After Tanjiro Kamado was sent to the Butterfly Mansion for treatment—both for himself and his sister Nezuko—the Hashira gathered for a meeting at the Ubuyashiki residence. There, the master of the Demon Slayer Corps and the Hashira discussed urgent matters.
The most prominent topic of discussion was the alarming increase in demon activity and the deteriorating condition of Demon Slayer Corps members.
Despite having talented individuals like Tanjiro, and especially the two young Hashira present at the meeting who showed exceptional abilities, the overall decline in quality among Corps members was staggering. This troubling trend had been confirmed during the recent Mount Natagumo incident.
Given this information, along with the suspicion that the Mount Natagumo incident was likely a diversion for something much larger, the master also shared surprising news about Tanjiro Kamado and the leader of all demons—Muzan.
"He actually encountered Muzan Kibutsuji, the leader of all demons?! And not only that, but he survived?" Kazuki said with a shocked expression, standing beside Sakura in front of the Moon Hashira Ishida's mansion.
Since Ishida had returned, they were now living there, having moved into the mansion that very day after he officially made them his apprentices.
Upon his arrival, both of them had bombarded Ishida with questions about what had transpired during the meeting. After persistent questioning, Ishida reluctantly shared some details with them.
"To think that we were present in the same place, almost at the same time, in the city. It's good that we didn't have to encounter him ourselves."
"What? Are you scared that if you had met him, you would have died?" Sakura teased with a mischievous grin.
"Obviously!" Kazuki replied without hesitation. "We're talking about Muzan Kibutsuji here—the progenitor of all demons, the one who's been alive for over a thousand years. He's probably accumulated power beyond anything we can imagine. Hell, even Ishida-sensei probably wouldn't stand a chance against him in a one-on-one fight."
Before Sakura could respond, the sound of footsteps approached, and Ishida emerged from the mansion, sliding open the door with an irritated expression.
"Don't call me 'sensei'—I'm not that much older than you two idiots," he said with a slight scowl. "And would you quit being so loud-mouthed and get some rest? You need to prepare yourselves for the next mission."
Both apprentices immediately straightened up, bowing respectfully before heading inside to their quarters.
After they disappeared into the mansion, Ishida remained outside, gazing up at the star-filled sky. His thoughts drifted to what he had learned at the meeting—Tanjiro's encounter with Muzan was truly unprecedented. None of the current Hashira, despite all their experience and strength, had ever come face to face with the demon lord. Yet somehow, a newcomer like Tanjiro had not only met him but lived to tell about it.
Ishida's hand unconsciously moved to the hilt of his sword. Kazuki's words echoed in his mind, and he had to admit the harsh truth—even with all his training and his position as a Hashira, he likely wouldn't be able to defeat Muzan in single combat at his current level.
His grip tightened on his sword as he made a silent vow under the moonlight: he would become stronger, no matter what it took.
---
After that, as it was already late evening, Ishida walked out of the mansion for his regular night patrol routine. Sakura and Kazuki were both inside the mansion, settled in their assigned rooms.
But after traveling not far from his mansion, he came face to face with someone familiar—though probably not for the best.
"Well, well, if it isn't the Moon Hashira," came a rough, aggressive voice. Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira, stepped out from the shadows with his characteristic scowl. "I didn't like your damn attitude back there before the meeting today."
Ishida glanced at him with an indifferent expression. "That's alright. I didn't come here to earn the goodwill of others. I'm here to protect the innocent, and that's all I was doing back there."
Sanemi's eyes narrowed, his irritation clearly growing. "Tch. Acting all high and mighty, aren't you? You think you're better than the rest of us?"
"I think I have a job to do, just like you do," Ishida replied calmly, his tone remaining neutral. "If you have a problem with how I conduct myself, that's your burden to carry."
"My burden?" Sanemi's voice rose, his hand instinctively moving toward his sword. "You arrogant bastard! Maybe I should teach you some respect!"
Ishida sighed, shaking his head slightly. "I don't fight hotheaded idiots like you. It's a waste of time."
That was the final straw. Sanemi's face contorted with rage as he lunged forward, his hand gripping his sword handle. "What did you just call me?!"
But before he could draw his blade, a firm hand caught his wrist.
"That's enough, Shinazugawa." Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira, appeared between them with his usual stoic expression. "Continue your patrol instead of picking fights. We have more important things to worry about."
Sanemi jerked his arm free, glaring at both of them. "This isn't over," he spat, pointing at Ishida before storming off into the night.
"What's wrong with him?" Ishida questioned, though that was just to start the conversation.
"He's always been like that," Giyu replied in his characteristic monotone voice, watching Sanemi's retreating figure. He shook it off before turning back towards Ishida. "The reason I was here was to thank you for what you did today."
Ishida gestured for him to walk alongside him, and soon both of them started moving forward together.
"If you mean about Tanjiro and Nezuko, you don't need to thank me. I would have done that even if you hadn't asked me to beforehand," Ishida responded, referring to the fact that Giyu had actually approached him before the meeting and, though not directly, had hinted at it through indirect words.
Giyu simply nodded in understanding of what Ishida actually meant.
"It's quite surprising to see Tomioka-san actively engaging in conversation," came a gentle but teasing voice from behind them. "I was beginning to think you'd forgotten how to speak with your fellow Hashira."
Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Hashira, approached them with her characteristic smile, though there was a hint of playful mischief in her eyes.
Giyu turned slightly, his expression remaining as stoic as ever. "I speak when it's necessary."
"Ah, but this seems like more than just necessity," Shinobu replied with a light laugh before turning her attention to Ishida. "And you, Ishida-san, certainly put on quite a show this morning defending that girl."
Ishida inclined his head respectfully. "I simply did what I believed was right, Kocho-san."
"That's admirable," she said, her tone becoming more curious. "But I have to ask—how were you so certain that the demon girl wouldn't react to your blood? That was quite a risk you took."
Ishida was quiet for a moment, considering his words. "I don't know. Maybe it was simply instinct, or perhaps... I could tell she was innocent."
'...Or perhaps, I couldn't bear to see someone lose the last of their family again,' he thought to himself, the memory of his own loss flickering briefly through his mind.
"Instinct can be a powerful guide," Shinobu mused thoughtfully. "Though I imagine Shinazugawa-san would have preferred a more... scientific approach."
"Shinazugawa-san prefers violence as his first solution," Giyu stated matter-of-factly.
"Now, now, Tomioka-san," Shinobu chided gently, though her smile suggested she wasn't entirely disagreeing.
Ishida glanced between them, sensing the familiar dynamic, before stepping back slightly. "I should continue with my patrol. The night is still young, and demons don't rest."
He bowed respectfully to both of them. "Tomioka-san, Kocho-san, I bid you both a good evening."