Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Blood Hashira

Chapter 4: The Meeting

The others gathered around and sat formally facing each other. Yuri was sitting across from Gyomei at the end of the row. To her right facing left was Muichiro and to her left facing right was Mitsuri. They were close to her to make sure she was comfortable.

The others looked at her a bit suspiciously because they weren't expecting someone else in the meeting. So far, everyone but Sanemi was accounted for. Shinobu was the first to speak to Muichiro. "I assume this meeting has something to do with the stranger sitting before us."

Gyomei rubbed his beads together. "Her scent is different. No one here has her smell. Shall we begin the meeting?" Obanai looked at the door. "Shinazugawa isn't here yet." Yuri looks at Obanai once he mentioned that last name. She's sworn she's heard that name before and not from Kyojuro's stories he would share with her everyday.

—

"Shinazugawa? That's an interesting family name. Not as interesting as Machida." A young 8 year old Yuri with cute low buns in her hair was speaking to a young 11 year old Sanemi. He smirks at her while they both were near a creek looking for bugs. Both of them have muddy feet.

"When we get married, you can have my last name since you like it so much." Yuri tilts her head at him. "Who's to say you're going to marry me and not Akiko. She likes you too." Yuri was a little jealous of Akiko. Sanemi laughs. "Akiko doesn't like bugs like you, she's too soft. It's annoying." He gasped. "I found one!" Yuri is now excited and rushes over to where he is so they both can identify the beetle together.

—

Suddenly, Sanemi walks in. Still annoyed as ever. He comes and takes his place beside Obanai. His eyes locked on Yuri. He was shocked to see her; but tried to hide it. Before he could think too much about it, Gyomei began to speak. "We have a new member with us. She had already met with Mr. Tokito and Miss Kanroji. Before we begin introducing ourselves to you, tell us who you are."

Yuri looked up. Trying to hide her fear. She gave a gentle smile before their eyes locked on her. "My name is Yuri Machida. I am the Blood Hashira. I had been living in the secondary Swordsmith village for the last few years. I have helped keep the Swordsmith safe and until now, I have received a letter from the Master to come and help you all with your training."

Gyomei was impressed with her words. "I am surprised the Master has not once spoken about you to any of us. Do you have any reason as to why?"

Yuri nodded and took a small breath. "What made me the Blood Hashira is not just due to my skills in combat and breathing form; but also the fact I am born half human-half demon."

Everyone was surprised. Muichiro now understood why Ginko kept calling her a Demon. "I see." Gyomei rubbed his beads together. "The Master entrusted you with the swordsmith village for some time. Surely that means we too can trust you here."

Yuri nods. "I will do what I can to help. Just let me know." She reassures them. Gyomei nods. "Well, to start with introductions, I am Gyomei Himejima; Stone Hashira."

Yuri smiles at him. "Pleasure to meet you." Shinobu then spoke. "I am Shinobu Kocho; Insect Hashira. I look forward to working with you." Soon everyone else followed; Giyu Tomioka; Water Hashira, Obanai Iguro; Serpent Hashira. Sanemi was next to introduce himself.

They all turned to him. He kept his eyes to the floor. Gyomei spoke up once Sanemi wasn't speaking. "Mr. Shinazugawa. Your turn to introduce yourself." Sanemi glares at Yuri. He stands up, feeling angry. "This is a waste of time."

Mitsuri speaks up. "Mr. Shinazugawa?" Obanai also spoke up. "This meeting is not yet over. Sit." Sanemi stopped and turned to look at Yuri. She felt his gaze piercing her soul. She now remembers him. Her body turned cold from his gaze. She felt his anger.