This match ended with the Shogun's complete victory. Everyone became much more restrained than before. The swordsmen who had previously looked down on her strength now changed their views—no, their views were completely overturned. That speed, as swift as a true thunderclap, could not have been mistaken by anyone. Even with full concentration, they would still be struck before they could react. Could this be the ultimate form of Thunder Breathing?!
No... they knew this was not Thunder Breathing—at least, not any normal Thunder Breathing. It was several times more powerful. If Thunder Breathing was but an imitation of thunder's speed, then this was thunder itself. Such was the difference!
Clap clap...
"Alright, you've all seen the duel. After witnessing this scene, none of you should have anything left to say, correct?"
Kagaya Ubuyashiki clapped his hands gently, bringing everyone back to their senses, and asked the "children" before him.
"..." ×N
The swordsmen below remained silent.
"To have defeated a Hashira like Sanemi, this result should be enough to prove Miss Raiden's strength, shouldn't it? In that case, there should be no problem with her taking the title of Hashira."
He continued softly.
"..." ×N
Again, silence...
"I know that many of you still feel dissatisfied, but this is the truth. This is also why Shinobu recommended Miss Raiden to me, and the very reason I invited her here today. The Demon Slayer Corps will surely become stronger with her joining. I hope you can all accept her and get along in harmony."
"If any of you still wish to challenge her, do it at the training grounds. This is, after all, my house."
Ubuyashiki smiled helplessly after speaking.
"No, Master! We already acknowledge Raiden! To defeat the Wind Hashira Sanemi is proof enough that she has the strength to surpass even a Hashira. The title of Thunder Hashira is fully deserved!"
The Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, spoke first with his characteristic passion.
"I flamboyantly agree. Besides, this woman is flamboyant in many ways too," said the Sound Hashira, Tengen Uzui, nodding approvingly.
"I-I also agree...///"
The Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji, spoke shyly, her face flushed red.
(After all, we now have another beautiful big sister to admire~!)
The Shogun stepped forward, her footsteps steady.
"Thank you all for your generosity."
She responded politely and humbly, even offering a faint smile to them.
"Ah! From now on, we'll be comrades fighting side by side, Raiden. About what happened before, I sincerely apologize!"
Rengoku bowed his head slightly, his fiery spirit sincere.
"It's fine... I understand."
She replied calmly.
Shinobu, standing to the side, smiled in quiet relief.
"Miss Raiden... each of the Hashira in the Demon Slayer Corps has their own unique personality and exceptional talent. They have all tempered themselves through extremely harsh training and countless brushes with death—that is how they can defeat the Twelve Kizuki. So, it's inevitable that some friction would arise. Because as Hashira, they face life and death daily. That is why they are so respected and given special treatment. I hope you can understand."
Ubuyashiki looked gently at the Shogun as he spoke, his tone soft, hoping to ease her heart.
"There's no need to mind. I'm new here after all, and I knew I would have to prove myself with strength."
The Shogun raised her arm slightly, her composure unshaken.
"Since Miss Raiden says so, I am relieved. I hope you can get along well with everyone," Ubuyashiki said with a kind smile.
"I will... so long as they don't cause me trouble again," she replied indifferently.
"They won't... not while I'm watching~," Shinobu interjected with a teasing smile.
"Good. As for Sanemi."
"Yes."
Hearing his name, Sanemi Shinazugawa immediately crouched respectfully before his master.
"I understand your frustration in losing, but do not deliberately cause Miss Raiden trouble in the future. Understood?"
Though his tone was gentle, there was an undeniable note of command within it.
"...Yes, Master."
Sanemi lowered his head, eyes closing briefly as he answered.
Ubuyashiki then turned his gaze toward Tanjiro, who still lay motionless on the ground, his body covered in wounds, and at the wooden box lying beside him.
"As for Tanjiro—"
...
After several minutes, he explained everything about Tanjiro to the gathered members—including the matter of Nezuko.
As expected, most of them still didn't agree. They believed that demons must be eliminated, no matter the circumstances. Even if Nezuko was Tanjiro's sister and hadn't eaten anyone for two years, who could guarantee she wouldn't bite someone in the future? Even with a letter of assurance from the former Hashira, Sakonji Urokodaki, what did that prove? If she were to harm someone later, it would be too late for regrets.
So they decided on one thing—to test Nezuko's self-control on the spot. The one with rare blood, Sanemi, would serve as the bait to tempt her. The trial lasted for several long minutes... yet even when Nezuko was drooling with hunger, she never took a single step forward. This scene left everyone deeply shocked.
Indeed... facts speak louder than words. Under everyone's watchful eyes, Nezuko passed this harsh test, and the group reluctantly accepted the young man who fought demons alongside his demon sister.
Throughout the process, Tanjiro wasn't overly fearful... because the Shogun had already warned him in advance, mentally preparing him for this.
