The Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters stood serene in the early morning light, its traditional architecture harmonizing with the carefully maintained gardens that surrounded it.
Wisteria trees lined the pathways, their purple blooms swaying gently in the breeze—a natural barrier against the demons that plagued the night. The compound exuded an atmosphere of disciplined calm, every stone placed with purpose, every plant cultivated with care.
In the main courtyard, nine figures assembled in response to the sudden summons—the Hashira, the pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps, each a master of their respective Breathing Style.
Kyojuro Rengoku arrived first, his flame-patterned haori billowing behind him as he strode into the courtyard with his characteristic vigor. His bright yellow hair, streaked with red tips, seemed to catch fire in the morning sun. His perpetually enthusiastic expression remained fixed as he took his position, though his eyes held a glimmer of curiosity.
"A morning summons!" he declared loudly, his voice carrying across the courtyard. "Something significant must have occurred! I can feel it in my flames!"
Tengen Uzui sauntered in next, his tall, muscular frame adorned with an excessive amount of jewelry that clinked with each step. His white hair was pulled back, and his headband bore three large gems that sparkled ostentatiously. He struck a dramatic pose as he entered.
"Tch, called out this early? Better be something flashy," he muttered, though his magenta eyes showed keen interest. "Haven't had a proper mission in weeks. This god of festivals is getting restless."
Giyu Tomioka appeared like a shadow materializing from the morning mist, his dark blue haori with its distinctive red geometric pattern moving silently. His expression remained characteristically blank, his deep blue eyes revealing nothing as he took his place without a word. He simply stood, waiting with the patience of still water.
Shinobu Kocho glided in with the grace of a butterfly, her smaller stature belying the deadly skill she possessed. Her dark purple hair was styled with a butterfly ornament, and her haori displayed a gradient of pink and green with butterfly wing patterns. A gentle smile played on her lips, though her violet eyes showed sharp intelligence.
"My, my, summoning all of us at once," she said in her soft, melodious voice. "How unusual. I hope nothing terrible has happened." Despite her sweet tone, there was an edge of concern beneath the words.
Mitsuri Kanroji bounced in energetically, her long pink hair—fading to lime green at the tips—braided and swaying behind her. Her bright green eyes sparkled with curiosity, and her cheeks were perpetually flushed pink. She clasped her hands together excitedly.
"Oh! Everyone's here! I wonder what Master Kagaya wants to tell us!" Her voice carried genuine warmth and enthusiasm. "It must be important if he called all of us!"
Obanai Iguro entered silently, his mismatched eyes—one yellow, one turquoise—watching from behind the bandages that covered the lower half of his face. His black hair fell unevenly across his face, and his white snake, Kaburamaru, was wrapped around his shoulders. He positioned himself near Mitsuri, though his gaze swept the courtyard cautiously.
"A full assembly," he muttered, his muffled voice carrying a note of suspicion. "Something significant must have transpired."
Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira, was the largest among them—a mountain of a man standing nearly seven feet tall with a powerful build. His white eyes showed his blindness, tears streaming perpetually down his scarred face. Prayer beads hung from his hands, clicking softly as he moved.
"Namu Amida Butsu," he chanted softly, pressing his hands together in prayer. "I pray that whatever news we receive, we have the strength to face it with compassion and resolve."
Sanemi Shinazugawa strode in with barely contained aggression, his wild white hair matching the numerous scars that crisscrossed his muscular frame. His purple eyes blazed with their usual intensity, and the prominent scar running across his face only added to his intimidating presence.
"The hell's going on?" he demanded, his voice rough. "Master doesn't summon all of us unless something major happened. Better not be a waste of time."
Finally, Muichiro Tokito drifted in, seeming almost unaware of his surroundings. His long black hair faded to cyan at the tips, and his cyan eyes held a distant, dreamy quality. At fourteen, he was the youngest Hashira, though his expression suggested he'd already forgotten why he was there.
