Chapter Text
─── He’s late! ─── Shinobu intervened, glancing toward the entrance of the region where the Hashira meeting would take place; there was no sign of the spiky‑haired black figure or the bi‑colored haori.
She exhaled, her characteristic serene expression intact, yet contradictorily, a small vein of irritation appeared as a crease on her forehead.
It was so typical of him!
─── I judge that he won’t come ─── Iguro replied, seeing that none of his colleagues would bother to bring him, as he stroked the snake coiled around his neck.
The Pillars merely grumbled at the obvious. It was clear the man wouldn’t come. Again.
─── I don’t know why you’re still expecting anything from him. ─── Sanemi replied, arms crossed over his chest; he no longer expected much from the Water Pillar, especially after the day he claimed he was different from them.
It was yet another meeting of the Hashira that Master Ubuyashiki had summoned at the last minute. The reason for the meeting was still unknown, but having been called so abruptly, urgency was obvious. All the Pillars bowed graciously in front of the blind man as a sign of respect, except for the Water Hashira, Giyu Tomioka, who had not shown up since the last meeting — about two months ago.
Without any surprise, the said person was late again to another meeting with his master, which was quite disrespectful considering the Pillars’ values. It wasn’t the first, second, or even third time this happened.
Did he think he was important enough to decide what time he’d show up?
These thoughts seemed to drift like a current through each hunter’s mind, each restraining the urge to scoff or roll their eyes, particularly out of respect for the pale, authoritative figure before them.
The Hashira held back only because of that detail. Otherwise, Sanemi, or even Iguro, tired of the Water Pillar’s irresponsibility and detachment — would have shouted curses at him to the four winds.
They couldn’t imagine how someone like him attained such a coveted and important position as a Hashira. But they had to admit: the man had talent.
Talent they didn’t value much due to his lack of social skills and the special treatment Hashira received.
─── Hello, my children! The sky must be incredibly beautiful… ─── Kagaya said passionately; his eyes reflected the sparkle of his smile, softening his features. Even in advanced illness, Kagaya still demonstrated immense leadership over the Corps.
That’s why he earned everyone’s respect—this and many other qualities his master possessed.
─── I am immensely pleased and relieved to know that all of you are well at the beginning of this new meeting ─── Kagaya spoke calmly after a brief silence. The gentle lines of his face transformed into a warm smile and the Hashira inclined their heads at his words, comforted by their master's welcome.
His clear eyes seemed to inspect each Pillar meticulously, despite his blindness.
The young man with lavender eyes was seated on polished wood stretching beneath the Hashira, supporting the luxurious walls of his grand mansion. His enviably straight posture gave him a serious air, but his expression remained welcoming. Beside him sat his twin daughters; in front of them were the Pillars, seated majestically in seiza in the small room.
The fusuma door behind him was open to the engawa, where sunlight reflected and the magnificent wisteria garden became one of the best views.
The gentle breeze entered, playfully brushing the light hair and garments and carrying flower petals softly to new places.
─── We are grateful for your health, Lord! ─── Kyojuro spoke respectfully with his warm smile, bowing to greet his master.
The Flame Pillar’s face was adorned by a smile as radiant as the sunlight shining in the room, although his eyebrows were furrowed in annoyance due to the recent irresponsible behavior of the Water Pillar.
He stood with his arms crossed in his usual posture.
Annoyance could be seen across every displeased expression of each Hashira when observed closely.
─── Rengoku‑kun is so cool! Kyah! ─── Kanroji thought shyly, her rosy cheeks glowing with admiration. Her green eyes shimmered with tiny golden stars.
Her former sensei was someone the Love Pillar admired most and never refrained from showing it — whether for his strength, bravery, or kindness to others. He had been crucial in helping her accept herself and become strong.
The pink-haired girl sat uncomfortably on her ankles — like the other Hashira — her hands gripping firmly the dark fabric of her short skirt, channeling all her anxiety about being in that situation.
Mitsuri also smiled warmly at all present; she loved seeing her companions healthy and… alive. Given the dangerous lives the Slayers led, many died before reaching twenty-five, if they even made it that far, often due to physical or mental pathology.
So she felt relief knowing her colleagues were well — except one. She didn’t know his current status.
─── It’s a pity that Tomioka‑san isn’t here joining our meeting… Could he be ill or even injured? I really hope not! ─── The Love Pillar lamented inwardly, sadness lingering for a moment as she lifted a trembling hand to hide her flushed face.
She didn’t want to share this thought too soon with the other Hashira, because many of them — at least the majority — didn’t hold much hope for the selfish behavior of the Water Pillar; which Mitsuri found absurd, as no one there had spent more than five minutes talking decently with the dark-haired man. Except for Shinobu, who always teased him with provocations and attempts at conversation that weren’t reciprocated. Still, that couldn’t count.
