Chapter 9: The Bald Hero Meets the Thunder Boy and the Boar Head

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The sun was starting to set by the time Tanjiro and Saitama reached the Ubuyashiki Estate, the secret headquarters of the Demon Slayer Corps. For Tanjiro, this place carried deep respect and reverence — it was where the Master guided all Demon Slayers, a place of both authority and warmth.

For Saitama, it just looked like a nice house in the woods.

"Do you live in a temple or something?" Saitama asked, scratching his cheek as they approached the gate.

"Ah—no! This is where the Master of the Demon Slayer Corps lives. He's the one who leads us all!" Tanjiro explained, full of admiration. "He's wise, gentle, and very kind."

Saitama nodded absently. He didn't really care about fancy titles — he just wanted to know if there'd be dinner involved.

As they stepped inside, a loud scream tore through the air.

"AAAAAAAHHHHH!!! TANJIROOOOO!!"

A yellow blur tackled Tanjiro, nearly knocking him off his feet.

"Zenitsu!" Tanjiro gasped. "Calm down, what's wrong?!"

"What's wrong?! What's WRONG?!" Zenitsu Agatsuma clutched Tanjiro's uniform like his life depended on it. "I heard we're fighting Upper Moons now?! I don't wanna die!! And who's the bald guy? Is he another demon?! Why does he look so scary in that stupid cape?!"

Saitama stared blankly. "...Who's this?"

"Ah! Saitama-san, this is Zenitsu, my friend and fellow Demon Slayer," Tanjiro said with an apologetic smile. "He's… a bit anxious."

Zenitsu pointed dramatically at Saitama. "What do you mean 'a bit'?! And why is he bald? Did the demons stress him out too much?!"

"I lost my hair from training," Saitama said flatly.

Zenitsu froze. "What kind of training turns you bald?! I don't want that!!"

"Relax." Saitama patted Zenitsu's head, making the blonde boy squeak in terror. "You'll probably just die before you lose your hair."

"WHAT KIND OF COMFORT IS THAT?!"

Before Zenitsu could spiral into another breakdown, a loud "OI! WHO'S THE EGGHEAD?!" rang out, followed by Inosuke Hashibira bursting onto the scene, dual swords in hand and boar mask gleaming in the fading sunlight.

"Oh." Saitama blinked. "A kid wearing a pig head."

"WHO ARE YOU CALLING A PIG, CHROME DOME?!" Inosuke pointed a sword at Saitama's face. "Wanna fight?! Huh?! Let's go!!"

Saitama's face remained completely bored. "Pass."

"Coward!!" Inosuke roared.

"Yeah, sure." Saitama turned away. "Not worth the energy."

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!"

"Ah, Inosuke, Saitama-san isn't our enemy!" Tanjiro quickly stepped between them. "He's a really strong fighter! He defeated an Upper Moon with one punch!"

Both Zenitsu and Inosuke froze.

"One… punch?" Zenitsu whispered. "That's a joke, right?"

"No, it's true," Tanjiro said earnestly. "I saw it with my own eyes."

Inosuke lowered his swords, his eyes beneath the boar mask widening. "Wait, wait, wait. So you're saying baldy here is so strong, he doesn't even need a sword?"

"Correct."

Silence.

Zenitsu collapsed to his knees, sobbing. "Why do I even try? I train so hard, and this random bald uncle just—"

"I'm 25," Saitama corrected.

"YOU LOOK 40!!" Zenitsu wailed.

Before the chaos could escalate further, the sliding doors opened, and Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the Master of the Demon Slayer Corps, stepped out, his calm smile immediately silencing everyone.

Even Saitama took note of the strange presence this man had — frail and blind, yet his aura felt… comforting. Like standing before a calm sea.

"Tanjiro. Zenitsu. Inosuke." Ubuyashiki's voice was soft and warm. "And our guest… you must be Saitama-san."

"Yeah." Saitama raised a hand. "Hi."

"Thank you for aiding our slayers," Ubuyashiki said, bowing his head slightly. "Your strength is… remarkable."

Saitama scratched his head awkwardly. "It's nothing. Just kinda happened."

"I have heard the reports already," Ubuyashiki continued. "You defeated Upper Moon Six — Kagenami with a single strike."

Everyone's faces darkened at the reminder.

"Yup," Saitama said. "He looked strong, but I guess not."

"It is both a relief and a concern." Ubuyashiki's smile grew faintly sad. "Relief that you are on our side. Concern that such overwhelming power exists in this world at all."

Saitama shrugged. "It's really not that serious."

Tanjiro bowed. "Master, Saitama-san is a good person! I'm sure he can help us in the coming battle!"

"That is what I hope as well." Ubuyashiki's smile returned. "For now, all of you should rest. Tomorrow, the Hashira will gather to discuss this unprecedented situation."

"Ah." Saitama raised a hand again. "Just one question."

"Of course."

"Do you guys have food?"

"..."

Tanjiro laughed nervously. "I'll show you to the dining hall, Saitama-san."

As they walked off, Zenitsu whispered to Inosuke. "A bald man who destroys Upper Moons and only cares about food… what kind of monster did we just meet?"

Inosuke grinned beneath his mask. "I like him."

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End of Chapter 9