In the morning at the Demon Slayer Headquarters, Nezuko lay asleep while tied up.

"Wake up. Hey, I said wake up. Wake... hey! Hey, you! C'mon, you! C'mon! Are you gonna wake up or sleep all day?! Wake the hell up, will you?!" Goto screamed.

Nezuko shot awake.

"Ah!" She looked up at a row of nine important people.

The one closest to Nezuko was Giyuu Tomioka.

The one next to Tomioka was a tall man with white hair and a headpiece with teal rocks hanging from it. He had red eyes. He had large muscles and gold bands around them. He wore a dark teal Demon Slayer uniform with no sleeves. He had two large swords strung across his back wrapped with bandages. He had sleeveless gloves on. His name was Tengen Uzui.

Next to Uzui was Shinobu Kocho.

Next to Shinobu was a young boy with long black hair and teal tips. His eyes looked tired and were a nice teal colour. He wore the teal Demon Slayer uniform with oversized sleeves and long pants. His name was Muichiro Tokito.

Next to Tokito was a tall man with yellow hair and red tips. His eyes were similar to a bug's eyes and were red and orange. He wore the dark brown Demon Slayer uniform with a white cape with fiery ends. His name was Kyojuro Rengoku.

Next to Rengoku was a tall girl with pink hair and green tips in three fishtail braids. Her eyes were a lime green and she had pale lipstick on. She wore a dark purple female Demon Slayer uniform with an even shorter skirt than Nezuko's. Her chest was also exposed, too. She wore thigh-high striped stalkings with a white haori. Her name was Mitsuri Kanroji.

Next to Kanroji was a short man with black hair. His eyes were two different colours, yellow gold and a teal green. A mask of bandages covered his mouth. He wore the dark blue Demon Slayer uniform with a snake around his neck. He had a black and white striped haori that was oversized. His name was Obanai Iguro.

Next to Iguro was a tall man with short white hair. He had wide purple bloodshot eyes. He wore the dark green Demon Slayer uniform, but he was exposing his whole chest. His body and face were littered with scars. He had a white jacket with the word, 'kill' on the back of it. His name was Sanemi Shinazugawa.

Next to Shinazugawa was a tall man, taller than the rest of the people, with black, spiked hair. There was a scar across his forehead and his eyes were pure white, seemingly blind. He wore the black Demon Slayer Uniform with some of his chest exposed. There were also red prayers beads around his hands and neck. He wore a green and white haori with symbols on it, draped over his shoulders. His name was Gyomei Himejima.

"Damn. I heard she was a Demon Slayer with a demon in tow, so I was looking forwards to see someone more flamboyant... but that's one drab-looking girl, huh?" Uzui said.

"Yes! And now, we'll put this girl on trial! I see!" Rengoku exclaimed loudly.

'To think that she's been protecting her sister who's now a demon... now that's beautiful sibling love! How brave!' Kanroji thought.

"Wh.. Who are these peop-" Nezuko said.

Goto shoved Nezuko's head into the ground.

"Don't open your mouth just yet, you moron! Just who do you think is standing before you?! You're in the presence of the Hashira!" Goto scolded.

'Hashira? What is a "Hashira?" What's he talking about? And who are these people exactly? Where am I now?' Nezuko thought.

"This is the Demon Slayers' headquarters. And you're about to be put on trial... Nezuko Kamado." Shinobu said as if reading Nezuko's mind.

"Ah.." Nezuko rose her head and gasped.

"Before we start the trial, why don't you explain the crime you've comm—" Shinobu said.

"There's no need for a trial!" Rengoku interrupted loudly.

"Huh?" Shinobu wondered.

"Protecting a demon is a clear violation of the code! We're within our rights to deal with her on our own! We're going to behead her along with the demon!" Rengoku announced.

"In that case, I'll be glad to decapitate her flamboyantly. I'll show you the most flamboyant spray of blood you'll ever see. I'm talking max flamboyance." Uzui said.

'What? You'd kill such an adorable child? That pains my heart! It fills me with anguish!' Kanroji thought, covering her mouth with her hand.

"Ah, what a pitiful sight this girl is. The poor soul... I pity her for having been born at all." Himejima uttered.

Tokito looked up at the clouds, no paying attention whatsoever, 'uhm, what was the shape of that cloud again? What was is called?'

Nezuko looked around for her brother, 'where's Tanjiro? Tanjiro!'

"Hey, you... the Hashira are speaking. What are you looking at? These are the nine highest-ranking swordmen in the Demon Slayer Corps." Goto said.

"Hashira..." Nezuko muttered.

"Let us put her out of her misery." Himejima suggested.

"Yeah!" Rengoku's eyes shined at the idea.

"Let's do it. Flamboyantly, of course." Uzui said.

