The air grew thick with reverence as the Hashira knelt one by one. Sanemi, ever the enforcer, grabbed Tanjiro by the shoulder and forced him down. "Show some respect, brat," he growled.
Tanjiro, though visibly startled, complied, bowing his head low. He clutched Nezuko's box tightly, his trembling hands a testament to his nervousness.
The tension shifted toward me as the Hashira turned their gazes, expecting me to follow suit. Gyomei, ever calm, softly murmured, "Show respect to the Master. It is only proper."
I tilted my head slightly, a faint smile tugging at my lips. "Respect, you say?" I murmured, my voice carrying just enough edge to hint at amusement.
Shalltear, hidden nearby with Lupusregina, stirred; she could barely contain murderous palpables even through her concealment. It was Lupusregina's calm hand on her shoulder that kept her from acting out.
I remained standing, unfazed by the weight of their gazes. "I've only ever kneeled before one being," I said, my tone conversational, "and she is no longer someone I bow to—but rather, my partner."
Of course, I was talking about death.
Sanemi's teeth clenched audibly. "You arrogant—"
"Enough, Sanemi," Gyomei interjected, his voice firm but measured. "This is not the time to let tempers flare."
The massive doors leading to the master's chamber creaked open, silencing any further argument. A figure stepped forward, his serene aura immediately commanding attention.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, appeared, his movements graceful despite the evident frailty of his body. His pale complexion and soft, almost otherworldly presence made it clear why he was held in such high regard.
"Rise," he said gently, his voice a soothing balm that instantly diffused the tension in the air. "There is no need for formalities in this moment."
The Hashira straightened, though their respectful demeanor didn't waver. Tanjiro cautiously lifted his head, his wide eyes fixed on Kagaya.
I remained as I was, offering a small nod of acknowledgement instead. Kagaya's eyes flicked to me briefly, his expression unreadable, before settling on Tanjiro.
"It is good to see you in good health, Master," Sanemi spoke up, his voice cutting through the silence.
"Thank you, Sanemi," Kagaya replied with a warm, albeit faint, smile.
"If I may," Sanemi continued, his sharp gaze snapping to Tanjiro and Nezuko's box before landing on Yuki and me. "Before we start the Hashira meeting, would you mind enlightening us about this Demon Slayer"—he pointed at Tanjiro—"who has brought a demon here? And who or what these two strangers are?" He gestured sharply toward Yuki and me.
Tanjiro stiffened under the scrutiny, his jaw tightening as he kept his gaze respectfully low.
Kagaya's soft expression didn't falter. "Of course. I understand your concern." He shifted slightly, his pale hands resting gently on his lap as he addressed the Hashira.
"Let us first discuss Tanjiro Kamado and his sister, Nezuko."
The tension was palpable as Kagaya spoke. The Hashira's reactions were varied—Sanemi glowered openly, Mitsuri looked conflicted but curious, and Rengoku's fiery eyes held steady interest.
Kagaya continued, his voice calm but resolute. "Nezuko is unlike any demon we have encountered. Her condition defies our understanding of Muzanette's creations. She has shown remarkable restraint, resisting her instincts to harm humans even when exposed to extreme circumstances. I have sanctioned their situation."
The Hashira exchanged glances, their unity broken as murmurs of dissent rippled through their ranks. I watched from my spot beneath the shade of a nearby tree, enjoying the cool reprieve while the others debated.
"I also ask you to accept this," Kagaya said, his voice carrying a note of quiet insistence.
Gyomei Himejima was the first to speak. "Even if it is your will, Master, I cannot agree to this. A demon traveling alongside a Demon Slayer undermines our mission and the trust we have sworn to uphold."
Tengen Uzui folded his arms with a frown. "I flamboyantly oppose as well. Allowing a demon to travel freely with a slayer sets a dangerous precedent."
Mitsuri Kanroji clasped her hands together. "I will do whatever you wish, Master. If you believe in them, I will too."
Muichiro Tokito, the Mist Hashira, remained indifferent, his distant gaze betraying little emotion. "I don't care either way," he said simply.
Shinobu and Giyu remained silent, their expressions unreadable, while Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira, narrowed his eyes. "I won't trust them. In the first place, I loathe demons."
Rengoku Kyojuro, the Flame Hashira, spoke with a firm yet respectful tone. "Although I respect you with all my heart, Master, this is an incomprehensible notion. We are the Demon Slayer Corps. Our mission is to annihilate demons, not harbor them."
Sanemi, as expected, took it further, his voice sharp and accusatory. "The Demon Slayer Corps' mission is clear: we destroy demons. I request you penalize both Kamado and Tomioka. The former for breaking our code, and the latter for protecting them."
Kagaya closed his eyes, taking in the cacophony of voices. The tension was palpable, but his calm demeanor didn't falter. After a long pause, he said, "The letter."
The twin attendants by his side stepped forward and handed him a sealed envelope. Kagaya opened it with a practiced grace, unfolding the parchment and scanning its contents.
"This letter," Kagaya said, "is from Tanjiro's former master, Sakonji Urokodaki. He has personally vouched for Nezuko's restraint, attesting to her ability to resist human blood. I trust Sakonji's judgment, as should you all."
The murmurs quieted, though Sanemi's glare only darkened.
~~~
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