"Mm... why am I here again?" he murmured to himself, tilting his head. "Oh right, Master called us. I think."
The nine pillars stood in formation, their collective presence a testament to the strength of the Demon Slayer Corps. Each wore their Corps uniform beneath their distinctive haori, each bore the marks of countless battles, and each commanded a presence that made the air itself feel heavier.
"Any of you hear what this is about?" Tengen asked, his arms crossed over his broad chest. "My information network's been quiet. Nothing flashy happening lately."
"Perhaps a new mission," Shinobu suggested, her smile never wavering. "Though summoning all of us does seem excessive for that."
Giyu remained silent, his eyes fixed on the doorway where their Master would appear.
"Could be about the demons," Obanai said quietly, his hand unconsciously moving to rest on Kaburamaru. "Upper Ranks have been quiet recently. Too quiet."
Sanemi scoffed. "When aren't those bastards causing problems? Probably just another report about demon activity somewhere."
"We should not speculate," Gyomei rumbled, his deep voice carrying weight. "Master Kagaya will tell us what we need to know. We must simply have faith."
Rengoku's smile widened. "Indeed! Whatever the news, we'll face it with the full force of our flames! That's what it means to be a Hashira!"
Mitsuri nodded enthusiastically. "Rengoku-san is right! We just need to wait patiently—oh! I wonder if there's good news? That would be so wonderful!"
The conversation died as a presence made itself known. The shoji door slid open, and a hush fell over the assembled Hashira. They all immediately dropped to one knee, heads bowed in perfect synchronization—a sign of utmost respect.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki emerged, supported by his two daughters who guided him carefully. The disease that ravaged his body was visible in the curse-like marks spreading across his face, yet his presence commanded absolute reverence. His voice, when he spoke, carried a gentle quality that seemed to ease the very air around him—a voice that made even the most hardened warriors feel at peace.
"Please, everyone, raise your heads," Kagaya said softly, his clouded eyes somehow seeming to see each of them despite his blindness. "Thank you all for coming on such short notice."
The Hashira rose as one, though they remained in their respectful positions.
Sanemi's gruff voice broke the silence, though it carried uncharacteristic concern. "Master, how is your health? You seem more tired than usual."
A gentle smile crossed Kagaya's scarred features. "Your concern warms my heart, Sanemi. I am well enough for what must be discussed today." He paused, and when he spoke again, his voice carried a weight that made every Hashira straighten. "I have called you all here because something unprecedented has occurred. Last night, Upper Rank One was slain."
The reaction was instantaneous. Shock rippled through the assembled pillars like a stone dropped in still water.
"Upper Rank One?!" Rengoku's eyes widened, his perpetual smile faltering for just a moment. "The demon who has stood at Muzan's side for centuries?"
Tengen's jaw dropped, his usual flamboyance forgotten. "That's... that's not possible. Upper One has been untouchable since before any of us were born."
Shinobu's smile became strained, her eyes sharp. "Master, are you certain? The intelligence couldn't be mistaken?"
Even Giyu's stoic expression cracked, his eyes showing rare surprise.
Gyomei's hands trembled slightly, his prayer beads clicking faster. "Namu Amida Butsu... such a momentous event..."
Sanemi's scars seemed to stand out more prominently as blood drained from his face. "Which one of us did it? Who the hell managed to kill Upper One?"
Mitsuri's hands flew to her mouth, her green eyes huge. "Oh my! That's incredible! But who—"
Obanai's mismatched eyes narrowed, his mind already working through possibilities. "It would take someone of extraordinary skill. Perhaps Himejima-san? Or Tomioka?"
Muichiro simply stared, his usual distant expression replaced by genuine focus. "Upper One... dead?"
Kagaya raised his hand gently, and silence fell again. "That is the truly remarkable part, my children. It was not one of you who accomplished this feat."
The surprise was visible on every face. Sanemi's eyes widened. Rengoku's mouth opened slightly. Even Giyu's expression shifted to one of clear shock. But none of them spoke—they would never interrupt their Master, no matter how startling the revelation.
