CHAPTER 18: HASHIRA TRAINING ARC PT.I

The air at the Ubuyashiki estate was quiet, heavy with the scent of medicine and the low rustle of wind through the trees.

Inside the meeting hall, the Hashiras sat in a solemn circle—Gyomei, Sanemi, Mitsuri, Obanai, Shinobu, Muichiro, and Giyu. Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke knelt respectfully just behind them.

Amane Ubuyashiki stood before them.

Her voice was steady, though pain lingered in her eyes.

"…Lord Kagaya is no longer able to issue orders," she began. "His illness has worsened. From now on, I will relay his will."

Everyone lowered their heads in respect.

Amane continued. "His final strategic order is simple: prepare the next generation."

She turned toward the three young slayers.

"Tanjiro Kamado. Zenitsu Agatsuma. Inosuke Hashibira. You three are to be trained directly under the Hashira. Learn everything. Survive what's coming."

The boys nodded with fierce determination.

Shinobu glanced at Tanjiro with a smile. "Looks like we'll be spending more time together."

Sanemi grunted. "Tch. Try not to slow me down, boar-head."

"WHO YOU CALLIN' A BOAR!?" Inosuke roared, flexing.

Zenitsu was already panicking. "Wh-Why do I have to train under him?! Can't I stay with Mitsuri-saaan?!"

Mitsuri giggled. "Don't worry, we'll all train you in our own ways!"

The mood lightened briefly.

Then Amane spoke again.

"As for… Sahiru Orasawa."

Everyone stilled.

Amane looked up, her tone calm but resolute.

"Kagaya-sama's final words about him were this: 'Let him choose his path. He has earned it. If he wishes to train them, allow it. If he wishes solitude, allow it. He needs no permission from us.'"

The Hashiras exchanged quiet glances.

Giyu broke the silence. "…He's already done more than enough."

"Still," Sanemi said, looking away, "if he did train them… those three would become monsters."

Tanjiro looked down, thinking of Sahiru's power. "I'd… be honored to learn from him. Even if just once."

Mitsuri smiled sadly. "I don't think he's ready to be near us again just yet."

Muichiro nodded. "His heart is far away."

Obanai folded his arms. "Then we wait. And we train. With or without him."

Amane closed her eyes.

The Hashira nodded in unison.

And so, the next stage of their journey began.