"Thank you all for making it to today's Hashira meeting".
"Of course master! It's great to see you in good health Ubuyashiki-sama."
It was a sunny morning for the Hashira meeting. Kaguya was sitting in his porch with his wife and child next to him. Across him were the six strongest slayers in the corps. Gyomei was at Kaguya's left, with the presence of a mountain. Tengen was right next to him, who responded to Kaguya's statement earlier. Shinjuro Rengoku was next, who arrived second last to the Ubuyashiki Manor due to being caught up training his two sons. Sanemi and Kanae were more towards to the right, but in close proximity with each other. Finally, Giyuu was the farthest from the other Hashiras, kneeling next to a wisteria tree.
Giyuu was particularly paying attention to the vibe exhibited from the meeting. Although a while ago, he vaguely remembered how this Hashira meeting originally went. Kaguya officially announced Kanae's death during that time, and all the other Hashiras carried a mournful vibe. Giyuu remembered Gyomei's tears, Shinjuro's and Tengen's acceptance, and Sanemi's frustration. It's only due to recent knowledge that Giyuu can connect Sanemi's frustration to the loss of a loved one. Now that Giyuu is present in an alternate event, an event that was caused from his and Sanemi's actions, Giyuu can't help but draw mental comparisons.
"It's a beautiful morning today. The weather is strikingly nice, the sky is a beautiful blue, and the birds are chirping serene songs."
"Yes Master. Today is truly a beautiful day. It's good to see you in good health Master," replied Kanae with quick timing.
Kaguya looked at Kanae and smiled to her response. "Thank you Kanae."
Kanae slightly blushed in embarrassment as she lowered her head even lower. "Th-Thank you Ubuyashiki-sama"
Sanemi glanced at Kanae's blushing face. It was little moments like these that hooked Sanemi towards her in the first place. She would wear a smile on her face everyday, yet whenever she was embarrassed she would always hide it. He found it cute every time she covered her face when he got a flirty comment in or got too close to her face. He also found it cute whenever she brightened up every time the topic of nature came to the conversation. He found it cute when ever Kanae would fidget with her fingers when she was stressed. Now that he thinks about it, he really found everything she does as cute. Sanemi glanced back to the ground as his heartrate starts to speed up.
Ubuyashiki spoke, snapping Sanemi from falling deep into the rabbit hole. "First of all, I am very glad that you are okay Kanae. It makes me very happy knowing you are safe."
"Oh, thank you Master. But really, the credit should go to Sanemi! Without him, we wouldn't have driven the Uppermoon away!" said Kanae. However everyone in the meeting knew she really said "if Sanemi wasn't there I wouldn't be here today".
Regardless, Kaguya didn't want the Hashiras to be in a somber mood. "Yes, we all are very grateful for Sanemi, Giyuu, and your sister Shinobu for being there. And we are especially grateful that you are here Kanae."
Kanae's eyes widened as she let out a smile. "Th-Thank you... Master..."
Giyuu spares a glance towards Kanae. 'Honestly, I didn't even contribute at all. I don't know why Ubuyashiki-san is thanking me.'
'If I know anything about Tomioka, its that he probably thinks he didn't contribute to saving Kanae' thought Sanemi. He knew well enough that without Giyuu's quick thinking to establish well alibis to Kaguya, his crow would have stopped him on the way for a demon sighting. It's only because Giyuu thought of going to Kaguya first that Kaguya made sure Sanemi's crow didn't distract Sanemi and made him decide between one life or another.
"Now, according to Giyuu's report, you encountered Uppermoon 2." The words from Kaguya reshifted the mood of the Hashiras to a serious one.
"Yes Master," said Kanae with a serious expression. "When my sister and I visited the village, we split up and I encountered a mansion in the woods. It seemed to be the headquarters of a cult, with the leader being Uppermoon 2".
Within the silence between her sentences, a gulp from Tengen and Gyomei's tears could be heard. Kanae still continued without hesitation.
"He is terrifyingly strong and his Blood Demon Art is related to ice. Oddly enough, he looks like a human. However his mannerisms are as cold as his abilities. He's always smiling, but its all a facade. While fighting I could tell he actually doesn't feel emotions, and is only mimicking what he must believe is the appropriate emotion for the situation."
