Meiji 41 (1908) — Early Spring
Kai — Age 16
The Corps did not like uncertainty.
And Kai's refusal—polite, calm, unyielding—had created exactly that.
For months, internal discussions churned beneath the calm surface of missions and reports.
> Too young.
Too strong.
Too reminiscent.
Some elders argued precedent. Others whispered superstition. A few—very few—spoke openly of hope.
The name Sun was not spoken lightly.
And yet, reality had a way of ending debates.
---
A Few Months Later
Spring came early that year.
With it came reports that could no longer be dismissed as coincidence.
Mitsuri Kanroji — solo elimination of a high-ranking demon that had stalled three squads
Kanae Kocho — flawless command over multi-slayer operations, zero casualties
Shinobu Kocho — medical innovations reducing slayer fatality rates dramatically, paired with lethal field execution
And Kai—
Kai was everywhere demons weren't anymore.
Lower-ranked slayers began requesting assignments near his patrol routes.
Villages prayed not just for survival—but for him specifically.
The Corps had delayed long enough.
---
Hashira Assembly — No Ceremony, No Delay
The announcement was delivered without spectacle.
Just fact.
Kanae Kocho — Flower Hashira
Her appointment passed with unanimous approval. Calm leadership. Moral clarity. Unshakable presence.
Gyomei bowed his head deeply.
Giyu inclined his head in silent respect.
Tengen smiled. "Elegant. Flashy in a quiet way."
Mitsuri Kanroji — Love Hashira
This one stirred murmurs—until the reports were read aloud.
Speed. Power. Control. Emotional intelligence under pressure.
"…She fights like she trusts the world to answer her," Kagaya said warmly.
Mitsuri cried. Then laughed. Then cried harder.
Kanae held her hand the entire time.
Shinobu Kocho — Tsuguko of the Flower Hashira
Some questioned it.
Until Kanae spoke.
"She is my blade," Kanae said simply. "And my mind when mine wavers."
No one argued after that.
Shinobu adjusted her haori later and muttered, "…I didn't agree to the sentimentality."
Kanae smiled. "You absolutely did."
---
And Finally—
Silence fell when Kai stepped forward.
He was taller now. Broader. Still calm.
Still unmistakable.
"Kai," Kagaya said gently. "You were offered this title once. You declined."
Kai met his gaze. "I no longer need to."
A ripple moved through the Hashira.
Not arrogance.
Acceptance.
"By the authority of the Demon Slayer Corps," Kagaya continued, voice steady despite the emotion trembling beneath it,
"I formally appoint you—Sun Hashira."
The word echoed.
Some inhaled sharply.
Others closed their eyes.
Gyomei wept openly now, prayer beads trembling.
Giyu's hand tightened slightly at his side.
Tengen grinned wide. "Well damn. That's historic."
Kai bowed deeply.
"I will not burn the Corps," he said quietly. "I will light the way."
Kagaya laughed softly—bright, genuine.
"I believe you," he said. "With my whole heart."
---
Internal Reactions — Public vs Private
Publicly, the Corps celebrated.
Privately—
Some feared what the Sun represented.
Others feared what it attracted.
A few older members whispered the name Yoriichi like a ghost.
But the younger slayers?
They trained harder.
Because hope had a face now.
And it was walking beside them.
---
That Evening — Just Them
No titles.
No ranks.
Mitsuri leaned against Kai's shoulder, exhausted but glowing. "We did it."
Kanae smiled softly. "Together."
Shinobu crossed her arms. "Don't let this go to your head, Sun Hashira."
Kai looked at them—Flower, Love, and the blade that would someday surpass them all.
"…You're still faster than me when you're angry," he said to Shinobu.
She smirked. "Correct answer."
The wind rustled the wisteria.
Titles had finally caught up.
But what mattered most—
They were still walking side by side.
And now, the Corps would follow.
---