Chapter 37: Ishida meets the Hashiras
Ishida followed the crow, guided through winding paths until he reached the Ubuyashiki Residence. Known for its serene beauty and the enigmatic family that led the Demon Slayer Corps, this place held an aura of mystery and reverence. Ishida's thoughts wandered as he pondered the reason behind his summons. Could his sudden rank advancement from Mizunoe to Tsuchinoto be related?
Finally arriving at the entrance, the crow perched on his shoulder, announcing, "Wait here. The Hashira will arrive shortly."
"Hashira?" Ishida echoed, intrigued. "How many will be here?"
The crow offered no further explanation and took flight, leaving Ishida with his questions.
"Guess that's all the information I'll get for now," Ishida mused aloud.
A gentle voice broke the silence, "You're early."
Ishida turned to see Shinobu Kocho approaching, her presence as calming as ever. Having met her previously at the Butterfly Mansion when Sakura was injured, he was familiar with her soothing demeanor.
"Shinobu-san," Ishida greeted, feeling a mix of respect and curiosity. "Do you know why I've been called here? What's the meeting about?"
With a serene smile, she replied, "Patience. You'll find out soon enough." Her gaze softened as she added, "I've heard about your encounter with one of the Twelve Kizuki. Congratulations on your success."
"Thank you," Ishida said, rubbing the back of his neck, a bit sheepish under her praise. As they walked into the front yard of the mansion, he couldn't help but ask, "How strong are the Hashira, really?"
Shinobu chuckled softly at his question. "The strength of the Hashira?" she repeated, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Your unique breathing style sets you apart. Continue to grow, and perhaps one day you'll find out firsthand."
Ishida waited with Shinobu in the serene garden of the Ubuyashiki Residence, feeling the weight of anticipation in the air. The first Hashira to appear was a man with striking, flame-like hair and an aura of unwavering confidence. His eyes gleamed with a fierce determination that matched his bold appearance.
He approached with a smile that seemed to light up the space. "Ah, someone new," he said, his voice full of vigor. "Welcome."
Ishida nodded, a bit taken aback by the Hashira's sheer presence. "Thank you," he replied, taken aback by the energy of the person in front of him.
The Hashira chuckled, a sound full of warmth and enthusiasm. "Keep your spirit up. The journey's just as important as the destination."
Shinobu smiled, as she glanced towards Ishida, "He is Kyojuro Rengoku, The flame Hashira. He is one of the experienced and senior Hashiras" She introduced, with a bit of whispering voice, just Ishida can hear.
Ishida nodded slightly , with a smile.
After this, for the next 8 minutes in total arrived the other 7 Hashiras, most of them only looked at him with a simple nodd, and nothing else. Other than 1 , who couldn't get to stop speaking.
"Hi there!" Mitsuri exclaimed, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. "You're Ishida, right? I heard you took on one of the Twelve Kizuki! That's so brave!"
Ishida, feeling a bit shy under her cheerful gaze, nodded. "Yes…I guess..."
Mitsuri leaned in, eyes alight with curiosity. "You know, I always wonder about the little things—like, what do demons do for fun? Isn't it fascinating to think about what they might enjoy?"
Ishida was taken aback by her whimsical question "I don't know... I guess , that's an interesting thought."
Mitsuri giggled, clearly delighted. "I think about those things all the time! But enough about demons. Have you tried the sweet shops around here? They have the best mochi!"
Before Ishida could respond, Obanai Iguro approached quietly, his presence as enigmatic as ever. His heterochromatic eyes, one hidden behind a bandage, were sharp and watchful, and his snake, Kaburamaru, rested comfortably around his neck.
"Mitsuri," Obanai interjected, his tone slightly curt, "we're not here to discuss sweets."
Mitsuri pouted slightly but nodded, casting a quick glance at him. "Oh, right. I just got a bit carried away."
Obanai's gaze shifted briefly to Ishida, measuring and intense. "Don't get distracted. Focus on why you're here."
After 10 minutes, all Hashira were standing in front of the Mansion, as Ishida also stood beside Shinobu & Giyu, as they were the only , who he was a bit familiar with.
But , other than that, he was intrigued by the thought of standing with the strongest Demon Slayers , the pillers of Demon Slayer corpse , just after some days of becoming a demon slayer corpse member.
As He was thinking, the door of the Mansion in front of them opened and walked out a little girl, as she made an announcement, "The Master Of the mansion has arrived!"
With that announcement being made, a men came out through the door. The man had long, dark hair and a calm face marked by unusual scars. His skin was very pale, and his gentle eyes held a quiet strength. Clad in traditional robes, he seemed both kind and wise, drawing people in with his peaceful presence.
As soon as he came out everyone bowed down at their knees , as Giyu gestured Ishida to do the same , as he followed.
"Good Morning, Everyone. I am happy to see every members present for the yearly Hashira meeting" He welcomed everyone with a gentle and welcoming voice, "We also have a new member Ishida Hitotsuki"
Ishida looked at him , and sensed a very gentle and comforting presence from the person, so he was head of the demon slayer corpse !? Ishida thought.
As he responded to his introduction with a respectful nod.
As the introductions settled, Muichiro Tokito, the Mist Hashira, spoke up in a formal and respectful manner. "Master, could you kindly elaborate on the demon slayer member , Ishida's inclusion in this meeting?"
Everyone had the same question, including Ishida himself. Without Giyu , the water Hashira. It seemed a bit about why Ishida was here.
Everyone respectfully turned towards, kagaya ubuyashiki , for an answer.