Shinobu Kocho, Hashira Assemble

Under the moonlight, a petite young woman dashed through the forest. She had a slender, short frame and slightly pale skin.

She wore a standard Demon Slayer uniform in dark purple with a white haori adorned with butterfly wing patterns on top.

Some time ago, Kagaya Ubuyashiki received information about the emergence of a Lower Rank Kizuki and promptly requested Shinobu Kocho to handle it since the Kizuki's appearance was in Shinobu's jurisdiction. Shinobu, who was busy making wisteria poison at the Butterfly Mansion, immediately set off without delay upon receiving the news.

"I hope I'm in time," Shinobu murmured as she quickened her pace, though she knew it was unlikely that the demon slayer members could hold out for long against a Lower Rank Kizuki.

As she approached the battle site, Shinobu could hear the sounds of the ongoing fight. Sensing that there might still be a chance to save the unfortunate demon slayer, Shinobu ran at full speed.

In no time, Shinobu arrived at the scene of the battle, but she did not take any action and stood frozen, her expression one of shock.

"It seems my help is unnecessary," Shinobu said after she regained her senses. What she saw upon arriving at the battleground was the scene of Haru beheading Wakuraba.

Completely exhausted, Haru was oblivious to Shinobu's presence. Of course, beyond that reason, his mastery of breathing techniques was slightly weaker than Shinobu's.

Upon hearing the voice of a stranger, Haru quickly became alert and stood in a fighting stance.

But when he realized it was Shinobu Kocho, Haru immediately relaxed. He could recognize Shinobu at a glance, not because they had met before, but because there were only two female Hashira in the Demon Slayer Corps, and only Shinobu had the petite frame and wore a haori with a butterfly wing motif.

"So you are the Insect Hashira," Haru said with a sigh of relief.

"Oh? You know me?" Shinobu asked, curious about how this new member recognized her.

"How could I not recognize the Insect Hashira? No demon slayer is unaware of your beauty and medical skills," Haru praised.

"Ara... you are quite the charmer," Shinobu smiled gracefully upon hearing Haru's compliment, although that smile would feel insincere to anyone who truly knew her.

Since the death of her older sister, Kanae Kocho, Shinobu, who once had a lively and mischievous personality, had changed. Now, she lived by mimicking everything her sister did, from the smallest details to hiding her hatred towards demons behind her false smiles, knowing that her sister wished for humans and demons to coexist.

Shinobu herself understood that her sister's desire was naive and foolish, like asking a cat to live peacefully with a mouse, which was essentially impossible. Such was the relationship between humans and demons; demons viewed humans as nothing more than food.

Although there were special cases in the past, like Tanjiro Kamado, a demon slayer living with his sister Nezuko Kamado.

But as we know, special cases are called special for a reason, as they are difficult or even impossible to replicate. Therefore, her hatred for demons never diminished, though Nezuko Kamado was an exception.

"Are you injured anywhere?" Shinobu asked while checking Haru's condition.

"No, I just ran out of energy, Kocho-sama," Haru replied, shaking his head.

Even though Haru said that, as a doctor, Shinobu still examined him before feeling relieved that there were indeed no injuries at all.

"Don't add honorifics; soon you will also be a Hashira," Shinobu joked.

"Are you cursing Tamioka-san to die?" Haru asked with a strange expression.

During his training with Urokodaki on Mount Sagiri, Haru had, of course, met Giyu Tomioka, who would occasionally visit Urokodaki while passing through Mount Sagiri. After all, the area around Mount Sagiri was also under Giyu Tomioka's watch. If not, how could Giyu Tomioka have happened to pass by just as Tanjiro's family was slaughtered? Although the original work does not clearly mention the division of territories among the Hashira, a reasonable explanation is that Giyu Tomioka received reports of demon appearances, prompting him to conduct a search. It was then that he met Tanjiro, who was descending the mountain carrying a fainted Nezuko in a basket.

