What's going on…? My head feels floaty. And this guy… what a weird aura.
Karasuma Reiyu was startled by the sudden shift in his own mood—just from the way the man spoke. For once, he didn't answer immediately.
It wasn't until Muichiro lightly nudged his shoulder that Reiyu snapped back to reality.
"…Yes. That's me."
Noticing the irritated looks some of the Hashira were giving him, Reiyu scratched his cheek awkwardly and forced a small smile.
"Um… Lord Ubuyashiki, may I ask why you summoned me here?"He still didn't understand why Kagaya Ubuyashiki suddenly called him in.
Instead of answering, Ubuyashiki gestured toward the nine Hashira beside Reiyu."Look at the people standing next to you. They are the strongest warriors of the Demon Slayer Corps. Now tell me—why do you think you are standing among them today?"
"Or perhaps a better question: how long did you think it would take before you were qualified to stand before me alongside them?"
"…I don't know," Reiyu answered honestly.
Ubuyashiki smiled gently."I called you here, and summoned the nine Hashira as well, not without reason. From today onward… I will officially appoint you as the Tenth Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps."
"In accordance with the Breathing Style you use… your title shall be—The Devourer Hashira."
Shock rippled across the room. All nine Hashira stared at Ubuyashiki in disbelief.Even Reiyu himself was stunned.
"I object!"
The first to step forward was Sanemi Shinazugawa. His hostility toward Reiyu wasn't subtle before—and now that Ubuyashiki wanted to name Reiyu a Hashira, Sanemi exploded.
"Forgive my bluntness, Lord Ubuyashiki, but every one of the nine Hashira here has slain at least one of the Twelve Kizuki—yes, even if only a Lower Rank, it's still a demon with Blood Demon Arts. But him?"He jabbed a finger toward Reiyu."He hasn't even killed a single demon with a Blood Demon Art!"
Iguro Obanai, Uzui Tengen, and Himejima Gyomei all nodded in agreement.
Obanai agreed simply because he didn't like Reiyu.Tengen and Gyomei agreed because they genuinely felt Reiyu wasn't qualified.
Shinobu and Mitsuri stayed silent—clearly conflicted.Rengoku supported Ubuyashiki's decision, but even he didn't necessarily think Reiyu had the strength of a Hashira.
Only Giyu Tomioka and Muichiro Tokito didn't react at all.Both stood expressionless, offering neither consent nor objection.
Despite Sanemi's fiery outburst, Ubuyashiki remained calm, his tone soft."I understand your displeasure. However, my decision is not without justification."
"In the Demon Slayer Corps, the title of Hashira is reserved for the strongest. To become one, a slayer must either kill a member of the Twelve Kizuki… or slay fifty demons."
"Reiyu may not have slain a Kizuki. But the requirement of killing fifty demons? He fulfilled that on Fujikasane Mountain."
At that, the Hashira faltered.Ubuyashiki wasn't wrong—Reiyu had merely met the criteria.They found themselves without a strong argument against it.
But Sanemi Shinazugawa was never the type to back down.
He rose to his feet again, fists clenched."Lord Ubuyashiki, even if he meets the requirements… he's still too weak. So if you insist on making him a Hashira—fine."His eyes burned with challenge."But he has to survive ten rounds against me."
Then he snapped his attention toward Reiyu."Hey, brat. If you're a man, accept my challenge."
Every Hashira present—including Tomioka and Muichiro—shifted their gaze toward Reiyu.If he accepted… things were about to get interesting.
"Ummm…"Reiyu looked around. Every single person was staring at him with blatant anticipation.
He thought about it.Then raised his head slowly.
"…Alright."
A few minutes later, the two of them stood facing each other in the courtyard.The other eight Hashira gathered beneath the eaves to form a barrier, protecting Ubuyashiki from the shockwaves.
Sanemi slowly drew his jade-green Nichirin Blade, a twisted grin forming as he locked eyes with Reiyu.
"Brace yourself, kid."
Reiyu narrowed his eyes.Before the duel even began, he had already activated his Mangekyō Sharingan—just in case Sanemi tried to blitz him and end the match in an instant.
A bead of cold sweat crawled down his cheek.Before it even hit the ground—
Sanemi vanished.
He reappeared right in front of Reiyu in a blur of impossible speed, his Nichirin Blade tearing through the air with vicious wind pressure.
Thanks to the Mangekyō, Reiyu barely caught the movement.He jerked his blade upward just in time.
CLANG!
The impact shrieked like metal screaming.By the time the sound faded, Reiyu was already driven to one knee—unable to withstand Sanemi's raw strength.
"That's all you've got?"
Seeing Reiyu struggle under even one normal strike filled Sanemi with smug delight.
What he didn't realize was—their eyes had already met.
And if Reiyu wanted, a single Tsukuyomi could end the fight instantly.
Reiyu exhaled sharply and shoved Sanemi back with all his strength.But before he could catch his breath—
Sanemi came in again, blade flashing.
Reiyu barely sidestepped the slash, but not fast enough to avoid a line of blood blooming across his cheek.
"Eight more rounds… he hasn't used any techniques yet.I haven't used any techniques yet.And I still have Susanoo…If I avoid using Tsukuyomi or Amaterasu, I should survive."
Dodging Sanemi's second attack, Reiyu was already drenched in sweat, panting heavily.
"Wind Breathing, First Form—Dust Whirlwind Cutter!"
Having missed twice, Sanemi immediately followed up with his third strike—this time unleashing an actual sword technique.