"Ahh..." Nezuko gasped.

"Hey!" Goto yelled.

"Tanjiro... Tanjiro, where are you?! Tanjiro! Zenitsu! Inosuke! Murata!" Nezuko screamed.

"Forget that. What will we do with Tomioka?" Iguro spoke up, sitting in a tree while pointing at Tomioka.

"Ah.." Nezuko looked at Iguro.

"Seeing him there without any restraints it giving me a headache. Based on what Kocho told us, Tomioka is just a guilty of breaking the Corps rules. How will we deal with him? How should we make him take responsibility? What kind of lesson should we teach him? Don't you have anything to say, Tomioka?" Iguro said.

"Ah.." Nezuko gasped, 'because of me, now even Tomioka...'

'Iguro! You're as serpent-like as ever! Such a nag! I love how pesky you are!' Kanroji blushed.

All the Hashira looked at Tomioka, the latter stayed silent.

'Tomioka! All by himself at a distance! How cute!' Kanroji happily smiled.

"Oh, where's the harm? He did come along without resisting. Let's come up with a penalty later. What I'm more interested in is hearing this girl's story. The reason she's going on missions with a demon in tow despite being a Demon Slayer. I'd like to hear the reason from the girl herself. Needless to say, what she's done it against the Demon Slayer Corps rules." Shinobu said.

"Ah.." Nezuko gasped, looking up at Shinobu.

"You're aware of that, aren't you?" Shinobu said.

"Ahh..." Nezuko let out a breath she had been had been holding in.

"Nezuko Kamado... why are you traveling with a demon when you're a Demon Slayer?" Shinobu asked.

"No need to ask." Uzui rolled his eyes.

"You can take your time. Just tell us why." Shinobu said.

"Ah... Ngh... he's my... he's my older..." Nezuko struggled to speak.

Nezuko started to cough. Shinobu brought her a small gourd of water.

"Agh..." Nezuko groaned.

"I do believe you need some water." Shinobu offered it to her.

Nezuko nodded and grabbed the gourd. She started drinking the water.

"You've injured your jaw, so please drink slowly. It contains a painkiller, so it will make you feel better." Shinobu explained.

When Nezuko was finished, Shinobu took it back.

"Haa..." Nezuko sighed.

"It's not as if your wounds are healed, so you mustn't push yourself. Now then, Nezuko Kamado..." Shinobu said.

"Tha... That demon is my older brother! While I was away, my family was attacked by a demon, and when I got home, they were all dead! My brother got turned into demon, but he's never devoured anyone! He never has and never will! He'll never hurt humans, no matter what!" Nezuko explained.

"Spare us your absurd raving. If he's family, no wonder you're defending him. I can't trust a single word you're saying. I, for one, don't believe you." Iguro said.

"Ah... he's been possessed by a demon. Let us kill this poor child immediately so that he can be liberated!" Himejima said.

"Listen to me! I became a swordswoman so that Tanjiro could be cured! It's been two years since Tanjiro became a demon! And in all that time, he hasn't devoured one human!" Nezuko shouted.

"Your story's spinning in the most drab way possible, idiot. The fact that he hasn't eaten anyone, that he won't from now on... don't just give us lip service. Prove it to us with max flamboyance." Uzui said.

A hawk flew above.

"What was that bird again? Uhm..." Tokito muttered.

"Excuse me? I do have my doubts? You know. I just can't imagine the Master being in the dark about this situation." Kanroji slightly raised her hand.

"Mm." Rengoku agreed.

"Ah.." Uzui agreed.

"Do you think it's okay to deal with her without his permission?" Kanroji asked.

"Yes." Rengoku said.

"Ah.." Nezuko gasped.

"Shouldn't be at least wait until he arrives?" Kanroji muttered.

"My brother... my brother will fight with me along my side! He can fight as a Demon Slayer to protect humans! So, please..." Nezuko trailed off.

Shinazugawa approached the group, with Tanjiro's box in hand.

"Well, well, I can see you have some fun brewing here. Is that the moron Slayer who has a demon with her?" Shinazugawa asked.

"Ah!" Nezuko gasped, seeing the box.

"What the hell are you trying to pull here?" Shinazugawa said.

'Shinazugawa! You've gained even more scars! How gourgeous you look!' Kanroji thought.

"This won't do, Master Shinazugawa! Please, would you mind putting down that box?" A Kakushi asked.

'Shinobu looks pretty angry! Now that's unusual! She can be pretty amazing!' Kanroji thought.

"Shinazugawa. Please don't act out of line." Shinobu said.

"What did you say about that demon, kid? That he can fight as a Demon Slayer to protect humans? You know what we call that? A total delusion, you moron!" Shinazugawa exclaimed.

