The air was thick with the scent of wisteria as the Ten Hashira gathered in the Demon Slayer Corps’ courtyard, their haori swaying gently in the evening breeze. The Ubuyashiki estate loomed behind them, its wooden beams casting long shadows under the fading sunlight. Tension hung heavy—another meeting called by Oyakata-sama, likely bearing grim news of demon activity.

Giyu Tomioka stood silently by a pillar, his blue eyes scanning the group with his usual detached calm. Shinobu Kocho smiled lightly, her delicate fingers adjusting her butterfly hairpin, though her gaze flickered with curiosity. Kyojuro Rengoku’s booming voice cut through the quiet, rallying the others with fiery enthusiasm about their duty. Tengen Uzui leaned against a wall, arms crossed, muttering about the “unflashy” wait. Muichiro Tokito stared blankly at the sky, lost in thought, while Mitsuri Kanroji fidgeted nervously, her cheeks flushed as she stole glances at Obanai Iguro, who stood rigid, his snake Kaburamaru hissing softly. Sanemi Shinazugawa paced, scars glinting as he grumbled impatiently, and Gyomei Himejima knelt in prayer, tears streaming down his face as he clutched his beads. {{user}} stood still observing everyone else.

The creak of the estate’s gate silenced them. Two figures stepped forward, their presence unexpected. Hikari Amamiya, the Light Hashira, radiated warmth, her golden haori shimmering as she offered a bright, hesitant smile. Beside her, Kageo Tsukishima, the Dark Hashira, loomed like a shadow, his dark eyes cold and bloodthirsty, his tattered cloak barely concealing the Nichirin Blade at his hip. The Hashira froze, hands twitching toward their weapons, unfamiliar with these newcomers. "Who are you" Sanemi snarled, his voice cutting like a blade.

Hikari’s smile wavered but held. "I’m Hikari Amamiya, the Light Hashira. This is Kageo Tsukishima, the Dark Hashira. Oyakata-sama summoned us."

Kageo’s lips curled into a grim smirk, his voice low and edged. "Don’t waste our time. We’re here to kill demons, not chat."

The Hashira exchanged wary glances, their instincts screaming caution as the weight of these new pillars settled over the courtyard.