Chapter 12 – The Heir to Thunder Breathing
A young man stepped down from the carriage with a calm, graceful air. He looked around Kyūjō's age, with a gentle, composed face that radiated wisdom far beyond his years.
As he approached, both Tachibana Kyūjō and Kuwajima Jigorō bowed respectfully.
"Welcome, Oyakata-sama."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya blinked for a moment, a little surprised by the formality in their greeting. But almost immediately, a warm smile spread across his face as he stepped forward and gently took their hands.
"Jigorō-dono… And you must be Tachibana Kyūjō-san?"
"A passionate young man indeed. But please, there's no need to stand on ceremony. My presence should never be a burden."
Kyūjō looked at the young leader for a few moments, quietly impressed. Just as he'd imagined… the man's voice was soft, soothing—like the calm after a summer storm.
Compared to the corporate bosses from his past life—greedy, cold men who worked their employees to the bone—Kyūjō could only sigh inwardly.
…Yeah. Not all humans are created equal.
Jigorō noticed his disciple zoning out and gave a sharp little cough to bring him back to the moment.
"A-Ah, yes! We're truly honored by your visit, Oyakata-sama," Kyūjō said quickly, straightening up.
Kagaya simply smiled again, then introduced the tall man who stood silently at his side—Himejima Gyōmei, the future Stone Hashira.
After exchanging polite greetings, the group began walking toward a Wisteria estate in Tōshō City.
Despite being offered the carriage again, Kagaya insisted on walking alongside them.
By the time they arrived at the estate, however, Kagaya's steps had grown unsteady. He was breathing shallowly, but still managed to offer them a smile.
"My apologies… It seems I pushed myself a bit too hard."
But Kyūjō shook his head and stepped forward, speaking earnestly.
"Not at all, Oyakata-sama. Honestly, I admire your resolve."
"My father… he was also seriously ill. But not once did he complain. Even when his body was weak, he still forced himself to walk every morning to greet the sun."
"Staying indoors for too long only eats away at one's spirit. A little sweat is never a bad thing."
Kagaya's eyes sparkled at the words.
"In that case… I wish I could've met your father. A man like that surely could've overcome his illness."
"…Unfortunately, he's already passed away," Kyūjō said casually.
Silence.
Gyōmei: "…"
Jigorō: "…"
Kagaya: "…"
Noticing their awkward expressions, Kyūjō smiled a little and added,
"It's true, he couldn't beat the illness. But what stayed with me… was his spirit."
"The future may be uncertain, but each day we live is still worth fighting for."
There was no pretense in his words. Deep down, Kyūjō wasn't talking about his father—he was talking about himself.
He had once been swallowed by the darkness of disease, and then clawed his way out of it. If anyone knew what it meant to keep living by sheer will, it was him.
Gyōmei bowed his head, one hand holding his prayer beads, the other folded against his chest.
"Your father must've been a remarkable man."
"Even if his body has returned to the cycle of rebirth… his spirit lives on within you."
"Namu Amida Butsu."
Kagaya nodded slowly, then turned to Kyūjō with a more serious look.
"Kyūjō-san. If I may ask you directly… Would you be willing to take on the role of the Thunder Hashira?"
Kyūjō paused.
...He's offering the position of a Pillar outright?
He almost laughed in disbelief—but at the same time, he felt a strange sense of admiration.
This guy's sharp.
True, Kyūjō had taken down Rukoro, a Lower Moon Demon and member of the Twelve Kizuki. By Demon Slayer Corps standards, slaying one of the Twelve—or defeating fifty demons—qualified one for Hashira status.
But the thing was… at that point, Kyūjō hadn't even been an official member yet.
This was moving way too fast. Accepting right now might cause friction with the other Pillars.
Besides, Kyūjō had never cared for ranks or titles.
He looked up and spoke calmly,
"Thank you for your trust, Oyakata-sama. But… I believe it's better to follow the rules as they are."
"I'd rather earn the title properly by slaying one more member of the Twelve Kizuki. Only then will I truly feel worthy of being a Hashira."
Kagaya smiled again and turned to Jigorō, who nodded after a brief pause.
"Kyūjō, if Oyakata-sama is offering, just take it already."
"In fact, I was the one who recommended you to him."
"Because I know—you're the one truly fit to inherit Thunder Breathing."
A flash like lightning sparked in Jigorō's eyes as he spoke those words. No one knew Kyūjō's strength better than he did.
Even with age and injury dulling his blade, his eyes were still as sharp as ever.
He could tell when Kyūjō was holding back in training. And more importantly—when he wasn't.
Even if I returned to the peak of my strength… I doubt I could beat him now.
And Kyūjō… is only fifteen.
His body hadn't even fully adapted to Constant Thunder Breathing yet.
Once it does… his power will skyrocket even further.
With complete confidence, Jigorō thought—If someone like Kyūjō isn't worthy of being a Hashira… then who is?
Kagaya bowed his head slightly.
"Then allow me to ask once more… Kyūjō-san, I sincerely hope you'll accept."
Eventually, after a few more polite rounds of refusal, Kyūjō gave in and accepted the position of Thunder Hashira.
However, he declined Kagaya's offer to introduce him at the next Hashira meeting right away.
Kyūjō planned to defeat another Kizuki soon—and only then would he join the gathering as proof of his strength.
The truth was… he had no idea what the Corps' internal situation looked like.
The Demon Slayer Corps was currently at its weakest point in over a century.
The previous Thunder Hashira, Kuwajima Jigorō, had retired due to severe injury.
The Water Hashira, Sakonji Urokodaki, stepped down three years ago and now only trained new recruits.
That left two empty Hashira seats—Thunder and Water.
Only the Stone, Wind, and Flame Hashira remained in active duty, alongside two lesser-known Pillars: the Rain Hashira and the Snow Hashira.
(Note: The Rain and Snow Hashira are original characters added for this fanfic to fill out the timeline.)
In such critical times, Kyūjō's arrival was more than just reinforcement—it was hope made flesh.
Though Kyūjō didn't know it yet.
And Kagaya chose not to burden him with that truth. He would support him from the shadows instead.
He looked at Kyūjō and Gyōmei standing side by side.
In Kagaya's eyes, the two of them were beacons of light in the Corps' darkest hour.
Maybe this is our longest night yet...
But I believe—this is just the final stretch before dawn.
His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by something… unexpected.
Kyūjō, face completely serious, leaned over and tapped Kagaya on the shoulder.
"…Oyakata-sama. May I ask something?"
"Of course."
"Would it be possible… to get an advance on my salary?"
Silence.
But Kyūjō quickly bowed his head, a little embarrassed.
"I'd like to buy back my family home."
— — —
An hour later.
Tachibana Kyūjō stepped out of the room alongside Himejima Gyōmei, looking visibly lighter than before.
"Gyōmei-san, keep at it! I'm sure it won't be long… before you become a Hashira who'll carry the world on his shoulders."
Grinning with pride, the newly appointed Thunder Hashira clapped the larger man on the back with confidence.
Gyōmei simply gave a short, solemn reply:
"Namu Amida Butsu."
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