Giyu Tomioka was a peculiar Hashira. In his first meeting with the Hashira, he left a strong impression by saying he was incomparable to any of them. Something that deeply influenced opinions within the corps.
That made Tomioka be seen in a different light.
The top-tier demon slayers concluded that his disinterest in socializing was because he wasn’t interested in associating with weak slayers not worthy of his presence. With this new view on his “superiority complex,” lengthy discussions about how the Water Pillar was rude ensued during Hashira dinners.
All of them felt their egos wounded.
But Mitsuri, in particular, didn’t know what to make of the dark-haired man, even after all the incidents and arguments between the Hashira.
She remained clear-headed, despite occasionally being swept along by her colleagues. Simply put, no one knew anything about him, except Kagaya‑sama.
So why should they judge him?
No one commented on Shinobu’s forced smile that irritated everyone, or Sanemi’s hysterical outbursts of rage — everyone had to live with them. Or Kyojuro’s excessive excitement, or how Obanai always stared at others with a murderous gaze. And so on for each Pillar.
What Mitsuri meant was: everyone had their own peculiarity as a Hashira. But none of that was reason for judgment within the corps.
So why was Giyu different?
─── I am grateful for your prayers, my children! ─── Mitsuri snapped out of her thoughts when Kagaya’s calm voice responded to her greeting with a polite smile.
The young man let out a heavy sigh, resisting the urge to press his temples to ease the pain — an action not unnoticed by everyone present.
The Hashira exchanged glances. A new feeling arose while annoyance was momentarily forgotten.
─── Master, something seems to be troubling you… Would you like to share with us? Perhaps there is something we can assist with ─── Tengen spoke up in front of the Pillars, raising an eyebrow. The wrinkle across his forehead showed how much concern weighed on him.
A feeling that each Pillar adopted in their own way toward the man before them.
The leader simply offered a small smile to allay his children’s concern. The Pillars knew his condition wasn’t ideal, yet they could always rely on him. They found comfort in the gentle expression adorning the face of the kind man.
Despite his illness, he remained strong—for those who lived, for those who had gone, and for those who would come.
Something bubbled in his chest and he held hope that this war would finally come to an end.
─── Unfortunately, I am not in full health, my children ─── Ubuyashiki responded, choosing each word from his mouth carefully.
His intention wasn’t to worry his children, especially since his duties already represented such a large part of their lives.
He understood deeply the demons each had to carry — demons that had followed them even before they held the title of Hashira, adding obligations and pains to their shoulders.
Being a Hashira didn’t simply mean being a skilled hunter.
It meant holding the highest rank, a position coveted by many and laden with difficult responsibilities. They served as inspiration and example so that others would not give up fighting for their lives and for the lives of others.
They were subjected to circumstances no ordinary person should endure.
But they had to honor their position — since they had accepted being there.
─── But I believe it is not necessary to seek them out right now ─── Ubuyashiki reassured them, concluding finally.
The Pillars merely nodded their understanding. Though inner peace didn't calm them due to the delicate state of their master’s situation, they accepted his words out of admiration for the man.
So no one said anything else. Though they may have wanted to voice their opinions — to help — they were silenced by their lord’s calming gaze.
─── As you can see, the Water Pillar is currently absent ─── the man continued to speak, as if preparing to step into a minefield. Yet somehow, the comparison made sense.
─── Unfortunately, Giyu Tomioka will not be able to attend our meeting ─── he paused, observing the hunters.
Murmurs rose and filled the previously silent room.
Shinobu wore a curious expression on her face. Her lips pressed into a straight line. Tomioka could not be ill or injured… could he?
He hadn’t come for a consultation or the routine battery of tests he usually underwent at Butterfly Mansion in recent days — which wasn’t entirely unwelcome, in a way.
Ambiguously, it was better not to risk having a colleague injured — and Tomioka wasn’t one of their easier patients.
Giyu always found a way to avoid visiting his mansion’s infirmary, even when severely wounded or mentally incapacitated. Whenever a fellow hunter or kakushi brought him, he managed to slip away from the mansion — if given the chance.
Tomioka was undoubtedly her most troublesome and absent-minded patient! It was incredible how one human being could irritate her unintentionally.
─── However, he has already been informed ahead of time about everything I will tell you here ─── Ubuyashiki continued with his full composure, pulling them out of the thoughtful bubbles formed unconsciously in their minds.
He decided that he should go straight to the point, without detours or interruptions, so he could return to his room to rest a bit more. His weakened health was consuming him daily, draining his social faculties and causing a headache that started at the base of his skull.
