Chapter 6 – Shinobu Kocho
The "someone" Giyu Tomioka mentioned earlier…
Wasn't just anyone.
It was the supreme leader of the Demon Slayer Corps.
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The headquarters of the Demon Slayer Corps stood hidden deep within the mountains—a remote, sacred ground untouched by time.
Although Hikaru already had some knowledge of this world from the body's memories and his own prior knowledge, that knowledge was all theoretical.
He had never experienced it with his own senses.
Until now.
Today marked his first step onto the very heart of an organization that had waged war against demons for over a thousand years.
This wasn't a place any member could simply visit. Only those of Kinoe rank and above—Kinoto, Hinoe—were permitted entry.
The only others who resided here permanently… were the Hashira.
From the moment Hikaru arrived, he understood why this place had remained untouched by demon hands for centuries.
Towering peaks surrounded the area like a fortress. The narrow paths twisted and turned, some barely wide enough to stand on. Steep cliffs, hidden ravines, labyrinthine rock formations—it felt like a place that refused to be found.
At last, behind those mountains…
A small clearing emerged.
Sunlight pierced the clouds, falling gently upon a field of wisteria flowers, swaying softly in the breeze.
Hikaru had lost track of how long he'd been running.
The journey here had taken an entire day.
He'd sprinted for most of it, pausing only to breathe when necessary. Thankfully, this body—trained through grueling trials—wasn't like his old, sedentary human body.
This was the body of a Demon Slayer.
Still, the fatigue was real.
No wonder most lower-ranked members never saw this place, unless they were carried here unconscious on a stretcher.
And maybe—even if someone reached this place…
If they weren't trusted, they might never be allowed to leave.
Standing at the slope's edge, overlooking the hidden courtyard, Hikaru inhaled the gentle aroma of wisteria on the wind.
Beside him, Giyu spoke.
"We've arrived."
His expression remained unreadable. Cold and composed. His obsidian eyes didn't betray a single thought.
Hikaru gave a nod, then followed him down the mountain path.
With a Hashira as his guide, entering the heart of the Corps was surprisingly simple.
— — —
The inner courtyard was quiet.
Water flowed through hollow bamboo channels. Wisteria bloomed in every corner. The peace of a traditional garden blanketed the air.
In front of them stood a classical Japanese residence—curved wooden rooftops, ancient carvings decorating the eaves, and walls that seemed to carry the memories of a forgotten age.
Hikaru halted his steps.
He couldn't see any of the other Hashira nearby.
Giyu stepped forward and bowed low toward the residence.
"Oyakata-sama…"
"I have brought the one in question."
His voice was deep and respectful, carried gently by the breeze.
By now, the Corps' ravens would have already delivered word of Hikaru's existence.
Hikaru had expected that.
He wasn't surprised.
He looked toward the house—curious.
Even though he'd only watched part of the anime in his original life, and most of his knowledge came from secondhand memories…
He still wondered—
What kind of person was the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, really?
TAP.
The sound of soft footsteps.
From the house emerged two figures.
Twin girls—identical in every way.
Long silver-white hair like fresh snow.
Plain white kimonos.
Each held a small lantern in hand.
Their faces were young. Almost childlike. Yet their demeanor was calm, serene—uncannily still.
They weren't the leader.
They were his attendants.
Messengers.
So that meant—
He wouldn't be meeting the leader directly.
A small flicker of disappointment stirred in his chest.
But he wasn't surprised.
A leader did not casually meet with every newcomer. That distance was part of what made their presence commanding.
"Oyakata-sama has been informed," one of the twins spoke clearly, her voice ringing across the courtyard.
"For now… he will be entrusted to the Insect Hashira."
"…Hmm, so you're the one."
A young voice joined from the side—light, melodic, with a hint of teasing.
Hikaru turned, eyes narrowing slightly.
He hadn't sensed anyone.
Still, he kept his composure.
A girl stood there.
Petite in frame. Dressed in the black uniform of the Demon Slayer Corps, overlaid with a white haori patterned like butterfly wings.
Her dark hair flowed down her back, its tips shifting into shades of purple and blue. A butterfly ornament rested in her hair.
She was small—barely reaching Hikaru's chest—but the presence she exuded…
Was unmistakable.
Shinobu Kocho.
The Insect Hashira.
Another one of the Corps' Pillars.
The body's former owner had heard of her.
And Hikaru, of course, recognized her instantly.
"…It's an honor, Insect Hashira-sama."
He bowed slightly. Just enough to be respectful, without groveling.
"Oh my… you're staying calm? Even now?"
Her voice was soft and sweet. Her smile was lovely. Her demeanor radiated kindness.
But—
That smile was fake.
Blatantly so.
And Hikaru noticed it immediately.
Still, he didn't mention it.
They had just met.
He had no right to pry.
No closeness to allow it.
Only courtesy and distance.
But even then…
There was a quiet steadiness in his gaze.
He didn't see himself as above anyone.
But neither did he see himself as beneath them.
"You really used a Nichirin Blade and Breathing Techniques… just to hunt animals?" Shinobu asked again, her tone playful—but with a sharp curiosity hidden beneath.
Giyu stood silent beside them.
Even though he had brought Hikaru here, the decision no longer lay with him.
"…And the other Hashira?" Giyu asked quietly, glancing around.
"All out," Shinobu replied as she turned, her voice still light.
"All of them?" Giyu's brow furrowed.
For every Hashira to be summoned simultaneously…
"…Don't tell me—"
Giyu's tone dropped, heavy with tension.
"It's true," Shinobu said softly.
Her voice remained gentle.
Her smile never changed.
But Hikaru felt it.
Behind her delicate tone…
Behind the curve of her lips…
Something seething.
Something boiling.
Rage.
Killing intent.
Vengeance.
"Kibutsuji Muzan…"
"...He's appeared."
Shinobu's expression didn't waver.
But the air around them—
Suddenly felt suffocating.
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