That afternoon, dust swirled through the courtyard of the Wind Pillar's residence.
James exchanged blow after blow with Shinazugawa Sanemi, matching the Pillar's fierce tempo and countering every strike with calm precision. His movements were fluid, unreadable—forcing even the volatile Sanemi to grit his teeth in frustration. Eventually, Kanroji Mitsuri joined the match too, hopping in excitedly as if it were all part of a festival.
Their laughter echoed through the compound.
Several days passed since that friendly yet intense sparring session, during which James made it his goal to visit the remaining Pillars. He spent one morning with Himejima Gyomei, the Rock Pillar, and another quietly observing the techniques of the Water Pillar, Tomioka Giyuu. Every encounter gave him something new to reflect upon.
Tomioka was exactly as James remembered—cold and stoic, often misunderstood because of his reticent nature. James's unexpected visit could have easily been interpreted as a challenge, but thankfully, he understood Giyuu's character well enough to navigate the meeting without friction.
---
Later, in his room, James sat cross-legged, exhaling softly. He muttered:
"Open the panel."
A faint shimmer of light appeared before him, and his status panel materialized in the air.
---
Name: James
Strength: First Level
Spiritual Power: 240/240
Basic Skills:
Japanese Language – Grandmaster (900/7500)
Basic Swordsmanship – Mastery (40,000/50,000)
Introduction to Medicine and Poison (1,000/10,000)
Supernatural Abilities:
Sun Breathing – Full Concentration (8,000/10,000)
Water Breathing – Full Concentration (1,656/10,000)
Sound Breathing – Full Concentration (1,999/10,000)
Love Breathing – Full Concentration (56/10,000)
Thunder Breathing – Always Hit (600/1,000)
Wind Breathing – Always Hit (600/1,000)
Red Blade – Beginner (1,000/10,000)
Temporary Talent: Almost Tao
Evaluation: First-Class Elite
---
He couldn't help but nod in satisfaction. His growth was explosive. It hadn't even been a full month since he arrived in this world, and his strength had skyrocketed beyond reason.
Maybe this is part of some kind of novice protection system, he mused. Or maybe I'm just ridiculously talented.
Then, as if responding to his thoughts, the interface flickered.
---
Breathing Techniques Update:
Only Sun Breathing and Yang Breathing are not suppressed.
Supernatural Abilities Updated:
Yang Breathing – Full Concentration (8,000/10,000)
Sun Breathing – Normal (10/10,000)
Red Blade – Proficient (1,000/10,000)
---
Although many of his techniques reached the "Full Concentration" threshold, James quickly realized their limits. The synergy between techniques didn't multiply his power as he'd once hoped. There was no endless stacking of buffs—just carefully tuned balance.
The energy system of this world must have a ceiling, he thought. At least for humans. I might be nearing that limit already. Yoriichi was different—he wasn't bound by normal human rules. But Muzan and the Upper Moons probably have their own upper thresholds.
Still, Sun Breathing felt different.
Even though its proficiency level was relatively low, its raw amplification exceeded anything he had experienced. Reverse-engineering it through all the other breathing forms had taken significant effort, but the result was worth it. Even if it wasn't yet complete, even if he was technically rebuilding it from scratch—it was the most promising technique in his arsenal.
---
A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.
"Lord Yang Pillar, the time has come. Please proceed to the Pillar Meeting."
James stood up, fastened his blade to his waist, and stepped outside into the brilliant afternoon sunlight. The sky was a soft blue, and a light breeze rustled the trees around him.
---
Ubuyashiki Estate, Courtyard
The atmosphere in the courtyard was somber, yet charged with anticipation.
The Pillars had already gathered, lined up with near-military precision. One by one, they had arrived: the towering Rock Pillar, Himejima Kyoumei; the brash Wind Pillar, Shinazugawa Sanemi; the silent and composed Water Pillar, Tomioka Giyuu; the flamboyant Sound Pillar, Uzui Tengen; the quiet Snake Pillar, Iguro Obanai; the aloof Mist Pillar, Tokitou Muichirou; the cheerful Love Pillar, Kanroji Mitsuri; and the elegant Insect Pillar, Kochou Shinobu.
