Chapter 32: The Sun Pillar
Two days later, that same Kakushi escorted Shinobu and Tanjirou, who was given a pair of crutches to walk around, to Oyakata-sama's mansion.
The rest of the Pillars were already there.
"Tanjirou-kun!" Kanroji-san called, hugging the teen before he had even touched the floor.
"Ow. Hello, Kanroji-san." he smiled, a little awkwardly, patting her back, "How are you?"
"Kanroji-san, please let Tanjirou-kun go. He is still recovering." Shinobu smiled.
"Look at you, pipsqueak. You survived two Upper Moons. I envy how you manage to bump into them, dammit." Shinazugawa-san grumbled, "Why can't I ever bump into any Upper Moons?"
"It's not like people bump into them all the time." Iguro-san said, "But how are you three doing, Kanroji, Tokitou, Kamado?"
"Oh, yeah! Right! Yes, I am feeling a lot better!" Kanroji-san exclaimed, happily, letting Tanjirou go gently, back into Shinobu's care.
"I…am not at full strength yet…"
"I am only allowed out of the Butterfly Estate, because Shinobu-san said that I would be joining you from today." Tanjirou smiled, sheepishly.
"If we lose any more Pillars, the demon hunters will be in trouble… But defeating two Upper Moons without a casualty is very noble, indeed…"
"No casualty?" Tanjirou blinked, "Himejima-san…a lot of people died." he said softly.
"You are right, Kamado-san." the Stone Pillar said, "Forgive me. I meant no demon slayer Pillar casualties."
Tanjirou was quiet for a moment.
"I know you meant well, Himejima-san." he bowed his head, "I…"
A big hand landed on his head.
"You have a noble soul, Kamado-san. But, please, do not try to carry the sorrow of those we failed to save on your own." Himejima-san said.
"Thank you, Himejima-san." he smiled kindly at the Rock Pillar.
"You three recovered surprisingly quickly from this, even if Tanjirou-kun's body needs a little more time to completely heal." Shinobu spoke up, after a moment, "Did anything happen?"
"I suppose Oyakata-sama probably wants to talk to us about everything, including this." Tomioka-san spoke up.
"I'm very sorry about the long wait." a female voice said then, "For our Pillar meeting today, I, Ubuyashiki Amane, will be attending in place of Ubuyashiki Kagaya."
"Amane-san!" Tanjirou exclaimed, forgetting all formalities and hobbled over to hug the woman, patting the heads of Kiriya-kun and Kanata-chan.
For a stunned second, no one moved.
Then, Amane-san smiled softly, hugging Tanjirou back.
"Kagaya-sama is happy to hear of your accomplishments, Tanjirou-kun. He wishes to speak to you afterwards." she said softly.
"Of course. Anything for Kagaya-san." he whispered, wiping his tears.
He moved back, to his place next to Shinobu, and waited for the meeting to officially begin.
Amane-san continued as if he hadn't interrupted her.
"Right now, the disease affecting Kagaya-sama has gotten worse. And he sends his heartfelt apologies for being unable to attend this meeting in front of you all."
A hush fell upon them.
Tanjirou wiped his tears again, while reaching for Shinobu's hand, holding it tightly, in support. She squeezed back, thankful.
"Understood… I will pray from the bottom of my heart for Oyakata-sama's flickering flame of life to last a bit longer, even for just a day. And for your spirit to stay strong, Amane-sama." Himejima-san said.
"He would like to give his thanks to all the Pillars." she said, "Our first matter is the appearance of a new Pillar." Amane-san spoke up, "Kamado Tanjirou, please, step forward."
Tanjirou stood up and walked to the front.
Kiriya-kun stood up and guided him to sit before the other Pillars, his right hand raised, the back of his hand visible to the rest of the Pillars.
"My rank" he said.
And there, on his hand, instead of the one of the ranks of the Demon Slayers, the character for 'sun' became visible.
"Oh." he breathed out when he saw it.
"Let us all welcome our new Sun Pillar. May the warmth of his rays protect us." Amane-san said.
