"I am sorry, Aoyama, but this is a meeting for Hashira. The only reason I can go is because I have been permitted by my father to act as his stand-in."
"..."
"I see you understand Aoyama. I'm glad," Kyojuro replied with a small smile as if relieved "I understand that you wish to participate, but even if you can best a Hashira in combat, your official rank is still Mizunoto."
"What if I said," I continued, "That I have really important information on the Twelve Kiz-"
"CAW CAW, head towards the meeting quickly CAW CAW"
"It is time for me to leave Aoyama," Kyojuro replied, turning around. "I will hear from you later on."
"Wai-"
Before I could utter a sound, faster than the speed of sound, Rengoku Kyojuro vanished.
"...And just when I wanted to derail canon."
Fine.
Telling the Hashira was just a failsafe, but if they aren't willing to listen, I'll just go with my original plan.
If they want a Hashira so bad, it's about time I go kill one of the moons.
~~~~
"Hinokami Kagura: Flame Dance"
*whoosh*
The air shimmered from the heat as Tanjiro's sword, wreathed in flame, carved a clean horizontal line through the straw dummy. Before the halves could topple, he shifted his stance and swung again, this time vertically. The sword cleaved through the target with a sharp hiss, sending scorched fragments of straw scattering across the clearing.
*hiss*
After completing the final form of Hinokami Kagura, Tanjiro let out a deep huff of steam while swiftly sheathing his Katana.
"That's the final form, Senpai."
"Waah, so cool"
Mitsuri let out a delighted squeal, her entire face lighting up with excitement. Her eyes sparkled like polished gems, wide with admiration, and for a moment, it almost looked like tiny stars were dancing around her.
"Your sword caught on fire and went woosh and then-"
Screening out Mitsuri's rant, I focused on my own breathing. Letting out a sharp exhale, I tried to recreate the exact same lung movements that Tanjiro exhibited and the exact same movement of muscles he displayed.
'Success'
Flames roared to life from the corner of my mouth. I slid one foot back, leaned slightly, and tightened my grip on the katana. Flames appeared at the tip of my sword as I prepared to unleash my attack.
"Hinokami Kagura: Sunflower Thrust"
In a span of a second, I pushed myself forward with my back foot and swiftly thrust my Katana forward. The flame at the tip of the sword spread forward and spiraled around it, spreading all the way to the hilt.
*BOOM*
A booming sound occurred as the blade broke past the sound barrier.
*whoosh*
In a split second, I drove my sword forward, the blade piercing clean through the straw dummy's center, blowing it up. Before the impact even settled, my hand had already moved on instinct, pulling the katana free and sliding it back into its sheath with a sharp metallic click. All of it was done in under half a second.
"Whew"
"A-amazing"
"Waah"
Despite the varying sounds of exclamation, an unpleasant feeling bloomed within me. It felt as if the move I executed was incomplete.
'Maybe, if I shift my stance a bit, and change my grip?'
"Hinokami Kagura: Sunflower Thrust"
*whistle*
'My chest burns, but in a good way.'
The sound this time was much quieter, akin to an arrow's whistling instead of a booming explosion. The speed of the sword's thrust and the power behind it were much more powerful than last time's as well.
The flames on the sword dimmed as well. Instead of just exploding outwards, they gathered around the tip and pierced the dummy in a concentrated manner at just one spot instead of outright obliterating half its body.
"I see," I muttered, holding the sword. "That makes sense."
"That thrust," Tanjiro murmured, analyzing my technique. "It was much more, uhm, how do I say it?"
"Refined," Mitsuri provided, "The first one was much cooler looking with all the sounds and flashiness, but the one just now was way more practical."
"Yeah"
'Still, it's unfinished.'
But what? What's missing?
"Ah, the breathing techniques."
"Breathing techniques?" Tanjiro murmured
"Mhm," I nodded in confirmation. "It's because I learned Water, Stone, and Flame breathing that I was able to point out the difference in the sword form. I just need to learn Thunder and Wind, and I should be able to perfect it even more."
My gaze drifted to Tanjiro. "That reminds me, while you're here, you should learn the basics of Flame Breathing and ask Urokodaki-Sensei for Water Breathing. It'll help you in mastering your own breath."
"I-is that so?" Tanjiro muttered before turning to Mitsuri, "Then, considering Rengoku-San isn't here, could I trouble you to teach me in his stead?"
"M-me?" Mitsuri exclaimed, before a huge smile blossomed on her face, "Of course I will, young man. I may not be as skilled as Rengoku-San, but I'll try my best!"