Haru and Giyu shared a fairly good relationship, as they were both disciples of Urokodaki.

"By the way, what's your name?" Shinobu asked, curious about the new member who could defeat a Lower Rank Kizuki. Perhaps in a few days, this man before her would truly become a Hashira.

To become a Hashira, one must kill more than fifty demons or defeat a Lower Rank Kizuki. Among those criteria, there was no doubt that Haru had fulfilled the requirements to become a Hashira.

However, because Haru used Water Breathing techniques, the same as Giyu Tomioka, who currently held the position of Water Hashira, even Shinobu herself was puzzled about whether Kagaya Ubuyashiki would appoint Haru as the new Hashira.

...

News that a Lower Rank Kizuki had been killed by a new demon slayer soon reached Kagaya through the Kasugai crow.

Upon hearing the news, his usually calm face lit up with excitement at the emergence of a strong demon slayer with powers comparable to the Hashira.

After pondering for a moment, Kagaya decided to hold the annual meeting earlier than scheduled and gather all the Hashira to discuss the addition of the tenth Hashira.

He did not know what was happening, but recently, demons had been increasingly active, causing the Demon Slayer Corps to be short on manpower. Thus, he resolved to elevate Haru to the position of the tenth Hashira.

.....

In the grand meeting room, a tense atmosphere enveloped the Hashira. All the Hashira gathered in the large room adorned with traditional ornaments and soft, glowing lights. In the center, Kagaya Ubuyashiki sat calmly, his face displaying tranquility despite the burning excitement within his heart. He knew that today would be a historic day for the Demon Slayer Corps.

"Thank you all for coming," Kagaya said in a soft yet authoritative voice. "Today, we gather not only to discuss routine reports but also to talk about adding a new member among us."

All eyes were on Kagaya, then shifted to Giyu Tomioka, who sat beside him. Giyu, the Water Hashira, was known for his expressionless demeanor and stillness, often leading people to misunderstand his intentions because he rarely spoke.

"Do we really need to add a new Hashira?" Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira, asked skeptically. "We already have enough strength. What makes you so certain that we need another one, sir?"

Kagaya smiled gently. "I have faith in your abilities, but we also need fresh strength. Demons are becoming more active, and we need to bolster our ranks. I have received reports that a new member has killed a Lower Rank Kizuki. He has shown extraordinary potential."

The Hashira were taken aback, and whispers began to circulate among them.

"Who is he?" asked Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira, with a curious expression.

"Kasugano Haruka," Kagaya replied. "He is a student of Urokodaki and uses Water Breathing techniques. With his bravery, he managed to kill a Lower Rank Kizuki, which is an extraordinary achievement for a new member."

"If he is that strong, then we should give him a chance," said Rengoku Kyoujuro, the Flame Hashira, with an enthusiastic tone.

"But is he really worthy of being called a Hashira?" Sanemi still questioned doubtfully.

"Everyone has their own journey," said Shinobu Kocho, who sat quietly in the corner. "Considering what he has done, he has potential. We cannot judge someone solely based on their experience."

"I agree with Kocho-san," said Usui Tengen, the Sound Hashira. "We should give him the opportunity to blossom brilliantly and beautifully."

Meanwhile, Tokito Muichiro stared blankly at the ceiling of the building without saying a word.

Kagaya nodded. "I believe we all agree that Haru deserves to be considered. Let's call him in and give him the chance to introduce himself to us all."

With a gesture, Kagaya summoned the Kakushi to bring Haru in.

The Kakushi were a crucial support unit for the Corps. Most of them did not possess sword skills. The Kakushi members took care of the injured demon slayers, ensuring prompt first aid and safe transportation to the Butterfly Mansion for further medical treatment. Additionally, they performed important tasks of cleaning the battlefield and sewing the distinctive uniforms worn by the demon slayers.

In a few minutes, Haru appeared, wearing a Demon Slayer uniform that still looked new. He bowed slightly to show respect to Kagaya Ubuyashiki before looking around the room at the group of Hashira, each with their unique appearance and personality.

