1 Vol. III Demon Slayer: Floating Comment

"...Muichiro couldn't make it back in time, so he might not attend…"

At the gates of the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, a white-haired swordsman was chatting with his comrades.

Nearby, Shinobu stood silently, her gaze fixed on the hem of Haruto's haori. After a long and grueling journey, she had finally fulfilled the requirement of slaying fifty demons and earned her place as one of the Hashira. Today marked her first attendance at the Hashira meeting.

Her expression was unreadable, but both Kanae and Haruto could sense her unease.

Don't worry, everyone has a first time.

Kanae shook her head gently at Haruto, a small, knowing smile gracing her lips. She turned her eyes elsewhere, unwilling to add to her sister's nerves. Pride and sorrow mixed in her heart—pride that Shinobu, with her seemingly delicate frame, had shattered the limits of her body to slay demons, and sorrow that the two sisters were forever bound to this cruel destiny.

"Haruto!"

A bright voice called out from the courtyard. Haruto turned to see Kyojuro, his eyes shining like embers. A young girl with soft pink hair brushed past Kyojuro's shoulder, rushing out of the gates.

Ordinarily, swordsmen below the rank of Hashira weren't allowed within the Ubuyashiki estate, but Kyojuro strode in confidently. Haruto immediately understood why.

"Is Rengoku Shinjuro still unwilling to attend the Hashira meeting?"

Kyojuro nodded. "Yes, Ubuyashiki-sama called me here to discuss my father's situation."

Gyomei Himejima, standing nearby, sighed deeply. "It's been quite a long time since I last saw Shinjuro-san."

"Weren't you promoted recently?" Haruto asked, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "How far are you from qualifying as a Hashira?"

"There's still a ways to go!" Kyojuro responded enthusiastically. "But I'll do my utmost to get there!"

Gyomei's lips curved into a soft smile at his passion.

"As expected of the Flame Breathing successor. Such a positive attitude is truly admirable."

Haruto, however, narrowed his eyes. "Why does it feel like there's a hidden meaning behind that, Gyomei…?"

The group eventually moved toward the Ubuyashiki estate, where Sanemi Shinazugawa appeared, lagging behind as usual. As he passed by, Haruto sniffed the air.

"Did you enjoy that red bean mochi?" he asked out of nowhere.

Sanemi paused mid-step. "Of course I did—wait, what do you mean by that?!"

"That was my sister Makomo's homemade red bean paste! I was saving it for making red bean buns! And don't even get me started on the strawberry daifuku filling she prepared for Sabito—that rascal Genya already swiped half of it!" Haruto crossed his arms, glaring.

Sanemi's face turned red. "...It's just red bean paste! Why are you making such a big deal out of it?"

Haruto scoffed. "It's not just red bean paste! It's Makomo's red bean paste, filled with her love and care!"

"Well, I already ate it! What do you want me to do about it?!"

"I don't care! You should apologize!"

"How old are you?!"

From a few steps away, Kyojuro finally pieced together the conversation and chimed in with his usual exuberance.

"Red bean mochi, buns, and strawberry daifuku... They must taste amazing!"

Sanemi, now visibly frustrated, turned to Kyojuro. "And who are you, exactly? Are you even a Hashira? What are you doing here?"

"My father is Rengoku Shinjuro, the former Flame Hashira. Ubuyashiki-sama summoned me!"

"Then why are you yelling?! Who even let you replace a Hashira?!"

"He's yelling because you're hard of hearing!" Haruto interjected, leaning close to Sanemi's ear.

Sanemi stumbled back a few steps, glowering. "Keep it up, and I'll—"

"If you keep getting angry, I'll tell Genya you said his mochi was terrible."

Sanemi froze. "I didn't say that!"

"Doesn't matter."

Fuming but helpless, Sanemi spun on his heel—only to notice Ubuyashiki standing nearby, a serene smile on his face.

"Ubuyashiki-sama!"

At once, the group fell to their knees, bowing respectfully as they greeted their leader.

Supported by his children, Ubuyashiki Kaguya stepped forward, his warmth evident in his every word.

"My dear swordsmen, today's menu at the dining hall includes unlimited red bean treats, made with the chefs' heartfelt care."

A ripple of laughter spread through the group, even among the Hidden guards stationed by the gates. The air in the courtyard grew light and cheerful, a rare moment of reprieve in the life of the Demon Slayers.

Kyojuro watched Haruto and the others, his round eyes shining with admiration. The Hashira's bond was far closer than he had imagined. Even the fiery-tempered Wind Hashira seemed less hostile than the rumors had suggested; his sharpness appeared to stem more from insecurity than malice.

Ubuyashiki's gentle humor, Haruto's warmth, the Hashira's camaraderie…

Such a Demon Slayer Corps! Such a place of belonging! Kyojuro's round eyes sparkled with resolve.

How could one not dedicate their life to such a cause?

During the meeting, Ubuyashiki turned to Kyojuro, inquiring about Shinjuro. The young swordsman's expression dimmed as he explained that his father had fallen into despair after the passing of Ruka, their mother. Shinjuro had taken to drinking, even bringing alcohol on missions.

"How tragic…" Gyomei wiped away a tear. "Shinjuro-san was once an inspiration to us all. To see him like this…"

"It's true that his current state could harm the morale of the younger swordsmen," Uzui Tengen noted. "We should consider encouraging his retirement publicly, to set an example."

"But Shinjuro-san has given so much to the Corps," Kanae countered gently. "Wouldn't casting him in a poor light discourage others?"

"Besides," Sanemi added, "the Flame Hashira lineage has never been broken. If Shinjuro retires, who will take his place?"

The group fell silent, deep in thought. Haruto, however, turned his gaze to Kyojuro, who straightened his back and spoke with unwavering conviction.

"That won't be a problem!" he declared.

The sunlight caught his golden eyes, which burned with determination.

"I'll become the next Flame Hashira! And when I do, my father will find his strength again!"