Kagaya continued, his gentle voice carrying through the courtyard. "Let me start from the beginning. Several days ago, one of our Kasugai Crows brought me extraordinary news. A young man had been discovered who possessed a medicine—a cure that could turn demons back into humans."
The impact of those words was like lightning striking. Shinobu's composure shattered completely, her smile vanishing as her eyes went wide. "A cure? That's... that's impossible! I've researched for years—"
Sanemi's voice came out strangled. "A way to turn demons human? You're saying someone actually found it?"
Kagaya nodded slowly. "Indeed. This young man, through means I do not fully understand, created a medicine that can restore a demon's humanity. The crow reported that he had already successfully treated several demons."
Mitsuri's eyes filled with tears. "That's so wonderful! All those poor people who were turned into demons against their will... they could be saved!"
"This changes everything," Obanai muttered, his hand tightening on Kaburamaru. "If demons can be turned back..."
Gyomei's tears flowed more freely. "The compassion of such an achievement... to restore what Muzan has stolen... Namu Amida Butsu..."
Tengen leaned forward, his theatrical nature forgotten. "So what happened? Where is this person now?"
Kagaya's expression grew more serious. "I invited this young man to our headquarters, along with his companions, so that we might discuss this cure and how it could aid our cause. They were traveling to us when, last night, they were attacked."
The tension ratcheted up immediately.
"By who?" Sanemi demanded. "If some demon tried to stop them from reaching us—"
"By Upper Rank One himself," Kagaya said quietly.
The silence was absolute. Every Hashira processed the implications—Upper One moving personally to either steal or destroy the cure, to eliminate the man who created it.
"The demons knew," Shinobu whispered, her scientific mind already working through the ramifications. "Muzan must have learned about the cure and sent his strongest—"
"But Master said Upper One is dead," Rengoku interrupted, his voice carrying awe. "Which means this young man..."
Kagaya nodded, his scarred face showing something that might have been pride. "Yes. The young man, despite being attacked by Upper Rank One, despite facing a demon who has slaughtered countless Hashira over four centuries... singlehandedly defeated him. Upper Rank One is no more."
The courtyard erupted into barely controlled chaos.
"Singlehandedly?!" Tengen's voice cracked. "One person killed Upper One alone? That's beyond flashy—that's godly!"
Sanemi's face twisted between disbelief and rage. "That's impossible! Upper One would require at least three Hashira working together, and even then—"
"The strength required..." Gyomei's voice trembled. "To face such evil alone and prevail... what kind of warrior is this young man?"
Obanai's eyes were calculating. "Stronger than any of us. Possibly stronger than all of us."
Mitsuri looked torn between excitement and concern. "He must have been so brave! But also, to be that strong... what kind of training did he do?"
Shinobu's mind was racing. "Not just strength. To defeat Upper One requires skill, strategy, and power far beyond normal human limits. What Breathing Style does he use?"
Giyu spoke for the first time, his voice quiet but carrying. "Someone who can kill Upper One alone... could he kill Muzan?"
The question hung in the air, and every eye turned to Kagaya.
The Master's smile was gentle, but there was steel beneath it. "That is what I believe, Giyu. After centuries of fighting, after generations of my family giving their lives to this cause, after countless brave souls falling to Muzan's cruelty..." His voice grew stronger, more certain. "I finally see it. The end of Muzan Kibutsuji. This young man... he may be the key to ending the demon threat forever."
The weight of those words settled over the assembled Hashira like a physical presence. Hope—genuine, almost painful hope—flickered in eyes that had seen too much death, too much loss.
Kagaya's expression softened as he looked at each of them in turn, despite his blindness seeming to see into their very souls. "That is why I want all of you to be welcoming when he arrives. Him and his companions—two demons who have broken free of Muzan's control and work with him, and two others who travel with them. Treat them with respect. Work with them. Learn from them if they're willing to teach."