"Since everyone has witnessed the outcome, let us conclude Tanjiro's matter here. He is still injured," Ubuyashiki said.
"Shinobu, take them to your Butterfly Mansion for treatment afterward."
He turned toward Shinobu as he spoke.
"As you command, Master."
Clap! Clap!
Shinobu responded promptly, lightly clapping her hands.
Whoosh!
"Pardon us!" ×2
"Waaah~!"
Two black-clad Kakushi suddenly rushed in front of everyone. They bowed politely, then swiftly hoisted Tanjiro and Nezuko onto their backs and sped away like lightning, vanishing from the courtyard in an instant, leaving only Tanjiro's distant, pitiful scream echoing through the air.
"..." ×N
The others didn't even react. They were long used to such sights, not even bothering to look.
"...Butterfly Mansion?"
The Shogun turned to the girl beside her with mild confusion.
"It's my residence. I'm in charge of medical care. You'll be coming with me later too~."
Shinobu smiled gently as she explained.
"Alright then... now, let us begin the Pillar Meeting. Everyone, please come inside and take your seats."
After speaking, Ubuyashiki turned and, supported by the two white-haired girls at his sides, made his way into the inner hall.
"Yes, Master!" ×N
The Hashira responded together, stepping forward to remove their shoes at the edge of the veranda before walking barefoot across the tatami, following Ubuyashiki into the inner chamber one by one.
"...?"
The Shogun stood still for a moment, slightly dazed, not moving an inch.
"Come on~?"
Shinobu smiled indulgently at her endearing hesitation and took her hand gently, leading her forward.
"What is this about?" the Shogun asked.
"A meeting~. The Hashira hold one every half-year—it's kind of like an... well, an annual summary, you could say~."
Shinobu explained softly.
Annual summary?
"Actually... it's just to see who's been killed in the past six months and whether we need replacements."
She leaned closer and whispered secretly into the Shogun's ear.
"...I see."
The Shogun nodded in understanding—it was basically a roll call.
She followed the girl beside her, removing her shoes. Her stocking-clad feet stepped lightly onto the tatami mats, and still holding Shinobu's hand, she let herself be led into the inner hall ahead.
Rustle...
After passing through the long corridor, Shinobu took the initiative to pull open the folding screen before her and stepped into the inner room first.
"...?"
The Shogun quietly followed her inside.
Unlike the bright corridor before, what came into view was a dimly lit room completely devoid of sunlight. The tatami mats were pale, and no furniture was arranged upon them—only patterned folding screens surrounding the space. On either side stood two paper lamps, glowing warmly yet faintly yellow, their light illuminating only the center area of the room. The corners of the walls remained cloaked in shadow.
At the very center, bathed in the lamps' gentle glow, knelt Kagaya Ubuyashiki. The two white-haired twins knelt calmly at his sides in identical postures.
Across from them sat the assembled Hashira, who knelt in proper rows upon the tatami, seemingly waiting for Ubuyashiki to speak.
Tap, tap...
Shinobu quietly stepped to the left of center in the second row, then turned and gestured lightly with her hand.
"..."
Seeing this, the Shogun followed her lead, gracefully smoothing her kimono before kneeling beside her. She now sat to Shinobu's left—so close that their shoulders almost brushed. Directly in front of her sat Sanemi Shinazugawa's back.
Their footsteps were so light that no sound disrupted the solemn air of the room; thus, no one turned to look.
—So this is what she meant by the Pillar Meeting... quite formal, and the atmosphere is well crafted, she thought to herself, her violet gaze sweeping slowly around the room and toward Ubuyashiki at the front.
"...Everyone is here? Good. Let us begin the meeting."
Once the Shogun and Shinobu were seated, Ubuyashiki's empty eyes drifted across the assembled pillars. He gave a slight nod of satisfaction and began.
"As mentioned in your reports... in recent days, the damage inflicted upon civilians by demons has been increasing faster than ever before."
Though his eyes could not see, it felt as though he perceived each of their presences clearly, his gaze slowly shifting in direction. In the quiet room, his voice alone carried through the air.
"In other words, humanity's safety has reached an unprecedented level of threat."
At this, he paused, turning his sightless gaze toward the Shogun.
"And that is one of the reasons I have chosen to promote a new member—to invite Miss Raiden to become our newest Hashira."
The Shogun, who had been quietly lowering her gaze to the tatami, subconsciously looked up when she heard her name. She found him looking her way as well. Truthfully, she had just been slightly distracted.
"I believe we must expand the number of Demon Slayers. What do you all think?"
Ubuyashiki's calm question drifted across the room.
"Will there be others besides Raiden?" Sanemi asked in his usual blunt tone.
"No... for the position of Hashira, Miss Raiden alone is sufficient. This result satisfies me greatly. I doubt anyone else could better embody the role of Thunder Hashira. Thus, with her, our ten pillars are once again complete."
