The gravel crunched under their feet as each Hashira took their place, rays of morning light spilling across the courtyard like silent judgment. The air was still, but tension hung heavy.
"We don't need a trial," Kyojuro Rengoku's voice boomed, eyes stern and unwavering. "Protecting demons is a clear violation of our code. There is nothing more to discuss."
Tengen Uzui scoffed flamboyantly, resting one hand on his dual Nichirin blades. "I say we cut off their heads with flair and call it a day. Demons don't deserve second chances."
Mitsuri Kanroji tilted her head, her brows furrowed in soft confusion.
Beside her, Gyoumei Himejima held his prayer beads tightly, tears spilling down his cheeks as he whispered, "How sorrowful. They've fallen into darkness… How pitiful these demons are…"
Muichiro Tokito, meanwhile, blinked up at the sky blankly.
In the center of it all, Tanjiro Kamado knelt in silence, gaze darting urgently. "Nezuko… Where's Nezuko?" he muttered, panic rising.
Obanai Iguro, lounging lazily on a tree branch above, let his serpentine eyes drift toward the boy. "So, what should we do about Tomioka? He's broken conduct too."
"He came quietly, didn't he?" Shinobu Kocho replied, stepping forward with an airy smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Let's not waste our time throwing tantrums over him right now. We can think of a punishment later. What actually matters is hearing what this boy and girl have to say."
Tanjiro opened his mouth, but pain lanced through his jaw. He coughed violently, crumpling slightly.
Shinobu approached, her voice sweet but tinged with annoyance. "Ugh, you're in no shape to talk like that. Here." She knelt, offering him a cup. "Your jaw's probably a mess, so sip slowly. There's a painkiller in this. But don't go thinking you're suddenly fine. Don't push yourself."
With trembling hands, Tanjiro accepted the cup and drank. After a moment, his voice emerged, hoarse but strong. "She's my little sister… Nezuko. She's never eaten anyone… She'd never hurt a living person!"
Obanai's eyes narrowed. "Don't spit out such stupid, rash remarks. Of course she'd protect her own family. That doesn't make her safe."
"She's pitiful," Gyoumei murmured. "Let's free her from this cursed existence."
"No!" Tanjiro's voice cracked with desperation. "Please! Listen to me—I became a Demon Slayer to cure Nezuko. It's been two years since she became a demon, and she hasn't eaten anyone during that time!"
Uzui rolled his eyes. "Your story's going in circles. Come on, make it more flamboyant at least."
Mitsuri raised her hand meekly. "Um, excuse me… Oyakata-sama hasn't arrived yet, has he? Maybe we should wait until he does…"
Tanjiro took advantage of the momentary silence. "My sister and I… we can fight together! We can protect people as demon hunters, so—!"
"Whoa whoa, this just got interesting," a cocky voice interrupted.
"Please don't, Shinazugawa-sama!" one of the Kakushi cried out in panic. "Let go of the box, please!"
Willow, on the engawa, tensed—her body on edge—but relaxed slightly with relief when she realized Sanemi hadn't touched the two burlap sacks containing Kokushibo and Rui.
"Shinazugawa-san, could you not act on your own for once?" Shinobu said, voice clipped. "You're not helping anyone by charging ahead without thinking."
"These statements are impossible!" Sanemi shouted, eyes wild with fury. Without another word, he stabbed the box containing Nezuko.
Blood spilled.
"I will never forgive anybody… Pillar or not… who hurts my little sister!!" Tanjiro screamed, running at him.
"Stop it!!" Giyu's voice rang out. "Oyakata-sama is arriving soon!"
Sanemi raised his blade again, but Tanjiro leapt, dodged, and slammed his forehead into Sanemi's face with a crack .
"Pff…" Mitsuri covered her mouth, stifling a laugh. "S-Sorry!"
"If you can't tell good demons from bad ones," Tanjiro shouted, breathing heavily, "you should quit being a Pillar!!"
"Oyakata-sama is visiting!" one of the daughters of Kagaya Ubuyashiki announced.
The sliding doors opened.
"So you have come. My cute swordsmen," Oyakata-sama said, his voice gentle and warm despite his frail appearance.
Tanjiro and Willow both turned toward him. Willow stared, concealing her grimace—his condition was worse than she saw in the anime.