Tanjirou bowed.
"I will do my best." he promised.
They were all now under his care. The Sun Pillar was the leader of the Pillars, the one they turned to for help. These people he grew up with, trained under, looked up to, are now looking at him to lead them into battle.
He prays he is strong enough to protect them. He can't bear the thought of losing anyone else.
'Kanae-nee, I made it. I'm sorry I took so long.'
He took his place beside Shinobu once more.
Shinobu reached for his hand and squeezed it in support.
"The second part of this meeting has to do with the reports about strange marks with distinctive patterns that appeared on Kanroji-sama and Tokitou-sama during their fights against Upper Moons Four and Five. So, I would like to ask you about how you got those marks and what the conditions are to obtain them."
"Marks?" Kanroji-san sounded surprised.
Tanjirou raised his hand to his forehead, in thought.
"During the Sengoku era, there were some swordsmen of the first breath who were one step away from ending Kibutsuji Muzan. They all had marks that resembled demon crests."
The Pillars were surprised.
"This knowledge has been passed down though, so some people should know about this."
"This is the first I've heard of it. So, why are we hiding this information?" Sanemi-san asked.
"Because a lot of people tormented themselves over the marks never appearing. And that's why." Amane-san replied, "A lot of information about the marks became hazy with time. Maybe because it didn't seem important and was never laid out in stone back then. And the demon slayers were on the verge of annihilation countless times, so perhaps the succession died out at some point." she continued.
"But we do have one of consistent knowledge about them; 'Once one person has that mark on them, it starts spreading to others, as if they're resonating.'" Kiriya-kun said, "That was how one of the swordsmen of the first breath put it."
"And as of now, the person who first had this mark to manifest, did not have the rank of the Pillar at the time. Kamado Tanjirou-sama, our new Sun Pillar. He was the first one with the mark."
Everyone turned to look at him.
"I can't explain it. I'm really bad at that, but… If I had to try, it was like gaaah and whiooo and my belly went rumble rumble and it felt like I was on fire, my forehead most of all." he said, thoughtfully.
There was a moment of silence, as they all stared at him.
"I see. If it was only Kamado-sama, we would have left it at that. But then we got word that two more Pillars have had received those marks as well. So please, inform us, Kanroji-sama, Tokitou-sama. Any more information would be appreciated." Amane-san, Kiriya-kun and Kanata-chan bowed their heads.
"Sorry." Tanjirou chuckled sheepishly.
"O-Okay!" Kanroji-san exclaimed, "So, like, back then, well, my body was like, super light. And uhhh uhhh, it was like badaaam! And duuurr and budaah! Then my heart went badum badum and my ears went and rang like screeeeee! And tinkle tinkle too!"
The rest of the Pillars stared at her in shock, while Obanai-san hid his face in disbelief.
"I am so deeply sorry. I will go hide in tiny hole now." Kanroji-san bowed, hiding her face.
Kanroji-san's explanation made as little sense as Tanjirou's. She was so embarrassed, Tanjirou patted her back, in understanding. Shinobu gave her a handkerchief, since she was sweating so much from her embarrassment.
"I was not aware of any marks. But looking back on the previous battle, I became aware that a number of things were different." Tokitou-kun spoke up, "If you fulfill those conditions, then maybe everyone can get these marks. So let me tell you now what they were."
Kanroji-san raised herself and turned to look at him, as everyone was listening intently.
"I couldn't move during the previous battle because I got poisoned. I was using my breaths to try and delay the poison from circulating through my bloodstream. But a boy who tried to save me nearly lost his life, and my old memories came back. Then I got so angry that I lost complete control of my emotions. I think my heart rate went over 200 bpm. And my body became burning hot. I think my body temperature went over 39 degrees Celsius."
"But can you move in that condition? That would've been life-threatening!" Shinobu said, shocked.
"Well, that's why I think we can use that as a screening test. Will you die or will you not? I think that's probably the difference between those who get the mark to appear and those who don't."
