The sun had barely risen above the horizon, its golden hues stretching across the mist-covered courtyard of the Ubuyashiki Estate. All the Hashira stood gathered—Tengen flamboyant yet silent, Giyu still as ever, Obanai frowning beneath his scarf, Mitsuri with wide, stunned eyes. Beside them were Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Nezuko, quietly observing the tension in the air.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki, pale and poised despite the spreading illness within him, waited with his gentle smile. His breath was slow, but anticipation pulsed through him.
Then footsteps.
All heads turned as a figure stepped through the arching gate.
Sahiru.
Clad in his dark haori, scarlet and violet eyes cold as frost, he carried the unconscious Shinobu Kocho on his back, her breathing faint but stable. Blood stained both of them—but neither said a word.
Kagaya bowed his head deeply. "Thank you, Sahiru. You have done more than I asked. You saved her."
Sahiru did not bow. He simply stepped forward and laid her down gently on the prepared medical mat. His silence, as always, spoke louder than any words.
Kagaya's gaze didn't waver. "As of today, I declare Sahiru Orasawa worthy of the rank of Hashira."
A murmur surged through the group. Sanemi took a sharp step forward.
"Hold on!" he snapped, glare fierce. "He just walks in and gets the title? That's not how we do things. Let him prove it."
Tengen crossed his arms. "He did take down Kokushibo…"
"But did he finish him?" Sanemi barked. "We don't know the whole truth yet."
Kagaya's tone remained calm. "If it would satisfy you, Sanemi… then go ahead."
Sanemi's jaw clenched. He turned, stepping toward Sahiru, who stood unmoved like a statue.
"Let's see what you're really made of, so-called 'Facade.'"
Sahiru looked up slowly. One eye violet, the other scarlet, gleaming like fire under ice.
"…Fine," he replied simply.
The tension cracked like thunder.