The Demon Slayer Corps is an ancient organization, operating for centuries without official government recognition, known simply as "Demon Slayers."
The Ubuyashiki family has always served as the head of the Corps. The current head is Ubuyashiki Oyakata-sama, a man with severe facial disfigurement above his nose and blind eyes.
Due to a congenital condition, his body is inherently frail—he cannot even swing a sword ten times in succession. Yet despite his appearance, he possesses natural leadership, calm speech, and a broad, gentle mind, treating others with utmost politeness.
Even his voice and rhythm of movement can inspire joy, a rare gift for someone guiding an entire organization. Though physically weak, he is inherently a born leader.
The Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters is a simple, modest courtyard.
"It's been a long time, Mitsuri!" Oyakata's voice flowed like a gentle stream, supported by his wife, Ubuyashiki Amane, dressed elegantly in a white kimono. Their two daughters, Hinaki and Nichika, both with short white hair, smiled as they watched Mitsuri, kneeling gracefully before them.
"How is Master's health?" Mitsuri asked, her eyes shining with reverence.
"Very well, Mitsuri! Don't be so formal," he replied gently, sitting cross-legged on the tatami mat.
"Yes," Mitsuri responded, kneeling earnestly, hands resting on her thighs.
"Amane," she also greeted Oyakata-sama's wife, who nodded gracefully, her serene beauty evident.
"Mitsuri, is there something you wish to discuss with me today?" Oyakata-sama continued, sensing her presence despite his blindness.
"Master, it's about Lucien Graves…" Mitsuri recounted everything about her encounter with him, from the beginning to the present.
Oyakata-sama listened with a calm smile. "Thunder Breathing, mastered without a trainer, and he easily defeated a Lower Moon Three?"
"Yes, because he did not use a Nichirin Blade, I brought the head here," Mitsuri explained.
"Then it seems Lucien Graves may already possess the strength to become a Pillar," Oyakata-sama said slowly, contemplating. "Mitsuri, could you bring him to see me tomorrow? If he truly has the strength of a Pillar, it will greatly aid us against Kibutsuji Muzan."
"Yes," Mitsuri agreed without hesitation.
"I sense that you are happier than usual, Mitsuri. Has something joyful happened?" Oyakata-sama asked, his tone warm.
"That… that…" Mitsuri fumbled, unsure how to begin.
"Mitsuri looks radiant today. Her hair clip, the light purple dress, and even the lipstick…" Amane commented, smiling.
"Is that so? Such things are usually sold only in the city. I am very happy to see you embrace change, Mitsuri. Girls should feel beautiful," Oyakata added gently.
Mitsuri lowered her head, cheeks flushed with warmth and a hint of embarrassment.
"This is not improper, Mitsuri. No Pillar should live entirely for others. Everyone has the right to pursue beauty and freedom. You have made countless contributions, yet it pleases me to see you embrace what you love today," he said sincerely.
All Pillars, dedicated to demon hunting, rarely had time for themselves. Their basic right to pursue personal joy was often suppressed. Oyakata-sama had long encouraged them, yet many refused, citing duty.
At Love Estate, behind the mountain, a fifteen-meter waterfall cascaded into a river.
Lucien Graves, dressed in only boxers, stood beneath it, enduring the pounding water while practicing Thunder Breathing. He had risen early, eager to train. Hanazawa had informed him of the waterfall's existence, and he had spent an hour under its immense pressure. His Thunder Breathing faltered at times, his heart aching from the intensity.
"If the waterfall were higher, it would be perfect," Lucien muttered. A fifteen-meter drop offered challenge, but he required far greater resistance to progress.
By noon, he emerged from beneath the waterfall, intent on hunting in the mountains. He had informed Hanazawa and Sakura that he would not return for lunch, preferring self-sufficiency in his meals.
[Crack…]
Golden lightning enveloped him as he vanished into the forest like a streak of light. He moved with precision, speed, and control, reminiscent of The Flash.
After his hunt, he resumed physical training: push-ups, sit-ups, and other exercises, this time under the waterfall while maintaining Thunder Breathing. Each exercise increased pressure on his body, pushing his limits further. Lucien continually sought ways to elevate his training intensity, knowing that adaptation to hardship was key to rapid growth.
Hours passed swiftly, the sun setting as Lucien, exhausted but determined, returned to Love Estate.
"Mr. Lucien," Hanazawa and Sakura greeted, having prepared clear tea for him.
Their relationship with Lucien had grown rapidly—from strangers to trusted friends. Gifts and kind words had bridged the gap in mere days.
"You two look very beautiful today," Lucien complimented.
Hanazawa and Sakura, dressed in off-shoulder outfits he had purchased, blushed but were pleased by his praise.
"Has Mitsuri returned yet?" Lucien asked, sipping tea.
"She should be back soon," the girls responded politely.
"Please rest for a bit. We will prepare dinner," Hanazawa added.
"Thank you both for your hard work," Lucien said, watching them leave.
Alone, he admired the red sky, lighting a cigarette and reflecting on the day. Training had shown him that this world's ceiling was far from reached. Mitsuri had already delivered Yamai's head to the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters that morning. He suspected Oyakata-sama might wish to meet him, and perhaps he would encounter other Pillars, who could present challenges or tests.
Joining the Corps seemed necessary. If Transmigrators or Reincarnators existed in this world, their paths would likely cross with the Children of Destiny. Lucien needed to assess these potential dangers quickly.
Perhaps he was overthinking it. This world might contain no other Transmigrators or Reincarnators at all.
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