Demon Slayer: Taking Care Of Tanjuro's Wife And Daughter

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At first glance, his face seemed almost terrifying. What might have once been a strikingly handsome countenance was now marred by jagged, purple scars stretching from the bridge of his nose upward. The damaged skin was uneven, resembling the rough bark of an ancient tree. Deep wrinkles lined the edges of the scars, giving him an aged and weathered appearance.

Below the bridge of his nose, his complexion was pallid but otherwise normal—a stark contrast to the grotesque disfigurement above. For those meeting him for the first time, the sight could be startling, especially without warning.

"'Himejima,' please rise. There's no need for such formalities," the man said gently, his voice calm and soothing.

The scarred man's voice carried a strange, comforting quality—like a soft breeze brushing against one's face. It possessed an almost magical effect, making even his disfigurement seem less intimidating. In fact, his tone inspired a sense of trust and safety that was hard to resist.

"Yes, Oyakata-sama," Himejima, the Stone Hashira, replied respectfully, his massive frame shifting as he rose. Even while standing, Gyomei kept his head slightly bowed, a sign of profound respect for the man before him.

This reverence was genuine, stemming from the depths of Gyomei's heart. It was clear that Ubuyashiki Kagaya, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, was a figure of immense charisma and wisdom—qualities that commanded not just respect but unwavering loyalty.

Kagaya turned his soft, lavender eyes away from Gyomei and looked toward Ryuji.

"You must be Ryuji," Kagaya said with a slight bow, his tone still as gentle as ever. "I am Ubuyashiki Kagaya. Please, call me Kagaya, if it makes you more comfortable."

Ryuji stiffened slightly under Kagaya's calm gaze, his emotions conflicted. For a moment, he hesitated, but then he returned a respectful nod.

"I've heard much about you, Oyakata-sama," Ryuji said evenly.

"Please, sit," Kagaya said, gesturing to a cushion beside him.

Ryuji complied, settling into the seat. Behind Kagaya, Gyomei remained vigilant, his milky-white eyes locked onto Ryuji. Every fiber of the Stone Hashira's towering frame radiated tension, as though he anticipated Ryuji might strike at any moment.

Ryuji couldn't help but frown at the sight. He had spent several days working alongside Gyomei, and the two had seemed to develop a mutual respect. Yet here Gyomei stood, his every muscle taut, as if Ryuji were a threat.

Or perhaps, Ryuji thought, it wasn't distrust aimed solely at him. Perhaps Gyomei treated anyone near Kagaya with this level of caution.

Ryuji shifted his gaze back to Kagaya, his mind racing. About the Ubuyashiki family—the lineage that had led the Demon Slayer Corps for centuries. The family's unwavering dedication to the cause, their immense wisdom, and even their tragic curse were the stuff of legend.

What's more, Ryuji recalled, the first demon, Kibutsuji Muzan, was said to have been born from this very bloodline.

From that moment on, it was said, the eldest sons of the Ubuyashiki family were cursed with short lives.

Ryuji pondered this as his gaze lingered on Ubuyashiki Kagaya. His seemingly gentle demeanor masked an undeniable air of authority. The contradictions in his presence—the frailty of his body juxtaposed with the undeniable power of his words—made Ryuji wary.

His sharp instincts as a survivor, honed from countless battles, kept him on edge.

As the thought crossed his mind, Kagaya spoke again, his soft voice breaking the silence. "The Breath of the Sun that you, Ryuji-san, seem to know of is a technique we deeply revere. It is said to be the progenitor of all breathing forms, and if the swordsmen of the Demon Slayer Corps could master it, we would stand a greater chance against Muzan and his forces. Not only would it bolster our strength, but it would also mean fewer casualties. More lives saved."

Kagaya's words were spoken with conviction yet carried no trace of coercion. His tone reflected the burden he bore—a man desperate to protect the innocent while ensuring his warriors had the means to fight.

Behind him, Himejima Gyomei stood silently. The towering Stone Hashira's eyes bore into Ryuji, unyielding in their intensity. Even his usual stoic calm seemed replaced by a flicker of hope.

But Ryuji's expression didn't waver. His gaze remained steady, unreadable. He neither reacted to Kagaya's plea nor gave any indication that he would cooperate.

After a moment, Kagaya paused, his pale lavender eyes studying Ryuji. "I understand this is a great burden to place on you. So, tell me, Ryuji-san, what is it that you desire?"

Ryuji met his gaze evenly. "Money and status."

The response was blunt, lacking any pretense of formality. Kagaya tilted his head slightly, a faint smile playing at his lips, though his expression remained unreadable.

"Money is of no issue," Kagaya said. "The Demon Slayer Corps has sustained itself for centuries, with ample resources at our disposal. However…" His voice softened, a note of hesitation creeping in. "When it comes to granting you a position within the Corps, I must tread carefully."

Ryuji narrowed his eyes.

"The position of Pillar cannot be handed out lightly," Kagaya explained. "Each Pillar is chosen not only for their strength but also for their deeds. They inspire those beneath them and command respect from their peers. If I were to appoint you without merit, it would undermine the trust placed in me as the leader."

Ryuji's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Then appoint me as an Kinoe. That's the second-highest rank, correct?"

Kagaya fell silent for a moment, considering the request. "That, too, is not a decision I make lightly. Kinoe swordsmen must have proven themselves by slaying at least fifty demons, a feat not easily accomplished. As of now, Ryuji-san, you lack the record to justify such a position. However…" He trailed off, his expression contemplative. "I am willing to make an exception, provided you uphold the expectations of the rank."

Ryuji's smile faded. "So no Pillar status?"

Kagaya's expression softened. "It is not that I doubt your strength, but such a title must be earned. Even as the leader, I cannot bypass this principle without risking the unity of the Corps."

Ryuji frowned but said nothing. After a brief pause, he spoke again, his tone measured. "Fine. I'll accept the Kinoe rank. But there's something else."

Kagaya raised a brow, his interest piqued.

"I want the ability to bring others into the Corps. Those I deem strong enough," Ryuji said firmly.

Kagaya's usually calm expression tightened ever so slightly. "That… is a bold request. However, for the safety of all, those you recommend will need to pass the Mount Fujikasane Final Selection. It is a trial not to be taken lightly, and those unprepared will only meet their end."

Ryuji considered his words carefully. "Fair enough. But I also want access to the training methods of other breathing styles—Rock, Water, Flame, and the rest."

Kagaya's eyes narrowed slightly in confusion. "Ryuji-san, you've already mastered the Breath of the Sun, have you not? A person can usually only master one breathing style. Why seek more?"

Ryuji gave a casual shrug. "Understanding other styles might deepen my comprehension of the Breath of the Sun. There's always more to learn."

Kagaya studied him for a long moment, his lavender eyes searching for something beneath the surface of Ryuji's calm facade. Finally, he nodded. "Very well. I will grant you access to the knowledge you seek. But I must ask that you honor the trust I am placing in you."

"Of course," Ryuji said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "I wouldn't dream of betraying that trust."

Kagaya's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer before he offered a small, knowing smile. "Then we are in agreement."

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