Demon Slayer: The Tenth Hashira with Dōjutsu

"The Hashira Meeting"

"That proves Nezuko won't attack humans," Aoki stated, relaxing along with Tanjiro.

Kagaya Ubuyashiki looked at Tanjiro, who had risen to his feet. "Even so, some may not accept Nezuko. From now on, you must prove yourselves. You and Nezuko must fight as Demon Slayers, contributing to the Corps."

A strange sensation washed over Tanjiro, causing him to fall to the ground.

Tanjiro's thoughts: What is this feeling? So light… is it the voice? It makes me feel lightheaded.

"Defeat an Upper Moon. That will earn acceptance. Your words will carry more weight, like your senior brother, Aoki. When he became a Hashira, many opposed him. But now, having slain a Lower Moon, despite being the weakest Hashira, no one dares underestimate him. He set a precedent."

Sanemi Shinazugawa's face reddened. The precedent was his defeat by Aoki, a lifelong stain.

Tanjiro stepped forward, his emotions high. "Nezuko and I will defeat Muzan Kibutsuji! We will sever the chain of sorrow!"

Kagaya Ubuyashiki deflated the moment. "You can't do that yet. Aim for defeating a single Upper Moon first."

Tanjiro's face turned crimson.

"Yes! I will try my best!"

The Hashira chuckled behind him. Aoki's expression said, "I don't know him. He's not my junior brother."

"Tanjiro, your matter is settled. You may leave," Kagaya Ubuyashiki said.

Shinobu Kocho raised her hand. "Take Tanjiro to me. He's badly injured and needs treatment. Take them away."

Two "Hidden" Demon Slayers appeared, bowing before swiftly escorting Tanjiro and Nezuko away.

After Tanjiro left, Kagaya Ubuyashiki said, "Now, let's begin the Hashira meeting—"

"Wait!"

Before he could finish, Tanjiro rushed back, pursued by the two Demon Slayers.

He addressed Sanemi Shinazugawa. "Please allow me to headbutt that scarred man. He injured Nezuko! He must be punished! A headbutt shouldn't violate the rules, right?"

Aoki approached, lifting Tanjiro. His eyes and voice were icy. "Now. Immediately. Get. Out!"

Tanjiro remembered the fear of Aoki's dominance on Mount Natagumo.

"Yes!"

He fled before the Demon Slayers could catch him, leaving a trail of dust. The Demon Slayers quickly followed.

"Alright, Master, you can continue," Aoki said, smiling.

In the dimly lit room, only two lamps cast a yellow glow. The ten Hashira, Kagaya Ubuyashiki, and his two children were present for the bi-annual Hashira meeting.

"As your reports indicate, demon-caused casualties have reached unprecedented levels. People's lives are under immense threat. We must increase the number of Demon Slayers. I want your opinions."

The Hashira and Kagaya Ubuyashiki knelt.

Sanemi Shinazugawa said, "The Natagumo Mountain battle showed the shockingly low quality of our Demon Slayers. They're almost useless. The training corps bears the most responsibility. They don't even know if they can be useful."

Tengen Uzui said, "That kid was useful, delivering a beautiful blow to Shinazugawa. He has potential."

Sanemi Shinazugawa's face darkened.

Shinobu Kocho said, "More people mean harder to manage. This era is different from before."

Gyomei Himejima said, "Those who joined after losing loved ones, and those with generations of demon-slaying bloodlines… it's cruel to expect the same resolve from others."

Rengoku Kyōjurō said, "That boy encountered an Upper Moon so soon after joining. Maybe he attracts them. We rarely encounter Upper Moons. I envy him."

Kagaya Ubuyashiki said, "However, the Lower Moons' actions indicate Muzan Kibutsuji wasn't near Natagumo Mountain or Asakusa. He creates disturbances to conceal things, cleverly diverting our attention. It's frustrating."

"But demons devour humans, accumulating power, never dying. For the fallen, we can only do one thing."

"The Hashira gathered here are the most elite since the initial Breath users of the Sengoku period. My children, I expect great things from you."

Aoki raised his hand.

"Master, regarding increasing Demon Slayer numbers, I have an idea."

"Please."

Aoki said, "I propose forming three-person squads with a strong captain. These squads would be ranked: weaker squads with Mizunoto-rank members and a Kinoe-rank captain."

"The Corps has hundreds of slayers. We can form dozens of squads. Shinazugawa mentioned management difficulties with large numbers. We can have a smaller group manage a larger group, and we manage the smaller group."

Everyone was interested.

"Squad missions could be assigned based on missing person reports. More missing people indicate a stronger demon; fewer indicate a weaker one."

"What about the Hashira?" someone asked.

Aoki continued. "Squad members and captains are assigned by rank. However, Hashira can choose three slayers as their squad members, serving as the captain."

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