The grand hall of the Ubuyashiki estate stood silent, the air thick with expectation. The Hashira, the finest warriors of the Demon Slayer Corps, were assembled in their usual formation before their master, Kagaya Ubuyashiki. Golden light from the setting sun filtered through the delicate shoji doors, casting long shadows across the polished wooden floor.

Sanemi stood with arms crossed, his foot tapping impatiently against the floorboards, while Obanai remained still, his snake Kaburamaru coiling lazily around his shoulders. Mitsuri rocked on her heels, curiosity glimmering in her eyes. Muichiro gazed absentmindedly at the sky, seemingly detached, while Rengoku stood tall, his ever-burning energy barely restrained.

Giyu, as always, kept his silence, his expression unreadable, though his sharp eyes flickered toward the entrance. Tengen adjusted his headband, muttering something about how flashy—or unflashy—this whole ordeal was. Shinobu smiled sweetly, though there was something knowing in her gaze, as if she were already analyzing the newcomer before they even arrived. Gyomei, with his hands clasped in prayer, remained serene, his massive frame dwarfing even the largest of his comrades.

Kagaya Ubuyashiki, despite his frailty, radiated quiet authority as he finally spoke, his voice as gentle as the wind through the garden.

"The time has come to welcome a new Pillar into our ranks."

The shoji doors slid open.