Sanemi Shinazugawa slumped in his chair, charred and petrified.
His reputation as the Wind Pillar, the pride of the Demon Slayer Corps, was shattered.
The entire headquarters had witnessed his humiliating defeat.
His legacy?
Ruined in a single moment!
Normally, during a Pillar meeting, regular Corps members wouldn't dare intrude.
But the terrifying lightning display had drawn them, worried for Oyakata's safety, only to catch Sanemi in his sorry state.
Oh, Wind Pillar, mighty Sanemi—your fame, scattered to the winds!
Poetic justice!
Glaring at Horitake, Sanemi clung to his defiance.
"Damn you, Horitake… I won't let you off easy!"
"Sure, sure," Horitake replied, smirking. "But first, catch your breath, alright?"
"You… you… you… I… I…"
"Enough with the stuttering. The meeting's moving on. Sit tight."
Horitake's words shut down Sanemi's bravado.
Oyakata, chuckling softly, surveyed the gathered Corps members, his voice gentle.
"No need for concern, everyone. That was just our new Heavenly Pillar, Horitake, sparring with Wind Pillar Sanemi. Nothing serious. Please return to your duties—we're continuing the Pillar meeting."
Sanemi felt a knife twist in his chest, spitting out a metaphorical mouthful of blood.
Master, why explain it to them!? My reputation! Don't you love me anymore?
The onlookers exchanged glances, then dispersed as Oyakata instructed, whispering in small groups.
No doubt they were gossiping about the "sparring" and Sanemi's pathetic state.
No need to guess—within hours, the entire headquarters would know.
Soon, the whole Corps would hear.
Never underestimate the power of gossip.
The Pillar meeting resumed.
Oyakata, composed, addressed the group.
"So, any objections to Horitake's promotion to Heavenly Pillar?"
"None at all!" the Pillars chorused, nodding vigorously.
Oyakata nodded, satisfied.
"Good. Next, we need to assign Horitake's duties.
Each Pillar guards a region, slaying demons and protecting the people.
Where should we station Horitake?"
The Pillars fell into thought.
Good steel belongs on the blade's edge.
As the Corps' strongest, Horitake should be placed in a critical or demon-infested region.
Horitake raised his hand.
"Master, I have something to say."
"Speak, Horitake."
"I don't want to be stationed in one region."
The Pillars' attention snapped to him, waiting for his reasoning.
Horitake explained calmly, thoroughly.
"You may not know, but my Heavenly Thunder Breathing is unique.
Its lightning inflicts devastating damage on demons, preventing their regeneration."
"What!?"
"No way!"
"That's incredible!"
"It stops demons from healing!?"
"Like sunlight against demons?"
The Pillars, hearing this for the first time, erupted in shock.
Horitake pressed on.
"It's true. I suspect Muzan Kibutsuji already knows how my Heavenly Thunder Breathing counters demons.
I killed Yushiro, Upper Moon Five—one of Muzan's prized demons.
Muzan must be furious, likely peering into Yushiro's memories before his death.
He knows my breathing's power.
I'm probably a thorn in his side now, one he'd love to eliminate.
He might be mobilizing hordes of demons to hunt me down as we speak.
If I'm stationed in one region, Muzan will find me.
He could send powerful demons—or a swarm—or even come himself.
I'm confident, but I know I'm no match for Muzan yet.
Worse, a large-scale battle would endanger innocents.
So, I shouldn't be tied to one area."
His logic was sound, and the Pillars nodded in agreement.
Oyakata nodded too.
"You're right. Stationing you in one place would make you a target for Muzan."
Tengen Uzui, arms crossed, mused.
"But if not stationed, how does Horitake maximize his strength?
It'd be a waste not to let such a flashy warrior slay demons to his fullest."
Horitake grinned.
"A fine blade shouldn't stay sheathed. It needs to draw blood.
My suggestion? Let me roam, like before, slaying demons wherever I go.
As Heavenly Pillar, I can be your backup.
If any of you face trouble, I'll rush to your aid.
You might not know, but my Heavenly Thunder Breathing boosts my speed immensely.
I'm highly mobile, able to travel far and fast to provide support."
The Pillars' eyes lit up.
It was a brilliant plan.
If he couldn't be pinned to one spot, let him be a roving Pillar.
With his speed, Muzan couldn't track him, and Horitake could reinforce any trouble spot swiftly.
Kyojuro Rengoku, brimming with enthusiasm, shouted, "Yoshi! Great idea! Master, I say we go with Horitake's plan!"
The other Pillars agreed.
Oyakata nodded approvingly.
"Very well. Horitake won't be assigned a fixed region.
He'll roam, slaying demons and supporting Pillars and swordsmen wherever needed."
Horitake bowed.
"Yes, Master!"
Oyakata turned to the Pillars, continuing the meeting.
"Next, we discuss broader matters.
Upper Moon Five's death will not go unanswered.
Muzan won't sit idly.
I fear he'll make bolder moves soon, increasing pressure on the Corps.
I need you all to stand firm, slay demons relentlessly, and give Muzan no openings.
For the coming period's specific plans and details, I'll leave it to Kiriya to brief you and assign tasks."
Oyakata stepped back, yielding the floor.
Young Kiriya took a deep breath, bolstered by his father's encouraging gaze, and stepped forward to face the Pillars.
The Pillars looked at the young heir, their thoughts swirling.
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