As he continued, his expression softened.
"As for new recruits... I plan to increase the number of lower-ranked members."
He turned his gaze toward Sanemi again, clearly seeking his assessment.
"..."
Sanemi fell silent for a brief moment, his beast-like eyes unexpectedly filled with thought rather than fury.
"The recent incident at Mount Natagumo made this very clear," he finally said. "The quality of new recruits has fallen to an unimaginable level—they're almost useless in real combat."
His tone was calm and analytical.
The Shogun's gaze lingered on his back.
—This man, who had seemed nothing but hotheaded before, could also show composure when it mattered. Perhaps he wasn't one-dimensional after all.
"First of all, the cultivators lack discernment. It's easy enough to tell whether someone has potential or not," he said, his voice laced with faint sarcasm, as if mocking someone indirectly.
"I think that boy's quite something... has personality, and he's got a demon with him," the Sound Hashira, Uzui, remarked teasingly.
"Heh... who knows," Sanemi sneered dismissively.
"Except for those who joined the Corps out of vengeance or those born into long-standing families of demon slayers, it's difficult to expect the same resolve and spirit from ordinary recruits," said the Stone Hashira, Gyomei, calmly countering.
"Hmm... well said. Shinobu, what do you think?"
Ubuyashiki nodded, then turned his gaze toward the silent girl opposite him. Her opinion was the one he most wished to hear.
"Setting aside Himejima-san's concerns, I think merely increasing our numbers would also be difficult. The larger our forces become, the harder it will be to manage them uniformly in the future," Shinobu began softly.
"—Moreover, this era has changed greatly. If we continue to fight demons with outdated methods, we may only suffer further losses."
As she spoke, she glanced briefly at the Shogun beside her. The violet-haired beauty seemed momentarily lost in thought, her eyes lowered to the tatami in quiet daze.
Pat...
Shinobu gently placed her hand atop the Shogun's, softly stroking the back of her hand.
"?"
The Shogun blinked and looked over, her eyes filled with adorable confusion.
"Pfft..."
Shinobu couldn't help but laugh at her expression... only to receive a faintly annoyed, narrowed-eyed look in response.
"Very good... Shinobu has said exactly what I wanted to express. From now on, I intend for the Hashira to take on more of the lower-ranked swordsmen's duties—including investigation and demon extermination."
Ubuyashiki nodded, assigning the coming half-year's responsibilities.
No one voiced any objection. In fact, this was how the Hashira had operated since the Corps' founding—steadfast and practical. The more demons slain, the better.
"Kyojuro, do you have anything to add?"
Ubuyashiki turned to the Flame Hashira.
"I think both Raiden and that boy are extraordinary! To have just joined the Corps and already encountered a member of the Twelve Kizuki—how remarkable! You two must be demon magnets! Even we rarely encounter the Twelve Kizuki—it's enough to make one envious!"
Rengoku looked toward the Shogun on his left, teasing with his usual booming cheer.
"Twelve Kizuki? When did I encounter one?" she asked, genuinely puzzled, glancing at Shinobu.
"Mm—back on Mount Natagumo. The two you killed were subordinates of a Lower Rank," Shinobu answered somewhat awkwardly.
"And that Lower Rank himself was—"
"I killed him," Giyu Tomioka interjected quietly.
"..." ×2
Both Shinobu and the Shogun turned to look at him.
"...An Upper Rank?" the Shogun asked.
"Lower Rank Five," Giyu replied calmly.
"If it were an Upper Five, Tomioka-san wouldn't have handled it so easily," Shinobu added with a patient smile.
"That's right. For a Lower Rank Five to cause such a commotion only proves that Muzan Kibutsuji wasn't anywhere near Mount Natagumo," Ubuyashiki continued.
"Even now, demons live leisurely—devouring humans, growing stronger, continuing their existence. For the sake of those innocent lives lost, there is only one thing we must do—"
"—Now, the nine Hashira here, plus our newly appointed one, make ten. In my eyes, you are the most elite, youthful generation since the swordsmen of the Sengoku era who first wielded the original Breathing Styles."
A confident smile appeared on Ubuyashiki's face.
"My beloved children of the sword, I look forward to your continued valor."
As though closing the meeting, his voice carried heartfelt encouragement.
At that moment, Shinobu unconsciously tightened her fingers around the Shogun's hand.
"?"
Sensing the motion, the Shogun turned her head quietly toward her. Then, without a word, she placed her other hand gently atop Shinobu's.
"!"
Shinobu felt the warmth of her touch and looked up. Their eyes met briefly before Shinobu smiled softly, understanding her intention.
"Phew..."
Seeing Shinobu's gentle smile, the Shogun also relaxed slightly. Whether it was nervousness or quiet concern, she wasn't sure—but kindness like this could never be wrong.