8 OUT OF 9

CHAPTER 1 - KAZUYUKI SASASKI

[ THE HASHIRA ESTATES. ]

We all have some sort of story. Well, that's what they make you believe. Have a tragic backstory and maybe you can make it somewhere.

That's probably why I wasn't accepted as a hashira.

I had the skill to be one. I had the dedication. But Master Tsuki had never looked so disappointed when she glanced at me. I didn't beg to stay, even if I badly wanted to. True hashira never begged for what they wanted. They simply made it happen.

But I couldn't make it happen. I couldn't kill her and the rest of the hashira so I could be number one. It wouldn't make a difference anyways, I'd just be thrown out to be devoured by the demons.

So now, as I'm standing in front of the eight hashira, I'm shocked.

"Eleven hashira will not be covered by eight." Tsuki announced, her head held high. "So you will be the peace hashira, Kazuyuki."

The way she coldly says my name makes me flinch. I nod. "Thank you, Master Tsuki."

I am still bowing before her and the other hashira. The uncomfortable silence that stood between them made me want to pick up my sword and run. Fortunately, I didn't. I could feel their gazes on me has I knelt.

"Get up!" hissed one of the hashira.

Just by her voice, I could tell who it was. Satomi.

Satomi Fukumoto; the song hashira. People say she's related to Tengen Uzui; the sound hashira from decades ago. Their hair and breathing style are very similar. She has a similar attitude as well, but only meaner. She crossed her arms.

"You look pathetic kneeling like that. Your moment has been over. Get up." she rolled her eyes with annoyance.

I swallow a growl and stand up as she says. I hope my face isn't showing my true emotions. It wouldn't look good at all to be so angry on my first day of being a true hashira.

"You should be on a mission by the day after tomorrow. There have been many areas in need of our help, but he haven't gotten to some of them due to our shortage of hashira." Master Tsuki noted. "As of right now, all of you are dismissed. Kazuyuki, a Kakushi will come to escort you to the estate. You'll stay there for the night."

That's weird. Most estates would have a name. Perhaps they haven't settled who owns it yet. I noticed. "Ah— yes, Master Tsuki."

As the eight other hashira left, a boy ran towards him. His face was covered by his uniform and his light blue eyes stood out from his black and white clothing. He wasn't tall, but he wasn't short. He was skinny, too, and for a moment I caught myself thinking: He's too skinny to be a Kakushi. Don't they have to haul people around or something?

"Lord...!" the Kakushi gave him a quick bow, expecting his name.

"Kazuyuki." I murmured. This is gonna take a while to get used to.

"Lord Kazuyuki. I will be you Kakushi for tonight! I will escort you to the estate at onc—"

"First I want to know your name." I interrupt. I know it was rude, but I couldn't help myself.

"Yuuto Kanei." Yuuto quickly answered. I wondered if he was afraid responding too slow would get him beheaded.

I nod slowly, opening my mouth to answer. Yuuto blinks, awaiting my answer, but I decide to shut my mouth. He nodded back as if he understood and turned to show me to the estate. I make sure to keep up with him. It would not be a pretty sight for me to get caught with another hashira. I couldn't be too sure that they wouldn't want to beat me into the ground the moment they saw me. I can't blame them. I can't remember a single thing about my past. I know they all have tragic backstories, but I don't know what happened to me. I can't remember. I'd be upset too if a random guy walked in for the second time and got accepted as a hashira if I went through something unforgettable.