"By the way, how can you use Hinokami Kagura like that? Doesn't it place a strain on your lungs?"
If I remember from the original media, whenever Tanjiro used that breathing, it placed a huge strain on his lungs even after he mastered Constant, so how is a Tanjiro not even two months into his training able to use it so efficiently?
"Not really?" Tanjiro answered while tilting his head, "It strains my lungs a bit, but from Urokodaki-San told me, that's a normal thing most novice Demon Slayers experience."
Ah, I see.
The strain that Tanjiro originally had wasn't because Hinokami Kagura was an extremely straining breathing style; it was because Tanjiro, whose body had already gotten used to Water Breathing, couldn't suddenly bear the strain of switching to another Breathing Style mid-fight.
One must know that Hinokami Kagura and Sun Breathing may be similar, but after centuries of degradation, they are not the same techniques anymore. It was only in the final chapters when Tanjiro saw Yoriichi use Sun Breathing from his ancestor's memories did he finally perfected Hinokami Kagura.
'Still,' I sighed, looking over at my sword. 'How am I supposed to incorporate these sword forms as martial arts?'
In the first place, these techniques are meant to be used by swordsmen. Try as I may, my human body can neither replicate the sharpness of a sword nor the body of one.
In the end, how am I supposed to replicate something like Stone Breathing, which is based entirely on throwing axes, or something like slashing or barrage-type moves that revolve entirely around the manipulation of a sword?
Simpler moves like Water Wheel, Splashing Water Flow, Whirlpool, Water Basin, or Fake Rainbow that rely less on a sword can be completely replicated by me, or I can also replicate simple moves like Water Slash or Unknowing Fire that only have single motions by just replacing the sword moves with something like kicks. The other complicated stuff is out of the picture, though.
Unless I somehow turn my body into a sword, those moves are practically impossible. While there's no problem with using Breathing Styles, considering they are nothing more than physical enhancements, if I want proper martial arts, I'm gonna have to completely dismantle the forms of breathing techniques.
"Haah looks like I'm going to have to invent some moves for this all on my own."
"Indeed"
"Wha-"
All three of us turned around as we heard the deep voice.
"A crow?"
"Greetings, Aoyama Yuito Daichi, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am one of Kagaya Ubayashiki's messengers."
It's Crowzen!
"That crow sounds so cool!" Mitsuri started gushing at the crow's sound, "I wonder how my crow will sound?"
You're in for a disappointment.
"Hello, Aize- Ubayashiki Kagaya's messenger. Why have you come seeking me?"
"Oh, user of the original breath. My lord has heard of your request to join the Hashira meeting and has agreed. If you still wish to join, please follow me. The meeting will start soon."
Oh? Does this mean Kagaya Ubayishiki has been keeping tabs on me since the beginning? But how does he know that I know about Sun Breathing? I just talked about it a few minutes ago.
Wait.
Did that Kasugai Crow that asked for the Flame Hashira's presence not leave until I finished talking?
'I need to be more careful.' I cursed myself for letting my guard down. Kagaya Ubayishiki is a cunning man so devoted to killing Muzan Kibutsuji that he can even sacrifice his family. If there was a chance, he could rope me or Tanjiro into one of his schemes, and I wouldn't be smart enough to realize.'
"Daichi-Sama?"
"Huh? Oh yes, I agree."
Tch, I need to stop spacing out.
"Ah, right, before I go, Tanjiro, Mitsuri, both of you come here."
"Huh?"
"Yes, Senpai?"
*rustle*
As they both came towards me, I took out two masks from within my Haori.
"These are special masks I made," I explain, giving them both one. "When you wear these, you can only breathe in a certain pattern. If you wear these throughout the day, you will be able to master Constant in a month."
"Eh? Really?" Mitsuri asked I'm amazement as she handled her mask, "Daichi-San, are you perhaps some type of inventor?"
"I'm a student inventor at a school abroad." I nodded in confirmation, "Making these wasn't that hard for me."
I should invent more stuff. Also, I need a refill of my UV flashbangs. My title of being from the support class should be of more use.
"Wait, you went to school?" Tanjiro paused and asked, "Are you a noble from abroad or something, Senpai?"
"What? Why would you think I'm a noble?"
"Well, it's just that I heard only rich people can afford to send their children to school."
Oh, I forgot this isn't the modern era. During these times, going to school was considered a luxury, wasn't it? Or am I just confusing the 1800s with the 1900s?
"Interesting."
