The morning sun had barely begun to rise, painting the sky with hues of purple and gold. Johan stood at the entrance of the Butterfly Estate, his eyes scanning the horizon. He had been invited to the Hashira Meeting—a rare event where the highest-ranking Demon Slayers gathered to discuss strategies, new threats, and the future of the Demon Slayer Corps. It was clear that the time had come for him to step into the world of the Hashira, but there was a part of him that remained uncertain.
Would they accept him? Would they understand what he had become after unlocking his abilities?
Before he could linger too long on the thoughts swirling in his mind, Kanae appeared by his side. She was dressed in her usual attire, her calm presence grounding him as always.
"You'll be fine," she said, her voice steady, though there was a glimmer of concern in her eyes. "Just be yourself. They won't bite."
Johan gave her a small smile, though he couldn't shake the feeling that this meeting would change everything. He was no longer the rookie demon slayer he had been when he first arrived at the Butterfly Estate. His powers had grown exponentially, and his connection to the Demon Slayer Mark and the Transparent World was unlike anything any of them had ever seen. He couldn't help but wonder what their reactions would be.
The meeting hall was located at the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters, nestled in the heart of the mountains. The journey there had been long, but as they reached the grand structure, Johan could feel the weight of the history within its walls. This was where the elite of the Demon Slayer Corps gathered—the Hashira.
As Johan and Kanae walked into the room, all eyes turned to them.
At the center of the room stood Ubuyashiki, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps. His frail appearance was deceiving, as his presence carried an undeniable aura of power and wisdom. His eyes, though clouded with illness, seemed to pierce through Johan's soul as if he could already see his potential.
Standing next to him were the Hashira—the Pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira, was the first to speak. His expression was serious, his gaze cold and calculating, but there was a faint sense of respect in the way he observed Johan.
"You're the one they've been talking about," Giyu said, his voice low and deliberate. "Johan Seong. The one with the strange power."
Johan nodded, meeting his gaze. "I'm honored to meet you all."
The Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, let out a hearty laugh. His fiery spirit was palpable, his golden hair shimmering under the light.
"Ah, the new blood! You've got some fire in you, I can tell! I look forward to seeing your strength in battle, Johan!" he boomed, clapping him on the back with more force than was probably necessary.
Johan stood tall, taking the praise in stride, but the interactions with the others were more restrained.
Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Hashira, leaned against a pillar, her eyes narrowing as she looked at him. Her smile was small but sharp, a hint of amusement in her gaze.
"Interesting," she said, her voice light but filled with curiosity. "You have a certain… aura about you. Not many can awaken the Demon Slayer Mark. I wonder if you can back up all this mystery with results."
Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira, giggled, stepping forward with a bright smile. Her presence was radiant, and it was clear she had a kind, warm heart.
"Don't mind Shinobu," she said sweetly. "She's just curious! You're quite mysterious, Johan. I've heard rumors about your strength, but I'm eager to see it for myself!"
Next, Muichiro Tokito, the Mist Hashira, stood off to the side with an air of aloofness. He didn't speak much, his sharp eyes scanning Johan quietly. His cold demeanor was apparent, but there was a hidden curiosity behind those eyes.
Tengen Uzui, the Sound Hashira, flashed a grin. "You've got the potential to be a star, kid. I like the sound of that! Just make sure you can back up all that power with some style!"
Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira, was more direct and less impressed. His gaze was intense, his arms crossed over his chest. He scrutinized Johan as if testing him.
"You think you're something special, huh? Don't get too cocky just because you've got a fancy mark," he muttered.
Johan met his gaze evenly. "I'm not here to impress anyone, only to fight the demons."
Sanemi scoffed, but it was clear there was some recognition in his eyes. The tension in the room was palpable, but Ubuyashiki, sensing the potential for conflict, raised a hand.
"Enough, everyone," Ubuyashiki's voice was soft yet commanding. His gaze turned to Johan, piercing through the crowd of Hashira as though he alone mattered in that moment. "Johan Seong, I've heard much about you. The Demon Slayer Corps has been in need of someone like you."
Johan's heart skipped a beat as Ubuyashiki's eyes locked onto his.
"I can feel it," Ubuyashiki continued, his voice calm yet heavy with authority. "The power you hold within you is beyond what most of our corps can comprehend. And yet, you stand here before us—unassuming, controlled. You've come a long way since your arrival."
Johan nodded, not sure how to respond. The leader's words felt heavier than he had anticipated, but he could sense the sincerity in them. This wasn't just about power; it was about understanding the responsibility that came with it.
As the meeting continued, Johan observed each Hashira carefully. There was no denying their strength, their commitment, and their differences. Some were distant, others more approachable, but all of them had a shared purpose. They fought for the same goal, no matter their personal beliefs.
Kanae stood beside him the entire time, though she occasionally exchanged glances with the other Hashira, especially with Shinobu, who seemed particularly interested in her as well. The two women shared an unspoken connection, something Johan had begun to notice more and more.
The meeting eventually drew to a close, and Ubuyashiki gave his final remarks. "Johan Seong, you will have a place among us, as a fellow warrior against the demons. Continue your training, and prove yourself worthy of the trust we are placing in you."
Johan bowed deeply, acknowledging the weight of his words. He wasn't just a new recruit anymore. He was part of something much bigger.