He paused, and his voice carried a note of warmth that made several Hashira's eyes water. "We are so close, my children. So close to the dream that has sustained the Demon Slayer Corps for a thousand years. Please... let us walk this final path together."
Kagaya turned slowly, his daughters moving to support him. Before he disappeared back into the building, he spoke one last time. "Take care of yourselves, all of you. The days ahead will be challenging. But I have faith in each of you."
Then he was gone, leaving the nine Hashira standing in stunned silence.
For several long moments, no one spoke. The revelations were too massive, too world-changing to process immediately.
Finally, Rengoku broke the silence, his voice carrying forced cheer that didn't quite hide his shock. "Well! This is certainly unprecedented! A cure for demons and someone strong enough to kill Upper One! What remarkable news!"
"Remarkable is an understatement," Tengen muttered, running a hand through his white hair. "This changes the entire war. If demons can be cured, if Upper Ranks can be defeated..."
Sanemi's fists clenched, his knuckles white. "I still don't believe it. Upper One, killed by one person? There has to be more to this story."
"Master would not lie to us," Gyomei said firmly, though his voice still trembled. "If he says this young man defeated Upper One alone, then it is truth. We must have faith."
Shinobu's mind was clearly elsewhere, her eyes distant. "A cure... all my research, all my attempts to create a poison that could kill demons without a Nichirin blade... and someone simply created a cure." She looked down at her hands. "I need to speak with him. I need to understand how he did it."
Mitsuri clasped her hands together, her earlier excitement tempered by solemnity. "Master looked so hopeful. I've never seen him like that before. Do you really think this person could kill Muzan?"
Obanai's voice was quiet. "If he killed Upper One alone... Muzan should be afraid."
Giyu stood silently, but his expression showed deep thought. Finally, he spoke. "We should prepare. If he's coming here, we should be ready to learn everything we can. This might be our only chance."
"Agreed," Tengen said, his usual flamboyance returning slightly. "I want to meet this guy. Anyone who can pull off something that flashy deserves my respect."
Sanemi scoffed but didn't argue. His eyes held grudging curiosity beneath the aggression.
It was Muichiro who spoke last, his dreamy voice carrying an observation that made everyone pause. "To kill a demon as strong as Upper One... he must be using a very dangerous Breathing Technique. Something far beyond what we know."
The statement hung in the air, and slowly, heads began to nodding in agreement.
"The boy speaks wisdom," Gyomei rumbled. "No conventional technique could achieve such a feat. There must be something more."
"Maybe something lost to history?" Shinobu mused. "Or perhaps something entirely new?"
Rengoku's expression grew serious. "Whatever technique he uses, it represents power we've never seen. Master is right—this changes everything."
"Dangerous or not," Obanai said quietly, "if it can kill demons like Upper One, we need to understand it."
Sanemi's jaw tightened. "Just don't expect me to bow and scrape to some kid, cure or no cure. I'll judge him by his actions."
"As should we all," Giyu agreed.
The Hashira began to disperse slowly, each lost in their own thoughts about the revelations they'd received. The morning sun climbed higher, casting long shadows across the courtyard where the pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps had just learned that their centuries-long war might finally be approaching its end.
But first, they would need to meet the man who had accomplished the impossible.
---
The inn room was modest but comfortable, its traditional design providing a peaceful atmosphere that seemed at odds with the revelations of the previous night. Sunlight filtered through the paper screens, casting soft light across the wooden floors.
Akira sat against the wall, his eyes half-closed in a state of rest that wasn't quite sleep. His red sword lay within easy reach, as always. Despite his relaxed posture, there was an awareness to him—the alertness of someone who never fully lowered their guard.
Across the room, Tanjiro and Nezuko sat huddled together, their attention completely captured by the glowing rectangle in Tanjiro's hands. The mobile phone displayed moving images—a movie that Akira had queued up for them. Both siblings watched with wide-eyed wonder, Nezuko making soft sounds of amazement while Tanjiro occasionally whispered explanations to her.