"Oh yeah, you too," I said, giving the crow another mask. "Please ask the blacksmiths if they can replicate these for the rest of the Slayer Corps."
"I will be sure to relay this information to my master."
"Now that this is over. Please lead me to the Hashira meeting."
~~~~
An intense stare.
Even without turning around, I could feel someone staring me down. Looking to the side, I saw Kyojuro stare unblinkingly at me.
Even if we couldn't say words, his eyes could communicate exactly what he wanted to say.
'What are you doing here?'
'Just trust me.'
That stare did not look like he trusted me.
"Hey, you two, you got eye problems or something?"
A voice interrupted our squinting competition. We both turned around to locate the source of the sound.
A very tall, broad-shouldered, and muscular man with lightly tanned skin and white hair. His hair is of an uneven length, the longest strands reaching his shoulders, and is styled with three more notable, shorter clumps arching up to fall as bangs between his eyes and on either side of his face. He has quite thin, maroon eyes that appear to slant inwards, each with one long eyelash flowing to the far side of his face.
"What's up with that squinting you're both doing. Don't tell me you can't even bear this sunlight?" He replied, smiling, "How unflashy!"
[Sound Hashira: Tengen Uzui]
"...They're clearly just communicating."
A fairly tall young man of a lean, muscular stature and pale complexion, who is almost always seen wearing a stoic expression. He has choppy raven-black hair of uneven lengths, with jaw-length side-bangs, a low messy ponytail at the base of his neck, and bangs falling over his eyes in a choppy fringe. His eyes are sharp and moderately large, having irises a lapis blue color, and their pupils a navy blue.
[Water Hashira: Giyu Tomioka]
"Hmph, of course I knew that. I just wanted to see them fidget under a Hasira's gaze" Tengen replied, scoffing, "What a spoilsport."
"The real question is, why are there two non-pillar swordsmen here?"
a tall, muscular young man with a light skin tone, and long, spiky, ruffled white hair, featuring two large bangs on the left and middle side of his face. His large, almond-shaped eyes have long eyelashes and purple irises with dark swirls, and a constant, crazed appearance.
[Wind Hashira: Sanemi Shinazugawa]
A heavy killing intent filled the air as soon as Sanemi asked the question. He directly faced us with a crazed smile as if to force us to answer.
"Oh?"
However, contrary to his expectation, neither I nor Kyojuro struggled in the slightest against his killing intent, as if we were already used to it.
"Tch, not bad," Sanemi replied scowling, "But that sti-"
"Oyakata-Sama has arrived."
All the killing intent suddenly vanished as all the Hashira knelt down. A moment later, both Kyojuro and I also knelt down to mimic the Hashira.
"It has been half a year, my adorable swordsmen. How has your health been?"
What a strange man. His voice makes me feel as if my body is being stroked by a gentle spring breeze. All my suspicions towards him instantly vanished, even though I knew about his nature.
'What a dangerous man.'
"We have been fine, Oyakata-Sama," Shinobu replied with an eerie smile, "But your health matters to us the most."
"Unfortunately, I cannot tell you of any positive news regarding my health." Ubayashiki replied." I estimate I will completely lose my eyesight within a year's time."
"Things have been getting a lot more lonely. Kibutsuji's strength has been growing as well." Ubayashiki calmly replied, "Forgive me, but you may have to accept more requests in due time. I want you all to support each other and strive even in these times."
"Understood," Sanemi calmly replied. "However, Oyakata-Sama, why are there two non-pillar swordsmen here?"
"Don't pick on them too much, Sanemi. I have called both Kyojuro-San and Aoyama-San here."
"I see," Sanemi replied, kneeling down.
For a moment, Kyojuro silently assessed the leader who was able to calm down a rabid dog in seconds.
"Now then, Kyojuro-San," Ubayashiki replied, turning towards him, "Can you please tell us of Shinjuro-San's health?"
"...I have no positive proof of this," Kyojuro replied grimly, "But since mother's death, father has lost all will to fight. He indulges in alcohol during missions and has confined himself to his room."
"What a pity," Gyomei replied, folding his hands. "Shinjuro-Dono has served us for so long, but we must stand together during these times."
"He's giving us Hashira a bad name, and clearly affecting the morale of other Slayers", Tengen replied. "I suggest a flamboyant retirement."
"We're running low on pillars," Sanemi calmly replied. "But a dunkard one isn't going to do us any good either."
"That won't be a problem!" Kyojuro replied, smiling, "If I become a pillar, father might regain his motivation."
...
For a moment, everyone went silent.
