[Location: The Hashira Training Grounds (The Ubuyashiki Estate)] Time: Morning
The sun hung high over the Ubuyashiki Estate, casting sharp shadows across training grounds. The air buzzed with the collective kiai of the lower ranks, but a hush fell as the heavy wooden gates creaked open.
Manjiro Asakura walked in.
He looked less like a Demon Slayer. He had foregone the standard uniform entirely. Instead, he wore a crisp white dress, a deliberate, non-regulation choice, unbuttoned at the throat to reveal the faint, inky rise of the dragon tattoo coiling up his pale neck. A dark jacket was draped loosely over his shoulders, flapping in the breeze like a cape.
However, his neck and arms were wrapped in Satiporoja Beetle Bandages.
His wheat-blonde hair fell messily around a face that was unnaturally pale.
He stopped in the center of the courtyard, scanned the assembled Pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps.
"Morning. Did you miss me?"
Before anyone could answer, a mix of pink and green hair shot across the courtyard.
"MANJIRO-KUN!"
Mitsuri Kanroji launched herself at him. He caught her easily, spinning her around. "Whoa there, Love Hashira. Calm down, I'm now here."
Mitsuri buried her face in his chest, holding him tight. Her voice came out in a happy, tearful rush. "You were gone for three weeks! Three whole weeks! I missed you so much! And Mom misses you too! She sent a letter asking why her 'future son' hasn't come home for dinner lately!"
She looked up, her face beaming like the sun itself, eyes wet with happy tears. "My little brother keeps asking for you!"
Manjiro smiled, a genuine one, soft expression that broke through his usual boredom. He hugged her back properly, resting his chin on her head. "Tell your folks I'll be there for dinner soon. I can't leave my favorite family hanging."
He kissed her forehead gently. "I'm back, Mitsuri."
Mitsuri turned bright red, steam practically rising from her ears as she realized what Manjiro did in front of the entire Corps.
"W-Wah! I...!" she squeaked, burying her face in her hands.
Kyojuro Rengoku marched over, his cape billowing behind him like a flame caught in a gale. His presence was as loud as his voice.
"Manjiro! You look healthy!" Rengoku boomed, crossing his arms with a satisfied nod. "Your spirit is burning brighter than ever! Whatever training you did, it was effective! UMAI!"
Muichiro Tokito drifted over, his mint-green eyes staring blankly at Manjiro's new accessories.
"Are you okay now?" Mist Hashira asked, tilting his head. "If so, why the bandages?"
"They're for a technique, Muichiro," Manjiro explained patiently. "It helps me fly."
"Muichiro blinked, processing this information with zero skepticism. "Okay. Does that mean you're a bird?"
Manjiro patted the boy's head. "...Sure, kid. I'm a bird."
Leaning against a tree, Sanemi Shinazugawa scoffed. He looked annoyed that Manjiro got all the attention, though the killing intent was notably lower than usual. "Tch. You're finally back. Don't expect me to welcome you with flowers."
Manjiro smirked, looking over Rengoku's shoulder. "Aww, Sanemi. You care. That's adorable."
A vein popped on Sanemi's forehead. "SHUT UP!"
Obanai Iguro watched from the shade of a tree, his snake hissing. "You seem confident for someone who has been playing house with a doctor for a month."
Manjiro looked at the Serpent Hashira and winked. "Don't be jealous, Obanai. If you want a hug, just ask. Kaburamaru can join in too." Obanai turned red and looked away. "I do not want a hug."
Finally, Manjiro turned to the center of the training ground.
Waiting there were three figures,
First was Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira. The giant stood well over seven feet tall, blind, holding his prayer beads.
Second was Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira. He stood slightly apart from the others, looking distant as always.
And third was Tengen Uzui, the Sound Hashira.
The God of Festivals stood with his dual cleavers strapped to his back, gems dripping from his headpiece.
Manjiro stepped into the training ground. He took off his draped jacket and tossed it to Mitsuri, who caught it clumsily, hugging the fabric to her chest.
"So," Manjiro said, rolling his shoulders. "You guys want a bout?"
Manjiro grinned, clapping his hands. "Alright! The God of Festivals, The Stone Titan, and The Loner! A perfect trio!"
"Show us how much you have grown over the weeks!" Tengen shouted, pointing a massive finger. "If you can beat us, we'll follow you to hell and back! Let's make this flashy!"
He loosened the Satiporoja Scarf. "Alright," Manjiro said, spreading his arms. "Come at me. All three of you. And don't worry about holding back."
"Because I'm the strongest."