The commotion between Okane Kichiro and Sanemi Shinazugawa quickly drew the attention of the gathered Hashira, especially once they noticed the wooden box the two were struggling over.
Most of them had no idea what was going on, and confusion rippled through the group.
Just then, Tanjiro—who only moments ago had barely regained a shred of strength—suddenly sprang to his feet. His movement was so sharp and clean that it was hard to believe he was still seriously injured. As he leapt forward toward Sanemi, he shouted at the top of his lungs:
"Don't hurt my sister!"
Sanemi instinctively turned at the voice—only to see a gleaming forehead drop straight down from above.
A loud dong rang through his skull. His vision blacked out for a moment, and two streams of hot blood flowed directly from his nostrils.
It wasn't that Sanemi reacted too slowly—he simply never imagined someone would suddenly attack him here of all places.
Okane Kichiro was just as stunned. Even after stepping in, he still failed to stop Tanjiro from making his grand "headbutt debut" before the Hashira.
And what a debut it was—his first appearance in front of all the Hashira, and he immediately knocked the formidable Sanemi Shinazugawa bloody… while remaining completely unharmed.
A dazzling first impression indeed.
"What do you think you're doing?! The Master will be here any moment—stop this nonsense at once!"
For the first time, Giyu Tomioka's expression actually changed. Before this, even when multiple Hashira confronted him, his face had remained completely blank.
This alone showed the level of respect and devotion he held for Kagaya Ubuyashiki—he absolutely could not let Tanjiro make a terrible impression.
Before the other Hashira could fully react, Giyu rushed forward, pinned Tanjiro to the ground, and forced him still.
He had worked hard to secure this chance for Tanjiro's judgment. There was no way he would allow Tanjiro to ruin it in a single reckless moment.
"I—"
Tanjiro froze under his senior's reprimand. Realizing he had indeed caused trouble, he lowered his head and fell silent.
Of course, another big reason for his sudden obedience… was that Nezuko was currently in Okane Kichiro's hands.
And Tanjiro wasn't entirely to blame. Sanemi had been glaring viciously while tugging at the box with a drawn blade—how could Tanjiro not misunderstand?
Seeing the situation stabilized, Okane Kichiro returned the box to the Kakushi. The man shot him a grateful look and quickly carried the box back to its original position, terrified another Hashira might snatch it again.
The rest of the Hashira didn't notice Okane Kichiro's action. They were all trying—and failing—to keep straight faces. Only Mitsuri Kanroji failed entirely, letting out an audible giggle.
A prestigious Wind Hashira… knocked flat by a headbutt from a restrained rookie?
Impossible not to laugh.
"You little bastard!"
After a long moment, Sanemi finally recovered, shouting at Tanjiro, the scars on his face twitching violently.
It was obvious—he was absolutely furious. His grip tightened on his blade.
Giyu held Tanjiro down with one hand and gripped his own sword with the other, genuinely afraid Sanemi might charge in and slash Tanjiro in blind rage.
Truthfully, that underestimated Sanemi.
They were at Headquarters. The Master could appear at any moment. Sanemi would never truly pick a fight with another Hashira here.
And no matter how angry he was, Tanjiro was still human.
But—he was so angry.
Sanemi's clenched teeth trembled with the force of his restraint.
At that moment, Kagaya Ubuyashiki arrived, supported gently by his children.
All the Hashira instantly abandoned their previous uproar and stepped forward, kneeling respectfully on one knee.
Only Okane Kichiro remained standing—an obvious contrast.
Kagaya, however, didn't mind at all. His voice was warm and gentle as he greeted him.
"It has only been a few days, yet Kichiro has already succeeded in slaying a Lower Moon. Your talent is truly remarkable."
"You flatter me, Master."
Okane Kichiro straightened, answering humbly. But inside, he sighed.
Kagaya's condition was impossible for him to overlook.
Though outwardly unchanged, his life force had grown even weaker—like a flame on the verge of going out.
Okane Kichiro wanted to help… but had no way to do so.
The once-raging Sanemi immediately softened. His wild expression vanished, and even the three large scars covering half his face couldn't conceal the gentleness in his eyes.
He was also the first to ask after the Master's health.
Pinned beneath Giyu, Tanjiro's eyes widened.
That warm, respectful tone… could that truly come from Sanemi Shinazugawa?
He sounded like a completely different person!
"Forgive my intrusion, Master, but before we begin the Hashira Council, I hope we may first address the matter of this demon-accompanying Demon Slayer named Tanjiro Kamado."
Sanemi formally raised the issue.
"For now, let us set that matter aside," Kagaya replied softly. "First, we will address the proposal of appointing Ming as the new Tenth Hashira."
"Not long ago, Kichiro slew the demon on Natagumo Mountain. His strength and achievements fully meet the qualifications to become a Hashira. Do any of you object?"
His tone was not that of a stern leader, but that of a gentle father.
But the moment his words fell, several Hashira stepped forward in opposition.
In addition to Sanemi, both Gyomei Himejima and Kyojuro Rengoku voiced their disapproval.
Shinobu Kocho remained silent, lost in her thoughts.
Mitsuri Kanroji, on the other hand, was secretly stealing glances at Okane Kichiro—though even she didn't seem to know why her face had turned slightly red.
Muichiro Tokito continued staring up at the clouds, mind adrift somewhere far beyond this world.
Okane Kichiro did not argue. He simply waited quietly. He believed Kagaya would handle this.
"Kichiro's possible violation of Corps law will be discussed separately," Kagaya continued. "For now, we must decide solely whether he is qualified to become the Tenth Hashira."
Those opposing fell silent. By procedure and regulation, Okane Kichiro did indeed fulfill all requirements.
Their objections stemmed entirely from his protection of a demon.
"It seems none of you have further objections. Then I hereby declare Ming the Tenth Hashira. His Hashira title shall be… 'Kichiro.'"
As Kagaya's words landed, a familiar notification chimed simultaneously:
[Congratulations, Player, on completing the achievement "The Demon Slayer Corps' Tenth Hashira."]
[Congratulations, Player, you have obtained the exclusive title: "Kichiro Hashira."]
[Notice: A player may equip only one title at a time.]
[Title: Kichiro Hashira]
[Effect 1: When battling demons ranked below the Twelve Kizuki, the target must make a Will Check. On failure, the target enters the negative state "Fear."]
[Effect 2: Among Demon Slayer Corps characters, equipping this title grants the holder increased "Respect" reputation.]
Well…
It wasn't useless, but its practical value was rather underwhelming.
He would've preferred a handful of Paradise Coins.
Okane Kichiro muttered complaints internally, but still equipped the title happily.
After all, it was his first title—sentimentally significant.
Though… the Hashira name did feel a little too casually assigned.