Chapter 2: The new Start
Chapter 13: The Hashira Test
Tanjiro stood before the Hashira, his expression serious and unwavering. He knew they would not trust him easily, especially not Sanemi, who was already gripping his sword tightly.
Without hesitation, Sanemi lunged at Nezuko, aiming to strike her down. But before his blade could connect, Tanjiro moved like lightning, delivering a precise and controlled blow that sent Sanemi crashing to the ground. His body hit the floor hard, unconscious.
The room fell silent. The other Hashira stared at Tanjiro in disbelief. How had he moved so fast? How had he overpowered Sanemi so effortlessly?
Obanai, seeing Tanjiro as a threat, moved to restrain him. But Tanjiro slipped out of his grasp effortlessly, like water flowing through fingers.
Oyakata-sama, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, watched the scene unfold with calm eyes. "Impressive," he finally spoke. "Do you wish to become a Hashira?"
Chapter 14: The Demon Hashira
Tanjiro took a deep breath and shook his head.
"No, I don't want to be a normal Hashira."
The Hashira frowned, confused.
"Then what do you want?" Gyomei asked, his deep voice echoing in the chamber.
Tanjiro's red eyes burned with determination. "I want to create a new rank. I want to be the first 'Demon Hashira.'"
Shock spread across the room. Even the usually calm Giyu widened his eyes.
"That's ridiculous," Shinobu said, crossing her arms. "A demon being a Hashira? It's never happened before."
"Then let me prove it to you," Tanjiro said firmly. "If I can defeat all of you at once, I will be the leader of the Demon Hashira."
Chapter 15: Tanjiro's Power
The Hashira didn't hesitate. If Tanjiro wanted to challenge them, they would fight him at full strength.
Flames, water, mist, wind, stone, and sound—every Hashira unleashed their techniques, attacking all at once.
Tanjiro didn't flinch. He took a deep breath, his heart steady.
With a single swift and powerful strike, his blade turned bright red, radiating an intense heat.
The force of the attack was overwhelming. A shockwave erupted through the room.
One by one, the Hashira's weapons shattered, their blades unable to withstand the pressure. Only one of Gyomei's chains remained intact.
The entire hall trembled as the battle came to a sudden halt. All the Hashira collapsed—unconscious but alive.
Tanjiro sheathed his sword and looked at Gyomei, the only one still barely standing.
"You truly are the strongest Hashira," Tanjiro said with a small smile.
Gyomei, blood trickling down his forehead, gave a faint nod before collapsing as well.
Chapter 16: The Secret Plan
As the Hashira slowly regained consciousness, Oyakata-sama spoke.
"Tanjiro, you have proven yourself."
The leader of the Demon Slayer Corps gazed at him with pride. "From this moment forward, you are the leader of the Demon Hashira."
The room was silent. No one dared to object. They had all experienced his strength firsthand.
Tanjiro bowed respectfully, but his mind was already focused on the next step.
"Next, Gyomei will be the only Demon Hashira who is still considered 'weak.' He will need more time to develop. But I will personally train every Hashira—not just lightly, but enough to make them unshakable in battle."
The Hashira listened carefully as Tanjiro continued:
"However, we must play this carefully. If Muzan finds out how strong we are, he will hide for centuries. We must make it seem like we are weak."
Oyakata-sama nodded. "I agree. What do you suggest?"
Tanjiro's expression darkened.
"We will wipe out all six Lower Moons in one night."
A heavy silence filled the room.
"I will do it so efficiently that Muzan will believe the entire Hashira team had to work together to defeat them."
Shinobu smirked. "Clever. That will make Muzan underestimate us."
Tanjiro nodded. "That's the plan."
Chapter 17: The Elimination of the Lower Moons
For the first time in history, a single Demon Slayer moved to eradicate an entire rank of demons in a single night.
Tanjiro disappeared into the shadows, hunting each Lower Moon one by one. They never stood a chance.
In the span of mere hours, all six Lower Moons were eliminated without a trace. No one survived to report back to Muzan.
Meanwhile, in his hidden lair, Muzan sat in his throne, his expression cold and unreadable.
When he learned of the Lower Moons' destruction, he scoffed.
"If they struggled this much against weaklings, they will never touch us."
But deep inside, a seed of doubt began to form.
Chapter 18: The Entertainment District Arc Begins
Two years passed.
During the day, Tanjiro trained the weaker Demon Slayers. At night, he personally trained the Hashira, preparing them for the real war.
Sanemi and Muichiro, initially reluctant, were eventually forced to let go of their ruthlessness—thanks to the requests of Zenitsu and Inosuke.
And then, the next mission arrived.
Tanjiro gathered the Hashira.
"It's time," he said. "We will finally take down an Upper Moon."
The Hashira tensed. This was a momentous occasion—until now, no Upper Moon had fallen in over a hundred years.
"Which Upper Moon?" Gyomei asked.
Tanjiro's eyes glowed red.
"Upper Moon Six."
Everyone braced themselves.
"I will go with Tengen," Tanjiro continued.
The other Hashira immediately objected.
"Why only you and Tengen? We all want to go!"
Tanjiro smiled.
"Because if we all go, the fight will be too easy. I need the experience."
The Hashira exchanged glances. They knew Tanjiro wasn't being arrogant—he was preparing for something much bigger.
As night fell, Tanjiro and Tengen disappeared into the city.
In the distance, Muzan watched from the shadows.
And for the first time in centuries, he smiled.
"They finally make their move... Let's see how strong they really are."
The war had officially begun.