There are nine Hashira-level swordsmen in total.
They are the swordsmen with the highest combat power in the Demon Slayer Corps, responsible for leading various branch teams, guiding lower-ranked members, and jointly deliberating countermeasures on major issues. They are the mainstay of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Normally, for an ordinary member to become a Hashira, they must at the very least subjugate fifty demons or a member of the Twelve Kizuki, and only when there is a vacancy among the Nine Hashira can they fill the position and become a Hashira.
And now, a newcomer qualified to become a Hashira had appeared.
Oyakata-sama waved his hand, indicating that the Kamado siblings, who were unrelated to this matter, should withdraw.
"Then let my residence take care of them for the time being."
Shinobu smiled and summoned the Kakushi members, signaling them to take the two to the Demon Slayer Corps' specialized medical division, the Butterfly Mansion, where Tanjiro could receive the best medical care.
The Kakushi members hoisted Tanjiro and the box containing Nezuko onto their shoulders, respectfully bowed to everyone, and hurried away.
During this, although Tanjiro protested wanting to headbutt Sanemi to vent his anger for the injured Nezuko, he was stopped by a few precisely thrown stones that left him dizzy and disoriented, forcing him to give up.
The one who threw them, though appearing very young, emanated a dangerous sword intent that even made Taka take notice.
"You must not interrupt Oyakata-sama while he is speaking...." He was the Mist Hashira, Tokito Muichiro.
Before they left, although Oyakata-sama did not look at Tanjiro, he seemed to perceive everything as he spoke: "Tanjiro, give my regards to Tamayo-sama for me."
No one understood this cryptic remark, but none inquired further, as it was merely the private matter of an ordinary member.
"Now then, let us begin the Hashira Meeting. First, regarding Taka, your matter...."
Oyakata-sama, supported by two white-haired girls as he sat down, invited the Nine Hashira into the room and began:
"Everyone should have heard on the way here. This is Nanajuhachi Taka, a Kanoe-ranked member. Two days ago, he slew a Lower Rank Kizuki."
Some were silent, some cast approving glances, and others, like Obanai, cast cold looks of disapproval.
Unexpectedly, Sanemi, the hot-tempered Wind Hashira, remained quietly without any reaction, as if Taka killing a Lower Rank Kizuki was only natural and proper.
"Excellent! Full of spirit! To single-handedly subjugate one alone, truly admirable! Which Lower Rank was it?"
A man with long gold-red hair loudly praised Taka. His enthusiastic, blood-boiling aura seemed ready to ignite the air.
He was the inheritor of Flame Breathing, the Flame Hashira, Rengoku Kyojuro.
Oyakata-sama turned his head towards Giyu, who immediately understood and calmly spoke:
"Lower Rank Four."
"Hey, Giyu, how do you know it was Lower Four? Besides, whether this kid actually killed a Kizuki is just your word. I think I'd better test him myself." Obanai interjected with some dissatisfaction.
This wasn't entirely because Taka had provoked him earlier… there was also the fact that he and Giyu didn't get along.
Giyu did not get angry and calmly explained, "Regarding the information on Lower Rank Four, I once gathered it in a northern village. I would not mistake her demonic aura."
"I trust Tomioka-san would not joke about such a matter. At the same time, I also believe Taka-san is capable of this." Shinobu maintained her smile and nodded in greeting to Taka. "After all, not long ago, he just severely wounded Lower Rank Two."
"Oh! That's truly remarkable! Very impressive!" Kyojuro praised loudly again, without the slightest doubt that Taka's achievements were exaggerated. "Even we Hashira rarely have the chance to encounter Kizuki. I'm envious!"
"Tch..." Seeing Shinobu and Kyojuro also speaking for this kid, Obanai fell silent.
Taka, as usual, remained calm, because what they said was indeed the truth.
This calm demeanor, in Mitsuri's eyes, appeared quite handsome, causing her heart to flutter and her gaze to sparkle.
At the same time, it made Obanai, who had feelings for Mitsuri, even more displeased.
"Taka, your ability to repel Lower Rank Two and subjugate Lower Rank Four already proves your capability. In theory, you are now qualified to become a Hashira-level swordsman," Oyakata-sama said with a smile.
"However, since ancient times, there can only be Nine Hashira simultaneously. So for now, we can only promote you to Kinoe-ranked swordsman, granting you the authority to deliberate alongside the Hashira. Consider this your commendation."
"I humbly accept your decree."
Status and titles didn't matter to Taka. He was more concerned with practical things.
He took the initiative to speak: "If possible, I would like to learn from the other Hashira. My strength is still insufficient."
"Oh? You are truly a diligent child.... You may do so. What do you wish to learn?"
Taka looked at the assembled Hashira and pointed to Shinobu, Muichiro, and Kyojuro.
"Body techniques, sword techniques, Breathing Styles. I wish to learn them all."
"Wha-?!!!"
Sanemi, who had remained silent until now, suddenly frowned upon hearing Taka's request. He looked in Taka's direction with an unpleasant tone, gripping his Nichirin Sword as he prepared to stand:
"Hey! Brat... Has Tetsushin-sensei been too indulgent with you? Making you think a swordsman from Hayama needs to study other Breathing Styles?"
"I don't think you need to learn from others. You'll be my responsibility! I'll teach you well—"
"Sanemi."
The moment Oyakata-sama's voice sounded, Sanemi's about-to-erupt anger instantly subsided. He forcibly swallowed his dissatisfaction and silently returned to his seat.
'That was quite a sight,' Taka thought to himself.
After calming Sanemi, Oyakata-sama looked puzzledly at Taka: "Although I am an ordinary person unversed in swordsmanship, I have heard that the styles of different Breathing Styles vary greatly. Would such training not affect your physical health?"
"Thank you for your concern, Oyakata-sama.... This is my only request."
Physical health? Compared to gaining greater power to seek revenge on Aizen, this was nothing.
He knew that man could command so many black-clad swordsmen, so he himself was certainly no ordinary person.
At present, he was merely a brat relying on Tonan's power to struggle against the Lower Moons. How could he accomplish his revenge?
Moreover, he had already noticed that even though he never relaxed his consolidation of Wind Breathing, he always felt he couldn't reach the state of merging with the wind like Tetsushin.
He wondered if he is still not working hard enough. He wanted to find his own problems by observing and learning other sword forms and Breathing Styles.
Seeing Taka's firm attitude, Kagaya could say no more. He granted his request and specifically instructed Muichiro among the three to remember to cooperate with Taka in training.
Afterwards, Taka withdrew to the side. The Nine Hashira's meeting, led by Oyakata-sama, continued with deeper topics:
"As reported by each of you, the demons' activities are becoming increasingly frequent."
"Muzan's vulnerabilities are growing, and he is growing more impatient, continuously 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 the swordsmen who mastered the [Original Breathing] in the Sengoku era."
"Perhaps the evil of Kibutsuji Muzan will come to an end in our generation!"