Sanemi could vouch for everything Kanae's saying. Not only did he fight him, but he also heard a similar description from Kanao after the end of the war.
"He was too strong," added Sanemi. "Even when I joined the fight, the bastard was still toying with the both of us. He wasn't using his full power, and was more focused on seeing the limits to our abilities and having fun."
"Another thing I learnt was that he devours only women. I don't know if he's done it all throughout his years or whether he makes some exceptions for some men, but if we were to assume that he only devoured women-"
"Then he must have killed thousands of innocent women throughout the years..."
The whole meeting was enveloped in thick silence after what Kanae and Sanemi said. All the Hashiras were eerily silent while Kaguya put his hand on chin pondering. At least he looked like he was pondering. Both Sanemi and Giyuu knew he already knew the abilities about Uppermoon 2 after they told him. Regardless, hearing it all again doesn't dismiss the tension that's present.
Finally Kaguya decides to ask a question he knew the answer to. "Sanemi. Kanae. You two faced him. Do you believe one of us could slay him by ourselves?"
Both Sanemi and Kanae looked at eachother before looking at their fellow Hashiras.
"Well if it was a one versus one..." started Sanemi. "then at our current strength, none of us would be able to take him down..."
Gyomei, Shinjuro, and Tengen all widened their eyes in shocked.
"Out of all of us, Himejima-san has the best chance to defeat him," added Kanae. "However even then... it might be close, but I don't even think Himejima-san could slay him. Forgive me, Himejima-san..."
"Don't apologize Kocho. You were simply stating the truth," replied Gyomei with tears streaming from his eyes.
'Unbelievable' thought Shinjuro. 'Himejima is the strongest out of all of us, and he wouldn't be able to take Uppermoon 2?' Shinjuro clenched his fist as flashes of his wife and children popped up. 'How... terrifying'.
"Hmm, I see. This is very concerning." said Kaguya. He took his time to look at the Hashiras, with most of them with a face of concern and dread. "I know how you guys must feel, but remember, our strength comes together. By ourselves, we might be vulnerable. But when we stand together, we can overcome any demon. Even Muzan Kibutsuji."
All the Hashira stare with widen eyes before relaxing. Even Sanemi and Giyuu are slightly shocked by the statement, but they know its true. They didn't defeat Muzan because of one person, but rather it was the collective will from everyone in the corps that slayed him.
"Now that doesn't mean we can stay satisfied with where we are right now. Compared to demons, we humans are at great disadvantage, so we must always strive to be stronger than yesterday."
That statement from Kaguya seemed to ignite the fighting spirit. Tengen especially shot a grin while Shinjuro carried eyes of fire.
"Now learning from this experience, its apparent that we are at a disadvantage when it comes to intel. Our crow network can spot demons when they arise, but for gathering information on the Lowermoons and Uppermoons, they don't have means to gain knowledge on their abilities and report it back."
"Master..." answered Gyomei. "What do you suggest we should do?"
"It seems that encounters need to be happen between demons where intel about the 12 moons can be revealed. Couple days ago, Giyuu gained knowledge about the location of Uppermoon 2, which allowed Sanemi to travel and aid Kanae in fighting him..."
Kaguya paused and looked at Sanemi and Giyuu before continuing to speak. "And so, I decided that I will send two Hashiras in a mission. A dangerous reconnaissance mission that may very last more that a year."
All the Hashiras (excluding our hurricane duo) widen their eyes in shock. 'Two hashiras! And for a mission that can last more than year?!' thought Kanae.
"Master! You mean to say that you will send one-third of our Hashira's in a mission that last more than a year?! Please forgive me for my question, but why two Hashiras? We will be short-handed then for fighting demons!". Shinjuro knew he was out of line, but he couldn't help but question Kaguya's decision.
"You don't have to apologize my child. You and everyone here has the right to question my decisions. The reason why I decided to send two Hashiras is because this mission is one that can involve confrontation with one of the twelve Moons. If we were to face a Uppermoon, then one Hashira will struggle with dealing them while relaying information. Two Hashiras are there to provide reassurance to each other and safely relay information."
Shinjuro relaxed after hearing what Kaguya said. "I see, it make sense that two Hashiras go instead of one. Please Master, forgive me for my interruption."
