Yoriichi neither confirmed nor denied Hiru's claim of being the strongest. He was about to say something more when a knock sounded at the door. Immediately after, an anxious voice from the Kakushi came through.
"Um, Sun Hashira-sama… Human Hashira-sama really isn't in any danger, right? Neither of you has been eating properly for days now. Is everything truly alright?"
Hiru and Yoriichi exchanged a glance, sighed, and stood. Hiru went to open the door, looking down at the Kakushi, who stood stiffly, doubt still lingering in their eyes.
"I'm fine now. Sorry for making you worry."
"Ah—eh? Y-Yes! That's wonderful… I'm so glad you've recovered…"
Hiru watched as the Kakushi inexplicably sank into a dejected mood and sighed.
"If you still want to offer prayers, I'm free this afternoon. After that, I won't be."
"Yes! I'll let everyone know right away! And also… um…"
"Hm?"
"Human Hashira-sama… were you always this tall?"
Hiru: …
"Eek! I-I'm terribly sorry! That was rude of me! I'll go prepare meals for you both immediately! I'll take my leave!"
"Honestly…" Hiru muttered as he watched the Kakushi flee. "Is my height really that unnoticeable? There can't be more than a handful of people in the entire Demon Slayer Corps taller than me."
"Maybe it just doesn't stand out among the Hashira," Yoriichi said with a trace of amusement. "Hiru only ranks fourth in height, after all."
Hiru was about to retort, but then images of Gyomei Himejima and Uzui—already imposing just standing there—rose to mind. He clicked his tongue, shut the door, and walked back inside.
"It's not my fault. I'm one meter eighty. They're the ones who grew excessively."
"Mm… I think Sabito might still grow more…"
"Don't mention that guy!" Hiru pouted. "I know Sabito likes pranks and enjoys watching people suffer, but I never thought he'd enjoy teasing kids that much.
"Putting on the image of a gentle, considerate big brother in public, yet saying things like 'It'd definitely be fun if he cried' behind the scenes—there's nothing more vile than that.
"Giyu, on the other hand, really surprised me… He's unexpectedly good with kids and actually very considerate."
"You still remember things from when you had amnesia?" Yoriichi asked.
"Only a few moments that left a strong impression on me back then," Hiru replied. "Like talking with my brother, being inexplicably worshipped by the Kakushi, overhearing Sabito and Tomioka's conversation, and tasting the medicine I made myself…"
The corner of his mouth twitched.
"I had no idea I was that stubborn as a kid."
"Hiru has always been brave."
"Bravery and being hardheaded aren't the same thing…"
After that incident, having witnessed Hiru's talent in martial arts firsthand, Yoriichi no longer insisted on having him train together. He only reminded Hiru not to stray too far from his jurisdiction, in case something happened and support couldn't reach him in time.
When Hiru asked his Kasugai Crow to inform Sabito and Tomioka of his recovery, Sabito promptly spread the news to all the Hashira—embellishing at length just how entertaining a memoryless Hiru had been.
As a result, when March arrived and Hiru was on his way to yet another Hashira Meeting, Uzui intercepted him midway, relentlessly questioning why Hiru hadn't written to let him see it for himself.
"Why would I tell you?" Hiru snapped.
"So I could preserve your dark history, of course." Uzui slung an arm around Hiru's shoulders.
"Didn't you hear? After the last meeting, I spent a fortune getting myself a camera. One click, and your appearance is permanently recorded—an exquisitely flashy device.
"Originally, I planned to use it to capture the splendor of this Festival God himself, but if it's your embarrassing past—"
"I can turn the camera on you right now," Hiru cut in. "Care to try?"
"So fierce—Yoriichi, look at your brother—"
Yoriichi smiled calmly. "I'm wearing a mask."
"Oh, come on, that mask doesn't even cover your eyes," Uzui laughed. "But seriously, with such a flashy face, why hide it? Flashy things are meant to be displayed!"
"You think everyone's like you, walking around like a jewelry stand?" Hiru brushed Uzui's arm away. "You're a man, yet you dress more extravagantly than any woman."
"That's not right." Uzui wagged a finger. "I am the God of Festivals who governs flashiness—a deity! Deities are supposed to be flashy!"
"I think you're just narcissistic."
"It's God! Show some respect, you insolent believer!"
"Who's your believer?! Get away from me! And stop putting your arm around me! I'll really hit you!"
"So cold—" Uzui finally relented and hooked his arm around Yoriichi instead. "Hiru, if you keep acting like this, once you're old enough, you'll never get married. Never. I guarantee it."
"I don't need something like that…" Hiru quickened his pace. "Honestly, getting stopped by you of all people. Now I'll have to go pray at a shrine afterward."
"Speaking of which, Yoriichi, you're about that age too, right?" Uzui continued. "I know plenty of good women. Want me to introduce you—"
"I've had a wife."
"Huh? W-Wait, seriously? Hold on…" Uzui froze. "Had?"
"Yes. I had."
Uzui stiffened completely.
"Ah… I'm sorry."
"It's all in the past," Yoriichi said, shaking his head. He watched Hiru's retreating figure, a faint smile on his lips. "Besides, Uzui, if you keep holding onto me like this, I can't walk forward."
"Ah—sorry!"
"Haha, no need to strike a surrender pose… Let's keep going. I heard there are newcomers this time."
"Ah, uh… yeah." Uzui slowly came back to himself. As he watched Yoriichi's back, his expression gradually turned solemn. "Hey, Yoriichi. Just admit it. I've already figured it out."
"Hm?"
"To so effortlessly crush the God of Festivals," Uzui lifted his chin, "you must also be a deity who descended from Takamagahara, right?"
Yoriichi: …
[Is this the kind of moment where I should play along?]
Yoriichi fell into thought.
"Come on! Declare your divine title! You're worthy of being the lifelong rival of this Festival God!"
[How should I respond… Ah, Hiru said something similar before, didn't he? Let me think…]
"Mm…" Yoriichi looked at Uzui—who stood nearly half a head taller than him—and chuckled. "So you noticed. That's right. I am the god who presides over martial arts. I suppose that proves you truly are the God of Festivals."
"W-What?! I knew it! So it was true!" Uzui exclaimed. "Alright, I'll remember you! From today onward, you're the one this Festival God aims to surpass! Just you wait!"
"Yes, yes. I'll be waiting," Yoriichi replied, finally laughing as he watched Uzui force himself to regain composure after his shock.
"Alright. Let's go. The meeting should be starting."