"This is incredible," Tanjiro breathed, not looking away from the screen. "Akira-san, how does this device capture these images? Is it some kind of Blood Demon Art?"
Akira's lips quirked slightly. "Something like that. Just enjoy the movie, kid."
Yushiro stood near the window, his back to the room, supposedly keeping watch. But Akira had noticed the demon's gaze constantly drifting back to him, studying him with an intensity that bordered on uncomfortable.
After several minutes of this, Akira finally opened his eyes fully and met Yushiro's stare directly. "You know, Yushiro, if you keep looking at me like that, I might get the wrong idea."
Yushiro's eyes widened. "What? I'm not—I wasn't—"
Akira's smile turned mischievous. "Has your interest shifted from Tamayo-san to me? Because I have to tell you, I'm sorry, but that's not going to happen. You're not my type."
Yushiro's face flushed bright red, and his hands clenched into fists. "You insufferable—how dare you suggest—I would never—Lady Tamayo is—"
"Yushiro." Tamayo's voice cut through his sputtering, gentle but firm. She sat in the corner of the room, her medical supplies organized neatly beside her. Her purple eyes held mild reproach as she looked at her companion. "Please calm yourself. Akira-san is clearly joking."
"But Lady Tamayo, he—"
"Is trying to get a rise out of you, and you're giving him exactly what he wants." Tamayo's expression softened. "Breathe."
Yushiro deflated slightly, though he continued glaring daggers at Akira, who looked entirely too pleased with himself.
Tamayo turned her attention to Akira, her gaze thoughtful. "Can I ask you something, Akira-san?"
Akira straightened slightly, his playful demeanor shifting to something more attentive. "Sure. Anything for you, Tamayo-san."
A low growl emerged from Yushiro's throat, but a single look from Tamayo silenced him.
The former physician was quiet for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "Last night, watching you fight Kokushibo..." She paused, her hands folding in her lap. "I felt utterly helpless. We all did. We could only stand there while you risked your life against Upper Rank One. I couldn't do anything to help, couldn't contribute in any meaningful way."
Her purple eyes met his, and there was a weight to them—centuries of experience and the pain of inadequacy. "You're strong enough to kill an Upper Moon alone. You don't need us. So why did you ask us to join you?" She gestured between herself and Yushiro. "It would be better if you just continued to the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters with Nezuko and Tanjiro. From here on, you don't need us slowing you down."
Akira was silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he sighed, a sound that seemed to carry more weight than such a simple gesture should. "So then what would you both do?"
Tamayo blinked. "What?"
"If I left you here, what would you do?" Akira's voice was calm, but there was an edge to it. "Hide in the shadows? Live in fear, moving from place to place, never staying anywhere too long? Hoping to hear news that someone else killed Muzan Kibutsuji while you survive another day in hiding?"
The words hit Tamayo like physical blows. She looked away, unable to meet his gaze.
Akira stood up, his movements fluid and unhurried. He crossed the room and crouched down next to where Tamayo sat, his height bringing him nearly eye-level with her. The proximity made her breath catch, a faint flush coloring her cheeks as she found herself looking into his eyes—eyes that held an intensity that made it impossible to look away.
"Don't you want to see him die with your own eyes?" Akira's voice was quiet, but each word landed with precision. "The man who brought so much misery upon you. The one who turned you into what you are, who took away your humanity and your choices. Don't you want to watch as his plans crumble, as his thousand-year reign ends?"
Tamayo's expression shifted, something flickering in her eyes—a combination of longing and old, deep rage that she'd buried beneath centuries of careful control.
Akira stood, stepping back to give her space. "Besides, you can't stay living in the shadows forever." He moved to lean against the wall, his arms crossed. "And what could be a better place to be safe for demons than the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters?"
The realization hit both Tamayo and Yushiro like lightning.
