Ficool

Chapter 80 - Chapter 80: A Seamless Succession

The second half of the Hashira Meeting was entrusted entirely to Kiriya by Yōya, who stepped back, offering his son unwavering support from the shadows.

Yōya's move was subtle but deliberate—a quiet show of backing for his heir.

There was no other way. Kiriya Ubuyashiki faced the Demon Slayer Corps' mightiest Hashira, a group of elite warriors as proud as they were formidable.

Before Yōya himself, the Hashira held nothing but heartfelt respect. But Kiriya?

Out of deference to Yōya, they followed his son's orders, yet Kiriya was young. Earning the full trust of these battle-hardened warriors was no small feat.

Thus, Yōya's presence behind his son was essential—a silent pillar of authority.

And the Hashira's attitude toward Kiriya?

Overall, not bad.

Seeing Yōya place Kiriya at the forefront, the Hashira understood: their lord was grooming the next leader.

With Yōya still present, standing steadfast behind Young Master Kiriya, none dared show the slightest disrespect.

On the surface, they treated Kiriya with the same deference they gave Yōya moments before.

In their hearts, too, they held a measure of approval.

They knew Yōya had been resting to preserve his health, leaving most of the Demon Slayer Corps' operations to this young boy. Many of the orders they received from headquarters bore Kiriya's name, each one reasoned and precise. The Corps ran smoothly under his watch, proof that Young Master Kiriya was no ordinary child. His wisdom and capability rivaled that of any adult.

So, facing Kiriya, the Hashira harbored no disdain or negligence—only respect.

And Kiriya himself? How did he feel?

Nervous. Terribly nervous!

After all, Kiriya was barely ten years old. Leading the second half of the Hashira Meeting, directing the Corps' strongest warriors—how could he not be nervous?

Yet he knew this was his debut. He couldn't afford to falter.

He couldn't betray his parents' expectations. He had to shoulder his father's responsibilities, prove himself, and avoid failure at all costs…

Chanting these resolves in his mind, Kiriya steeled himself and stepped forward to face the Hashira.

Their towering presence made his legs tremble slightly.

But behind him, his father's encouraging gaze bolstered his courage.

As he scanned the Hashira, he saw no trace of scorn in their eyes. His heart began to settle.

His gaze landed last on Horitake.

Kiriya knew Horitake, the Sky Hashira, was the Corps' mightiest warrior, a figure of immense influence. If Horitake approved of him, the rest would fall into place.

Catching the young master's glance, Horitake returned an encouraging smile.

Kiriya's heart swelled with gratitude and relief.

Back when Horitake first met his father, it was he who urged Yōya to rest, he who suggested Yōya trust Kiriya with responsibility.

Without Horitake, Kiriya wouldn't be standing here today.

Even then, Horitake had believed in him, valued him. And now?

Kiriya's heart warmed. Horitake is truly a remarkable man, he thought.

But—ugh, he was still so nervous! What to do?

No choice—brace yourself and charge forward!

As Kiriya steeled himself, he noticed something odd in Horitake's expression.

Huh? Why was Horitake winking at him? What was he signaling?

Following Horitake's gaze, Kiriya's eyes landed on Sanemi Shinazugawa.

Or rather, on a soot-covered Sanemi, his hair charred black, eyes glaring, sitting stiffly in his chair.

Kiriya couldn't hold it in. A snort escaped him, followed by a burst of laughter.

The Hashira turned to Sanemi, their good-natured chuckles filling the room.

The laughter swept away the last of Kiriya's tension. He was finally at ease.

The only one unamused was Sanemi.

Poor Sanemi felt utterly wronged. Everyone else laughing was bad enough, even the lord himself—but the young master, too? A child mocking him!?

So frustrating!

But what could he do? Cross the boss's son? Did he want to keep his position?

No choice. If his misfortune brought Young Master Kiriya a laugh, so be it—a small sacrifice for the cause.

Muttering to himself, Sanemi slumped in his chair, sulking in silence.

With the laughter subsiding, Kiriya shed his nerves. Clutching his stack of documents, he faced the Hashira with clarity and conviction, launching into the meeting:

"To counter Muzan Kibutsuji's next moves, my father and I have devised strategies. I ask all Hashira to implement them with flexibility.

First, Snake Hashira Iguro Obanai…"

The second half of the Hashira Meeting unfolded smoothly under Kiriya's leadership.

Yōya sat quietly in the back, watching his son shine with a proud smile, never interrupting or intervening.

Only when Kiriya sought guidance on uncertain matters did Yōya offer brief counsel. Otherwise, he left the stage to his son.

Throughout, the Hashira clarified their roles and tasks. When questions arose, Kiriya provided thorough, thoughtful responses.

Thus, the second half of the meeting concluded successfully.

Afterward, Kiriya, ever dutiful, didn't declare the meeting's end. Instead, he stepped back, yielding the floor to Yōya.

Yōya chuckled softly.

Truthfully, he wouldn't have minded if Kiriya closed the meeting himself. But since his son showed such respect, Yōya accepted the gesture warmly.

Supported by his two daughters, Yōya rose and stepped forward, addressing the Hashira with calm authority:

"Any final questions, everyone?"

The Hashira had none, save for Sanemi, who raised a trembling hand from his chair:

"My lord, I'll need a few days at the Butterfly Mansion to recover. Rest assured, just a few days, so my tasks will be delayed slightly."

Yōya nodded with understanding:

"Of course, Sanemi. Focus on your recovery. I'll have someone cover your duties for now."

"Thank you, my lord."

Yōya gave a final nod before concluding:

"If there are no further questions, this Hashira Meeting is adjourned. Continue your missions and slay demons. May fortune favor your blades!"

The Hashira bowed to Yōya in farewell, departing one by one.

As a side note, Sanemi Shinazugawa was carried out by Gotō and another hidden Corps member, hoisting his chair like a stretcher to deliver him to the Butterfly Mansion.

Horitake was about to leave when Yōya spoke:

"Horitake, stay a moment. I have something to discuss."

Horitake paused, nodded, and stood in the white pebble courtyard, waiting as the other Hashira dispersed.

Soon, only Horitake and the Ubuyashiki family remained.

----------------------------

🚀 Want more?

📖 On Patreon you can read 10+ chapters ahead, plus there will be exclusive stories available only there.

💖 If you'd like to support me, check it out: patreon.com/DaoistRoeoNQ

🔓 Patreon will always stay ahead of the public release — and some stories won't be published anywhere else.

✨ All support is completely optional — even if you don't join, I'm still grateful to have you here reading!

More Chapters