Please read: I'll detail more at the end, however Not all of these OCs are mine! I've yet to get complete permission from one whom I don't know whom created the OC, and if they don't by next chapter being ready, I just won't use them, or credit the Creator at every chance i get (Which I will do regardless)
Chapter 1: Meet the Hashira
"Wake the Hell up already!" Yelled a fairly masculine Voice. It was enough to shake Tanjiro awake, lightly fluttering his eyes in a panic.
'Where's my sword, Nezuko?!' He thought, even his thoughts groggy and clouded as the brightness of the midday sun, juxtaposed to what he thought was mere moments ago's Midnight.
'Where am I?' He finally thought, his eyes vaguely adjusting to the light.
"I KNEW He'd Wake up if you just pushed his buttons a little bit!" said a very loud, but still very feminine voice. Tanjiro's ears were assaulted with said voice, as he felt their very voice coming out was a warcry, despite its friendly tone.
"Right, Right, you're Always Right. But one would imagine that hearing about a Demon slayer with a Demon in Tow would bring someone with a little more Flair! But he's just some kid." Said an obviously more adult voice, Almost Flamboyant in his speaking mannerisms. Tanjiro made an attempt to stand, only to find he was tied up. Ever the quick thinker, He took a deep breath through his nose, being assaulted even harder, with a cacophony of smells coming from all directions, From the summer Lily to gunpowder, even hints of fresh, still bleeding blood and Ink. It was almost enough to overstimulate the poor still waking boy.
"With Flair or Not, We must see that this boy is put on Trial!" Said another, with an overtly excited and proud voice, as Tanjiro could actually scoot his head over to see the man with Firey hair and a bright smile on his face.
"... Guilty?" Said another.
Tanjiro was able to lie flat on his back now, while uncomfortable, he gathered as large of a view of everyone surrounding him as possible. As he looked over to the person who already confusedly decided their verdict, it was a young woman, possibly older than Tanjiro with red marks under her lighter red eyes. She wore a Burgundy Kimono with a more revealing top, mostly covering herself with copious amounts of bandages. Her Haori was a more vibrant shade of red and White, patterned akin to white Veins on the Haori. She wore a kind smile on her face, if a bit confused.
It was then that one Tanjiro recognized, a Slayer by the Name of Shinobu Kochou, piped in.
"We appreciate your Enthusiasm, Tsukigun-Chan, but he still does need a chance to defend himself before your verdict!"
It was then that Tanjiro's gaze drifted over again to another Hashira, one wearing the standard Demon slayer Outfit, with a golden-yellow Haori with star earrings. She wore a bright smile on her face, with pearly whites that seemed to reflect the sun and thensome, Platinum blonde hair and Peach colored eyes fit her appearance, with what appeared to be a large Tanto on her hip.
"What? Who are these Pe-" His head was then promptly slammed into the Gravel again, as the voice of the Kakushi stated:
"Don't open your mouth until you're told! Do yo-" It was the Kakushi's turn to be silenced as the Woman in very bright clothes said:
"He's free to ask Questions! Don't you Dare Try to Silence him!" Her voice boomed at an unreasonable volume, as the Kakushi promptly silenced himself, bowing his head and taking his hand off Tanjiro's head.
"Hey now, He was giving us our entrance speech. We're The Hashira after all, We got to be introduced in the proper manner!" Said the flashy man, a Smile on his face, but a Dangerous look in his eye.
"Hashira? What's that? Who are you People and Why am I here?"
"This is the Demon Slayer's Headquarters. You're Here, Tanjiro Kamado, to be put on Trial. So before we start the Trial, Why don't you explain what you're being accused of?" As if being polite, Shinobu Kochou tilted her head and gave a small smile, as the Flame headed man burst out:
"There's No need for a trial! Protecting a Demon is a Clear Violation, We can deal with this on our own. We shall Execute them both!" His name: Rengoku Kyojuro
Tanjiro's Heart nearly sank right there.
'Both of us?'
"Well in that Case I'll Decapitate them with style." The Flashy man said, Tengen. The sound Hashira.
Tanjiro's eyes went wide and really couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"I'll Show you the most Dramatic spray of blood ever." His voice was level, but still had a sense of showmanship to it.
'How's a Spray of blood supposed to be Dramatic? Its murder!'
Tanjiro thought to himself, looking over at the woman in pink hair, Mitsuri Kanroji, The Love Hashira. But she looked like she was fighting her own inner demons at his now 2-0 in favor of him and his sister being decapitated.
"Ahhh. But to see such a pitiful creature as this… I grieve for him. Perhaps it would have been better if he hadn't been born." Said the massive Blind man, clutching Prayer beads. Gyomei Himejima, The Stone Hashira.
3-0 make that. As Tanjiro was about to burst out with a protest, The Incredibly loud woman spoke.
"Hold it! Regardless of whether or not he's guilty as of this very moment, We can't just kill him here and now! For The love of the Gods, We're not skipping Judge and Jury here, nor are we Executioners of people. We haven't had a case like this before so let's stop acting like it isn't complicated!" She spouted, not exactly silencing anyone, but certainly drown out anyone else's voice. Hakaru Nanami, The Light Hashira.
