Chapter 36: Chapter 36: Pillar Meeting (1)
A few days later, at the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, in the courtyard in front of the Ubuyashiki family's residence.
The sun was shining brightly. Following the notice of the "pillar meeting," all eight "pillars," except for Shinobu, temporarily returned from their areas of responsibility and gathered here.
"Mr. Iguro, do you know what will be discussed in this meeting?" The young woman Mitsuri Kanroji, also known as the "Love Pillar," asked with some confusion, gazing curiously with her big grass-green eyes at Iguro Obanai, the "Snake Pillar," who had different-colored eyes and wore a cloth with a black and white feather pattern.
However, Mitsuri seemed unaware of the impact her figure, which violated the rules, had on certain people.
The "Snake Pillar's" entire body visibly stiffened, his left green eye and right golden eye narrowing slightly, revealing his current agitation, which didn't match his appearance.
"Uh... it seems to be about appointing a new 'pillar'?" Iguro Obanai struggled to keep his voice from sounding too strange but quickly remembered something. "Kanroji, didn't the Kasugai crow inform you yesterday?"
"Ah! That... that..."
Hearing Obanai's doubt, Mitsuri recalled what had happened earlier. Her cheeks instantly turned a delicate shade of pink, and a drop of sweat appeared on her forehead.
"I... I was having a meal, so, I didn't pay attention... the food was too delicious..."
"It's okay, Kanroji. Eating is important! You don't need to worry. I helped remind you, didn't I?"
"Yeah! Th... thank you, Mr. Iguro! Next time, I won't miss notifications while eating."
Obanai and Mitsuri, who had a crush on each other, broke the slightly quiet atmosphere in the courtyard. The other "pillars" also regained their familiarity with each other and began chatting.
"A new 'pillar,' huh? I hope we don't end up with a weak teammate. I hope this person has some self-awareness," the "Wind Pillar" Shinazugawa Sanemi sneered, his long scars giving him a ferocious appearance. His cheetah-like eyes landed on the man beside him, who seemed like a flame.
"Don't you agree, Rengoku? If we get another 'idiot' like you, it would be troublesome."
Sanemi's innuendo elicited hearty laughter from the "Flame Pillar" Rengoku Kyojuro.
"Hahaha! Mr. Shinazugawa, I remember you said the same thing when I applied to become the 'Flame Pillar.' I didn't expect you to still remember it! You're as passionate as ever, Mr. Shinazugawa. I'll keep working hard!"
Kyojuro looked joyful and excited, his flaming feathers fluttering in the wind, and his red-gold eyes radiated endless enthusiasm, like a blazing fire.
"Are you even listening?"
A vein popped on Sanemi's forehead. Clearly, this "idiot" Flame Pillar and he couldn't get along.
At this moment, the "Sound Pillar" Uzui Tengen, adorned with flamboyant jewelry, added thoughtfully, "The 'God of Festivals' heard some rumors. This person's strength seems impressive, but I don't know if he's 'flamboyant' enough."
"He is very strong," Tokito Muichiro, the youngest "pillar" who always seemed lost in thought, suddenly spoke. His unique "Mist Breathing" style was like his name, elusive, and his rapid rise to "pillar" status within two months left no doubt about his genius.
"Really? Has Muichiro met him?"
Mitsuri turned her head curiously and looked at Muichiro with eager eyes. "Muichiro, what do you think of him?"
Muichiro seemed momentarily stunned, his mint-green eyes reflecting a rare contemplation as he recalled their encounter from yesterday.
Black disheveled hair, a standard Demon Slayer Corps uniform, a calm and reserved demeanor, a blade with an unusual aura, and a pair of deep green eyes like a tranquil lake.
"A very unique person."
"What a rare assessment," remarked even the usually quiet and expressionless "Water Pillar" Tomioka Giyuu.
"Muichiro, do you know his name?"
"I think Senior Insect Pillar called him 'Feng.'"
"Eh? Does Senior Kocho know him?!"
Only then did Mitsuri realize that Senior Shinobu was absent.
"To be precise, it was Shinobu who found Feng, Amitabha," Gyomei Himejima, the "Rock Pillar" dressed like a monk, finally shared some information.
"Feng had been hunting demons on his own before Shinobu discovered him. She investigated and met him right after a battle. He had already developed his own breathing technique by then and agreed to join the Corps at her invitation, Amitabha."
"Are you serious? He shouldn't have known about breathing techniques previously, right?" Shinazugawa Sanemi, the first to question, felt there were key details missing, driven by his keen intuition.
The Rock Pillar's reaction confirmed the suspicions of the other "pillars."
"Amitabha..."
Gyomei clasped his hands together and chanted a Buddhist prayer in a solemn voice. His tall, sturdy frame trembled slightly, radiating an aura that would awe ordinary people. His blind white eyes shed two clear tears unconsciously.
"Let's wait for Oyakata-sama, Shinobu, and Feng to discuss this matter," Gyomei finally said.
"Gyomei, you..."
Uzui Tengen glanced at Gyomei with some worry in his crimson eyes. As a member of a ninja family, Tengen sensed a familiar feeling from Gyomei—a feeling of "betrayal."
But before Tengen could inquire further, the courtyard's side door swung open, diverting everyone's attention.
"Shinobu, Mr. Feng, you've arrived," Gyomei greeted the two entering the courtyard, introducing the tall young man following behind Shinobu to his colleagues.
"Ah! Is that Mr. Feng? He looks younger than me, but why is he taller than Mr. Shinazugawa?" Mitsuri widened her bright eyes, immediately focusing on something important yet not so important. Even Obanai beside her couldn't help but touch his forehead wordlessly.
Maple, who followed Shinobu, shifted slightly as he heard the young woman's question.
~~~
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