𝘙𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 || 𝙸.𝙾

Chapter 9

~Meeting tanjiro~

A few days later, you were summoned by Ubuyashiki to attend a Hashira meeting. 

You blinked in surprise as the messenger explained the urgency. A Hashira meeting was rare enough, but for you, a non-Hashira to be summoned? It left you unsettled. You dressed quickly and made your way to the designated location, your heart racing with both anxiety and curiosity. 

When you arrived, you froze at the sight of Sanemi angrily picking up a wooden box and stabbing it. He was ranting about some demon. That’s when you remembered what Aoi had mentioned earlier about a new Demon Slayer, Kamado Tanjiro, who had been carrying a demon with him. 

Your gaze darted around the clearing until it landed on a boy tied up and held down by a Kakushi. That must be Tanjiro. Before you could process it further, Tanjiro managed to break free, charging straight toward Sanemi. 

“HEY, KID, DON’T!” you yelled, but it was too late. 

With incredible speed, Tanjiro headbutted Sanemi so hard that the Wind Hashira dropped the box and staggered. The clearing went silent as everyone stared in shock, jaws slack. This kid… he had some serious strength. Even you had to admit you were impressed. 

“Gah, you little brat!” Sanemi growled, shaking his head to clear the daze. 

Before things could escalate further, Ubuyashiki arrived, and his calm yet commanding presence immediately silenced the chaos. The Hashira quickly assembled in a semi-circle, their fiery emotions cooling as they respectfully listened to the Master’s soft voice. 

You tried to focus on Ubuyashiki’s words, but you couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. Glancing to your side, your eyes met Obanai’s. When had he even climbed down from the tree he’d been perched in earlier? His mismatched eyes locked onto yours for a moment before you turned away, focusing back on Ubuyashiki. 

The Master’s words startled you. He explained that Nezuko had not harmed a single human in two years and ordered the Hashira to allow Tanjiro to keep her. You frowned, your instincts battling with reason. Could a demon truly coexist with humans without harming them? It sounded impossible. 

“I refuse!” Sanemi shouted, his frustration boiling over. He grabbed the box, cut his arm, and let his blood drip onto the wood. 

“COME ON, DEMON. HAVE SOME BLOOD!” Sanemi taunted loudly, glaring at the box. 

You sighed internally. Gosh, you liked Sanemi, but sometimes he took things too far. 

“LET HER GO!” Tanjiro yelled, his voice cracking as he struggled against the Kakushi holding him. 

“Even demons aren’t this stupid. It obviously won’t come out in the sunlight,” Obanai said coldly, his tone almost bored. 

Sanemi nodded at Obanai’s remark and carried the box inside, ignoring Tanjiro’s desperate cries. 

“HEY, STOP! LEAVE NEZUKO!” Tanjiro screamed, struggling with everything he had. 

You winced, your hands clenching into fists at your sides. Poor kid. As much as you wanted to step in, you hesitated. Obanai’s sharp gaze flicked toward Tanjiro as he moved to pin him down. 

“NEZUKO PLEASE DON'T!” Tanjiro cried again, writhing under Obanai’s firm hold. 

That was the last straw for you. “Iguro-san, please,” you said, stepping forward and gripping his wrist gently. 

His head snapped toward you, his expression hard. “Know your place, brat,” he snapped, but you didn’t let go. 

“Please,” you repeated, your tone soft but firm, meeting his glare without flinching. 

The other Hashira stared at the scene, stunned by your boldness. Even Obanai seemed momentarily taken aback. Finally, he relented with an irritated huff and released Tanjiro. 

You stepped back, feeling the weight of the tension ease slightly. Tanjiro sent you a grateful look before running to where his sister was, but you avoided his gaze, unsure of whether you’d done the right thing. 

---

When the ordeal ended, Ubuyashiki ordered the Kakushi to take Tanjiro and Nezuko away, asking the Hashira to remain behind. His calm voice soon turned toward you. 

“L/N Y/N, please step forward.” 

Your heart pounded as you obeyed, your nerves threatening to overwhelm you. 

“You’ve performed admirably in your recent missions and have even succeeded in slaying a Lower Moon,” Ubuyashiki said, his soft smile filling you with warmth. “You are deserving of becoming a Hashira. Will you accept this position?” 

You bowed deeply, your voice steady despite your trembling hands. “Yes, Master Ubuyashiki. I accept. Thank you for this honor.” 

“Everyone,” Ubuyashiki announced, “we have a new Hashira as of today.” 

The other Hashira offered polite congratulations, though their reactions varied. Rengoku was the first to step forward, his bright smile contagious as he clapped a hand on your shoulder. 

“Splendid! A well-deserved promotion!” he beamed. 

Shinobu gave you a kind nod, and Mitsuri hugged you enthusiastically, nearly knocking you over with her excitement. “I’m so happy for you!” she squealed. 

Muichiro appeared lost in thought, staring off into the sky, while Tengen muttered something about “another one to keep up the flashiness.” Giyu mouthed a congratulations before leaving the meeting.

Sanemi approached you with a smirk, ruffling your hair. “See? I told you you’d make it in no time. Obanai, your tsuguko did well. Aren’t you going to congratulate her?” 

Obanai, who had been silent the entire time, turned his unreadable gaze toward you. “Good job,” he said bluntly before walking away without another word. 

You blinked, momentarily stunned by his abruptness compared to his gentle tone the other day.

Sanemi snorted, crossing his arms. “Still an ass,” he muttered under his breath, shaking his head. 

You couldn’t help but laugh softly, a mixture of relief and pride swelling in your chest. You had finally achieved the title of Hashira, but as you watched Obanai’s retreating figure, you realized that some things remained as complicated as ever.