When the stars align for us

Chapter 1

'CAW!'
'CAW!'
Shinobu Kocho abruptly woke up from her slumber, to find her crow perched on the window sill. Groaning inwardly, she smiled at the crow.
'Yes?'
'OYAKATA-SAMA HAS REQUESTED A HASHIRA MEETING AT 11AM.'
'Again?' she replied, worn out, though she kept her usual smile.
Shinobu quickly got out of bed to prepare, picking up her weapon as she went. About five minutes later, she was already dressed and heading towards the Ubuyashiki Mansion.
As she was heading inside, a blurry figure ran towards her to embrace her tightly. Despite her feeling of fatigue, she could distinguish the light pink braids of Mitsuri Kanroji.
As her friend squealed, it was getting more and more difficult for Shinobu to keep her composure. Not only could she barely breathe, but she was also stuck in an uncomfortable position. Once the Love Pillar released her grip on Shinobu, the latter sighed inwardly, though she was careful not to make her annoyance obvious. Even though she was quite displeased with her friend's antics, she was indeed happy to see her. Looking around, the Insect Pillar noticed that everyone else had already arrived.
'Where have you been?' Mitsuri asked seriously, though in a playful tone.
'I was-'
'Oyakata-sama has arrived! Oyakata-sama has arrived!'
Both women rushed to the spot in front of their leader and kneeled with the rest of the Hashiras.
'Good morning, my children!' He said softly, after being escorted to his usual position by his biological children.
'Good morning, Oyakata-sama,' Rengoku began, 'we wish for your good health and happiness.'
'Thank you, Kyojuro. Now, as you all know, this meeting wasn't planned; though fear not! There is no danger,' he declared, 'for now, at least,' he mumbled to himself.
'Actually, the reason I called you here is quite simple: we're going to welcome in a new Hashira!'
'Permission to speak, Oyakata-sama?' Sanemi spoke.
'Of course, Sanemi,'
'I haven't heard of any of the Twelve Kizuki having been killed recently. Now, according to the rules, this person may become a Hashira, if they have killed the necessarry amount of demons, but as we have discussed, the lower ranks of the Corps have become useless. What's this slayer going to do for the Corps in the case that they aren't capable of getting rid of any Upper Moons?'
'I assure you that she's quite capable, Sanemi,' Oyakata said patiently.
'This here,' he gestured behind him, ' is Ayaka Sasaki, the new Light Hashira. Yes, she has created her own breathing,'
As he introduced her, Ayaka walked forward. She was a thin-looking teenage girl with long messy white hair, a pale face and light green eyes. She was wearing the Demon Slayer uniform, along with black boots and her katana inside its sheath. On one hand, she looked nervous. On the other hand, she seemed confident with her own abilities and she was staring at everyone in turn, as though she was trying to decide who would be her friend and who wouldn't.
'Why don't you introduce yourself?' Oyakata whispered to her.
'Oh, um...hello,' she began, her voice shaking. Gulping, she regained her confidence and opened her mouth to speak again.
'My name is Ayaka Sasaki and I have recently qualified for the highest rank in the Demon Slayer Corps,'
'Excuse me, but,' Tengen Uzui began, 'how old are you? I mean, you look pretty young,'
'Never ask a woman her age!' Mitsuri said in a melodic voice.
'It's fine, but thank you anyway,' Ayaka politely said to Mitsuri, who in turn smiled.
'I'm fifteen,' Ayaka responded to Tengen.
'Flamboyant,' he commented, 'guess that means Tokito here is still the youngest,'
Ayaka's gaze shifted to the boy, who literally had his head in the clouds.
Their interactions with her had so far been awkward, though Shinobu was glad she answered their questions, unlike some people. Oyakata then left them to talk and they all introduced themselves to Ayaka, except Giyu Tomioka. Slightly annoyed, though with her fake smile plastered on, she walked over to Giyu, with her hands on her hips.
'Tomioka,' she waited until she had captured his attention, 'why aren't you talking to the new girl? It's rude!'
Giyu seemed just as annoyed as she was, though he took the time to reply,
'I don't know what to say. And she's probably happy I'm not talking to her,'
'Just tell her your name and shake her hand, for God's sake!'
'Fine,' he said in a monotone.
He silently walked over to the girl, who turned to look at him.
'Hello,' he said awkwardly, 'My name is Giyu Tomioka,' he continued, sticking his hand out.
She accepted his hand to shake it.
'And you are?' he asked her. Tengen started laughing hysterically, which evoked similar reactions from some of their peers. Shinobu was blushing as though she felt the embarrassment herself. Having just realized what he had said, he suddenly lowered his voice to say: 'Sorry, I'm bad at this,' Ayaka understood completely, considering that she used to be the same way, if not worse. She nodded at him. Relieved, he made his way to the exit, as Shinobu followed him, looking like she wanted to discuss something with him.