They stood silently, the aura they radiated overwhelming. Even the faintest flicker of demonic presence would be crushed in an instant under this united pressure.
Seated on the raised terrace, wrapped in a shawl, was Ubuyashiki Kagaya, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps. His wife, Amane, sat beside him, gently tending to his frail condition.
James stepped into the courtyard from the rear gate, and for a moment, all eight Pillars turned to look at him.
Their eyes held no hostility, but the intensity was undeniable. This was not a gaze for the faint-hearted. Most swordsmen would falter, exposed under the weight of such scrutiny.
But James simply met their stares, allowed the wind to brush past his face, and continued walking with unshaken steps until he stood beside them—equal in posture and strength.
---
"You're not late," Kagaya said warmly, breaking the silence. "In fact, there's still a bit of time before we begin. It seems we were the impatient ones."
His voice was gentle, but carried remarkable authority.
"The Pillar Meeting will only be convened when truly necessary," Kagaya continued. "Today, I have two important matters to announce."
As he paused to catch his breath, Amane leaned over, her hand gently patting his back in support.
Every Pillar focused their attention.
---
"First," Kagaya said, voice trembling slightly but firm with pride, "I want to thank several individuals for their heroic efforts. Thanks to James, Tengen, Kamado Tanjirou, Kamado Nezuko, Agatsuma Zenitsu, and Hashibira Inosuke—we succeeded in eliminating an Upper Rank demon."
He paused, emotion evident in his voice.
"This… is a victory we haven't achieved in centuries."
Even the stoic Tomioka looked momentarily moved. The Mist Pillar, Muichirou, gave James a subtle side glance. It was their first official meeting.
James nodded slightly in acknowledgment. He also looked at Tokitou—a boy who hadn't yet unlocked his full potential. But he would. Eventually.
---
"Second," Kagaya continued, "I propose the official promotion of James to the position of Pillar. I would like to hear your thoughts."
There was no objection.
Everyone had already heard of James's feats and witnessed his strength firsthand. His qualifications were beyond question.
"In accordance with the Demon Slayer Corps' tradition," Kagaya said, "James has fulfilled the prerequisites for becoming a Pillar—having defeated numerous demons and even played a critical role in the elimination of an Upper Rank."
Kagaya went on to outline new plans: expanded training programs, specialized missions, and intelligence efforts. With the fall of an Upper Moon, retaliation from Muzan was likely. A decisive war loomed on the horizon.
Time was short.
---
The meeting lasted just under an hour.
Once it concluded, a flock of messenger crows flew from the estate in every direction—delivering news of the meeting to squads across the country.
---
Within hours, the entire Demon Slayer Corps was abuzz.
> "Did you hear? They actually killed an Upper Rank demon!"
> "Master Tengen was involved!"
> "Who's this James guy? I heard he's our newest Pillar."
> "No way! He's already a Pillar? That fast?! Since Master Rengoku... no one's taken that spot..."
Excitement rippled across the ranks. For the first time in a long time, hope replaced dread.
---
Far away, in a recovery ward, Tanjirou grinned as he read the letter.
"James… he really did it! He's amazing."
---
In a shadowy alleyway, a fierce-looking man with a cocky hairstyle and a large scar clenched the letter in his hands.
"Damn it! I won't fall behind. Just wait—I'll kill an Upper Rank too!"
---
Elsewhere, Urokodaki Sakonji held the news with trembling hands.
"So… the tide is turning," he whispered.
---
Zenitsu, currently on a mission, read the letter with wide eyes. "No way. An Upper Rank... dead? Maybe this world isn't so hopeless after all."
---
In a lavish room, a stunning woman with long black hair coiled into a low bun, dressed in a dark purple kimono, delicately sipped tea as she read the report.
"How interesting… It seems the Demon Slayer Corps is evolving faster than expected."
---
While the world buzzed with the news of victory and change, James remained calm. He was already preparing for his next move.
The Swordsmith Village awaited—and with it, the final piece of his blade.
The storm was coming.
But James would be ready.
Øóffer going on for diamond tier
pàtreøn (Gk31)