'Huh. He's a weirdo.' Shinobu thought of diverting her gaze.
"Huh?" Tengen replied in confusion, "Ha, hahahaha."
"Hey," Sanemi replied, a crazed smile on his face. "What do you think a Hashira is, huh?"
Suddenly, a humongous pressure descended on us. Even compared to any demon I've faced, this pressure was simply on another level. This was the strength of a Hashira, a swordsman who supports the entirety of the Demon Slayer Corps.
'But, it's not enough.'
Even if they are strong, they are nowhere near the level of an Upper Moon. After all, if they want to achieve the strength to defeat them, the pressure they exert must not be overpowering, but rather non-existent, as if they are nothing more than a giant tree.
"I know the requirements to become one," Kyojuro replied with a smile. However, he tensed his body as if readying himself for a confrontation.
"Then show me your skills bitch." Sanemi replied, getting up, "Forgive me, Oyakata-Sama."
"Sanemi!" Gyomei replied, but by the time the sound could reach him, Sanemi had already vanished faster than sound.
*Boom*
Sanemi suddenly thrust forward towards Kyojuro. Seeing the incoming attack, Kyojuro quickly got up and put his arm near his head, blocking Sanemi's kick.
"Shinazugawa!"
"Hey Kyojuro, be a pillar already," Sanemi replied, drawing back before suddenly going in with a punch, which was promptly blocked by Kyojuro. "Start running around and finding demons already."
"We have open pillar seats right here. When are you coming here, huh? When will you sit here? Get right to it, you fucking dumbass" Sanemi replied continuously throwing punches "Come on, fight back already!"
"No!"
Immediately, Kyojuro blocked Sanemi's punch, before holding it in place by squeezing it in between his arms.
"I would never fight you!" Kyojuro replied, frowning, "Swordsmen are forbidden to fight amongst one another. Besides, I would never hit another human being."
"...Huh?"
Sanemi was utterly bewildered as Kyojuro suddenly let go of his arms before...patting him on his back?
"Plus, I don't wanna hit you either!" Kyojuro replied, smiling while patting Sanemi, "I see you're a serious guy! You definitely have passion burning within you."
"D...Don't thank the guy who's trying to punch you dumbass!"
"He withstood Shinazugawa's attack," Tengen said incredulously, "And he's got flamboyant hair. I like this guy."
"Sanemi"
With just one word from Ubayashiki, Sanemi immediately knelt down.
"Forgive me, Oyakata-Sama. I got too heated."
"Okay."
"But, Oyakata-Sama," Sanemi replied, before turning his gaze towards me, "I understand Kyojuro, but what about this brat? He barely looks old enough to be a trainee."
*BOOM*
Before Sanemi could complete his sentence, a chill went down everyone's spines momentarily.
"Sanemi," Gyomei calmly replied, "Please, control yourself."
"...Tch."
Sanemi clicked his tongue before getting up and returning to his normal spot.
"By the way." Sanemi replied, turning around, "Considering Gyomei's personally protecting you, and your first name is Aoyama, I assume you're Aoyama Yuito Daichi, Gyomei's new Tsugoku, right?"
"Honestly, what a shitty disciple" Sanemi grinned "Relying on your teacher's back for protection, what type of man are you?"
"Can you shut up?"
"Huh?"
"Seriously, you just keep talking and talking," I replied irritably. "This is a Hashira meeting, not some sort of fight club. Or what, you want to beat up a Mizunoto? Come right ahead then."
"What the fuck did you just say?" Sanemi growled irritably "Show some respect to your seniors you fucking brat"
"How about you stop acting like a child, then?"
It looks like a fight is inevitable.
"Please stop, you both."
Nevermind.
A calming voice suddenly pulled us both from our thoughts.
Sanemi immediately knelt down.
"Forgive me, Oyakata-Sama, I got heated."
"Sanemi, you must show some restraint while dealing with your juniors," Ubayashiki gently reprimanded him before turning towards me. "You too, Aoyama-San. Even if you don't agree with certain points, please respect your seniors."
"Yes, Oyakata-Sama"
"Of course, Oyakata-Sama."
Now then, with that squabble out of the way.
This is it.
"If I may, Oyakata-Sama," I replied, turning towards him.
"Of course, Aoyama-San," Ubayashiki replied, "That is your purpose in this meeting."
Now then, time to fuck up canon.
"I have recently acquired information concerning the whereabouts of Upper Moon 6."
...
For a moment, no one said anything.
"""""WHAT!"""""
And suddenly, chaos erupted.