After the Hashira meeting ended, the Shadow Hashira, Hanabi Jinsei, approached Ubuyashiki in private.
"Hanabi-san, what is it you wish to speak to me about, alone?" Ubuyashiki inquired in his usual gentle demeanor.
Taking a moment, Shadow Hashira met Ubuyashiki's gaze as he spoke with a hint of melancholy, "I know this might come as a surprise, especially given our current lack of Hashiras in the corps, but I've come to a decision. I plan to retire from my position as Hashira."
Ubuyashiki listened attentively, his expression remaining unchanged, showing no sign of his inner thoughts or emotions.
Shadow Hashira continued, "Recently, I feel myself getting weak. The injuries I sustained during my younger days have begun to resurface. I consulted the doctors; they said I was getting old."
"I see," Ubuyashiki murmured, nodding in understanding. With a slight bow, he continued, "If this is truly what you feel is best, I respect your decision. I sincerely thank you for your unwavering dedication to slaying the demons. Your efforts and sacrifices for the Demon Slayer Corps will always be remembered."
Hanabi exhaled, a burden seeming to lift from his shoulders. "Thank you for understanding. I'll continue to serve as a Hashira for another three months before retiring. Afterward, I intend to remain with the Corps as a trainer. I wish to pass on what I've learned to the next generation."
Ubuyashiki nodded, his soft voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Hanabi-san. Even in stepping down, you remain a pillar of strength for us all."
--
"'Slash!' A demon's head flew through the air before crumbling into black ash.
"It's time to rest! Time to rest, Ryou. You can take a day off!" his Kasugai crow squawked from above.
The past week had been hectic for Ryou, with his Kasugai crow constantly ordering him to travel from one place to another. "Finally," he thought to himself, "I can't wait to soak in a warm bath and sleep for a day."
For an entire week, he had been traveling tirelessly, tracking down demons. The constant travel had left him drained. In the midst of his tasks, he hadn't found a spare moment to train and improve himself.
Now he understands why it takes so long for even the strongest demon slayers to ascend to the rank of Hashira, as they are in constant pursuit of demons with little time to improve their skills.
This week alone, he had slain three demons, including the elusive Frog Demon, bringing his total demon kills to four.
At his current pace, he's uncertain when he'll reach the milestone of slaying 50 demons to become a Hashira. As for encountering a Lower Moon, it's a matter of chance.
'Sigh...' Ryou began to walk in the direction instructed by his kasugai crow. 'I was granted only a single free day since I wasn't injured in any way...'
Several hours later, a warm, comforting sight came into view. A large, peaceful mansion stood at the edge of a quiet town, its entrance marked with the symbol of the wisteria flower.
"Wisteria House," Ryou murmured in relief.
As he approached, the door opened with a gentle creak, and a kind-faced middle-aged woman greeted him. "Welcome, young Demon Slayer. Please, come in."
She guided him inside and showed him to a well-furnished room, complete with clean bedding and soft lighting. "Please change into something comfortable. We'll take care of your uniform and weapons. If you'd like, you may visit the hot springs before dinner."
Ryou nodded and thanked the lady of the Wisteria house with gratitude. He deeply respects this family that's offering free food, accommodation, and other services to the Demon Slayer Corps.
The lady smiled slightly and left the room so that he could change and take a bath.
After indulging in a relaxing hot bath and a hearty meal, Ryou allowed himself to collapse into the futon. For the first time in days, he slept soundly and only woke up the next day, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
--
Early Morning,
Sunlight filtered gently through the paper windows as Ryou awoke, feeling rejuvenated. After washing up, he stepped into the quiet backyard of the Wisteria House.
A serene garden lay before him, bamboo groves swaying gently, a koi pond rippling in the breeze, and birds chirping in the distance. With no distractions, he began his morning breathing exercises.
His blade moved gracefully as he cycled through the forms of his Nature Breathing Style—from the First Form to the Ninth. Suddenly, a voice broke the silence.
"Your form is impeccable, and your breathing is steady and powerful. I must admit, I only witnessed such mastery of the breathing style among the Hashira."
Ryou turned toward the voice, eyes narrowing. A man stood at the edge of the garden, bathed in morning light. His golden eyes glimmered with warmth, and his long hair, streaked in red and yellow, flowed in the breeze like flame.
He recognized the man immediately, Rengoku Kyojuro.
He looked exactly as he did in the manga and the anime. He stood tall and confident, with an air of great optimism about him.
"I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Rengoku Kyojuro," he said with a warm smile. "And your breathing style, it's unique. What do you call it?"
"I call it Nature Breathing style. By the way, I'm Ryou," he replied, nodding in greeting.
"Nature Breathing... It's my first time hearing it. Are you a Hashira?" Kyojuro asked.
"No, not yet. But I will soon be," Ryou replied with confidence.
"Hahaha... me too. I like your confidence. Let's work hard to become one, Ryou." Rengoku smiled brightly.
"Sure! Let's make a friendly competition to see who becomes a Hashira first. Are you up for it, Kyojuro?" Ryou asked. He likes Kyojuro's upright personality.
"Wonderful! I accept your challenge, Ryou," Kyojuro replied, flashing a thumbs-up sign. "As Demon Slayers, we should set lofty goals and constantly push ourselves. I won't lose."
At that moment, Ryou's Kasugai crow, Kuro, swooped down from the sky and perched firmly on his shoulder. Without wasting a second, the crow delivered its message in a loud, clear voice.
"Ryou! Ryou! Your next mission has arrived. A powerful demon has been sighted in the nearby region. It has already claimed the lives of several Demon Slayers.
So, you are required to team up with Rengoku Kyojuro for this mission. Proceed with caution!"
At the same time, Kyojuro's Kasugai crow relayed the same words to him.
"Looks like we'll be traveling together on this one," Ryou remarked to Kyojuro.
"Indeed. I look forward to working together and witnessing your strength, Ryou. Let's go." Kyojuro stated loudly.