"Did you come here just to pick a fight?" Hiru tilted his head toward Uzui. "Life is already so short, yet you still insist on taking shortcuts. It baffles me—but I'm willing to help."
"Honestly, you're clearly the scary one here." Feeling the killing intent solidify in the air, Uzui raised his hands and backed away. "Did Yoriichi ever tell the truth about you—"
"You've been on missions with my brother?"
"Everyone's gone on missions with Yoriichi, probably." Uzui stroked his chin, smiling. "He's a strange guy—can't sense his aura at all—but the way he hunts demons is unbelievably flashy!
Last time, I chased a demon for five whole days and still couldn't find it. Then he shows up, like he already knew everything ahead of time, and tracks it down in broad daylight—now that was flashy!"
"Can you please drop that weird catchphrase…"
"The flashy God of Festivals must have the God of Festivals' flair. Mortals like you could never understand!"
Hiru glanced at the gathering hall in the distance, then leapt onto the wall. With a few swift steps, he dropped into the courtyard. Ubuyashiki was already waiting, speaking with Himejima, who had arrived early. But for some reason, the dark shadow behind him looked much larger in Hiru's eyes than before.
Hiru frowned as he approached. "Your illness has worsened."
"Hiru," Ubuyashiki Kagaya greeted him gently. His complexion was pale, but his smile remained calm and warm. "It suddenly took a turn for the worse a few days ago. I've worried everyone. Even Mikazuki didn't notice, but you saw it instantly."
"Let me examine you after the meeting." Hiru's eyes fixed on the grotesque shadow looming behind him. "Your condition concerns me."
"Very well, I'll trouble you later." Ubuyashiki lowered his gaze slightly, noticing Hiru's eyes weren't resting on him alone. "It's convenient—I've been wanting to speak with you."
"Amida-butsu… I never imagined Hiru was such a skilled healer." Himejima pressed his hands together. "If there's anything that can be done, it would be a blessing."
"A long illness makes a doctor—"
"Hey! You run way too fast!" Uzui's annoyed voice echoed from outside. "Do you really hate talking to me that much?"
"Yes. Standing next to you feels like an insult to my sense of aesthetics."
"Hah?! You have a problem with the God of Festivals' sense of style?!"
"A huge problem! You have such a handsome face—so why paint yourself like that? And those tacky, nouveau riche ornaments… They're testing my patience!"
"Hah—?! A God of Festivals must be flashy! Do you understand flashiness at all?"
Ubuyashiki watched them argue over aesthetics and couldn't help but laugh softly. "Such energy."
"Amida-butsu… Truly."
The quarrel ended the moment Yoriichi arrived.
Soon after, Rengoku Shinjuro arrived with the other key figure of the day. A half-grown youth followed nervously behind him—handsome, with the gentle air of a refined young noble, yet tense from head to toe.
"I've heard of you. You are Yukinashi Aoba, correct?" Ubuyashiki looked toward the youth behind Shinjuro. "The swordsman who passed the assessment three years ago."
"Y-Yes!" The youth's voice rose as his cheeks flushed red. "It—it's an honor to meet you!"
"No, the honor is mine." Ubuyashiki smiled softly. "Since everyone is here, let us begin the Hashira Meeting."
Including Hiru, everyone knelt in unison. "Yes."
"I'm delighted to see everyone present. Even better, we welcome new Hashira today." Ubuyashiki glanced toward Hiru and Yukinashi Aoba. "First, a swordsman who joined the Demon Slayer Corps three years ago, user of Wind Breathing—Yukinashi Aoba—who will become the new Wind Hashira."
"Yes! I am Yukinashi Aoba! I humbly ask for everyone's guidance!"
"The other is Hiru, who joined the Corps six months ago." Ubuyashiki nodded to Aoba, then looked fully toward Hiru. "But Hiru is somewhat unique. He does not use any Breathing Style, nor has he shown any special physical traits. Naming his title is… difficult. Hiru, have you considered a Hashira title?"
"No, I have not." Hiru raised his head briefly, then lowered it again. "Please, Oyakata-sama, bestow a title upon me."
"I see… Then there is one title that suits you perfectly." Ubuyashiki tilted his head back, gazing at the clear sky. "Human. I believe this title fits you best, for you fight using the most fundamental power of all, do you not?"
Hiru looked up in shock. Ubuyashiki's gaze was gentle. Hiru lowered his head again, this time with softened voice. "…Yes. I am deeply grateful."
"Human Hashira… Sounds like some ancient ritual." Uzui looked up. "Isn't it a bit unlucky?"
Hiru: "I like it. You shut up. Keep talking and I'll slaughter you."
Uzui leaned back and nudged Yoriichi, who stood between them. "And you say your younger brother isn't fierce…"
"Hm?" Yoriichi tilted his head slightly, the half-fox mask with red Inari markings hanging askew. His voice carried a faint smile. "Sorry, Uzui, but this time I'm on my brother's side."
"Eh?" Uzui stared in disbelief. "You brothers are way too strange, you know that?"