At the Ubuyashiki Residence,
In just a period of one week, the second Hashira Meeting had to be called due to the unforeseen circumstances and the ongoing situation involving one member of the Demon Slayer Corps — Tanjiro Kamado, the boy Ishida had saved, and his sister, Nezuko Kamado, the demon girl.
Ishida and the other Hashiras were in attendance like the previous meeting, but unlike last time, Ishida was already an established Hashira. The second change was the presence of a new face standing among them — the boy from the forest incident, Tanjiro Kamado, who was not standing, but rather kneeling just beside Ishida, as a Kakushi stood behind him.
His injuries were mostly bandaged or were mostly gone due to the healing potion Ishida gave to him after the clash with Shinobu ended at the forest.
The small wooden box , that Tanjiro uses to carry his demon sister was placed at the front of the house, as Nezuko was inside the box at the moment, and it was kept at the shade of the house too.
The air around the Ubuyashiki Residence was dense — not with sound, but with unspoken tension, like a storm bracing just behind the clouds.
"I still can't believe we're wasting another meeting over this. A demon being kept like a pet — and now protected by him?"
Everyone's eyes shifted slightly toward the voice. Sharp, contemptuous, and burning with disdain.
Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira, stood with his arms crossed tightly over his chest, white haori fluttering slightly in the breeze. His eyes bore into Tanjiro with open hostility, and then briefly flicked toward Ishida with almost a challenge in them — like daring him to speak in that demon's defense again.
Ishida didn't even flinch. He gave only a brief side glance toward Sanemi, his arms calmly folded behind him in his usual composed stance. His face betrayed no emotion — not defiance, not irritation, not even interest. His eyes were locked forward, as if focused on the coming decision… or perhaps simply waiting.
A brief silence followed Sanemi's statement.
Then came a soft, but biting voice.
Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira, spoke without moving his head much. Kaburamaru, his snake, rested lazily around his shoulders.
"If we start letting demons accompany us, what's next? Sharing meals with them? Sparring like comrades?"
His bandaged mouth twisted subtly beneath the cloth, disapproval oozing from every syllable.
Nearby, Giyu Tomioka said nothing. As always. But, he knew he could trust Ishida with this case now.
Standing further away, Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira, fidgeted with her fingers. Her voice broke the tension a little, though her words carried weight.
"B-but… if she hasn't hurt anyone, maybe she's different? I mean… it's strange, but it's also kind of amazing, isn't it?"
Sanemi scoffed loudly. "You're soft."
Then came the stillness of Muichiro Tokito, staring at the sky, lost in thought — or perhaps not caring at all. He didn't react in the slightest.
Tengen Uzui, the Sound Hashira, leaned back casually against one of the residence's beams, arms folded.
"This whole thing is flashy in the worst way. A demon girl in a box, backed by a new Hashira? Tch… if she steps out of line, I'm cutting her head off myself."
Through it all, Ishida remained silent. Like a mountain unmoved by wind or waves.
But the boy beside him could not.
Tanjiro raised his head slightly, his brows furrowed with a quiet determination. His voice was clear, respectful, but steady
"Please… I don't expect you to believe me. But Nezuko hasn't hurt anyone. She—she fights her instincts every day, every second, to protect humans. If she were like other demons, I… I'd be the first to—"
"Shut up!"
The furious bark from Sanemi cut through the space like a blade. The Wind Hashira took a step forward, his haori snapping behind him, hand on the hilt of his sword.
"You dare speak in this hall — about demons like they deserve mercy?! You kneel before the Hashiras and still run your mouth!?"
He stepped fast, arm swinging — a violent, open-handed blow aimed right for Tanjiro's face.
But it never landed.
Ishida's arm moved faster.
With precise, almost lazy ease, he caught Sanemi's wrist mid-air — the crack of the impact echoing faintly in the silent yard. His grip was unyielding.
For a moment, time paused.
Sanemi's eyes narrowed. Ishida's grip held.
And just then—
Creeeeaaak…
The twin doors of the Ubuyashiki residence slowly parted.
Two gentle figures, dressed in pure white, stepped out gracefully. It was Kiriya and Kanata Ubuyashiki, the daughters of the master.
Their voices were soft in unison.
"The Master of the Demon Slayer Corps… has arrived."
Everyone turned toward the door.
Even Sanemi lowered his arm.
Even Tanjiro held his breath.
And Ishida, still holding Sanemi's wrist, slowly released it — his eyes now turning forward once more, unreadable as ever.
As every of the Hashiras knelt down in respect, as Tanjiro was confused at first , but then Ishida gestured him to follow and he did, as
As the doors fully opened with a soft creak, a serene hush fell across the courtyard like a sacred veil.
And then — he emerged.
Master Kagaya Ubuyashiki.
He moved with the grace of a drifting cloud, his steps as light as wind through petals. Dressed in pristine white robes that shimmered gently in the sunlight, his presence was both delicate and commanding — like a dying ember that still warmed the entire room. His face, pale and marred with the slow decay of his illness, which seemed to have increased further in less than a week of the previous meeting. His face carried not sorrow, but a strange, peaceful glow.
He did not walk alone.
On either side, Kiriya and Kanata guided him, their small hands gently supporting his arms. Yet it was clear — he was not being dragged. He walked with dignity.
Kagaya's voice was gentle, almost like a breeze — calm, fragile, but carrying weight.
"Thank you… all of you, my children, for gathering again so soon. I know it hasn't been long since our last meeting. But there are matters that cannot wait."
With that, the Hashira meeting began.