3-1-0, if we counted the Light Hashira as an abstaining for the moment.
Tanjiro, not liking his chances, looked around for Nezuko's box, gaining the Ire of the Kakushi, who merely bent down further to whisper:
"Pay attention to them, not anything else. They're the Twelve Highest ranking Swordsmen in the Demon slayer Corps. And they hold your life on the line."
Tanjiro looked befuddled despite all the information given to him at the moment.
"Those are the Hashira… But there's only Eight of them right here."
"I see your Point, Nanami, but we still must uphold our beliefs here, They'll be gone in a flash anyways, Going out in a blaze of Glory, right?" Tengen said, tilting his head over to Hakaru, who merely looked up and away from Tengen, who she stood only four inches shorter than.
"Oh I get it now. We still need to listen to him for his reasoning though, right? We can't just kill him for aiding a demon without needing to know his motivations." Said the One in red, who was quiet up until this point. Kyoko Tsukigun, The Blood Hashira.
This caused nearly all the Hashira to look at her, except Gyomei, who continued his Prayer.
"Forget this boy. He doesn't matter, nor do his motivations. Whatever shall we do with Tomioka? Seeing him stand there without restraints is making me feel ill." Said another, as Tanjiro's eyes snapped to the location, seeing a man with a snake around his neck and a scarf. Iguro Obanai..
"From what Kochou told us, he's just as guilty of breaking the core rules. If not more. He needs to take responsibility. What do you say for yourself, Tomioka?" His voice was gruff, but filled with spite. Tanjiro looked over to his right, gasping as he found Giyu Tomioka, Standing by himself and looking away.
'Oh. He's in this situation because of me.'
"Oh he's fine, he did come here without resisting after all. We can come up with a penalty later. But Nanami is correct. We must Question the boy first for his motives, even if what he did was undoubtedly breaking the Core rules."
"Well Core rules is a stretch." Kyoko said emphasizing the "s" in Rules. Having either tired from standing, or deciding that she was going to be tired in the near future, and took a resting position on the ground.
A few people looked at her, including Shinobu, mostly out of confusion.
"There's one Ironclad rule. And that is To Destroy all Demons. That's all the Core Rules really boil down to. Technically there is the 'No hesitation to Destroy a Demon' rule, but that's just saying it again at the end of the day. Not only is it clear and cut, but also leaves room for interpretation. Kenta said that there are no rules as a Demon slayer. Do what our job title says and that's it. Even if its delaying the destruction of a demon, you're still at the end of the day destroying said demon." At this, Shinobu could practically be seen bursting a blood vessel in her forehead and neck beneath the Cheery and impassive facade.
"That's a Stretch and you know it!" Rengoku said, Forcing out a short snort-laugh. Kyoko Looked off to the side, not looking him in the eye.
"Is it? Okay. Kamado? Why are you traveling as a Demon slayer with a Demon? You are aware of your duty to you know… Destroy demons?" She looked at Tanjiro with more kind eyes, Almost sisterly in a manner, although anyone present would be able to see she was simply showing common courtesy.
"She's… She's my younger-" Tanjiro Coughed, Feeling like he was Coughing his lungs out, Throat dry, and stomach empty with his wounds still untreated.
"..." Hakaru then reached into her Haori, pulling out a water skin. Despite the fact that Shinobu was doing so too, Hakaru was faster, silently kneeling down to let him drink, going as far as to help his head tilt back to drink more naturally.
Eye twitching, Shinobu said:
"Do take care, Kamado, Your Jaw is very injured, so I suggest Taking your time speaking and other such things until that's fixed. One way or another!" Her voice was still cheery, as Hakaru's head snapped back, giving Shinobu a dirty look.
"That Demon is my little sister." Tanjiro stated, as Hakaru's Head turned back to Look Tanjiro in the eyes, as he also looked over to the other, Kyoko, who seemed to get back to looking at him, a clear sign she was listening.
"My family was attacked by a demon when i was gone. I lost almost everyone. My sister was turned into a demon. But she's never hurt anyone! Never has, never will. She will never hurt a human no matter what!" He pledged, shouting to reach to all of them.
"Enough. Spare us these absurd ramblings." Iguro piped in, pointing a slithering finger at Tanjiro. If she's Family its no wonder you're defending her. I can't trust a single word you're spouting. I don't believe you for a moment."
"What a sad sight. This boy's been possessed by a demon. Let us end this child's life, and free him from this cursed existence." Gyomei said, openly weeping before everyone.
"You have to listen to me! I became a Demon slayer in hopes of finding a cure for her! It has been two whole years since Nezuko became a Demon and she's never devoured anyone in that time!"
Its then that Kyoko snapped her fingers, pointing at Tanjiro.
"There it is. Curing a Demon of… Well Demonhood is probably the most clear cut way of Destroying a demon I've ever heard. Even if it would take a Looooooong time. Its his sister for crying out loud."
