Chapter Text
The demon Slayer corps is a centuries-old, secret organization dedicated to protecting humanity from demons. To get in, slayers have to devout their lives into training and hardships, to prove their strength and worthiness to join the corps. And among them lie the cream of the crop, the hashiras.
Tengen Uzui, Sound Hashira.
Gyomei Himejima, Stone Hashira.
Sanemi Shinazugawa, Wind Hashira.
Giyu Tomioka, Water Hashira.
Obanai Iguro, Serpent Hashira.
Kyojuro Rengoku, Flame Hashira.
Mitsuri Kanroji, Love Hashira.
Muichiro Tokito, Mist Hashira.
Shinobu Kocho, Insect Hashira.
Both respected and feared, the 9 Hashiras dominated the Slayer corps and served as a beacon of hope to those who suffered under the hands of the wretchful demons. It is said that the hashiras meetings take place twice a year, and-
"Alright uzui san, that's enough."
"Tsk, let me live a little!"
That's right, contrary to popular belief, the Hashira often meet up, once a week on Sundays for a reunion dinner! At least those that can make it, after all it's not often all 9 roles are taken... And this Sunday, it was the same. The Tengen estate was bustling lively with lights and decorations, all hashiras gathered as they came together for a meal.
Well... Except for one Hashira.
"Tsk, finally a week when all hashiras are free to gather and he still thinks he's too good to come for dinner?" Sanemi remarked loudly.
The once bustling room suddenly became quiet as the noises died down. Deep down, all hashiras were also bothered by the absence of the ever mysterious Giyu tomioka. After all, it was true the man never made an effort to interact with the hashiras.
Giyu tomioka. The Stoic, emotionless man who never budged, wearing a fox mask, covering the whole of his right face and his left eye, and the marking of a scar on its left. He wore a mismatched haori, one that almost felt- if to be honest, not quite appealing. Split between a deep red and a green and yellow fabric, the man gave an aura of arrogance and ignorance. Along with his withdrawing personality- he was not quite a popular character. He almost never interacted with any of the hashiras, and even if he did his responses were short and sharp.
"Well, maybe he's just nervous to join because he hasn't been coming over since we first arranged these meetings.. should we try to invite him once more? It would help him feel more comfortable!" Mitsuri suggested shyly.
"Kanroji, you're right! We should step up and help Giyu-san feel more comfortable around us! Let us go invite him over!" The ever cheerful rengoku nodded in approval.
As the two prepared to walk over to the water estate to invite Giyu, the serpent Hashira interrupted them with a shake of his head. "Don't bother, he's not a kid. If he didn't want to join us, he wouldn't. He's made it clear from the get go that he does not want to interact with us. I don't know where he gets that amount of ego but I don't care enough about him to try to win him over."
The atmosphere between the hashiras always dropped when discussing about the water Hashira, split with those who actively tried to befriend Giyu, and those who did not bother hiding their indifference.
"Just start eating. That bastard isn't going to come no matter how hard you try, anyway." So the Hashiras, albeit some reluctantly, picked up their chopsticks. The mood slowly returned and soon enough, the atmosphere was bustling with warmth and comfort. Spending time-
BANG.
"...excuse me."
..Giyu tomioka came to the Tengen estate to join the dinner!?
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"Thank you for coming to visit me again, Giyu."
The warmth of Ubuyashiki's voice could sooth the heart of any man, Giyu was no different.
"Of course, Oyakata-sama. What can I do for you?"
Ubuyashiki smiled. "Well, it is news to me that the hashiras partake in weekly reunions to catch up among their busy day to day life. Seeing my children spend time together brings immense joy to me. However... I have heard that you do not partake in these dinners."
Giyus heart sinked a little. It was true that he did not go to the dinners no matter how often the love and flame Hashira would try to invite him over, but... He was different from the other Hashiras. His presence would only make others uncomfortable. "Oyakata-sama, I.."
"Giyu, I do not blame you. I have known you for many years, and I do know you have your reasons. However, I would appreciate if you join their dinners, maybe just for a few weeks, to get closer to the others. You are a joy to be around, and I would like for you to be able to form relationships with the other Hashiras."
...Well, giyu certainly felt that Ubuyashiki was making a mistake for saying that, but out the respect and love he has for him.. who was he to deny his orders?
"Of course."
.
.
.
Which was why Giyu tomioka was now stuck in this predicament. Sitting among the hashiras... It was silent.
....I shouldn't have come.