Chapter 9

{2 Years later}

As the carriage rumbled towards the imposing gates of the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, I couldn't help but reflect on the incredible journey of the past two years. Night after night, I immersed myself in the study of constellations, each one becoming a vital component of my unique breathing style. Aries, Taurus, Leo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, and Aquarius—they were all firmly in my grasp. Only Gemini, Cancer, Virgo, and Pisces remained, like uncharted territories awaiting my exploration.

The past two years had been a relentless odyssey. I had travelled all throughout Japan slaying and killing demons that were assigned to me by the corps or I heard from rumors. I had finally killed fifty demons each with their own blood technique that came with some difficulty to slay each one. It was an arduous feat, but it had finally met the stringent requirements for me to ascend to the esteemed Kinoe rank. Now, with my sights set on the next horizon, I returned to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, eager to cement my new status and, perhaps even more crucially, to secure an additional ore.

The realization had dawned upon me that for the remaining forms of constellation breathing, I would need the dexterity and precision of two blades in tandem. It was a revelation that sparked a fresh sense of determination within me. The ore, imbued with untapped potential, held the promise of unlocking new heights of power and mastery.

As the headquarters also known as the Ubuyashiki estate loomed into view, its weathered out wood a testament to the legacy of demon slayers, I felt a surge of anticipation coursing through me. The journey had been long, but it was only the beginning. With every step forward, I propelled myself further into the realm of the extraordinary, poised to leave an indelible mark on the annals of demon slaying history.

Stepping out of the carriage, I extended my gratitude to the driver before making my way towards the imposing mansion. It was a place I had ventured into only once before, a memory etched in the corridors of my journey when I ascended to the illustrious third-to-final rank of Kinoto. The enormity of the edifice loomed above me, a testament to the grandeur that the Demon Slayer Corps commanded.

A figure, striking with her white mane cascading like a waterfall, greeted me. Her eyes, a mesmerizing shade of purple, held a depth that spoke volumes. It was none other than Ubuyashiki Amane, the esteemed matriarch of the Ubuyashiki family. Her presence exuded an aura of serene authority that was impossible to ignore.

"Hello again, Hoshi," her voice, like a soothing melody, reached my ears.

"Amane," I acknowledged with a nod, a sense of familiarity and respect filling the space between us. "I have returned for my Kinoe rank up."

Her gaze, discerning yet gentle, met mine. "You ascend swiftly, Hoshi. Not the fastest, but certainly an impressive pace."

I couldn't help but offer a modest smile at her words. "Efficiency has always been a virtue, Amane."

With graceful poise, she gestured for me to follow. "Allow me to lead you to Kagaya. He will be pleased to witness your progress."

I fell into step beside her, the familiar halls of the mansion enveloping us. Each step carried a weight of purpose, a testament to the trials and triumphs that had brought me to this moment. The anticipation coursed through my veins, a steady heartbeat to the rhythm of my journey.

Amane guided me through the sprawling mansion, leading me towards the tranquil expanse of the backyard. There, a figure sat amidst the verdant grass, his back turned to us, the tendrils of his shoulder-length black hair dancing with the breeze.

With her customary grace, Amane announced our arrival, her words carrying a note of warmth. "Kagaya, dear, Hoshi is here for his new kimono, having already vanquished his fifty demons."

As Kagaya turned to face us, I caught a glimpse of his countenance. His features, framed by that straight ebony mane, bore a quiet strength. His skin, pale yet touched with vitality, spoke of a life dedicated to a noble cause. However, it was the mark, the indelible curse that etched its way across his face, which drew my attention. What had once been confined to his left eye now sprawled across half his forehead, a poignant reminder of the curse his family had been dealt with because of the existence of Muzan. The resilience etched in those lines was unmistakable, a testament to a spirit unyielding in the face of adversity.

"Hello once more, Oyakata-sama. I would be grateful for my Kinoe-styled uniform," I politely requested. Kagaya nodded and turned to head back into the mansion, his steps measured and unhurried. I waited patiently, the moments stretching as I anticipated the new garb that marked my ascent in the ranks.

After what felt like an eternity, though in truth it was merely fifteen minutes, Kagaya returned. In his hands, he held a uniform that spoke of the honor it represented. "Here it is. Don it, and then come outside. Let us witness the emergence of our new Kinoe-ranked demon slayer," he urged.

"Yes, Oyakata-sama," I acknowledged with respect. I retreated into the mansion, finding my way to the changing room. As I emerged, the fresh uniform clung to me, its black fabric imbued with significance. Like my fellow slayers, the kanji for 'slay' adorned the back. A white belt and hakama pants completed the ensemble, while beneath, a crisp, white, long-sleeved shirt added a touch of formality. It was the rank, Kinoe, elegantly emblazoned on the right sleeve, that set it apart, a mark of my progress and commitment to the cause.

As I stepped out in my new Kinoe uniform, Kagaya and Amane looked at me with a mixture of pride and satisfaction. Kagaya's eyes gleamed with approval, and he nodded in acknowledgment.

"Very well, Hoshi. You wear it with honor," Kagaya said, his voice filled with a sense of satisfaction.

Amane's face lit up with a gentle smile. "You look splendid, Hoshi. This uniform suits you," she remarked, her tone warm and encouraging.

I felt a surge of gratitude towards both of them for their support. "Thank you, Oyakata-sama, Amane. I'll do my best to live up to the Kinoe rank," I responded with determination.

"Oyakata-sama," I continued, "I was also wondering if you had any scarlet crimson iron sand and scarlet crimson ore since I need to forge another blade."

Kagaya considered my request for a moment before answering, "While I do have some of those ores in the reserve, they are typically reserved for remaking nichirin blades of the Hashira.

However, I will make an exception for you, given your close relationship with Rengoku, who is also on the cusp of achieving the Kinoe rank. Moreover, your swift progress in ranking up is commendable. But, in exchange for these exceptional ores, which are among the best you could ask for, I must request that you make an earnest attempt to eliminate one of the upper moons—the Six strongest demons under Muzan himself. The world is in need of change, and for some reason, I believe you are a pivotal factor in bringing about that change."

With determination, I agreed, "Okay, Oyakata-sama. I will do as you ask. In exchange for the ores, I will face slay an upper moon and work towards bringing change to Japan." I met Kagaya's gaze with unwavering resolve.

Turning to Amane, Kagaya said, "Amane dear, could you please fetch the ores from the reserves?"

"Of course, dear," Amane replied, her voice gentle as she headed off to retrieve the precious materials.

As we waited for Amane to return with the precious ores, the air was charged with anticipation. Soon, she reappeared, carefully holding the scarlet crimson sand and scarlet crimson ore in a bag. With a warm smile, she presented them to me.

"Here you go, Hoshi. These are the ores you requested," Amane said as she handed over the gleaming materials. "Take good care of them and may they serve you well in your journey."

I accepted the ores with gratitude, my hands gently cradling the invaluable resources. "Thank you, Amane. I'll make sure to use these with the utmost care and dedication."

Kagaya nodded in approval, his eyes reflecting his trust in my resolve. "I have no doubt that you will, Hoshi. Now, with these in your possession, may you embark on your path to face the demon moons and bring about the change that the world needs."

With the promise to fulfill my duty as a demon slayer and contribute to the shifting fate of Japan, I left the Ubuyashiki mansion, ores in hand, ready to continue my journey.