Location: Ubuyashiki Estate – Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters
A day after Johan's return from his deadly confrontation with Doma, the wind carried whispers across the land—Upper Moon Two had fallen.
Slain in a single night.
By a swordsman no one truly knew.
And now, the Hashira—the pillars of humanity's defense—had gathered to meet the man behind the rumor.
The Pillars Assemble
Flame. Mist. Stone. Love. Sound. Wind. Serpent. And Insect.
They stood in a wide arc before the quiet manor of Kagaya Ubuyashiki, their leader.
Kanae stood to the side, arms folded, expression calm but alert. She had vouched for Johan. But no one in this room trusted easily.
The shoji doors slid open.
Johan stepped inside.
He wore fresh black-and-gray Demon Slayer robes, the mark of a swordsman stitched subtly onto the back. His silver-white hair was pulled loosely behind him, and though he smiled politely, his eyes were sharp and ancient.
The moment he entered, the Hashira felt it.
A pressure.Like steel wrapped in silk. Like thunder behind a closed door.
"So this is the one who killed an Upper Moon?" Tengen muttered, arms crossed."Too calm," Sanemi hissed. "I don't like it.""His presence is strange… but I sense no bloodlust," Giyu murmured.
Ubuyashiki smiled gently from his mat. Despite his illness, his gaze held weight.
"Welcome, Johan Seong. I've heard… fascinating things about you."
Questioning the Mystery
"What is your rank?" Mitsuri asked sweetly, though curiosity shimmered beneath.
"I haven't taken the official tests yet," Johan replied, "but I'm willing to, if it eases concerns."
Obanai narrowed his eyes. "You have no rank. Yet you claim to have killed Doma."
"I don't claim," Johan said, voice quiet but firm. "I did."
He reached into his haori and tossed something forward.
The room tensed.
It was Doma's shattered fan—still dusted with frozen blood.
A cold silence fell.
Even Sanemi flinched slightly.
Kagaya's Insight
Ubuyashiki chuckled softly, breaking the tension.
"I believe him."
All eyes turned to their leader.
"I've lived long enough to recognize someone who walks with both light and shadow," Ubuyashiki said, looking directly at Johan. "And your presence… does not belong to this era."
Johan's eyes met his calmly. "No. But I'm here now. And I intend to stay."
The Verdict
After moments of deliberation, Ubuyashiki nodded.
"I will grant you provisional authority—equal to a Hashira—for this period of crisis. You have Kanae's trust, and now… mine."
Gasps.
Kanae smiled faintly at Johan, pride in her eyes.
"But," Ubuyashiki continued, "you will be observed. You are a blade we do not yet fully understand."
Johan nodded once. "Fair."
Later That Night – Johan & Kanae
Under the moonlight, Johan sat alone near the estate pond.
Kanae approached, hands behind her back.
"You did well," she said, sitting beside him.
"They don't trust me," Johan murmured.
"Most people fear what they can't understand."
He looked over. "Do you?"
She leaned on his shoulder. "Not anymore."
They sat there for a long while, quiet.
But Johan's mind was turning.
"Muzan is watching now," he thought. "And I'm running out of time."
System Update (Hidden)
Quest Updated: Slay Muzan KibutsujiProgress: 1/6 Upper Moons DefeatedSystem Note: Defeating Muzan unlocks World Travel. Identity templates ready.
Hidden Trait Unlocked: World Anchor Strengthened (Butterfly Estate)Title Gained: The Blade That Burns Fate