"Hey, Tomioka, did you teach this guy Water Breathing before he joined the Demon Slayer Corps?"
Sanemi Shinazugawa demanded.
"I didn't teach him."
Veins popped on the Wind Hashira's forehead again.
"Then how did this guy use a Water Breathing technique?"
"Wait, Shinazugawa. Suzuki Makoto just said he used the Eleventh Form—as far as I know, Water Breathing only has ten forms."
The Mist Hashira, Muichiro Tokito, stared intently at Suzuki Makoto, his eyes revealing a desire to fight.
"That move was incredibly strong, enough to even stop all the techniques of your Wind Breathing. It's impossible for Water Breathing to have such a move without me knowing about it."
The scene instantly fell silent. Everyone's gaze gathered on the Water Hashira, Giyu Tomioka.
"That is the Eleventh Form, which I created myself. I only used it once in front of him. He also managed to imitate the Breathing Style through our battle, though in his own words, he's not used to it."
The scene remained quiet, but this time, everyone's gaze turned to Suzuki Makoto.
The man smiled faintly and raised his sword.
"Mr. Shinazugawa, would you care to receive a blow from me?"
"Bring it on!"
"Wind Breathing, Ninth Form: Idaten Typhoon."
Sanemi Shinazugawa's pupils contracted. In a flash, he used his Third Form, barely managing to block Suzuki Makoto's attack.
The clash of swords was fleeting. As Suzuki Makoto backed away, the area fell silent once more.
"What kind of talent is this..."
The Sound Hashira, Tengen Uzui, sighed with a complex tone.
He had thought Muichiro Tokito was already a monster of exceptional talent—so what kind of prodigy was this Suzuki Makoto?
Sanemi Shinazugawa fell completely silent. It was clear he had just personally experienced the complex feelings Giyu Tomioka must have had when he said, "I didn't teach him."
"Mr. Suzuki, may I challenge you?"
Muichiro Tokito drew his sword, his voice carrying a rare emotional fluctuation.
"Muichiro, Mr. Suzuki hasn't received his Nichirin Blade yet. He will be here for a while, so you'll have a chance to challenge him—the Master is still waiting for us."
Gyomei Himejima's words made the young man sheathe his sword. Even he, who rarely showed emotion, held a heartfelt respect for Kagaya Ubuyashiki.
"Mr. Suzuki, can I challenge you in the future?"
"Of course."
Suzuki Makoto was also eager to spar with users of different Breathing Styles, so he naturally wouldn't refuse Muichiro Tokito's invitation.
So, everyone left the now-disheveled combat area and returned before Kagaya Ubuyashiki.
"Reporting to the Master, Mr. Suzuki has proven his strength. He is fully capable of serving as a Hashira. We have no objections."
"Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Himejima."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki's face still held the same calm smile, as if he had already anticipated this answer.
He looked at Suzuki Makoto.
"Mr. Suzuki, with which Breathing Style do you wish to become a Hashira?"
"I haven't decided yet, Lord Ubuyashiki. Could you grant me a few days? I'd like to first learn the various Breathing Styles from the Hashira before making a decision. Is that alright?"
"Of course. Coincidentally, your Nichirin Blade also requires time to be forged. Please state your requirements, and I will have the swordsmiths craft it for you."
"Thank you, my lord."
Suzuki Makoto bowed.
"You should address him as Master!"
"Sanemi."
At Kagaya's call, the Wind Hashira obediently lowered his head and said no more.
"Then—"
"Lord Ubuyashiki, I have one more request."
"Please, speak."
"During this time, may I look through some of the ancient texts and historical records in the Demon Slayer Corps' collection? Especially records related to demons and Breathing Styles, the older the better."
The smile on Kagaya's face widened, and he nodded.
"Certainly. Most of those books are here within the Ubuyashiki Estate. Please stay here for the time being, Mr. Suzuki. I will have someone deliver them to your room."
"I am most grateful."
Suzuki Makoto bowed again. Although it was his first time meeting Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the man had already demonstrated the principle of 'trust those you employ, and don't employ those you distrust.' This series of actions and promises had certainly earned him goodwill, and Suzuki Makoto was more than willing to express his respect for the helmsman of the Demon Slayer Corps.
With Suzuki Makoto's status as a Hashira confirmed, the Hashira meeting came to an end. Most of the Hashira departed in a hurry, evidently heading off to various places to slay demons. The only ones who remained at the Ubuyashiki Estate were the Mist Hashira, Muichiro Tokito, who wanted to challenge Suzuki Makoto, and the Stone Hashira, Gyomei Himejima.
"Master, do you hold Suzuki Makoto in such high regard?"
The Stone Hashira was still somewhat puzzled. Although he could not see, his senses were exceptionally sharp. He could feel the keen sense of justice emanating from Suzuki Makoto, but the man's origins were still unknown.
To let him become a Hashira just like that, and even allow him to come directly to the Ubuyashiki Estate, was undoubtedly a very risky move.
"Gyomei, you know I have certain special abilities. I already had a premonition when Giyu's letter arrived. Now, having met this man, I am certain. He is the one who can bring change to us, to the entire Demon Slayer Corps."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki was clearly in a very good mood. The Stone Hashira was a little surprised, as the Master's esteem for Suzuki Makoto was evidently even higher than he had thought.
"Do you know? This generation of Hashira is the strongest since the founding of the Demon Slayer Corps in the Sengoku Period, second only to the original Hashira. I have always believed that it would be in our generation that the final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji would be decided—now, I am certain this is destined to happen!"
"After so many long years, so many long years! The heavens have finally chosen to bless the Ubuyashiki family. Suzuki Makoto will bring unprecedented hope and a future!"
Speaking with excitement, Kagaya Ubuyashiki began to cough violently. Amane quickly and gently patted his back, while a girl nearby immediately brought hot water.
After taking a sip of water, Kagaya sat up straight again, a wry smile on his face.
"Master, you must take care of your body. If Suzuki Makoto is truly a blessing from the heavens as you say, then you must hold on until the day you witness the defeat of Muzan Kibutsuji!"
Tears streamed from the corners of the Stone Hashira's eyes. The man before him had already given so, so much for the Demon Slayer Corps, for the fight against Muzan Kibutsuji.
"I will hold on, Gyomei. I will keep holding on—until the day I stand face to face with Muzan Kibutsuji!"
Kagaya Ubuyashiki's hand, gripping the hem of his clothing, tightened, his voice filled with unquestionable, iron-willed determination.
_____
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