Dressed in a black uniform resembling a student's outfit, the large "Destroy" character emblazoned on his back gleamed conspicuously under the sunlight.
His legs were clad in matching black hakama-style pants, with white bandages wrapped around his calves to ensure swift movement.
His sturdy deerskin boots were even reinforced with steel.
The Demon Slayer Corps uniform was crafted using special fabric technology—not only was it lightweight and breathable, but it also provided remarkable defensive capabilities.
Even the claws and fangs of lower-level demons couldn't tear through this black attire.
After tightening his white belt and fastening each silver button on his uniform one by one, he raised the high collar and draped over the brand-new blue-green battle robe that Elder Moriki had prepared for him.
Thus, Shinichi Moriki, a Kinoto swordsman of the Demon Slayer Corps made his official debut!
Gazing at his familiar yet unfamiliar reflection in the silver mirror, Shinichi took a deep breath.
From this day forward, he was embarking on a different path.
Amidst the mountains, the roads twisted and turned, dense forests sprawling everywhere.
No one would ever suspect that the headquarters of the Demon Slayer Corps—which had battled demons for centuries—was hidden within these vast, rugged peaks.
The sound of rushing wind filled his ears as his Kasugai crow 'Eizo' deftly landed on his shoulder and squawked.
"Southeast by east! Continue forward for 500 meters!" Seeing Eizo, the small creature nestled in Shinichi arms—Maru-ni—bared its teeth in displeasure, only for Shinichi to slap its mouth shut.
Since entering the mountains, Shinichi had been walking for over two hours.
While marveling at the secrecy of the Demon Slayer Corps' headquarters, he also understood why the organization had managed to fight against the formidable demons for centuries—it was thanks to the countless swordsmen's blood-soaked battles and their cautious, concealed operations.
Shinichi was certain that unless thousands of demons conducted a thorough, carpet-like search across the mountains, there was no way they could ever locate the Demon Slayer Corps' headquarters.
Guided by the Kasugai crow Eizo, Shinichi and his small companion spent most of the day finally arriving at their destination.
Staring at the rather magnificent complex of buildings before him, Shinichi was deeply awed.
Hidden within these seemingly desolate mountains was such an expansive architectural marvel. Shinichi clicked his tongue in amazement.
What struck him most was that this place was far from deserted.
Every now and then, Shinichi spotted fellow Demon Slayer Corps members—dressed identically to him, with swords at their waists—hurrying past.
Some even carried the thick scent of blood on them.
There were also many members of the "Kakushi" unit, clad in uniforms marked with the character "Hidden", bustling about as they handled various logistical tasks for the Corps.
In the sky, numerous Kasugai crows flitted back and forth, delivering reports of demon sightings and battle updates from across the nation.
Everything appeared orderly and efficient.
"Truly impressive for an organization that's existed for centuries" Shinichi silently praised.
Soon, Eizo led Shinichi to the Kakushi unit's base.
After verifying his identity with the Kakushi members, one volunteer—wearing a striped mask and hat—stepped forward to guide Shinichi to the residence of the Demon Slayer Corps' leader: the Ubuyashiki Estate.
Shinichi carried the snoring Maru-ni as he followed behind the Kakushi member, curiously surveying his surroundings.
To Shinichi, everything about the Demon Slayer Corps felt novel.
In the eyes of many, Demons existed only in legends, and an organization like the Demon Slayer Corps should likewise be a myth.
Yet now, this legend had materialized right before Shinichi eyes.
"Moriki-san, we've arrived! This is Oyakata-sama residence!" The Kakushi member pointed at the gate ahead and turned to Shinichi.
Shinichi was slightly taken aback by the plain gate before him.
In his mind, the residence of the Demon Slayer Corps' leader should at least exude solemn dignity, if not outright grandeur.
But what was this farmhouse-like building supposed to be?
It wasn't even half as impressive as Old Man place.
Puzzled, Shinichi and the Kakushi member entered the Ubuyashiki estate.
The moment they stepped inside, Shinichi spotted a familiar face.
A towering, muscular figure over two meters tall stood there, clad in the standard Demon Slayer uniform. With his hands clasped together and Buddhist prayer beads around his neck, he resembled a living Buddha.
His pale eyes and the long scar across his forehead unmistakably identified him as Himejima Gyomei, whom Shinichi had encountered back in Takanogawa Village.
However, Gyomei now wore a strange haori that resembled a kasaya.
"Himejima-san? You're here too?" Shinichi greeted Gyomei first, while Maru-ni let out friendly barks in his direction.
Hearing the familiar voice, Gyomei turned and replied in his deep, measured tone.
"Ah, it's Moriki-san and your companion. I've heard your story. Namu Amida Butsu. Welcome to the Demon Slayer Corps."
As Gyomei turned, Shinichi noticed another figure standing beside him—equally tall and handsome.
But what stood out most were the man extravagant adornments.
The sleeves of his uniform were completely missing, revealing two brawny arms, each adorned with thick, gleaming golden armlets that shone like pure gold.
Then there was the forehead protector studded with dazzling gemstones—exaggerated even further by two lavish pendants dangling from its sides, each composed of dozens of gemstones.
His hands, ears, even his fingernails—painted a vivid red—were all bedecked with colorful, ornate jewels.
"Decorated in jewels"—this was the first time Shinichi had ever used such a phrase to describe a man.
Standing next to Gyomei, this handsome figure practically glowed like a giant lightbulb.
Maru-ni meanwhile, stared excitedly at the sparkling man—so many shiny rocks!
He wanted to pry them off and play with them!
"Who's that flashy guy next to Himejima-san? Looks kinda ridiculous" Shinichi whispered to the Kakushi member beside him.
The Kakushi member seemed surprised.
"So you know the Stone Hashira, Moriki-san? That's Uzui Tengen, a Kinoe-ranked swordsman. He's very powerful and, uh... flamboyant."
Shinichi: "Flamboyant?" This was beyond flamboyant!
Swish!
Upon hearing the word "Flamboyant" the handsome young man known as Uzui Tengen instantly turned his head and struck a rather... unique pose towards Shinichi and the others, declaring.
"What a discerning comrade, instantly recognizing my magnificence."
Shinichi and the Kakushi "..."
"Speaking of which, wasn't Himejima Gyomei just a Kinoe-ranked swordsman not long ago? He's already been promoted to Hashira so quickly?" Shinichi looked up in surprise at the towering Gyomei, noticing that the silver buttons on his uniform had indeed been replaced by the gold ones signifying Hashira status.
"That's right! The Stone Hashira is incredibly powerful! Since joining the Demon Slayer Corps a year ago, he's already slain over fifty Demons! Absolutely amazing!" The Kakushi member voice was thick with admiration.
Considering Gyomei formidable strength, Shinichi thought that slaying fifty Demons wouldn't be particularly difficult for him.
Soon after learning that Shinichi had come to see Oyakata-sama, Gyomei clasped his hands together and said earnestly.
"In that case, we shouldn't disturb Moriki-san and Oyakata-sama. Tengen, please come with me."
Naturally, Uzui Tengen didn't refuse.
With a flamboyant flick of his silver-white hair, he followed Gyomei out of the Ubuyashiki estate. As he passed by Shinichi, he added in an appreciative tone.
"A comrade who can recognize magnificence—you too can become even more dazzling than you are now. Keep striving, I have high hopes for you!"
"Woof woof!"
Maru-ni barked at Uzui Tengen, clearly eyeing the jewels adorning him.
Uzui Tengen patted Maru-ni head and remarked.
"Even the little dog is enchanted by my magnificence. How delightful."
Shinichi was speechless....
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