He would finally rest from his duties, even if only for a moment. He couldn’t abandon the Corps for long.
─── Is Tomioka-san injured or incapacitated, Oyakata-sama? ─── Gyomei asked calmly, posing the question that weighed heavily on every Pillar’s mind. Insistent tears rolled down his cheek, forming a steady drip, like a self-replenishing stream.
Everyone stared at him with little expectation. No matter how distant or cruel he was, they all had to admit Tomioka was one of the strongest Hashira to exist. So being injured wasn't even considered possible.
His deeds and strength were admired within the Corps, even if his behavior wasn’t always well regarded.
It wasn’t only physical strength that they considered — but also his calm in the bloodshed against the Oni, how he moved gently through the battlefield. He showed no mercy — not a single second — to any Oni. His cold, frozen eyes guided him in a slow lethal dance against the wind, drawing his Nichirin from its support and practicing his eleventh form, raising his bluish blade.
In just a few seconds, the heads of nefarious demons were rolling across the ground, cursing the hunter.
His lack of expression was even more sadistic than Sanemi’s during massacres, terrifying other hunters — and even immortals.
May God have mercy on the Oni, because Giyu certainly did not.
Such a scene seemed ordinary in the Water Hashira’s daily life — and, in essence, it was. It was like a child at play. Still, Giyu showed no pity or attachment to any Oni, no matter how much they begged.
It was as if he had begged and wasn’t spared in return.
─── No, don’t worry. He is simply fulfilling an urgent mission north of here, in the mountains ─── Ubuyashiki continued in his always serene tone, pulling everyone from their daydreams.
So that’s it. Tomioka was not late again. In fact, he wasn’t coming because he was busy with a mission up north.
Absolutely no one knew — or would ever know — but Giyu had not been assigned to the mission by his master’s directive. The truth was that Tomioka had insisted for days for Master to give him a mission. Of course, without pressuring his master's kindness or being disrespectful.
He didn't want to be insolent in any way. Tomioka just wanted to clear his mind of the whispers and thoughts that disturbed his sanity and sense of peace.
Coincidentally, he received the mission around the date his sister had died. She lost her life to a demon attack on the eve of her wedding.
She, her fiancé, and his family all died in that tragic situation.
Tomioka was only seeking an escape — to relieve his inner demons. He felt immense guilt for living. Especially after someone sacrificed themselves so he could live. Not wanting to exist while his sister gave her life — basically his greatest cowardice.
Not just her… his fiancé and Sabito also gave him a chance at life.
But he didn’t feel worthy to live — or to receive those gifts, to have friends. He was afraid of being happy and forgetting the efforts of those who had sacrificed themselves to protect him.
The mission was just a pretext for distraction, to release frustration on unlucky demons in his path.
To try to end that throbbing pain in his chest.
Tomioka knew he wasn’t the best. The whispers of his fellow Pillars and the glares he received told him that — but Giyu had tried.
Yet he always ruined everything in the end. Maybe it was better that way.
─── So that wind‑headed bastard is enjoying demon‑slaying on a mission? ─── Sanemi thought, disbelief sketched in a vein on his neck. Jealousy washed over him.
If so, he wanted a mission too! He longed to behead demons and wipe them from the face of the earth, making it safer for everyone. It was his deepest longing.
Shinazugawa felt something vibrate in his chest. A mixture of repressed feelings building over time. He felt the rush of adrenaline driving his heart, fueling an unending fire. Rage had always powered him.
Just like the flames of Amaterasu.
However, his thoughts ceased when the calm voice of Oyakata-sama filled the room — making his fury fade and his heart settle.
He hadn’t always been this way. But discovered that rage could be his greatest ally — despite his recklessness.
─── I don’t intend to question your missions or duties today, my children. I’ll leave that for our next official Hashira meeting ─── Kagaya said, pausing to breathe in the pure air of the sunny morning.
He was an adult with the lungs of a newborn—it was slightly frustrating.
─── I’m here now to announce that you will all take vacation once your assigned missions are completed ─── he smiled.
The Hashira widened their eyes in surprise. They hadn’t expected that. Of all possible topics, vacations were the last thing they’d guess. They were opposite to their roles.
─── Oyakata-sama, not to sound disrespectful or contradict you, but our ranks don’t allow this… ─── Kyojuro began, serious face and eyes full of shock.
The Pillars all shook their heads in agreement.
─── Rengoku-san is right, Oyakata-sama! We’re too extravagant; we won’t be able to relax at all! ─── Uzui replied incredulously.
His wide eyes reflected the sentiment.
Had their master… lost his mind?
No!
He was talking about Kagaya‑sama, the man was calm and meticulous in every step he took. It was no accident that he was the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps. The gray‑haired man felt ashamed for having had all those thoughts about his master. The very man who had welcomed him into the Corps.
