16 Hashira Meeting

Giyu felt the blindfold being slowly removed, and he blinked a few times as his eyes adjusted to the light. His surroundings gradually came into focus, and a sense of familiarity washed over him. 'The Demon Slayer Corps.' he thought, recognizing the location immediately. The Corps member who had escorted him spoke. "We have arrived at our destination. There is no longer any need for the blindfold."

Giyu followed the man through the complex, his mind recalling memories from his past life. They soon arrived at one of the Ubuyashiki family's mansions, a place Giyu recognized as a primary meeting spot for the Hashira in his past life. He was instructed to wait on the gravel path outside, and as he stood there, he lifted his gaze to the sky, closing his eyes and allowing his thoughts to wander.

"Ho! Looks like I'm the first to arrive," a loud, flamboyant voice called out, breaking Giyu's daydreaming. His eyes snapped open, and he turned to see a tall, flashy figure approaching. It was Tengen Uzui, the Sound Hashira, striding toward him with his characteristic confidence. As Tengen got closer, his sharp eyes moved from the surroundings to Giyu, taking in the sight of the boy standing alone.

"What are you doing here, extra?" Tengen asked, his tone a mixture of confusion and curiosity.

Giyu remained silent for a moment, contemplating his response. "I was called," he finally answered, his voice calm and steady.

Tengen narrowed his eyes slightly, scrutinizing the young boy before him. 'What an unflashy answer' he thought. After a brief pause, he simply shrugged. "If you say so," deciding not to press further.

The two stood in silence, with Tengen's towering presence casting a long shadow over the much smaller Giyu. At only 14 years old, Giyu's height had yet to reach its full potential, standing at a modest 5'3". However, Giyu paid little attention to their height difference. Realizing that he had yet to befriend Tengen in this life and that his prolonged gaze might be rude, Giyu quickly averted his eyes.

The sound of heavy footsteps soon caught their attention, and Giyu turned to see the imposing figure of Gyomei Himejima approaching. The Stone Hashira, even more massive, greeted the Tengen before immediately clasping his hands together in prayer. Tears streamed down his face, as they often did, his expression solemn and serene.

"What is this?" A voice, filled with irritation, suddenly cut through the air. Giyu recognized the voice as unfamiliar. He glanced over to see an older man, his figure striding toward them, exuding an aura of pure strength. Giyu's mind briefly faltered as he tried to place the man before him. 'Rengoku?' he questioned internally, though besides the older look, something about the man seemed different from the Rengoku he remembered.

"What is a brat doing at a Hashira meeting?" the man demanded, his voice carrying a tone of unquestionable authority as Giyu felt a faint scent of alcohol emanating from him. Tengen merely shrugged in response, his casual demeanor unchanged. "Beats me," he replied lazily.

Gyomei, without turning from his prayers, answered in his usual calm manner, "I overheard that he was also summoned by the Master."

Giyu's brain suddenly kicked back into gear as he realized who the man was. 'He must be Rengoku's father, Shinjuro Rengoku. I never met him in my past life since he was already retired by the time I became a Hashira, but I can tell he is very strong.'

"You brat!" Shinjuro snapped, his voice laced with irritation as he addressed Giyu directly. "You're wearing the Slayer's uniform, standing in front of a Pillar. You should at least show some respect!"

Giyu was about to apologize when a voice suddenly interrupted him. "The Master has arrived!" It was the calm, clear voice of Amane Ubuyashiki, announcing the presence of the head of the Demon Slayer Corps.

All the Hashira immediately ceased their actions and kneeled to the ground in respect. Giyu followed suit, lowering himself to his knees, his heart pounding slightly as he heard the familiar, gentle footsteps approaching from within the mansion. 'Master,' he thought, his mind flooded with memories of how kind and gentle Kagaya Ubuyashiki had been in his past life. He was a leader who commanded respect through empathy and wisdom rather than fear.

"Shinjuro, please don't be so harsh on the child," came the soft, soothing voice of Kagaya Ubuyashiki. His calm tone echoed in the courtyard as he stepped into view. The Master's appearance was notably different from what Giyu remembered. He looked younger, his face showing more vitality than the image imprinted into Giyu's memory.

"I apologize for my actions, Master," Shinjuro Rengoku responded immediately, his voice now formal and controlled, a stark contrast to the harshness he had shown just moments before.

"Good evening, my children," Ubuyashiki greeted them with a warm, gentle smile. "I am glad to see you all alive and well."

"It is good to see you in good spirits, Master," Tengen replied, his head still bowed low.

"Thank you, Tengen," Ubuyashiki responded. He then shifted his focus slightly, and his gaze fell on Giyu. "Now, for the reason of this sudden meeting," he began, his tone taking on a more serious note, "is to introduce the child, Giyu Tomioka. I hope we can all get along."

"Of course, Master," Giyu answered quickly, his voice steady despite the tension he felt. The other Hashira, intrigued by Ubuyashiki's introduction, cast curious glances at Giyu. 'Giyu, quite a flashy nam ' Tengen thought, his curiosity piqued.

"I'll get to the point," Ubuyashiki continued, his expression calm but firm. "Due to the child's extraordinary achievements and the recommendation of the former Water Hashira, Sakonji Urokodaki, I announce that the position of the Water Hashira now belongs to Giyu Tomioka. I ask that you all accept him with open arms."

Tengen's eyes widened slightly in surprise, and Shinjuro Rengoku was the first to object. "I oppose this!" he declared. "He looks no older than fourteen. Although the number of Hashira has decreased in recent years, he is far too young to bear the strength or responsibility of a Hashira!"

Gyomei, still in his meditative stance, joined the discussion. "If that is your decision, Master, I will not oppose it. However, I cannot fully accept it either."

"Master," Shinjuro continued, his tone more controlled but still firm, "with all due respect, I ask for your permission to at least test him. If he lacks the necessary strength, I urge you to reconsider this decision."

Ubuyashiki listened to their concerns with a calm, thoughtful expression. "I understand your reservations," he began, his gentle voice becoming more authoritative, "however, Giyu Tomioka has already proven his worth. I do not wish to force unwanted battles, nor do I want to see my children fight each other."

Shinjuro, seeing that Ubuyashiki had made his final decision, reluctantly lowered his tone. "I understand, Master."

"I will do it," Giyu suddenly spoke up, his voice cutting through the silence that had settled over the group. The other Hashira widened their eyes in surprise, not expecting such boldness from the young boy.

Ubuyashiki turned his gaze back to Giyu, a look of mild concern crossing his face. "I am sorry for causing you a difficult time, my child," he said softly.

"There is no need to apologize to me, Master," Giyu replied, his voice calm and composed. "I agree with Mr. Rengoku's words. The weak have no right to bear the title of a Hashira, and if I am unworthy, then I should not carry that title."

The other Hashira looked at Giyu with a mixture of surprise and respect, recognizing the weight behind his words. Tengen found Giyu's response to the provocation flashy but foolish, while Shinjuro's doubts remained.

Ubuyashiki nodded slowly, understanding the depth of Giyu's conviction. "Very well, Giyu," he said, his voice carrying a note of finality. "If you wish to prove yourself, then I will allow it." Giyu bowed his head deeply in response. "Thank you, Master."