19 Flower hashira

"Delicious!" Kyojuro declared loudly as he finished his bowl of miso soup, his voice booming with enthusiasm. Giyu, sitting beside him, silently ate his grilled salmon, occasionally glancing at Kyojuro's animated expressions. They were at one of the food stalls within the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, sharing a meal after weeks of not seeing each other.

"Thank you for the food. It was delicious," Giyu said quietly, setting down his bowl with a soft clink. His words were modest, but genuine.

Kyojuro slapped his hand on the table, laughing heartily. "Indeed, it was! Ahahaha!" He stood up with a wide grin, his fiery hair dancing in the sunlight. "I must thank you again for accepting my request to share a meal, Tomioka!"

Giyu blinked, unsure how to respond to such genuine gratitude. "It wasn't much."

"Either way, I respect you greatly!" Kyojuro insisted, his enthusiasm never fading. "Not only are you a Hashira and made time for me, but you also helped me improve my relationship with my father!" His smile was genuine.

Giyu could sense that Kyojuro's spirits were much higher than when they had first met. "It might not mean much coming from someone like me but I owe you. So, if you ever need anything from me don't hesitate to ask!

Giyu smiled slightly in response, feeling content that Kyojuro held him in such high regard.

In the weeks that had passed, Shinjuro had indeed started training his son again. Though his efforts were minimal, and he still spent much of his time drinking, it was a marked improvement. Kyojuro's physique had already begun to change; his hands were now rough with calluses, and his muscles had grown stronger, revealing the effects of his training. The young Rengoku was already stronger than most kids his age, and the rigorous sessions only enhanced his potential.

"Craaa! Craaa! Giyu Tomioka, present yourself at the Hashira meeting! Craaa Craaa!" The sudden cries of a Kasugai crow interrupted both Kyojuro and Giyu, who quickly stood up, ready to leave."I'll take my leave now." Giyu said, his voice small.

Kyojuro nodded, his cheerful demeanor undeterred. "Of course! Duty calls! We'll catch up again in the future!"

With a brief farewell, Giyu made his way to the Hashira meeting grounds. Upon arriving, he found Tengen already waiting. Tengen smiled as he saw Giyu approach. "Oh, you were quick!" 

Giyu gave a small nod. "Hello."

Tengen stretched his arms over his head. "Any idea what this meeting's about? Frequent gatherings are unusual after all."

"I don't know," Giyu replied honestly, his expression neutral but his mind wandering. He couldn't know the reason for this particular meeting—after all, in his past life, he wasn't a Hashira at this point.

Before long, Shinjuro Rengoku arrived as well. To Giyu and Tengen's surprise, he seemed sober. Tengen raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed and pleased by his early and sober arrival.

Next Giyu's attention was drawn to the arrival of two more figures. He recognized the large, imposing body of Gyomei, walking next to a slender young girl who looked to be around 15—just slightly older than Giyu, and about the same height.

He immediately identified her as Kanae, the flower Hashira and elder sister of Shinobu. Although Giyu didn't know much about her personally, he knew that in his past life, she would meet her end at the hands of one of the Twelve Kizuki. He also suspected that her death contributed to Shinobu's hidden anger and the increasing bitterness within Sanemi. Giyu made a mental note to prevent Kanae's demise when the time comes.

"Hello," Kanae greeted with a calm smile as she took her place among the other Hashiras. Shinjuro remained silent but watched her from time to time, "Yo" Tengen greeted back with his usual boisterous energy. Lost in his thoughts, Giyu unintentionally ignored her, causing Kanae to feel like she hadn't made a good first impression.

Before any further introductions could be made, a voice rang out. "Master has arrived!" All the Hashira immediately knelt as Master Ubuyashiki entered the clearing, his kind smile lighting up the group.

"Good to see you all, my children," he greeted with a warm smile, his soft voice carrying over the group. "I apologize for calling you here so soon after our last meeting, but I have important news to share."

The Hashira listened attentively, their expressions respectful as Ubuyashiki continued, I'd like to formally introduce someone." He gestured toward Kanae.

"Hai!" Kanae responded, her voice clear.

"This is Kanae Kocho, the new Flower Hashira." Ubuyashiki turned to address the other Hashira present "Please welcome her into our ranks."

The room fell silent, but the surprise was palpable. Another Hashira rising so quickly was unusual. "Well, isn't that something!" Tengen was the first one to speak fallowed by Gyomei. "I'm thrilled to see how much you've grown. Kocho."

Ubuyashiki then continued, his eyes carefully scanning the group before turning to Kanae "I have no doubt you will carry the title of Flower Hashira with grace" Ubuyashiki said with a gentle smile.

Kanae bowed deeply. "I will do my best, Master."

"That's all for today's meeting. You are free to go, my children." Ubuyashiki finished, and one by one, the Hashira began to rise. Shinjuro was the first to leave without a word, while Tengen immediately appeared next to Kanae.

"What a graceful presence! Congratulations on becoming a Hashira, Kocho! I'm Tengen Uzui, the Sound Hashira!" Tengen declared with his usual flair.

"Thank you! It's an honor to meet another Hashira," Kanae replied with a calming smile before her eyes darted toward Giyu, who stood stiffly. Sensing the need to say something, Giyu muttered, "Let's get along."

Kanae smiled warmly at him and responded, "Yes! I'm glad to have the opportunity to work with incredible people like you." She continued, "Let's become good friends, everyone."

Tengen grinned and chimed in, "Absolutely! It's great to see our ranks growing. This little guy here, Tomioka," he gestured toward Giyu, "became a Hashira not too long ago himself!"

Kanae giggled softly. "Then I'm glad! We should stick together as newcomers, Tomioka san." she said playfully. Giyu nodded seriously, not realizing her words had been just teasing