─── The oni will never stop attacking humans just because the great Hashira need a vacation! ─── Sanemi continued in an alert tone, rubbing the back of his neck, hesitant about being contradictory and disrespectful to his master. But he agreed faithfully with his colleagues.
That idea of vacation was so absurd it became impossible to imagine. The demons must be mocking it right now.
The Pillars continued speaking, all at once. Their words were just illogical buzzing and nonsense in Ubuyashiki’s ears as everyone was expressing themselves simultaneously. All that gradually turned into one loud racket.
Then the meeting began to fall apart.
No one respected anyone else’s speaking time. Everyone got worked up and began speaking at the same time, some gesticulating excessively. They listed how that idea would never work and gave all the reasons why.
Even Muichiro was showing his understanding, though he was calmer, his indifferent gaze was replaced with suppressed shock. He was paying attention to everything around him, even though his focus had been elsewhere, until Kagaya‑sama stated the purpose of the meeting.
Sanemi’s voice eclipsed all others. But they were nothing more than hysterical shouts and “I’m beheading a demon” gestures in everyone’s face. As if he was listing all the reasons why they shouldn’t accept vacation.
Oyakata‑sama managed to avoid a grimace as a pang of pain shot through his skull; his temple reacted to the pain, and he began to rub the area gently.
The shouts of his beloved children were now only stabs and buzzing inside his head. But they also drew the attention of those passing outside.
Kagaya made a small effort to raise his hand — a gesture for silence so everyone would quiet down and calm themselves. It proved to be a great challenge — but he succeeded.
At that moment, all the Hashira present fell silent and returned to their proper positions, completely embarrassed to have lost decorum in front of the man they admired most.
Particularly, Sanemi couldn’t find what remained of his dignity, so he turned to stare at the wall behind the short-haired man’s shoulder—finding it a rather interesting point.
─── I am aware of your concerns and of the ranks you occupy, my children. Because of that I ask you: how will you continue to fight these real demons if you cannot handle your own inner demons? ─── Kagaya said in a doubtful tone of inquiry — and no one dared to speak.
It was time for their master to speak.
─── I am aware of each of your pasts and I see how much your choices have interfered with your judgment. For some time now I’ve noticed some are losing their essence, others are mentally exhausted mission after mission, all are tired of their positions. I know how much this wears on you. So I want you to take a pause to tend to your mind. ─── He added warmly, giving them a serene smile.
Some of the Pillars bowed their heads in embarrassment, fully resonating with their master’s words. They had not imagined that their fatigue and mental collapse would be so visible.
─── The vacation will not last more than a few weeks, but it is something I am willing to give you, children. Do not worry about your obligations for a moment, for I have found qualified demon slayers to cover your missions. ─── He concluded, feeling every soul yearn for a break. Then he waited for responses from his beloved children.
The Pillars entered a thoughtful bubble. They were apprehensive. It was quite palpable. Of course they would worry — in their absence, demons could take even more victims.
But there would be qualified substitutes, and a vacation… well, it was nice for once. Even if they could not always afford such privilege, they allowed themselves to fantasize a little.
The present Pillars looked at each other for a moment then, silently, made a decision. A decision that would change everything.
Vacation couldn’t be that bad… could it?
─── We accept the vacation, Oyakata‑sama! We are very grateful for your kindness!” Rengoku replied with his usual unwavering smile.
─── Okay, any questions? ─── Everyone shook their heads in silence, even though the leader of the extermination could not see. ─── Then I declare this meeting closed.
With that, Kagaya shared some details about how the vacation would work, added a few more important notes. He smiled warmly once more and expressed gratitude for each Pillar’s presence, receiving another prayer for his health.
He nodded his head and within seconds his twin daughters had escorted him back into the grand mansion.
Everyone bowed respectfully and waited for their leader to exit; then each Pillar stood and headed toward the garden.
─── Vacation! Can you believe it? ─── Kanroji commented timidly, yet no less excited during the short walk. Her cheeks darkened with blush, her face wearing a smile.
Iguro, beside her, promptly nodded in response to her remark.
The remaining Hashira let themselves be swept up by the girl’s excitement and made their way to the garden — a place they had agreed would serve as their lunch venue. Once again, they would eat without Giyu present.
Sanemi did not complain.
But it became monotonous and somewhat bothersome to all. It was as if they were unworthy of dining in the presence of the Water Pillar.
Despite that, they were all curious about the motivation behind that unpleasant personality and, of course, wanted to know about Tomioka Giyu’s past.
But that was hard when the young man was just an empty shell with frighteningly lifeless eyes and no social skills.
Still, they could try.
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