There were nine Pillar-level swordsmen in total.
They were the strongest fighters in the Demon Slayer Corps, responsible for leading various divisions, guiding lower-ranked members, and discussing major strategies together. They were the backbone of the Corps.
Under normal circumstances, for an ordinary member to become a Hashira, they would have to slay at least fifty Demons or a member of the Twelve Kizuki. Only when one of the nine Hashira positions became vacant could they step in to fill the role.
And now, a newcomer qualified to become a Hashira had appeared.
Master waved his hand. The Kamado siblings, having nothing to do with this matter, were to withdraw.
"Let my estate take care of them."
Shinobu Kocho smiled as she summoned members of the Kakushi, instructing them to escort the two to the Corps' professional medical facility, the Butterfly Mansion, where Tanjiro could receive the best possible care.
The Kakushi carried Tanjiro and the wooden box containing Nezuko, bowed respectfully to everyone present, and hurried off.
During this time, Tanjiro had been clamoring about headbutting Sanemi Shinazugawa to avenge the stab wound inflicted on Nezuko. However, after being struck dizzy by a few precisely thrown pebbles, he reluctantly gave up.
The one who had acted looked very young, yet an unmistakable and dangerous sword intent radiated from him, making even Asuka glance sideways.
"You must not interrupt Master while he is speaking…" He was the Mist Hashira, Muichiro Tokito.
Before departing, though Master did not look at Tanjiro, he spoke as if he could see through everything.
"Tanjiro, please give my regards to Lady Tamayo."
The abrupt remark left everyone puzzled, but no one pressed further. After all, it was merely a private matter concerning an ordinary member.
"Now then, let us begin the Hashira meeting. First, Asuka, regarding your matter…"
Supported by two white-haired girls, Master took his seat. Once the nine Hashira were seated inside, he began:
"You should have already heard on your way here. This is Nanajūhachi Asuka, a Kan-ranked member. Two days ago, he slew a Lower Rank of the Twelve Kizuki."
Some remained silent. Some cast approving looks. Others, like Iguro Obanai, regarded him with cold skepticism.
Surprisingly, Sanemi Shinazugawa, the hot-tempered Wind Hashira, remained completely silent, as though Asuka killing a Lower Rank was only natural.
"Excellent! What spirit! To defeat one alone—truly remarkable! Which Lower Rank was it?"
The man with golden-red hair praised Asuka loudly, his fiery enthusiasm almost igniting the air itself.
He was the inheritor of Flame Breathing, the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku.
Master turned slightly toward Giyu Tomioka. Understanding at once, Giyu spoke calmly.
"Lower Rank Four."
"Oi, Tomioka, how do you know it was Lower Rank Four? Come to think of it, whether this kid really killed a Kizuki is based solely on your word. I think I should test him myself."
Iguro Obanai spoke with clear dissatisfaction.
It was not entirely because Asuka had irritated him earlier; part of it stemmed from his poor relationship with Giyu Tomioka.
Giyu did not take offense. He explained evenly, "I gathered information about Lower Rank Four in a northern village before. I would not mistake her Demonic aura."
"I believe Mr. Tomioka would not joke about such a matter. And I also believe Mr. Asuka has the ability."
Shinobu Kocho maintained her smile and inclined her head slightly toward Asuka.
"After all, not long ago, he severely injured Lower Rank Two."
"Oh! That is truly extraordinary! Very impressive!"
Kyojuro Rengoku praised him again loudly, not doubting Asuka's achievements in the slightest.
"Even we Hashira rarely encounter members of the Twelve Kizuki. I'm quite envious!"
"Tch…"
Seeing both Shinobu Kocho and Kyojuro Rengoku speaking up for the boy, Iguro Obanai fell silent.
Asuka himself remained as calm as ever, for everything they said was simply the truth.
His composure, in Kanroji Mitsuri's eyes, appeared especially handsome. Her heart fluttered, and her bright eyes sparkled.
That only made Iguro Obanai, who harbored feelings for Kanroji, even more displeased.
"Asuka, forcing back Lower Rank Two and slaying Lower Rank Four have already proven your ability. In theory, you are qualified to become a Hashira-level swordsman."
Master smiled gently.
"However, since ancient times, only nine Hashira-level swordsmen may exist at once. For now, I can only promote you to Kinoe rank, granting you the right to participate in meetings alongside the Hashira. Consider this your commendation."
"I humbly obey."
Asuka did not care much for status. He cared more for something tangible.
"If possible, I would like to learn from the other Hashira. My strength is still insufficient."
"Oh? What a diligent child… Very well. What would you like to learn?"
Asuka looked at the Hashira present and pointed toward Shinobu Kocho, Muichiro Tokito, and Kyojuro Rengoku.
"Footwork, swordsmanship, and breathing techniques. I want to learn them all."
"Nani?!"
Sanemi Shinazugawa, who had remained silent until now, suddenly frowned at Asuka's request. His tone turned sharp as he rose, hand gripping his Nichirin Blade.
"Hey, brat… Has Teacher Tetsushin Arisaki been too indulgent with you? Did he make you think a swordsman from Hayama needs to learn other breathing styles?"
"There's no need to learn from anyone else. I'll take charge of you. I'll teach you properly…"
"Sanemi."
At the sound of Master's voice, Sanemi's rising fury was extinguished instantly. He swallowed his dissatisfaction and quietly sat back down.
Quite a sight, Asuka thought to himself.
After calming Sanemi Shinazugawa, Master looked at Asuka in confusion.
"I am but an ordinary man who knows little of swordsmanship, yet I have heard that different breathing styles vary greatly in nature. Would such training not affect your health?"
"Thank you for your concern, Master… This is my only request."
His health? Compared to gaining greater power and avenging himself against Aizen, it was nothing.
He knew that man could command so many black-clad swordsmen; he was certainly no ordinary opponent.
At present, Asuka was merely a boy struggling against Lower Ranks by relying on Nugata's power. How could he possibly achieve revenge like this?
Moreover, he had long realized that no matter how diligently he refined Wind Breathing, he could not attain the state Teacher Arasaki once described—becoming one with the wind.
Was it because he had not worked hard enough?
He wished to observe and learn other sword forms and breathing styles to discover where his problem lay.
Seeing Asuka's determination, Ubuyashiki could not refuse. He granted the request and specifically reminded Muichiro Tokito to cooperate in Asuka's training.
Afterward, Asuka stepped aside, and the Hashira meeting, led by Master, moved on to deeper matters.
"As reported, Demons have become increasingly active."
"Muzan's flaws are growing more apparent. He grows impatient, constantly creating disturbances to divert our attention."
"People's lives are facing unprecedented threats. I believe we should increase the number of Demon Slayer Corps members."
"My children, you are the strongest generation of Hashira-level swordsmen since those who mastered the 'Original Breathing' in the Sengoku era."
"Perhaps the evil of Kibutsuji Muzan will end in our generation!"