The Legend of the Sun Pillar

Chapter 08 - 2nd Season

Upon arriving at Ubuyashiki Mansion, a trial was held to determine the fate of the former Upper Moon Kokushibo, now known as Michikatsu, and his disciple, Yunna. Although Michikatsu was guilty of numerous crimes against humanity, his life was spared through a small agreement brokered by Tanjiro Kamado, the Pillar of the Sun.

The agreement fostered unprecedented cooperation within the organization — even with Nezuko, whose life had been spared and who was sworn to protection by each of the hashiras and hunters. Kokushibo, or Michikatsu as he was now called after the trial, became a powerful warrior, a vassal under Tanjiro's wings. His previous task of seeking and finding the Blue Spider Lily was replaced with caring for all the newly transformed, training them to become a special division of the organization. In the minds of the hashiras, the agreement would last until Tanjiro's passing or until the war comes to an end, at which point Michikatsu would be executed, his end honored as a redeemed samurai.

Everyone was content with the outcome of the meeting. However, no one could have foreseen the twists of fate awaiting Tanjiro. As for Yunna, she established herself as Michikatsu's disciple, entrusted to the 'Kamaboko Squad', renowned as the most powerful squad in the organization due to its diverse hunters, breathing techniques, and battle tactics.

— ... - Tanjiro meditated on the deck of his mansion during the early hours of the morning when he suddenly sensed Michikatsu's presence nearby. — Show yourself.

Obeying the command, Michikatsu materialized before Tanjiro in the blink of an eye, carrying a sealed scroll bearing the imperial seal.

— Tanjiro, a kakushi asked me to deliver this to you. It's a letter from the Emperor, presumably regarding your meeting with Terauchi. - As Michikatsu explained the contents of the letter, he handed it to Tanjiro and sat on his haunches, facing the Sun Pillar. — ...

Silently waiting, Michikatsu observed Tanjiro as he opened the letter, maintaining a serious expression throughout. Noticing increasing similarities between Tanjiro and his brother Yoriichi, Michikatsu felt as if he were beginning to live the life he should have shared with his brother, had he let go of his envy and stood by Yoriichi's side throughout their lives.

A sense of peace permeated the air on that evening.

— So, what did the emperor say? - Michikatsu asked curiously.

— The emperor requested an audience with me and Master Kagaya to discuss the future of the Demon Slayer Corps. We were allowed to bring some guards with us, as long as the number does not exceed two per traveler. - Tanjiro explained the actual content of the letter, stood up, and whistled to summon his Kasugai crow. — In our case, it would be two guards for me and two for the master. Either way, we should prepare to leave right away.

— Understood. And who will you take as guards? - Michikatsu, already on his feet with arms crossed, began walking alongside Tanjiro, who was heading toward the Ubuyashiki mansion.

— I will take you and Kanae. As for the master, we'll let him decide. - Tanjiro replied to Michikatsu's question, instructing his crow to call for Kanae, then continued walking toward the Ubuyashiki mansion.

Upon arriving there, Tanjiro was greeted by one of Kagaya's daughters, who happened to be awake due to his illness preventing him from sleeping well. Given permission to enter the house, Tanjiro sat next to Kagaya's futon while Michikatsu stood guard at the door.

— Master, I apologize for the sudden visit, but something has happened.

As he bowed in greeting, Tanjiro also handed the same letter sent by the Emperor to one of Kagaya's daughters. She quickly read the contents and directed a concerned look at Tanjiro before beginning to read aloud so that her father wouldn't have to get up.

Sitting on his calves as the letter was read, Tanjiro could only think about how they would deal with the entire situation. ...A few moments later, Kagaya had already made his decision and summoned the hashiras who would accompany him to the Imperial Palace at the Ubuyashiki mansion.