"All if forgiven Shinjuro. Besides, we have promising talents in the corps. I can foresee that in the future we will gain new Hashiras."
Kanae glanced at the ground before looking at Kaguya with concern. "If I may, can I ask a question Master?"
"Of course Kanae. Go ahead."
"Which Hashiras will be sent in this mission?"
Kaguya hesitated before looking at two pairs of determined eyes. "The Hashiras I decided... if they accepted, they will be Sanemi and Giyuu."
***
"So you unlocked the Demon Slayer Mark?"
"Yes Master... Along with the Mark, Sanemi and I also unlocked a red nichirin blade. With this, the demons had a hard time regenerating and it dealt more damage towards them. Our comrades also unlocked the selfless state and the transparent world."
"Yes Master. However when I faced Uppermoon 2, I was only able to use my red nichirin sword. No matter how much I tried, I couldn't use my Mark."
"I understand. And my children, you know the consequences to the Mark?"
"Yes Master, and we still wish to unlock it if it means putting an end to those damn demons."
"Yes... I agree with Sanemi, Master..."
Kaguya stared at Giyuu's and Sanemi's indomitable will. It pained him to see his children okay with dying at a young age, but no matter what he said, he knew he wouldn't be able to change their minds.
"Okay... if I remember correctly, you two said that Tanjiro Kamado was the first to unlocked the Mark?"
"Yes Master," replied the both of them.
"And he doesn't unlock his Mark until he faces Uppermoon 6?"
"Yes Master"
After hearing conformation, Kaguya thought deeply in silence while Sanemi and Giyuu looked at each other. One of the mysteries that was bugging the both of them was that they were unable to use their mark. What used to feel like muscle memory, is unable to surface no matter how much they tried"
Finally, Kaguya came up with conclusions and shared them with the two Hashiras. "Well, my children. I have two theories on what could have happened."
Sanemi and Giyuu both looked to hear what Kaguya had come up with tremendous focus.
"The first theory, is that Sanemi didn't meet the physical requirements needed. While fighting Uppermoon 2, Sanemi could have reached a high heartrate, but due to the blood demon art, there would be no way that Sanemi could reach a body temperature high enough to unlock the mark."
Thinking back, Sanemi could now remember the coldness biting his skin when he was facing Douma. Since his mind was only focused on saving Kanae, he didn't account the physical requirements needed for him to unlock the mark during the battle.
"The other theory, is that both of you will be unable to unlock the mark since the marked one hasn't arise. Since Tanjiro is the Marked one that triggered the resonance, its very possible that no one will be able to unlock the mark until he unlocks his."
Giyuu found this theory probable. Tanjiro was after all the one who carried Sun breathing, the breathing style that can best Muzan. Once Tanjiro unlocked his Mark, it triggered a chain reaction for the Hashiras to unlock theirs. However, this theory then posed a problem to the two Hashiras, as then they would have no option in getting the Mark early.
"So Master, what theory do you think is right?" asked Sanemi.
""Ah, the truth is Sanemi that I don't know. Despite emerging in the Sengoku era, there is limited information on it. Our dilemma involves not knowing whether the Mark is involved physically or spiritually."
"Physical... or spiritual?" asked Sanemi with a puzzled expression.
"Ah... I understand what you mean Master..." said Giyuu in response.
"Huh?! You're saying you understand Tomioka?!"
"Of course... It's actually quite simple... Did you not get it Shinazugawa?" said Giyuu with a innocent face. Sanemi had to hold himself from giving him a piece of his mind and punching him. He had to remember that Giyuu isn't actually arrogant, but only his demeanor that gives that impression.
... still old habits die hard. If he wasn't in the presence of Kaguya, Sanemi might have attempted to strangle him. Giyuu, who is oblivious to Sanemi's anger issues, took his silence as permission to continue speaking.
"Essentially... what we don't know is whether the Mark affects us physically or spiritually... If it's physical, then we would have to wait for Tanjiro to unlock his Mark as our bodies haven't come into contact with him..."
Sanemi snaps out of his frustration as he picks up what Kaguya and Giyuu were saying. "Oh I understand! And if the Mark affects us spiritually, then we would be able to unlock the mark right now, since our spirits already met with the Kamado brat who unlocked his Mark!" With that logic, it also explained how Sanemi was able to use his red katana, as unlocking that was more of a skill to be learned and not a ability that needs to be unlocked with specific conditions.