"I see. Are you sure?" Amane-san asked, "A heart rate over 200BPM…and a body temperature of around 39 degrees?"
"Yes. When Kochou-san was treating my wounds, I apparently had a fever. The thermometer recorded my temperature at about 39 degrees. It felt the same way as when the mark appeared, so my guess is that I had the same body temperature."
"Tch. So it's really that simple, huh?" Sanemi-san growled.
"I envy those simpletons who say that is simple." Tomioka-san said calmly.
'Oh, boy.' Tanjirou sweat-dropped, 'Is Shinobu rubbing off on Tomioka-san? Oyakata-sama should have never let them team up if so.'
"What?" Sanemi-san nearly exploded.
"Nothing." Tomioka-san replied.
'Oyakata-sama! What have you done?!' Tanjirou cried in his head, 'I am going to have to mediate between them!'
"So I guess getting the mark appear will now be a high priority for the Pillars." Shinobu spoke up.
"Agreed." Himejima-san spoke up, "Please inform Oyakata-sama that we will do something about it, so he can be at ease."
"Thank you very much. But I do have to say one thing regarding your mark training." Amane-san said.
"What would that be?" Kanroji-san asked.
"Those who have manifested the mark must participate. No matter who it has appeared for, and there will be no exceptions."
With these words, Amane-san left.
"Would it be alright if I joined the training as a regular slayer and not a Pillar? Since I am still recovering and I don't have a training regime ready to give to our Slayers…" Tanjirou spoke up, "Not to mention I am an atrocious teacher."
"I don't see why not." Shinobu said.
"We'll be sparring with each other, either way. I don't care how you'll come up against me." Sanemi-san replied.
"If my father is up to it, maybe he can give us some exercises?" Tanjirou suggested.
"Tanjuurou-san is a lot better, so it wouldn't exert him." Shinobu said, thoughtful.
"Now that Amane-dono is gone, I'll take my leave." Tomioka-san stood.
"Whoa, hold it. Don't leave just yet, man. We gotta make plans for the future now, am I right?" Sanemi-san said.
Tanjirou could smell the situation was about to explode.
"Then you seven can talk about it. It's got nothing to do with me."
Tanjirou blinked.
'Eh?'
"What do you mean 'nothing to do with you'? You don't understand your position as a Pillar here. Or what? You planning on getting a head start on training without us?" Iguro-san asked, irritated. "You didn't say a thing during the meeting."
Tomioka-san kept walking.
"Ah!" Kanroji-san made to reach out to him.
"Hold it, dammit!" Sanemi-san stood up.
"Tomioka-san, please, just tell us why. As usual, you're leaving out a lot of details." Shinobu, being the more vocal voice of reason, tried to get him to stop.
"…I'm not like you guys." Tomioka-san said, in a rather defeated tone.
"Wow, you're pissing me off…! You said the same thing before, Tomioka. Are you making fun of all of us?" Sanemi-san moved towards Tomioka-san, visibly angered.
"N-no fighting, you guys! Let's be…" Kanroji-san started.
"Hold it, fuckturd!" Sanemi-san rushed towards him.
"No, no, no!" Kanroji-san screamed, sitting in the Wind Pillar's path, waving her hands, panicked.
Tanjirou drew a deep breath and stood up.
"Water Pillar, Wind Pillar." he called in a calm voice.
The others froze and turned.
"Tomioka-san, I don't know what happened, but I understand your feelings very well. I am only fifteen and expected to be the leader of the Pillars, people I have trained under and with and looked up to for the majority of my life. I am also expected to act as the head of my family. I…do not feel I can measure up to either position."
"Tanjirou-kun…" Shinobu looked at her young friend.
"Kamado-san, you…" Himejima-san started to say something, but Tanjirou shook his head.
"But people believe in me. I owe it to their feelings to step up into these roles. No matter how inadequate I feel. I have to keep on walking, with my head held high and my heart burning." Tanjirou smiled, "Tomioka-san, I believe in you. You may feel you are not worthy, but people depend on and believe in you and that, that should be enough for now."
