DS Chapter 93: The Ubuyashiki Couple's Doubts
The Hashira greeted Ren one after another.
Tengen was the first to step forward.
"Hey, Ren! I'm Tengen Uzui, the Sound Hashira—the flashiest man in the Demon Slayer Corps! From today on, we're colleagues. If you ever need anything, just ask. And if you want to relax, I'll have one of my wives take you to a hot spring!"
Muichiro looked at him with genuine curiosity.
"Ren... could you teach me those Breathing Styles you used earlier? They looked incredibly powerful."
Mitsuri beamed.
"Ren-san, make sure you get plenty of rest! If you're hungry, I have some sakura mochi at home. Would you like some?"
Obanai folded his arms.
"...Ren, think carefully about the path you choose from here."
Gyomei quietly pressed his palms together.
"Namu Amida Butsu."
Finally, Giyu spoke in his usual flat tone.
"...Would you like to become the Water Hashira?"
Each Hashira reacted differently.
Some welcomed him warmly.
Some remained reserved.
Others still couldn't hide the complicated emotions lingering in their hearts.
Ren smiled and answered them one by one.
"Thank you, Uzui-san. If I get the chance, I'll bring Shinobu-san and the others to visit."
"Tokito, I'd be happy to spar sometime. To be honest, I'm interested in your Mist Breathing as well."
"Thank you, Kanroji-san. Unfortunately, I'm still bleeding, so I probably shouldn't eat sakura mochi just yet."
He politely skipped over Obanai's comment.
Turning to Gyomei, he simply returned the greeting.
"Namu Amida Butsu."
Then he looked at Giyu.
"Tomioka-san, I think Murata would be more suitable as the next Water Hashira."
"After all, he's one of the few remaining swordsmen who also uses Water Breathing."
"Perhaps you should save the position for him."
Giyu nodded thoughtfully.
"...I see."
---
"Ren-sama."
Before anyone else could speak, two young girls appeared before him.
"If you'll come with us, it's time to change your clothes."
They had long white hair tied with crimson ribbons and large, round black eyes.
Though still children, they carried themselves with remarkable composure.
They were Kagaya Ubuyashiki's eldest and second daughters—
Hinaki Ubuyashiki and Nichika Ubuyashiki.
The very daughters who, in the future, would choose to remain beside their father until the very end.
The sisters gently took Ren by the hand and led him toward the estate.
Watching him leave, the remaining Hashira ended their conversation and quietly headed toward the Master's residence as well.
---
Some time later...
Led by Hinaki and Nichika, Ren arrived at the infirmary.
This room also served as the place where Kagaya usually handled the Corps' affairs.
The moment he entered, he noticed Sanemi lying on one of the beds.
He was still unconscious.
Apparently, Ren's paralytic poison had been slightly more effective than intended.
"Please have a seat, Ren-sama."
The sisters helped him sit down before carefully cleaning and bandaging his wounds.
Combined with the effects of Total Concentration: Hundred Refinements, the superficial injuries were quickly treated.
Only the strain on his brain remained.
That would likely require several days of rest to recover completely.
After changing into a clean uniform, Ren followed the sisters to the Master's room.
He knocked gently.
"Come in."
Entering the room, Ren sat respectfully opposite Kagaya and Amane.
The other Hashira had already left.
Only the Ubuyashiki couple remained, quietly waiting for him.
Kagaya smiled.
"First of all..."
"Congratulations on becoming a Hashira."
"Thank you."
Ren answered sincerely.
This was no mere formality.
He genuinely respected the man before him.
Amane continued the conversation.
"According to the Corps' regulations, every Hashira receives a title corresponding to their Breathing Style."
"You'll also be granted the authority and responsibilities that come with the position."
"As for the Nichirin Blade you broke during the match, I've already contacted the chief of the Swordsmith Village."
"A replacement should reach you within a few days."
She paused before asking,
"Ren, you've mastered several different Breathing Styles."
"Have you decided which one your title will be based on?"
Ren smiled faintly.
At present, he possessed far more than the styles everyone knew about.
Flower Breathing.
Insect Breathing.
Beast Breathing.
Flame Breathing.
Wind Breathing.
And the styles he had created himself—
Rafflesia Breathing.
Bee Breathing.
Blaze Breathing.
Dragon Breathing.
He had no shortage of choices.
Fortunately...
He had already made his decision.
Looking directly at the Ubuyashiki couple, he answered without hesitation.
"Master."
"I would like my title to be based on Dragon Breathing."
Kagaya rested a hand thoughtfully against his chin.
"Dragon Breathing..."
"That's the Breathing Style you unveiled at the end of today's battle, isn't it?"
"Yes."
Kagaya nodded with a gentle smile.
"Very well."
"I think Dragon Breathing suits you perfectly."
"I don't know what dragons truly are..."
"But since it's a name you chose yourself, I'm sure it carries meaning."
He straightened slightly.
"Katsuragi Ren."
"By my authority as the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps..."
"I hereby appoint you as the Corps' tenth Hashira."
"The Dragon Hashira."
Ren lowered his head respectfully.
"Thank you, Master."
Then he looked back up.
"There is... one more request I'd like to make."
"Go ahead," Kagaya replied.
Meeting the couple's gaze, Ren spoke firmly.
"Master. Lady Amane."
"I would like to continue serving as a physician at the Butterfly Mansion."
Amane blinked in surprise.
"You wish to remain at the Butterfly Mansion?"
"Why?"
To her, Ren's talent was extraordinary.
Allowing someone of his caliber to remain in what was essentially a logistical support facility seemed like a tremendous waste.
He was only fourteen years old...
Yet he had already defeated the Wind Hashira.
Just as she was considering how best to persuade him otherwise—
Kagaya answered first.
"I have no objections."
His smile never wavered.
"The Butterfly Mansion is still a part of the Demon Slayer Corps."
"If that's where you wish to stay, then you have my permission."
He paused.
"But..."
"Could you tell me why?"
Ren met the couple's eyes.
"Because saving lives there is every bit as important as fighting on the front lines."
"The Butterfly Mansion gives wounded Demon Slayers a second chance at life."
"Everyone working there struggles to pull people back from death."
"I believe that responsibility is no less important than battling demons."
"I've only lived there for half a month..."
"But I've already come to think of it as home."
"So I'd like to continue spending most of my time there."
He smiled slightly.
"Of course, if the Corps faces an enemy that requires my strength..."
"I'll fight without hesitation."
His meaning couldn't have been clearer.
Even though he was now a Hashira...
He still wanted to live at the Butterfly Mansion.
His reasoning was so sincere and well-considered that neither Kagaya nor Amane could find fault with it.
After a brief silence—
Amane narrowed her eyes ever so slightly.
"Ren..."
She smiled knowingly.
"...Are you sure the real reason isn't because Shinobu lives there?"