Demon Slayer : Breath of The Forest

"Today, as you all know, our Hashira ranks will welcome two new members. As the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, I deeply appreciate everyone's contributions. Please join me in welcoming our newly promoted Hashira."

Kagaya Ubuyashiki spoke sincerely as he introduced the two newly promoted Hashira.

"Sabito, like Giyuu, is a prized disciple of former Water Hashira Urokodaki-san. Having slain fifty demons, from this day forward, he shall be the Wave Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps." Kagaya smiled and nodded at Sabito.

Sabito was equally moved, bowed deeply in return.

"Wave" – Represents the flowing, relentless power of waves, mirroring the fluid yet crushing techniques of Water Breathing.

Shinichi also gave an approving nod.

Next was Sanemi.

Kagaya turned his trusting gaze toward him and said with a smile.

"Sanemi Shinazugawa, disciple of former Wind Hashira. Recently, alongside his equally outstanding senior Kumeno Masachika, he defeated Lower Rank One. From today onward, Sanemi shall be the Wind Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps."

At the mention of Kumeno name, Sanemi could no longer contain himself.

A vein bulged on his forehead and he abruptly stood up under the astonished gazes of those present.

"My, my, Sanemi-kun, that's quite rude. Oyakata-sama hasn't finished speaking yet" Kanae Kocho, who had been kneeling beside Sanemi, quickly tugged at his hand in admonishment.

But Kagaya paid it no mind and gently said "Kanae, it's alright. It seems Sanemi has something to say. Let him speak freely."

"Eh, but—" Before Kanae could continue, Sanemi had already reached his limit.

"Hey, hey! Ubuyashiki-sama, save your honeyed words! Truly, you high-and-mighty types are all the same, always wearing that plastered smile. In your heart, those who died in battle or lie gravely wounded must be worth nothing, right?" Sanemi voice dripped with venom as he glared with bloodshot eyes.

Sanemi thought of Kumeno, his dear friend still unconscious and severely injured at the Butterfly Mansion.

Someone as bright and kind as Kumeno should have been the one to become a Hashira.

Yet fate was cruel—the one most deserving that title could no longer wield a sword, while this frail looking man who looked like he might be blown away by the wind sat here as the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps?

Kagaya continued to smile, offering no rebuttal.

Sanemi, far from done, clenched his fists, the scars on his face twisting slightly with the force.

"Am I wrong, Ubuyashiki-sama—no, Kagaya-sama? To you, we Demon slayers are just disposable pawns, aren't we? Tools to secure your position!" Sanemi spat with malice.

BOOM!!

Suddenly, an immense pressure engulfed Sanemi, weighing him down as if a boulder had been placed upon him.

"Namu Amida Butsu!" Gyomei Himejima, clasped his hands together.

Veins bulged across his forehead and thick forearms. The usually compassionate Buddhist chant now carried an undercurrent of anger.

Though his eyes lacked focus, Sanemi felt instantly pinned by his gaze.

"Shinazugawa, your words are so rude. How could you say such things? Are you possessed by demons?" Gyomei Himejima said in a low voice, yet the aura emanating from him was like that of an enraged guardian deity ready to subdue demons.

No sooner had his words fallen than another sharp gaze came from the other side.

Uzui Tengen, the Sound Hashira, frowned with displeasure as he glared at Sanemi.

"Such a rude fellow, utterly unflashy! To speak so disrespectfully to Oyakata-sama—in a ninja clan, you'd be hanged for this!"

Kanae Kocho looked at Sanemi with disbelief, her voice filled with concern.

"Sanemi-kun, how could you say such things?"

Even Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira and the newly promoted Sabito 'the Wave Hashira', now directed faint anger toward Sanemi.

Among all the Hashira present, perhaps only Shinjuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira and Shinichi, the Forest Hashira, showed no signs of anger.

Shinichi glanced at Sanemi, whose face had turned pale.

It was only natural to feel pressured under the combined imposing auras of so many powerful Hashira.

Shinichi then turned his gaze toward Oyakata-sama.

As expected, the gentle smile never left Kagaya Ubuyashiki's face.

Knowing full well that Oyakata-sama must have already prepared for this, Shinichi sighed softly.

In truth, the one who bore the heaviest burden and suffered the most within the entire Demon Slayer Corps was Oyakata-sama himself.

BOOM!!

Suddenly, Shinichi unleashed a powerful aura of his own—not to pressure Sanemi like the others, but to help him withstand some of the pressure, allowing him to continue speaking his mind.

With the pressure slightly alleviated, Sanemi took a deep breath.

However, he didn't thank Shinichi.

Instead, he continued his tirade toward Kagaya. "Look at how frail you are! Those slender arms of yours probably can't even lift a Nichirin Blade, can they? Someone who knows no martial arts—what right do you have to be The leader of the Demon Slayer Corps? Always smiling like that—have you ever truly cared about the sacrifices of the Demon slayers members?!"

After hearing Sanemi words, the smile on Kagaya face faded slightly, though it didn't disappear entirely.

His remaining intact eye gazed apologetically at Sanemi before he spoke.

"I'm sorry."

A single, sincere apology left Sanemi stunned.

But Oyakata-sama continued speaking sincerely, his voice filled with remorse.

"I, too, once wished to wield a Nichirin Blade and slay demons alongside everyone. However, my body is far too weak. After swinging the blade fewer than ten times, my pulse becomes completely erratic. I truly wanted to fight demons with all of you, but I simply couldn't.

Leaving the task of slaying demons entirely to the demon slayers—I am deeply sorry for forcing you all to endure so much suffering. As for my smile… I never wanted any of you to see despair on my face, as it would only weaken morale. I simply believed that a leader who always smiles could prevent you from worrying about me."

Oyakata-sama gentle explanation left Sanemi rooted in place, at a loss for words.

He had imagined many possible reactions—rage, sorrow, indifference—but never had he expected such earnest sincerity.

For a moment, the kindness in Oyakata-sama's eyes even reminded him of his mother.

Sanemi was still in shock when Kagaya continued.

"Sanemi, I have never considered the swordsmen of the Demon Slayer Corps as expendable pawns. If we must speak of pawns, then I too am one—a pawn ready to be sacrificed at any moment to achieve our goal of eradicating the Demons."

Swish!

Sanemi pupils trembled, but before he could say anything, a hand suddenly rested on his shoulder.

The voice of The Forest Hashira, sounded in his ear.

"Sanemi, don't let your prejudice blind you. Oyakata-sama is the one who bears the greatest burden within the Demon Slayer Corps. Listen carefully."

As he spoke, Shinichi applied slight pressure and Sanemi previously rigid posture was gently lowered until he knelt once more on one knee in reverence.

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