Tomioka-san had turned to look at Tanjirou.
"…You…" he mumbled.
Himejima-san clapped his hands, calling their attention.
"Kamado-san is wise for his young age. Take a seat… Let's talk a bit more… I have a proposition…"
Tanjirou waited for the other two to sit, before he did as well.
"What is your proposition, Himejima-san?" he asked at last.
"All demon slayers participate. We need to strengthen our members… Muzan will be furious about so many Upper Moons dying."
"That's true." Tokitou-kun said.
"And after Natagumo, it became pitifully clear they are mostly weak as shit. They need to get stronger." Sanemi-san said.
"I agree that the lower ranks need to train harder, but Sanemi-san, please don't cuss them." Tanjirou smiled.
"Tsk."
"The training should start as soon as possible." Iguro-san said.
"The day after tomorrow." Tanjirou said, "I need to inform my father to expect trainees. And there are two visits I need to make, as well."
"We are in agreement." Himejima-san said.
"On another note, there is Muzan's wrath to be considered." Sanemi-san said, resting his head on his hand, "We should have at least two Pillars guarding Oyakata-sama at minimum."
"Can't you do something about this, Himejima-san?" Kanroji-san asked, "Ah! Tanjirou-kun!" she turned red upon realising.
"It's fine." Tanjirou smiled, "Himejima-san has been here the longest, after all."
"…No. It is impossible." Himejima-san said, "I became a Pillar at nineteen and I have been asking him for eight straight years, but he refuses to listen…" he continued, "He insists that someone as strong as a Pillar is too precious a resource and shouldn't be wasted on the likes of him… It's a problem…"
"I heard that apparently, the heads of the Ubuyashiki family have never had a bodyguard throughout history…" Shinobu-san said, worriedly.
"The closest to that is my family." Tanjirou spoke up, "And that was because the Ubuyashiki family believed in the first Sun Breath user and the Kamado family was carrying on his legacy."
They staid silent for a few moments.
"The only thing we can do," Tanjirou spoke up at last, softly "is be vigilant and ready. And fast. We don't know when Muzan will move again, but he will strike hard at us. This sudden relative calmness that fell with most of his demons being pulled back, feels like the calm before the storm."
Shinobu rose and helped Tanjirou to his feet, finally his tiredness catching up to him.
"We have kept you too long, Kamado-san." Himejima-san said sadly, "We apologise."
"No, no, it's fine!" Tanjirou smiled, "This was an important matter! I need to become stronger so I won't get tired so easily."
"You are recovering from a lot of serious injuries, Tanjirou-kun." Shinobu said.
"So are Kanroji-san and Tokitou-kun!" Tanjirou protested.
"But they are physically stronger." the Insect Pillar said, "You're a fighting genius, with the ability to use other Breaths. You adapt quickly during a fight and are quick. You have different strengths. Now, you still want to see Oyakata-sama?"
"Yes." he breathed out.
The Kakushi came in, as if he was standing right outside the room, waiting for Tanjirou, and supported him.
"I'm sorry for the trouble." Tanjirou said softly.
"It's all right, Sun Pillar." the Kakushi said.
The three of them made their way to Kagaya-sama's room, where Amane-san was waiting for their arrival.
"Kagaya-sama was expecting you." she said.
"Ya-san has always been like that." Tanjirou smiled, as he walked slowly inside.
"It's been too long since you last called me like that, Tanjirou-kun." the man said, weakly.
"I think it's…appropriate, considering our circumstances." Tanjirou smiled sadly.
The Kakushi helped him down by Oyakata-sama's side and the young Pillar reached for the Corps' Head's hand.
"I am sorry you have to see me like this." he said, "But I am glad I get the chance to congratulate you for making it to the position of the Pillar, Tanjirou-kun."
"Thank you, Oyakata-sama." Tanjirou said, head bowed, tears running down his cheeks, "It is hard. But I wouldn't bear the thought of not seeing you, at least one last time."
"You can feel it, too?"
"Muzan is down three Upper Moons and two Lower Moons. Things will get worse from now on." Tanjirou agreed.
