The group finally arrived at the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters the following morning.
The sky remained overcast and devoid of sunlight, allowing them to meet the other Pillars directly. This generation of the Demon Slayer Corps had eight Pillars in total.
Flame Pillar—Rengoku Tetsushiro, hailing from the Rengoku family, a lineage of swordsmen who had long collaborated with the Sanemi clan.
Water Pillar—Oborozuki, formerly a pastry shop owner renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship. He had lived a peaceful life, even engaged to be married, until his parents were slain. His fiancée's family subsequently called off the engagement. Later, at the invitation of the previous master, he joined the Demon Slayer Corps.
Rock Pillar—Iwayuki Ritsugawa, formerly a teacher. While giving evening lessons to a young master of a prominent family, he was attacked by a demon. Rescued by arriving Demon Slayer swordsmen, he later resigned from his post and joined the Corps to begin slaying demons.
Wind Pillar—Yato. Yato had no surname, only a humble artisan who once lived an ordinary life. One night, a demon broke into his home and killed his lover. Covered in wounds, he used his hammer and chisel to drive the demon into the ground and, by sunrise, had unexpectedly slain it. Later, while hunting demons, he encountered the Demon Slayer Corps and naturally joined their ranks.
These were the swordsmen familiar to Hiru.
As for the others...
Hiru followed closely behind Yoriichi, observing. The first to catch his attention was a swordsman clad in a bright yellow spotted haori, his face fierce and menacing, glaring at Hiru with open hostility.
"That's the Sound Pillar, Hanyu Ichiyo. He witnessed his family being devoured by demons, so he harbors intense hatred for them," Rengoku Tetsushiro explained in a low voice. "But he's not a bad person—actually, he's very gentle."
Before Hiru could ask more, Rengoku Tetsushiro continued his whispered introduction.
"Sitting beneath the tree is the Golden Pillar, Kenjin. He was once a ronin who joined the Demon Slayer Corps because he found demon-slaying challenging. His sword techniques are exceptionally fierce.
"The one standing by the wall is the Sound Pillar. He's the disciple of Mr. Hanyu, named Ibuki Kazuma. He's only fifteen this year—a very talented and gifted child. But because of Mr. Hanyu, he also deeply despises demons.
"The last one standing at the edge is the Mist Pillar. She's the only female swordsman here—Yakushi Sakura. Don't let her appearance fool you; she's just as strong as any of us! Though her personality isn't exactly easy to get along with."
Hiru tilted her head toward Rengoku Tetsushiro. "Hard to get along with? Are you sure it's not just prejudice against demons?"
"Well... I'm not entirely sure," Rengoku admitted. "After all, Miss Yakushi always says the strangest things..."
"Eh—what kind of things?" Hiru asked curiously.
"Well, like—"
A calm female voice cut in from nearby. "Since Mr. Rengoku arrived, he's been talking only to himself. Aren't you going to introduce us?"
"Ah, I forgot!" Rengoku straightened and turned toward the newcomers. "Allow me to introduce: Miss Yakushi, this is Tsugikuni Hiru—a demon who has overcome his cannibalistic urges!
"And this towering swordsman here is Tsugikuni Yoriichi, the one who first taught us the Breathing Techniques! He is the original swordsman!"
"You are Mr. Tsugikuni Yoriichi?" Sakura Yakushi, the Mist Hashira, bowed slightly in greeting. "Pleased to meet you."
"Likewise." Yoriichi returned the bow with equal decorum.
"Oh—so you're Tsugikuni Yoriichi! How fascinating! After the Hashira Meeting, come spar with me!" Kenjin, the Gold Hashira, finally stood up. "I just can't help getting excited when I meet a strong opponent!"
"Please don't say that. I'm no strong opponent..."
"Excessive modesty is just another form of arrogance. I've heard that guy, Rengoku, rave about you for ages!"
Yet both men tacitly ignored Hiru's presence.