"The headquarters?" Yushiro's voice emerged strangled. "You want to take us to a place filled with demon slayers?"
"Think about it," Akira said, his tone matter-of-fact. "The Demon Slayer Corps exists to kill demons. But they also exist to protect people. Tamayo-san, you've broken free from Muzan's control. You've spent centuries trying to help people, to undo some of the damage he's caused." He tilted his head slightly. "Do you really think they'd hunt someone like you when I explain the situation?"
Tamayo's medical mind processed the logic. "But the risk—"
"Is minimal compared to the benefit," Akira interrupted. "Protected by the strongest demon slayers in the world. Access to resources and information about Muzan. A chance to work with others toward the same goal. And no more running, no more hiding."
Yushiro stared at him, his expression shifting through several emotions before settling on dawning comprehension. "You're taking us with you so you can get us a place to be safe. Without being hunted."
"Now you get it." Akira's smile was genuine this time, lacking the earlier teasing edge. "You two have been surviving on your own for too long. It's time to stop just surviving and start actually living."
Tamayo's hands trembled slightly in her lap. Four hundred years of hiding, of moving in shadows, of constant fear that Muzan would find her or that demon slayers would discover her true nature. And here was this strange young man, offering her something she'd almost forgotten to hope for—safety, purpose, and revenge.
"Akira-san..." Her voice wavered. "Why would you do this for us? We're demons. Most humans would—"
"You're people," Akira said simply, cutting off her protest. "You think. You feel. You choose to help others instead of hurting them. That makes you more human than most humans I've met." He shrugged. "Besides, Tamayo-san, you're a brilliant physician who's spent centuries studying demon biology. You think I'm going to pass up having someone like that as an ally?"
Yushiro looked at Tamayo, seeing the conflict and hope warring in her expression. Then he turned back to Akira, and for the first time, there was something other than hostility in his gaze. "If anything happens to Lady Tamayo at this headquarters, if any of those demon slayers try to hurt her—"
"Then I'll deal with them," Akira said flatly. "No one touches either of you. You have my word."
The confidence in his voice, the casual certainty that he could back up that promise, was somehow more reassuring than any lengthy explanation would have been.
Tamayo took a slow breath, her decision crystallizing. "Very well. We'll go with you to the headquarters." A small smile touched her lips. "And... thank you, Akira-san. For seeing us as more than just demons."
"Don't mention it." Akira slid down the wall, settling into a sitting position. "Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to get some sleep. Staying up all night fighting Upper Moons is exhausting, even for me."
He closed his eyes, his breathing evening out almost immediately. Within moments, he appeared to be genuinely asleep, though both demons suspected he could spring into action in an instant if needed.
Yushiro moved to sit beside Tamayo, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Lady Tamayo, are you certain about this? Going to the demon slayer headquarters..."
"I am," Tamayo said softly, her eyes on Akira's sleeping form. "For the first time in centuries, Yushiro, I feel like there's a real path forward. Not just survival, but actual hope of ending Muzan's reign." She smiled slightly. "And perhaps... perhaps it's time to stop hiding. To stand in the light again, even if just for a little while."
Across the room, Tanjiro and Nezuko had paused their movie, having overheard most of the conversation. Tanjiro looked at his sister, whose eyes showed understanding and approval. They'd both seen what Akira could do, had witnessed the casual way he'd dismantled a demon that had terrorized the world for four centuries.
If anyone could protect Tamayo and Yushiro at the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters, it was him.
Tanjiro resumed the movie, and soft sounds of entertainment filled the room once more. Outside, the sun climbed higher in the sky, marking the passage of time until evening would come and they could continue their journey.
The journey to meet the Hashira.
The journey toward Muzan Kibutsuji's end.
And perhaps, for two demons who had spent far too long in shadows, the journey toward something resembling peace.
. . .
Read upto 20 chapters at pa-tr-eon /opeler
Check out my pa-tr-eon, if you find it interesting do join or support me
Enjoy!