"I have prepared for it. You should focus on your training."
Tanjirou looked away for a second.
"The Ubuyashiki family has protected the Corps for hundreds of years. The Kamado family will protect its future." Tanjirou said.
"You'll look after my children?" Kagaya-sama smiled kindly.
"Like they were my blood siblings." Tanjirou promised.
"Are you sure?"
"As the head of the Kamado family, I can take on such a responsibility. So long they are under my roof, no harm will come to them."
Kagaya-sama raised his hand and patted Tanjirou's head.
"Do not feel guilty for me, Tanjirou. This curse of mine would have killed me in the end. I am glad I got to see you grow into this strong young man. I am glad the both of you have grown up and are here with me." he added, looking at Shinobu, "Shinobu, he will need help to look after so many people. Tanjirou has the tendency to take the weight of the world on his shoulders."
"I'll do my best to lighten his burdens, Oyakata-sama. After all, he is my partner."
"Ah. Our Insect Pillar found her Sun at last." Kagaya-sama smiled, "Butterflies, after all, need the sun."
"Or the Moon." Tanjirou mumbled.
Shinobu chuckled beside him.
"Which one do you think our butterfly needs the most, though, Tanjirou-kun?" Kagaya-sama asked.
Tanjirou looked at Shinobu.
"She knows best what she needs most, Ya-san." he smiled, blushing, looking away.
"I think 'your butterfly' tried the moon for too long, even though it didn't suit her. It'll be…relieving to fly in the sun again." Shinobu spoke up.
Kagaya-sama smiled kindly at them both, patting their heads.
"I am very proud of all of our Pillars." he said, "And I am glad you two are finding your place in them. I am happy to hear how you talked to Giyuu, as well. What you said to him was what he needed to hear. I was afraid he was about to quit us."
"Does it have to do with why half of Tomioka-san's haori has the same pattern as one of Urakodaki-san's students' yukata? Peach-colored hair and a scar?"
"You know Sabito?"
"His ghost encouraged me once. And then I killed the demon that killed him and the others."
"Talk to Giyuu again. It's his story to tell."
Tanjirou nodded.
"We should let you rest, Oyakata-sama." Shinobu bowed her head.
"And our Sun Pillar needs his rest as well." the Head said.
"For you, master, I'd go into battle right now."
"Oyakata-sama would have to send you out like that over my dead body, Tanjirou-kun." Shinobu smiled.
Tanjirou felt a chill go down his spine. Oyakata-sama gave a small laugh.
"I mean…!" he tried to save face.
"With your permission." Shinobu bowed.
Tanjirou bowed his head as well.
The Kakushi came in and helped Tanjirou up, supporting him once more, and then the three of them went on their way, returning to the Butterfly Estate.
"You are a little crazy, Kamado-sama." the man said.
Tanjirou groaned.
"Thank you for making me feel old."
"You are above me in rank."
"If you must use that honorific, do it while in front of all the Pillars. '-san' is fine in any other setting."
Soon they were back at the Estate and Tanjirou was back in the warmth of his bed.
Genya raised a hand in greeting, as he crashed into his bed, having returned from his rehabilitation training with Kanao and the girls. Tanjirou smiled.
"I'll be in charge of your rehabilitation training, Tanjirou-kun." Shinobu smiled, her face a little too close for comfort, eliciting a blush from the young teen, "I'll make sure my partner is in top shape as soon as possible!"
And with that she was gone.
Genya and the Kakushi stared at Tanjirou.
"Man, I don't envy you at all." Genya deadpanned.
"Well, it was nice knowing you, Kamado-san. You will be greatly missed."
Tanjirou chuckled.
"Don't be like that. I've trained with the Pillars before. They went really easy on me, since I was training to join, but I have some idea of what I am dealing with. And I have trained with Shinobu before."
The Kakushi let his hand rest on Tanjirou's shoulder.
"You are a little crazy, Kamado-san."
"It's really not that bad!" the young Pillar exclaimed.