"Welcome, Kasugano Haruka," Kagaya said warmly. "We have heard about your achievements. Today, we would like to get to know you better."

Haru nodded, "Thank you, Ubuyashiki-sama. You can call me Haru."

Haru stood calmly before the Hashira, feeling their enthusiastic, curious, and skeptical gazes upon him. He knew that to prove himself, he had to do more than just speak. Although he had successfully killed a Lower Rank Kizuki, he was aware that many doubted his abilities.

Sanemi Shinazugawa, who appeared skeptical, was the first to speak after Haru introduced himself.

"So, you're the one said to have extraordinary potential?" He stared at Haru with piercing eyes. "You may have defeated that demon, but are you really as strong as you think?"

Haru sensed the challenge in Sanemi's voice. "I don't claim to be stronger. I just want to learn and become better."

Sanemi raised an eyebrow, looking unimpressed. "What if we test your abilities? Let's fight. I want to see if you're truly worthy of becoming a Hashira."

The atmosphere in the room grew tense. The other Hashira exchanged glances, intrigued by the challenge posed. Kagaya did not stop them, as he too wanted to see Haru's abilities and knew this was an opportunity for Haru to prove himself and gain the trust of the other Hashira.

Haru and Sanemi walked outside to the mansion's courtyard, followed closely by the Hashira and Kagaya. Sanemi appeared confident, while Haru tried to remain focused. He knew that Sanemi was stronger than Wakuraba; every Hashira possessed greater strength than any Lower Rank Kizuki, even Shinobu, the weakest among them, could easily kill them.

"Prepare yourself," Sanemi said, swinging his sword with agility. "I won't go easy just because you're a new member."

Haru took a deep breath and centered his thoughts, feeling strength flow each time he inhaled.

"Begin!" Rengoku shouted, signaling the start of the fight.

Sanemi immediately launched the first attack, swinging his sword swiftly towards Haru. Sensing the danger, Haru dodged and attempted to counterattack from the side. However, Sanemi's speed was far superior, and he easily evaded Haru's strike.

Haru attacked with an upward diagonal slash, but Sanemi had already predicted Haru's movement. With a quick motion, Sanemi deflected Haru's attack and retaliated with a counter that sent Haru stumbling backward.

"First Form—Surface Slash!" He unleashed a rapid horizontal attack on Sanemi.

Yet, Sanemi deftly avoided it and executed his own technique. "You're too open, kid!" He launched an assault that forced Haru on the defensive. Sanemi continued to attack, and despite Haru's best efforts to dodge and counter, he felt that Sanemi's strength and experience were far superior.

After a while of fighting, Haru was knocked back. Sanemi delivered a final strike, and Haru could not evade it. He fell to the ground, his wooden sword lodged beside him.

"Enough!" Rengoku shouted, rushing towards them. "Sanemi, don't be too hard on Haru."

Sanemi stood with his sword raised, gazing at Haru lying on the ground. "You have courage, but you're still weak."

Haru nodded, not arguing, as what Sanemi said was true.

Meanwhile, the other Hashira, who had witnessed Haru's strength, nodded in agreement. Even though Haru lost to Sanemi, he had demonstrated enough capability to bear the responsibilities of a Hashira.

After the fight, the annual Hashira meeting resumed, and unlike in the past, there were now ten Hashira present. The meeting lasted for an hour before it was adjourned.

"Haru-sama, please follow me; I will take you to your residence," said a Kakushi assigned by Kagaya to escort Haru to his lodging within his jurisdiction.

"I'm sorry to trouble you," Haru said politely.

"No, it's an honor for me," the Kakushi replied respectfully.

"Well then, Kocho-san, see you later," Haru greeted Shinobu before departing with the Kakushi.

"If you have time, stop by the Butterfly Mansion," she called after him.

"Yes, I will visit whenever I have the chance," Haru's voice echoed from afar as his figure disappeared from sight.