Shinazugawa drew his sword and jabbed it into the box, hitting Tanjiro.

"Ngh!" Tanjiro cried from the box.

"Ah!" Nezuko gasped.

Nezuko stood up and ran at Shinazugawa.

"Ah!" Goto exclaimed.

"Anyone who hurts my brother... Hashira or not, I won't let you get away with it!" Nezuko yelled.

"Hahahaha..." Shinazugawa laughed.

He withdrew his sword.

"Mm!" Tanjiro cried.

"Is that right? Good for you!" Shinazugawa rolled his eyes.

"Urahh!" Nezuko growled.

"Stop it! The Master will be arriving soon!" Tomioka yelled.

"Ngh.." Shinazugawa glared at Tomioka, and swung his sword at Nezuko.

Nezuko jumped out of the way.

"Ngh!" Nezuko groaned.

"Mm.." Rengoku observed.

"Ah..!" Kanroji gasped.

Nezuko jumped up and kicked Shinazugawa in the head.

"Ngh!" Nezuko growled.

"Ack!" Shinazugawa groaned.

Both of them fall to the ground.

"Ah.." Tomioka sighed.

"Ngh... ugh..." Shinazugawa groaned.

Kanroji stifled a laugh.

"Pft! Pardon me." Kanroji giggled.

Nezuko stood up and ran in front of Tanjiro's box.

"Ngh..!" Nezuko growled.

"Damn you!" Shinazugawa exclaimed.

'Even though Tomioka interfered, she still landed a blow on Shinazugawa.' Iguro thought.

"If you can't tell the difference between good demons and bad, you should just quit being a Hashira!" Nezuko scolded.

"You little..." Shinazugawa mumbled.

He picked up his sword.

"I'll kill you!" Shinazugawa spat.

He pointed his sword at Nezuko's neck.

"Ngh!" Nezuko inched away from the sword as best she could.

"The Master has arrived." Two girls, Nichika and Hinaki spoke.

They were both dressed and kimonos with small variations and white hair and purple eyes.

"Ah.." Shinobu and Nezuko gasped.

The Master, Kagaya stepped out of the building in front of them.

"So good of you to come..." Kagaya said.

"Ah.." Nezuko gasped.

"...my beloved children."

"The Master has arrived." The girls said.

Kagaya stepped onto the veranda. Nichika and Hinaki lead him to the edge.

"Mm... good morning, everyone. The weather seems amazingly good today. I wonder if the sky is blue. It pleases me that we've made it to our semiannual Hashira Meeting with no personnel changes." Kagaya said softly.

'He's wounded... no, is he sick? So that man is the Master?' Nezuko thought.

Shinazugawa slammed Nezuko's head into the ground quickly as the other Hashira lined up.

"Urk!" Nezuko groaned, 'so quick! I couldn't even react! This...!'

Nezuko saw all of the Hashira kneel before the Master.

"I am pleased to see you in good health as well, Master. I fervently pray for your good fortune." Shinazugawa greeted.

"Thank you, Sanemi." Kagaya said.

'I wanted to say that! Offer my greetings to the Master!' Kanroji pouted.

"If I may, Master... Before we start the Hashira Meeting, would you mind enlightening us about this swordswoman, Nezuko Kamado, accompanied by a demon?" Shinazugawa asked.

'He didn't seem to have a drop of intelligence or logic, but he's speaking so formally now!' Nezuko thought.

"Right. I apologise for startling you all. As for Nezuko and Tanjiro, I've sanctioned their situation. And I'd also like you all to accept it." Kagaya said.

"Ahh... even if it's what you desire, Master, I cannot agree to it." Himejima politely declined.

"I'm flamboyantly opposed as well! A Demon Slayer traveling with a demon is unacceptable!" Uzui opposed.

"I shall do whatever it is you wish, Master!" Kanroji obliged.

"I'm fine either way... I'll forget soon, anyway." Tokito mumbled.

"I won't trust them. I won't trust them. In the first place, I loathe demons." Iguro said.

"Although I respect you with all my heart, that's an incomprehensible notion, Master! I oppose it with every I've got!" Rengoku announced loudly.

"The Demon Slayer Corps' mission is to annihilate demons. I request that you penalize both Kamado and Tomioka!" Shinazugawa spoke.

"The letter, please." Kagaya said.

"Yes, Master." Hinaki bowed.

She brought out a letter to read to everyone.

"This is a letter received from a former Hashira, Sakonji Urokodaki. I shall read you an abridged version. 'Please allow Nezuko to be accompanied by her brother, a demon. Because of his resilient mental strength...'" Hinaki spoke.

"... Tanjiro has not lost his human emotions. Even in a starved state, he never devoured humans, and this has held true more than two years later. Although the situation seems somewhat far-fetched, it is an indisputable fact. In the even that Tanjiro does assault and eat a human, Nezuko Kamado, as well as..." Urokodaki spoke through the letter.

