talented children I discover to Tengen!

Tengen Uzui thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.

"In that case, I'll have to trouble you, my Oyakata-sama!"

Shimizu City, Cape Ashizuri.

The cliffs rise high into the clouds, and the waves crash against the rocks, creating a thunderous roar.

Teiichi sat cross-legged on the top of the cliff, his eyes closed, his breathing steady and deep, each inhale and exhale carrying a special rhythm.

With each breath, a faint current of air began to form around him, rising and falling with Teiichi's breathing, gradually becoming clearer and stronger.

First, her hair was lifted up and swayed gently;

Then, the hem of his robe swayed slightly;

Then even the weeds a little further away were swayed by the airflow;

Even the distant tree branches rustled in the wind...

After a long while, Teiichi's breathing slowed, the wind subsided, and he slowly opened his eyes, looking at the familiar figure beside him and asking, "You're back?"

Muichiro nodded.

How was your first time attending the Hashira Meeting?

Muichiro said, "I don't feel anything. I'll be mainly responsible for the mission on Shikoku Island later."

Teiichi nodded. "That's more convenient. We can't send you on missions to even more distant places while you're cultivating!"

Muichiro nodded silently.

Teiichi asked, "What's wrong? You look so gloomy?"

Muichiro fell silent for a long time after hearing this before slowly speaking:

"I came in last place in this Hashira Battles..."

He didn't know why, but he didn't feel anything when he failed at headquarters.

But when I returned and faced my master, I suddenly felt very uncomfortable...

It's like a child who comes in last place in an exam and goes home to face their parents.

Teiichi chuckled softly and reached out to ruffle Muichiro's hair.

"So what? I'd be surprised if you weren't last. How much older are they than you?"

But if you're still last in two years, I can't accept that!

Upon hearing this, Muichiro felt much better and nodded slightly.

Then, remembering something, he picked up a box from the side.

"This is sushi that my master's wife asked me to give to you. She made it especially for you!"