15 Promotion

In the depths of a snowy montain, under the cold of the night, a lone figure dashed between the trees, glancing nervously over his shoulder. Despite seeing nothing, he continued to run, His mind was racing, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Oddly the figure was that of a demon and despite his supernatural strength and speed, the demon was gripped by fear.

Just as he took another glance over his shoulder, a blur moved above him. Before the demon could even register the threat, a blade sliced through the air with lethal precision, severing his neck in a single, fluid motion.

The demon's body staggered before collapsing into the snow, his head already beginning to disintegrate. Standing over the dissipating remains was Giyu Tomioka, who had just turned fourteen a few days prior. His expression remained calm.

A few moments later, Sabito arrived, slightly out of breath, with Makomo close behind him. "Did you get him?" Sabito asked stopping next to Giyu who simply nodded, his eyes still fixed on the spot where the demon had fallen.

It had been two months since the three of them had passed the Final Selection. In that time, they had relentlessly hunted demons, rising through the ranks of the Demon Slayer Corps. 

Sabito had climbed to the Tsuchinoe rank, with Makomo just two ranks below him as a Kanoe. Giyu, with seemingly little effort, had reached the rank of Kinoto, making him the highest-ranked among the three. In these past months, Giyu had slain over fifty demons on his own, not counting the many he had aided Sabito and Makomo in defeating.

Yet despite his accomplishments, Giyu's focus was never on titles or numbers. He was used to hunting demons with relentless efficiency, taking down as many as possible in a short amount of time before taking a 3 days long break. This pattern was merely a routine for him, but for Sabito and Makomo, keeping pace with Giyu had been a challenge. They had grown stronger as a result, their skills honed by the necessity of matching Giyu's relentless drive.

"Craa! Craa!" The 3 heard the familiar call of their Kasugai crows. "Giyu, Sabito, and Makomo, make your way north! Craa! You have been promoted! Craa!"

Sabito and Makomo exchanged joyous glances, their faces lighting up with pride, celebrating their achievement. Giyu, observing them, smiled, genuinely happy for his friends.

***

Following their crows' guidance, the trio arrived at a designated location where they were met by a member of the Demon Slayer Corps. The man's face was mostly obscured by the mask that covered his nose and mouth.

"First of all, I want to congratulate you three on your promotions," the man said, bowing deeply. "Thank you for your service to the Corps. You have all done exceptionally well."

Sabito had been promoted to the rank of Hinoto, while Makomo had advanced to Tsuchinoto. Giyu, on the other hand, had achieved the highest rank of Kinoe. In addition to their promotions, they were each granted tree extra days off, a rare reward that hinted at the Corps' appreciation of their efforts.

But before the man concluded the meeting, he turned to Giyu with an unusual request. "Giyu Tomioka," he said, his tone becoming formal, "I must ask you to come with me, please allow me to blindfold you."

Giyu's expression didn't change, but he quickly understood what this meant, he must have been summoned at the demon slayer core, likely for an very important reason. He tried to think of any reasons but only one possibility came to mind: he had met the requirements to be considered for the position of Water Hashira.

As this realization settled in, Giyu glanced at Sabito before turning back to the masked man. "If its about taking the position of Water Hashira, then I must decline."

His words hit like a thunderclap. The masked man's eyes widened in shock, and Sabito and Makomo froze in disbelief. Sabito turned to look at his friend, his expression growing serious and the air between them tense.

"Giyu!" Sabito called out, his voice full with frustration. "Do you even understand what you're saying?"

Giyu avoided Sabito's eyes, trying to justify himself. "I don't deserve to become the water hashira, The one who should inherit that title is you, Sabito, not me."

Sabito's eyes narrowed in disbelief at what he was hearing. He grabbed Giyu by the collar, pulling him close. "Stop talking nonsense!" he shouted. "If you don't have the right to become the Water Hashira, then no one does, including myself!" His voice trembled with emotion. "If you think you're doing this for my sake, then stop! I don't need your pity!"

Giyu was taken aback by Sabito's sudden outburst, while Makomo stood by with tears welling in her eyes, distressed by the sight of her friends arguing.

After a moment of tense silence, Sabito released his grip on Giyu, his voice softening. "Giyu, you've mastered all the forms of Water Breathing to a level that makes me wonder if it's even possible," Sabito said sincerely, his eyes searching Giyu's for any sign of understanding. "I've always looked up to you... So please, don't think so lowly of yourself."

Giyu was at a loss for words, feeling ashamed of how his words had hurt his friend's feelings. "Sabito, I spoke without thinking. I'm sorry."

Sabito sighed. "Don't misunderstand me Giyu," he said, a playful tone creeping back into his voice. "That doesn't mean things changed, If you slack off, I'll make sure to take the title of Water Hashira from under your nose!" He grinned as the tension between them melted away, as they smiled to each other.

The masked man, who had been watching the entire exchange in silence, let out a soft sigh of relief. Realizing the group needed a moment, he allowed them to say their goodbyes before departing. 

Sabito and Makomo expressions softened. "Take care, Giyu," Makomo said gently, her voice calm and reassuring. "And don't forget about us now that you become a Hashira," Sabito added with a teasing grin.

Giyu nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Take care, both of you," he replied softly, watching as they waved at him before turning to leave, the masked man carefully tied the blindfold over Giyu's eyes, and though hesitant at first, Giyu allowed himself to be carried as the man started walking with a blindfolded Giyu on his back.

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