"...Sakonji Urokodaki and Giyuu Tomioka with atone by committing ritual suicide." Hinaki said.

"Ah..." Nezuko sobbed silently.

"So what if they commit ritual suicide? If you want them to die, then rot for all I care! It's no guarantee! Not by a long shot!" Shinazugawa spoke up.

"Shinazugawa is right! If he kills and devours a human, there's no coming back from that! It won't bring back the people who were killed!" Rengoku countered.

"You do have a point." Kagaya said,

"In that case.." Shinazugawa muttered.

"Master!" Rengoku exclaimed.

"We can't guarantee that he won't attack humans. We can't prove it. That said... we also can't prove that he will attack humans." Kagaya said.

"Ngh..!" Shinazugawa exclaimed.

"The fact is that Tanjiro has refrained from devouring humans for more than two years, and also that there are three people risking their lives for him. To reject this notion, those who reject it must offer an even more convincing argument." Kagaya said.

"Ngh..." Shinazugawa looked to the side.

"Do you all have the will to do so?" Kagaya questioned.

"Ngh..." Rengoku sighed.

"Also, there's something I'd like to relay to you, my children. Nezuko here has met Jackson." Kagaya said.

"Ah!" All of the Hashira gasped.

"No, impossible! Even when no Hashira has ever crossed paths with him?!" Uzui exclaimed, leaning forward.

This caused Kanroji to fall over.

"Ack!" Kanroji squeaked.

"This kid did?! What did he look like? What about his powers?! Where did this take place?!" Uzui questioned.

"Did you battle him?" Tokito asked.

Shinazugawa began shaking Nezuko's head.

"Ahh!" Nezuko cried out.

"What was Jackson doing?! Did you find his stronghold?! Hey, answer me!" Shinazugawa pressured.

"Shut up! I asked him first! First, tell us what powers Jackson has!" Uzui yelled.

Kagaya lifted a finger to his lips, immediately, the Hashira kneel silently again.

"Jackson has sent pursuers after Nezuko and Tanjiro. Thought his purpose may simply be to silence her, now that Jackson's given himself away for the first time, I don't want to let go. I also believe something's happening to Tanjiro that Jackson never saw coming." Kagaya spoke.

"Ahh.." Nezuko gasped.

"Can you try to understand?" Kagaya asked.

"No, I can't understand, Master. If it were human, I'd be okay with letting it live, but not a demon! Not after all that we Demon Slayers have gone through in battle! Not after so many people have lost their lives! It's unacceptable!" Shinazugawa exclaimed.

"Mm.." Kagaya gave Shinazugawa a looked of sadness.

"Ngh...!" Shinazugawa groaned.

He unsheathed his blade and sliced a small cut on his arm.

"Ah!" Nezuko gasped, realizing that he was rare blooded.

"Huh? Huh? What are you doing? What are you doing? You're messing up the garden! I took so much time taking care of it...' Kanroji thought.

"Master! I will prove it to you myself! The sheer ugliness of a demon!" Shinazugawa announced.

"Sanemi..." Kagaya trailed off.

Shinazugawa stepped on Tanjiro's box and dripped his blood onto it.

"Hey, demon! It's time to eat! Sink your teeth into this!" Shinazugawa exclaimed.

"Ngh!" Nezuko gasped.

The blood seeped into the box.

"Ngh..." Tanjiro avoided the blood best he could.

"No need to force yourself to hold back. Just show us your true colours, and I'll obliterate you right here!" Shinazugawa cackled.

"Tanjiro!" Nezuko shouted.

"Shinazugawa, it's no good doing it in the sunlight. We have to go in the shadows, or the demon won't show its face." Iguro pointed out.

"Master, please forgive this discourtesy." Shinazugawa said.

"Ngh..." Nezuko groaned.

Shinazugawa threw Tanjiro's box in the shade and he followed close behind. He stabbed the box again.

"Ngh!!!" Tanjiro cried out.

"Stop it!!" Nezuko exclaimed.

Iguro elbowed Nezuko to the ground.

"Ack!" Nezuko cried.

"Come on out, demon!" Shinazugawa taunted.

He continued to stab the box repeatedly.

"Ngh!!" Tanjiro cried.

"Look, it's the human blood you love so much!" Shinazugawa grinned.

'I can't breathe! I can't move!' Nezuko strained.

Shinazugawa opened the box with his sword. Tanjiro slowly emerged, enraged.

"Haha!" Shinazugawa laughed.

"Ngh... grrr..." Tanjiro growled deeply.

"Tanjiro...!" Nezuko shouted.

"Ngh... Gr... grrr..!" Tanjiro growled.