47 Demon Slayer: Floating Comment

Shortly after New Year's Day in 1910, Kagaya Ubuyashiki summoned the Hashira-ranked swordsmen to Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters for the biannual Hashira Meeting.

When Haruto arrived, three swordsmen were already gathered in the courtyard.

Stone Hashira Gyomei Himejima stood with his hands pressed together in prayer. Next to him was Kanae Kocho, poised to officially receive her Hashira title, and Tengen, whom Haruto had recommended to Kagaya two years prior. Tengen had since completed the tasks required to earn his Hashira rank.

"Amida Buddha, Haruto, you've grown even taller," Gyomei remarked, his deep voice carrying reverence as he chanted a Buddhist verse. "A strong body is a swordsman's best ally—it will never betray you."

At 18, Haruto had shot up during his final growth spurt, standing over 180 centimeters tall. While his impressive physique provided strength, it also came with the challenge of balancing speed and reflexes. Thankfully, Tengen, also a tall swordsman, had helped him adapt to his new body.

"Why tie your hair up like that?" Tengen asked, his sharp eyes scrutinizing Haruto's sleek hairstyle that revealed his smooth forehead. "It hides none of your striking beauty. Not flamboyant at all!"

Kanae, standing nearby, smiled nervously, offering Haruto a polite nod.

"Where are the other Hashiras?" Haruto asked Gyomei.

Gyomei's expression darkened slightly. "Uejou-sama was killed two days ago. Amida Buddha… I shall carry on his will and cleanse this world of demons. Matsueda-sama has retired, and Rengoku-sama…" He shook his head. "Rengoku still refuses to attend these meetings."

The reality of the Corps' situation hit Haruto. Was the Hashira roster truly this depleted?

His eyes flickered with concern before he reassured himself. Uejou-sama's death was an unfortunate accident, and Matsueda's and Rengoku's absences were expected. With Tengen and Kanae joining the ranks, the Corps was still gaining strength.

Moreover, rising swordsmen like Sabito and Giyu Tomioka were on the verge of meeting the requirements for Hashira status. The Corps would recover. It had to.

As Haruto's mind wandered, a pair of white-haired twins slid open the sliding door to the main hall. Kneeling in unison under the eaves, they announced, "The Ubuyashiki-sama has arrived."

It was Hinaki and Nichika, Kagaya's twin daughters. Now older, they were always by their father's side.

At their cue, the four swordsmen knelt on one knee, bowing their heads toward the inner room. Haruto privately thanked the heavens it wasn't a full kneel—he might have been tempted to deck Kagaya if that were the case.

The soft sound of tabi brushing against the wooden floor signaled Kagaya's arrival. He stepped out gracefully, his serene smile warming as he gazed at the young Hashiras and Hashiras-to-be.

"Good morning, the proud Hashiras of the Demon Slayer Corps."

"Ubuyashiki-sama, may your health be as radiant as your presence," Tengen said dramatically, his voice laced with theatrical flair.

"May Buddha's blessings protect you, Ubuyashiki-sama," Gyomei intoned solemnly.

"Ubuyashiki-sama…"

The others followed with sincere words of goodwill. Haruto, too, offered a heartfelt, "Wishing you good health, Ubuyashiki-sama."

It was the only thing he could wish for Kagaya. The Kagaya's illness had worsened, spreading even further and now affecting his vision. Kagaya's composed demeanor never wavered, though his wife, Amane, had silently wept the last time they spoke about it.

"The spring sun feels so warm," Kagaya remarked, gently stroking Hinaki and Nichika's hair. "And with it comes good news. Kanae Kocho, after successfully slaying fifty demons and managing Butterfly Mansion for over a year, has been officially recognized as a Hashira of the Corps.

"Tengen, too, has fulfilled the fifty-demon requirement while refining his 'Sound Breathing' techniques. He is now a Hashira."

He paused, his calm gaze sweeping over the gathered swordsmen.

"You are the foundation of the Demon Slayer Corps, the light that will guide us forward."

Haruto felt a pang of envy as Kagaya's words filled the air with encouragement. He thought back to when he had become a Hashira himself—would it have felt as meaningful if more of the veteran Hashiras had been there to witness his ascension?

Sneaking a glance at Tengen and Kanae, Haruto noted their reactions. Kanae's bangs fell over her face, hiding her expression. Tengen, on the other hand, stood tall, basking in the moment with his usual exuberance. His lips were already moving, undoubtedly muttering something about being "unmatched in splendor."

"Of course, spring brings its share of sorrows," Kagaya continued, his voice tinged with quiet sadness. "Wind Hashira Uejou-sama fell in battle against an Upper Rank demon. Even in his final moments, he fought bravely. His spirit will live on in all of us."

"Amida Buddha, may his soul find peace," Gyomei murmured, tears streaming down his face, soaking the front of his robes.