As that cold atmosphere lingered, the Hashira began arriving one by one.
"Oh~! Quite the flashy one, aren’t you! The face is plain, though..."
The Sound Hashira, Uzui Tengen.
"With this... the Demon Slayer Corps’ strength will increase... Ah... how joyous..."
The Stone Hashira, Himejima Gyomei.
"Hah? You even dragged little kids along with you... Did this guy really kill an Upper Rank?"
The Serpent Hashira, Iguro Obanai.
'Hee~ He looks pretty cool! I want to get along with him!'
The Love Hashira, Kanroji Mitsuri.
"......"
The Water Hashira, Tomioka Giyu.
"Ha! You do look pretty strong..! But if you get cocky, I’ll kill you..."
The Wind Hashira, Shinazugawa Sanemi.
Along with the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, and the Flower Hashira, Kochou Kanae, eight uniquely colored Hashira had gathered.
"We greet you, Master."
"So everyone has come. My children. Thank you for coming."
Perhaps because of the overwhelming pressure the Hashira gave off, Gyutaro looked a little tense, while Ume was still hiding behind Escanor.
"The reason I gathered you here today is simple... We have brought the man who defeated Upper Rank Six..."
At the words of the Master, Ubuyashiki Kagaya, everyone’s eyes turned to Escanor.
"The Upper Ranks, unchanged for hundreds of years, have finally begun to crumble. In our generation... the one standing before us is someone who may end the war with the oni without any more sacrifice."
As he spoke, Ubuyashiki bowed his head to Escanor and made his request.
"Escanor... Please, for the sake of our Demon Slayer Corps, to prevent any more sacrifice... can you help us?"
"......"
In the heavy silence, everyone’s attention was fixed on Escanor.
"...Very well."
At Escanor’s single reply, the atmosphere brightened in an instant, but the words that followed made everyone gasp in shock.
"However, I have a condition."
"!!! Hey, you..."
"Sanemi. Enough... If it is something I can grant, I will grant it."
At Ubuyashiki’s words, Escanor smiled faintly and said,
"It is simple. It seems there are only eight Hashira positions. From what I’ve heard, there are nine who stand among the Hashira, yes...? Then give me the remaining ninth seat."
At Escanor’s words, everyone except Ubuyashiki was stunned.
"You bastard... Know your place!"
Unable to hold back any longer, Sanemi drew his sword and pointed it at Escanor.
"Sanemi! You’re in front of the Master! Mind your manners!"
"Manners?! Don’t make me laugh! Let go of me! I’m going to teach that rude little mustache a lesson! Is Hashira some dog’s name you can just hand out to anyone? Any dog or cow can do it!!"
Sanemi’s anger was beyond words. More than anything, he hated that this man had been rude to Ubuyashiki, whom Sanemi respected most of all, and that he was daring to covet the position of Hashira without even going through proper procedure, all while his strength remained unconfirmed.
"Sanemi. Calm yourself..."
"Master...! But still!"
Ubuyashiki answered with a gentle smile.
"He has the achievement of defeating Upper Rank Six. There is no problem with placing him among the Hashira. If this can prevent even greater sacrifice... I will give him whatever he desires at any time."
"Master..."
"The Master is right, Sanemi. Put your sword away."
Even Kanae stepped in to stop him, and Sanemi trembled all over with rage. Seeing that, Escanor made him an offer.
"You were Sanemi, yes? Then let us do this. We shall settle it with a one-on-one spar, and the winner will be obeyed. However, I shall use only one arm as a handicap. You may use both arms and your weapon."
"Escanor!"
Kanae shouted at Escanor for provoking Sanemi, but by then Sanemi was already charging at him with a terrifying expression.
"Fine! Don’t regret it!"
Sanemi rushed forward with great momentum, but before he could even use a technique,
Thud!
KWA-AAANG!!!
"......."
"...Well, well..."
"Oh dear. I should have held back a little more..."
He was driven straight into the ground by a single punch from Escanor.
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