"Exactly Sanemi," interjected Kaguya. "The only way you two can find out is with training. You both need to spend time away from your duties to gain as much strength that's close or stronger than yourselves during the war without the knowledge of the other Hashiras. If the other Hashiras join you in training, it would leave the corps more shorthanded and empty of pillars that can support our members."
Both Sanemi and Giyuu looked at Kaguya. If they got time to train they would be able reach the physical strength they had from the war. They would also have safe locations and time to test which theory of the Mark is right. Finally, they could also attempt to learn the selfless state and the transparent world. It was a solid plan.
Both Sanemi and Giyuu nodded at each other before Sanemi said, "Master, we agree with you and trust your judgement. But how are you going to make this happen?"
"Here's what's going to happen, my children. Tomorrow during the Hashira meeting-"...
***
"I accept Master..." replied Giyuu, causing the Hashiras, Amane, and her child to turn their heads to him in shock.
"I also accept Master" added Sanemi, making the rest of the people shift their heads to him next. Kanae especially looked at Sanemi with a troubled expression.
"Sanemi," Kanae whispered. "Are you sure about this? This is very dang-"
"Kanae. It's okay." Sanemi whispered back. Sanemi shot a quick smile, but Kanae just glanced away with a unsatisfied expression.
"Master," interjected Tengen. "I understand why you would send either Shinazugawa or Tomioka." Tengen known well that Shinjuro is a family man who wouldn't be satisfied if he was assigned to this mission and that Kanae is vital to the medical foundation of the corps. "But Master, why not replace one of them with me? I am a much notable candidate due to my stealth and information network. I would be invaluable and be honored to do this mission."
'Oh no,' thought Giyuu. 'Uzui's right. Logically speaking, out of all of us he is the most qualified. What will Ubuyashiki-san say?'
"I understand Tengen, and you bring a great point." said Kaguya. "However if I understand this correctly, your network is already established in their respected areas, right?"
Tengen paused as he thought about it. It's true that his wives are in certain positions that took time to reach. If he were to pull his wives right now for the mission, it would ruin months and years of progress to reach the positions they're in for intelligence.
"Besides," added Kaguya, which drew Tengen's attention. "I know how much you care for them. This mission is the most dangerous one we ever will have in this era of the corps, and it will endanger them. It's their safety a reason why I didn't decide you for the mission. Please forgive me Tengen"
Tengen was touched by Kaguya's kindness. "N-no don't apologize Master! I should be thanking you for caring deeply for us!" In truth, Tengen deeply loved his wives and he didn't know how he would attempt facing Uppermoons if his wives were in constant danger. While Tengen was feeling deep gratitude for Kaguya, Giyuu released a sigh of relief.
"Now, does anyone else have any concerns with this mission?" said Kaguya with a tone open for comments. In truth, he wanted to ease everyone's worries about the "mission".
Tengen stayed silent with a smile on his face. All this talk makes him want to meet his wives right now and hug them.
Shinjuro too stayed silent with a face of determination. All his concerns about the mission has been solved, so he has no complaints now. Perhaps after this meeting, he'll teach Kyojuro the fourth form of Flame Breathing.
Gyomei answered for all the Hashiras with tears. "Namu Amida Butsu. My prayers are to Shinazugawa and Tomioka. But if they have no concerns then neither do I".
Kanae didn't really have anything to say to Kaguya, but instead to Sanemi. Still right now isn;t the place to say, so she just kept quiet with a face of frustration. While Sanemi was oblivious, Kaguya can see her troubled expression, but knew it was not his place to point it out. After all, it was an issue between lovers.
Finally Sanemi and Giyuu both stared at their Master with determination. They know what needs to be done, for things to be different. They already changed the future for better, and they didn't plan to stop now.
Kaguya looked at those two with a smile. This time, he knew that these two are going to pave a path for humanity and the corps. Before he had to take the weight of responsibilities of the corps in his shoulders. But now he can put his faith and trust with them and know that everything will be okay. He knows that those two will open a whirlwind that defeats the demons and defends their comrades.
"Very well. With that then, this meeting is finished. Thank you all for coming, and take care my children."
All the Hashiras bowed in respect as Kaguya and his family retreated back to the manor.