Chapter 17 – The Void Hashira
When Hikaru opened his eyes, the world before him had shed all the false shadows that once colored his vision.
He sat up slowly, silently gazing at his palms before letting out a long breath.
Lately, he had achieved so many things—gained so many skills, refined and forged them into something real, something solid.
But…
Those weren't his greatest achievements.
What truly mattered were—
The words of gratitude from those he had helped.
The emotions he'd felt during each encounter.
And above all else, the way he had come to understand the "reality" of this world.
The clearer that reality became to him, the more sharply he could sense the boundary between truth and illusion.
And because of that—
His mastery over Void Breathing had reached a new height.
But now…
"…It's time," Hikaru muttered quietly.
The resonance he had gained, the bonds he had formed—they had all reached their peak.
He rose from bed, slipped off his pajamas, and donned the black uniform of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Outside his window, the summer sun was shining in full.
The season had arrived completely.
"Well, finally awake, huh!"
A cheerful voice called from beyond the window.
Hikaru glanced over—
And there she was, standing gracefully in the golden light of morning.
Tall and slender, her face sweet and captivating, with long wavy hair of soft pink and lilac fluttering in the breeze—
It was the Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji.
And beside her—
A short-framed young man with jet-black hair that hung like serpents down his shoulders.
He wore a Demon Slayer uniform under a striped black-and-white haori. His pale face was partially hidden by white bandages, and a white snake curled loosely around his neck.
The Serpent Hashira, Obanai Iguro.
"…You two again," Hikaru mumbled, running a hand through his still-messy black hair.
His hair used to be short. But before he realized it, it had grown past his neck, soft strands framing his refined features, giving him a calm, almost serene appearance.
A faint smile tugged at his lips.
He wasn't surprised to see them.
"Of course we're here!" Mitsuri beamed, waving enthusiastically. "I've been looking forward to today!"
Obanai nodded silently beside her.
His expression was unreadable behind his bandages… but anyone could tell—
He only came because Mitsuri did.
"Come on, come on!" Mitsuri bounced excitedly.
Hikaru gave a resigned sigh and shook his head, but didn't complain. Without saying much, he stepped out of the room.
He headed for the kitchen, slipped on a white apron, and began preparing breakfast. Soon, the sound of boiling water and the smell of delicious food filled the air.
> [Cooking (F)]
A skill worthy of a star chef. Meals made with this ability are widely enjoyed by nearly anyone with a normal palate.
No one really knew just how many skills Hikaru had picked up over time.
"Yay~ It's breakfast time!" Mitsuri chirped, already seated and waiting at the table with shining eyes.
"Thanks for the food," said Shinobu softly, suddenly appearing beside them like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Hikaru just smiled lightly.
He was used to this.
It wasn't the first time.
Lately, he had done so much—almost everything. And before he knew it, his skillset had grown steadily.
Including… cooking.
Thanks to him, the meals at Butterfly Mansion had drastically improved.
As someone from another world—and a food lover at heart—Hikaru had high standards. Combined with his skill and experience, his dishes were something else entirely.
While Mitsuri happily devoured bowl after bowl, stacking empty dishes like trophies, Shinobu ate slowly and politely, savoring each bite with quiet joy.
Some said the bond between the Love and Serpent Hashira had formed over their mutual love of food.
Meanwhile, Obanai remained silent, not touching his food, simply watching Mitsuri from the side with gentle eyes.
After the meal, Hikaru began tidying up.
But then—
"You want to meet Oyakata-sama?"
Shinobu had overheard his words.
"Go ahead," she replied with a smile. "He said you can visit anytime. No need for formal permission."
That privilege…
Was reserved only for the Hashira.
Hikaru was momentarily surprised—but deep down, he understood.
The Ubuyashiki family had placed great trust in him.
Even so, he didn't waver.
To be honest, he wasn't entirely sure how strong he was now.
But after mastering Total Concentration Breathing: Constant, he had no doubt—he wasn't far from the other Hashira anymore.
And now…
It was time.
To leave this place.
To hunt demons.
To keep growing stronger.
— — —
In the central garden.
When Hikaru arrived, the sun was high in the sky, casting warm light across the peaceful courtyard.
He stood there for a moment, quietly taking in the scenery.
Then, he walked toward a small house nestled in the corner of the garden.
"You've come."
A soft, warm voice greeted him—one that brought comfort to anyone who heard it.
Beneath the shade of the porch sat a man, calm and composed.
His violet-blue eyes opened gently to meet Hikaru's.
"Greetings, Oyakata-sama," Hikaru said respectfully, offering a slight bow.
"No need to be so formal," Kagaya Ubuyashiki replied kindly.
"Your training is complete. What will you do next?"
His tone held no authority—just a casual question, like between old friends.
"I think… I've stayed here long enough," Hikaru answered simply.
"You could remain," Kagaya said softly. "If you stayed, perhaps you could take on an even greater role."
But Hikaru only shook his head.
He understood what Kagaya meant.
Staying at headquarters might allow him to contribute even more.
But…
Remaining in one place would bring no true growth.
And that wasn't why he came here.
"I came… to say goodbye."
His voice was calm and steady.
"Is that so?"
Kagaya let out a faint breath.
"In that case… I won't stop you."
"Your contributions to the Demon Slayer Corps have been immense. And now, your strength…"
Kagaya slowly rose to his feet, gazing at the young man standing in the sunlight—a figure who had grown beyond expectations.
"And so, it is only right… that I acknowledge your service."
From within the house, a young girl in a white kimono stepped forward. In her hands, she held something and offered it to Hikaru.
He took it, gently.
"…This is…"
He stared at the item—a pendant engraved with the Wisteria Crest, beautifully carved and clear as crystal.
"That is the emblem of a Hashira," Kagaya said softly.
"From this day forward, you are the tenth Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps—
The Void Hashira."
Void Hashira…
Hikaru's expression shifted slightly.
He knew his unique "Hikaru-Style" had brought many changes to the Corps.
His appointment felt inevitable.
But even so, his heart trembled slightly at the weight of the truth.
He quickly steadied himself, drew a deep breath, and bowed deeply.
Level A. A strength now officially recognized.
Becoming a Hashira—
Was the natural consequence of his growth.
And as one of them…
He would now have access to privileges, authority, and freedom far beyond anything he'd known.
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