When Haruto arrived, three swordsmen were standing in the courtyard.
There was Stone Pillar Gyoumei Himejima, Kanae Kocho, who was about to receive the Pillar title, and Uzui Tengen, whom he had introduced to Kagaya two years prior and who had now completed his mission to become a Pillar.
"Amitābha, Haruto, you've grown even taller," Gyoumei said, pressing his palms together and chanting a Buddhist verse: "A strong physique is a swordsman's best friend; it will never betray you."
At 18 years old, Haruto had shot up in height before the end of his growth spurt, now reaching over 180 cm.
A tall physique brings great physical strength, but it can also slow down a swordsman's speed and reaction time.
Fortunately, Uzui Tengen was also tall, and with his help, Haruto successfully mastered his current body.
Uzui Tengen's first point of attention was still on Haruto's flamboyant appearance, and he seemed puzzled by Haruto tying up his hair to reveal a clean forehead.
Kanae, however, was a little nervous, offering Haruto a faint smile.
"Where are the other Pillars?" Haruto tilted his head and asked Gyoumei.
"Mr. Kamijo was killed two days ago. Amitābha, I will inherit his will and purge all evil demons from the world. Mr. Matsueda has retired, and Mr. Rengoku… still refuses to come today," Gyoumei shook his head. "The only active Pillars are those of us present."
Had the Demon Slayer Corps' reserve of Pillar-level Swordsmen dwindled to such an extent?
A hint of worry flashed in Haruto's eyes, then he thought with relief: Mr. Kamijo's departure was an accident, and Mr. Matsueda and Mr. Rengoku's retirements were expected. Now that Uzui Tengen and Kanae had arrived, the Demon Slayer Corps' ranks should actually be stronger.
Sabito and Giyuu among the swordsmen were close to meeting the conditions for demon kills, and the Demon Slayer Corps' situation would only get better.
As he was lost in thought, two twin girls with similar white hair pulled open the sliding door, knelt under the eaves, and said in unison, "Master has arrived."
It was Hinaki and Nichika; Kagaya had kept them by his side after they grew a bit older.
Hearing the announcement, the four of them knelt on one knee in front of the house, bowing their heads.
Luckily it was only one knee; if it required two, he would surely beat up that Ubuyashiki kid first… Footsteps of tabi socks on the floor came from inside. Kagaya Ubuyashiki slowly walked out, looking at the four young Pillars and aspiring Pillars below him, and smiled with satisfaction.
"Good morning, pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps."
"Master, may your body be as magnificent as your appearance."
"Master, Buddha will protect you."
"Master…"
Everyone offered sincere well wishes to Kagaya Ubuyashiki, and even Haruto genuinely said, "I wish you good health."
Wishing him good health… that was the only thing he could do for Kagaya at the moment.
Kagaya's scars had spread further, even affecting his eyesight. When they had discussed this previously, Kagaya still smiled, but Amane had turned her back to wipe away a tear from the corner of her eye.
"The spring sun is so warm, and good news keeps pouring in," Kagaya said, gently stroking Hinaki and Nichika's heads.
"Kanae Kocho, who has been operating the Butterfly Mansion for over a year, has met the goal of fifty demons and, under the certification of the Demon Slayer Corps, becomes a Pillar starting today."
"Uzui Tengen, while deeply researching his 'Score' technique, met the goal of fifty demons and, under the certification of the Demon Slayer Corps, becomes a Pillar starting today."
"All of you are the pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps and will lead the Demon Slayer Corps on a brand new journey…"
If he had attended the promotion meeting back then, would he have been praised in front of so many seniors, just like today?
Haruto licked his lips, secretly glancing at Uzui Tengen and Kanae.
Kanae's bangs fell across her face, obscuring her expression.
Only the flamboyant Uzui Tengen truly enjoyed such a scene. He held his head high, looking at Kagaya Ubuyashiki with fervor, muttering to himself, likely something about being "incomparably flamboyant."
"Of course, behind spring there are always sad things. Former Wind Pillar, Mr. Kamijou Ryo, passed away in battle against an Upper Rank Demon. He fought against the evil demon until his last breath, and his will shall be inherited by everyone in the Demon Slayer Corps."
"Amitābha, Mr. Kamijo's visage is still clear," Gyoumei's tears fell profusely, quickly soaking his chest… "How is your body?"
Haruto rubbed Hinaki and Nichika's soft white hair, looking at Kagaya with concern.
"To be honest? Not so good," Kagaya shook his head. "I always feel like a thin film is covering my eyes; sometimes I can see clearly, sometimes I can't."
Hinaki and Nichika knelt on the ground, looking at their father with eager eyes.
"But I won't just collapse and die now," Kagaya chuckled. "I'm still waiting to lead the Demon Slayer Corps to defeat Muzan in this generation." His voice lowered. "Even if I grow older, demons won't just disappear into thin air."
"So, we must persevere even more," Haruto tried to make his sigh less heavy, curving his lips into a smile. "Kagaya, Kiriya is still young."
Yes, Kiriya was still young; he didn't want his son to repeat the same fate.
After chatting with Kagaya for a few moments, Haruto left the headquarters building and saw Genya and Kanae waiting outside.
Genya had also grown quite a bit taller and was now carrying Haruto's old backpack, staring wide-eyed at Haruto.
"Aren't you going back?" Haruto asked Kanae. "Isn't the Butterfly Mansion very busy?"
The Butterfly Sisters are truly amazing! The Butterfly Mansion, a medical facility responsible for treatment and rehabilitation after recovery, which had been envisioned on Mt. Sagiri, was indeed established a year ago.
Kanae as the chief physician, Shinobu concocting medicines, plus the adopted children they had taken in over the past two years, managed to keep the Butterfly Mansion running smoothly, helping many swordsmen injured in battle.
"That's why I'm going back now," Kanae curved her eyes. "Mr. Haruto, are you coming? You haven't been to the Butterfly Mansion in a long time."
"Not going to the Butterfly Mansion is a good thing, it means I've been healthy…" Haruto mumbled, shivering under Genya's sparkling gaze. "What are you doing?"
"Teacher…" Genya awkwardly scratched his spiky hair. "Pillar Kocho said my brother… is receiving treatment at the Butterfly Mansion."
Oh, that spiky-haired kid who quickly rejected my invitation to be my successor.
The white-haired man and the spiky-haired boy stared at each other.
Kanae watched the Master and disciple clowning around, raising a hand to cover her mouth as she chuckled. "But Shinobu seems to have prepared a lavish lunch today to celebrate my promotion to Pillar…"
Haruto took off running.
"Teacher?! Where are you going?!" Genya panicked.
"Didn't you say your brother is at the Butterfly Mansion? I'm going to visit him!" Haruto had run a long distance in the blink of an eye, then turned around and cupped his hands to his mouth, shouting loudly, "Aren't you coming?!"
Kanae and Genya exchanged glances, both quietly curving their lips into smiles.