Hiru silently shifted his gaze elsewhere. Hanyu Ichiyo continued to glare at him, his expression sharp and unfriendly, and even his disciple, the young Sound Hashira, looked increasingly hostile.
Iwayuki was deep in conversation with Oborozuki when Yato strode over—huh?
Hiru instinctively moved to Yoriichi's other side as Yato approached. After scrutinizing him for a moment, Yato growled, "Hey, you. Did you eat someone?"
Hiru: ...
"If you did, just admit it so we can put you out of your misery!"
"Did you bleed out your brain along with the demon's blood when you killed it?" Hiru snapped back from behind Yoriichi. "If I really ate someone, do you think you'd see both me and my brother standing here together?"
"Hmph! Who knows if he's covering for you!"
Hiru: =-=
"Can I hit him with Blood Demon Art?" Hiru looked up at Yoriichi. "Or you could just slice him open, big bro—right through the forehead. I want to see if this jerk's got any brains left in his skull."
"Cut it out." Yoriichi sighed, ruffling Hiru's hair before turning to Yato. "Mr. Yato, I've been keeping a close eye on Hiru. He hasn't eaten anyone yet."
"Good. I'd hate to die mysteriously just because I had to fight Mr. Yoriichi."
"A muscle-brained brute like you activating your Slayer Mark wouldn't stand a chance against my brother, even with ten of you."
"What the hell did you just say?!"
"I said you have no brain!"
As the human and demon were about to erupt into a full-blown argument, Yoriichi reached out and pressed down on Hiru's head. "Alright, Mr. Yato is just concerned about you."
"Who needs this kind of hypocritical, awkward concern?!"
"I'm not concerned about you two!"
"Mm! Mr. Yato is as gentle as ever!"
"Huh? Rengoku, did a demon gouge out your eyes?! Which eye of yours saw me being gentle?!"
"Both eyes saw it! Though not straightforwardly! Mr. Yato truly is concerned—it'd just be better if he tried a different approach next time!"
"Rengoku, you bastard, you're deliberately picking a fight, aren't you?!"
"Not at all!"
Hiru covered his ears, desperate to leave.
"Master has arrived!"
Instantly, the area fell silent. Yoriichi pulled Hiru down beside him, keeping his head lowered.
"Good morning, everyone. I'm truly delighted to see full attendance at our biannual meeting. It brings me great satisfaction."
[Such a childish voice, yet it sounded so weightless.]
Hiru couldn't help but look up, locking eyes with a delicate, refined boy whose features were almost feminine. The boy's gaze held no wariness or disgust—only a gentle smile.
Hiru's eyes widened in disbelief. Just as he was about to speak, a voice interrupted.
"We are deeply relieved to see our Master in good health. May you continue to prosper and thrive."
"Thank you, Iwayuki," Ubuyashiki Asahi replied with a smile. "Your blessings are received. Everyone, please rise."
"Before that, my Master!" Hanyu Ichiyo straightened his posture. "Forgive my frankness, but after the Demon Slayer Corps endured such upheaval, how could you possibly agree to receive a demon's visit?! I request an explanation regarding this matter!"
"If my decision has startled you, I apologize in advance." Ubuyashiki Asahi sat upright. "But after careful consideration, I've concluded that Mr. Hiru is not a demon without self-control. Moreover, he is Mr. Yoriichi's younger brother.
"Though Mr. Yoriichi never joined the Demon Slayer Corps, he brought the Breathing Styles and the Slayer Mark that allow humans to stand against demons. He has also walked in the darkness, slaying evil demons to protect humanity.
"Moreover, just days ago, he successfully encountered Muzan Kibutsuji and dealt him a severe blow. This marks the first concrete intelligence on Muzan Kibutsuji in the hundreds of years since the Demon Slayer Corps was founded.
"Even after becoming a demon, Mr. Hiraku has never consumed human flesh, maintaining his rationality. He has also developed an exceptional incense that has significantly reduced casualties among the swordsmen.
"I personally believe these brothers are entirely trustworthy, and I ask everyone to place their trust in them and acknowledge their worth."