"Good morning, everyone," Oyakata-sama greeted as his daughters guided him forward. "We have some lovely weather today. Is the sky blue? This Pillar Meeting, as always, brings me joy."
Sanemi immediately slammed Tanjiro to the ground, forcing him into a bow. Willow scrambled on the engawa to do the same.
"It is an honor to be in your presence, Oyakata-sama," Sanemi said reverently. "I pray for your continued happiness."
Oyakata-sama gave a soft smile as he was seated. "Thank you."
Sanemi rose. "Oyakata-sama, forgive me for speaking out of turn, but this matter with Tanjiro Kamado and Willow Tsugikuni…"
"I see," Oyakata-sama replied calmly. "I'm sorry they've surprised you all. But I have given my approval. For Tanjiro, Nezuko, Willow… and even her two demons. I want everyone here to accept them."
Shock rippled through the Hashira.
"I oppose," Gyoumei declared.
"I, too, oppose flamboyantly," Uzui added.
"I'll follow your wishes, Oyakata-sama," Mitsuri said, voice soft but sincere.
"I don't really care," Muichiro muttered. "I'll forget this anyway."
Shinobu and Giyu said nothing.
"I oppose," Obanai hissed.
"As do I," Rengoku stated firmly.
Sanemi scoffed. "Then they must be punished—Kamado, Tomioka, and Tsugikuni."
"The letter," Oyakata-sama said, and one of his daughters stepped forward.
"This letter comes from former Water Pillar Sakonji Urokodaki-sama," she announced. "He pleads for your forgiveness of Tanjiro Kamado. Nezuko has retained her human heart. She has never harmed a human. If she ever does, then Sakonji Urokodaki, Giyu Tomioka, Sabito will commit seppuku as atonement."
Tanjiro's eyes brimmed with tears.
" Wait… SABITO!?! What? How is he alive!?! " Willow's thoughts screamed.
"I personally accept Willow," Oyakata-sama added softly.
"There's no guarantee," Sanemi barked.
"She kills someone, it can't be undone," Rengoku said grimly.
"That may be true," Oyakata-sama acknowledged, "but we cannot prove she will attack either."
Silence.
"Besides," he continued, "Tanjiro has encountered Kibutsuji himself."
Gasps and stunned expressions filled the courtyard.
"W-What!?"
"Is that true!?"
"Tell us everything!"
Oyakata-sama raised one finger to his lips. Instantly, the courtyard fell silent.
"Kibutsuji has taken an interest in Tanjiro. Perhaps to silence a loose end. But for once, I want to pursue the story Kibutsuji is giving us. And perhaps… Nezuko is part of that too."
"I don't understand this!!" Sanemi roared. "Demons cannot live!!"
He cut open his arm, blood dripping down. He let it fall onto the box.
"Shinazugawa-sama, the sun is out!" Obanai called down. "She won't come out."
Sanemi ignored him. "Forgive me for my rudeness," he told Oyakata-sama before rushing into the room, katana drawn.
"Nezuko!! STOP!!" Tanjiro shouted, breaking free of his restraints.
Obanai elbowed him to the ground.
Sanemi stabbed the box again.
"Come out here, demon! You want blood, don't you?!"
The box shuddered. The lid kicked open. Nezuko slowly emerged, panting, eyes fixed on Sanemi.
He thrust his bleeding arm toward her face.
Tanjiro crawled forward, voice shaking. "Nezuko!!"
Nezuko drooled—then turned away.
"What happened?" Oyakata-sama asked gently.
His daughter answered, "She turned away. She refused to bite him."
Oyakata-sama smiled. "That's proof she won't attack humans."
He turned to Tanjiro. "Still, others won't believe it easily. You'll need to prove it with actions. Be useful to the Demon Slayer Corps. Defeat the Twelve Demon Moons. Then your words will carry weight."
Tanjiro nodded fiercely. "Me and Nezuko will defeat Muzan Kibutsuji!"
"You can't defeat him as you are now. So first… defeat one of the Twelve Moons."
"Yes, sir!" Tanjiro replied, voice cracking. The Hashira barely stifled their laughter.
Willow blushed, secondhand embarrassment prickling her skin.
Oyakata-sama's voice turned serious once more. "Now that matter is settled... It's time to begin The Trial of Willow Tsugikuni and her demons ."