"That's more than a stretching of the rules and it's shameful that you even considered something of that nature. He never had even an ounce of intention of destroying her one way or another. Curing demons is impossible, a pipe dream at best. After all, with that logic why bother slaying demons at all? Merely let them eat all of Japan. Better yet, How are we to weed out the Demons within our very own ranks?" Iguro says, his spite growing with each syllable until it turned into pure malice in the end.
"Well this case is different first off. She's never eaten a human. Impressive for a demon I guess. And you're comparing Apples to Mochi. A demon eating a human is inherently different than a Demon who's never even harmed a soul. Besides, Its not like I had Wisteria injected directly into my bloodstream to see if I'm a demon. Or by, I don't know. Standing outside." The Sarcasm in Kyoko's Voice was palpable, as Finally mitsuri Cut in.
"I think we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves here! Its such a beautiful story, about a tragic love of siblings, but I find it hard to believe that the master Hadn't known about this. We really shouldn't act without his permission." Tanjiro grew uneasy at her words, despite the fact that put together they were calming, He grew wary of this master.
"I beg of you, Let my sister Fight by my side!" He yelled out. "I know she can fight as a demon slayer to protect humans, So please…" His voice trailed off, as Hakaru stood up and walked back silently, seemingly internally debating.
"Well Well, What kind of Fun do we have brewing here?" Says another voice, who garnered everyone else's attention.
"This The moron that brought a Demon along with him?" The man held Nezuko's Box with one hand, a wicked sort of smile across his heavily scarred face.
"What the Hell do you think you're trying to Pull here?" Sanemi Shinazugawa was his name, The Wind Hashira.
Having calmed down, Shinobu looked over to Sanemi, putting a hand up and saying:
"Mister Shinazugawa, Please do not act out of line despite the circumstances."
"Run that by me again kid." Sanemi stated, completely ignoring his fellow Hashira.
"Fight as a demon slayer to protect humans was what you said? Know what we call that?" Sanemi didn't wait for an answer, as with his free hand he readied his Katana in-sheath. "Completely impossible you Fucking moron!"
Sanemi, in that instant, drew his blade and stabbed into the box, a muffled cry being heard from within.
Despite his injuries and exhaustion, Tanjiro stood up as he faced the Hashira, saying:
"Anyone who harms my sister answers to me! I don't give a damn if you're one of the Hashira!"
Only the few who saw the small paper crane floating past the covered building's entrance had the presence of mind to react to both events about to occur, as Giyu, spotting it out the corner of his eye, uncharacteristically cried:
"Stop! The Master will be here soon!"
Tanjiro took his chance to book it, dodging Sanemi's initial swing, leaping into the air and headbutting the Wind Hashira with enough force to shatter stone and shake brain cells loose.
It was silent for a moment, as Tanjiro realized that despite still reeling from his headbutt, his hands were free, the ropes cut at some point, using the opportunity to get in between himself and the Hashira.
"Why you-"
"Correct yourselves. The Master Has arrived." Said a new voice, making Tanjiro jump, and Surprising Sanemi, who jumped into action, grabbing Tanjiro's Head and forcing him to bow, as he didn't even get to see the newcomer. But he could smell him.
He smelled of Fresh Parchment, and something more foreign to Tanjiro, something he couldn't describe if he tried. Tanjiro got to look at the rest of the Hashira, however, who were all even faster to bow, as the Master of the Mansion had stepped out, being led forward by his two children, Daughters by the look of them.
"Thank you, My children. It seems as if its a nice day, sunny with a blue sky perhaps? And how wonderful it is to have our semi-annual meeting. With all the same faces. And a new one as well." He said with a smile, raw skin on the top half of his head, akin to a creeping corruption, covering and overtaking his dulled eyes.
"I am glad to see you in good health, Master. I fervently pray for your continued good fortune." The Master Smiled, looking down roughly where the voice came from for him.
"I thank you, Sanemi."
"But before we continue, would you Kindly enlighten us about this young Swordsman who it would appear has been accompanied by a demon." Sanemi asks kindly, or as kindly as the man can manage, being a naturally rough person.
"But of course. I apologize for any confusion, but Tanjiro and Nezuko have been sanctioned. I would appreciate it if you all accept this condition."
Despite his position from being face first in the gravel, Tanjiro was able to pick out confusion in the faces of all of the Demon slayers he could see, excluding Giyu and seemingly Kyoko.
Gyomei returns his hands to a prayer position, saying:
"Master. Even though it was your request. I cannot bring myself to do it."
Tengen, who stayed in his kneeling position, jabbed his thumb at himself, saying:
"I too am opposed to this. A slayer traveling with a Demon is unacceptable!"
"As For myself, I shall do whatever it is You wish, Master!" Mitsuri states, also staying at a kneeling position.
"I see no issue with this. If it was sanctioned he and his sister have a right to live!" Hakaru stated, Lifting her head up, with a bright smile that would dazzle the blind.
"I'll forget anyways." Said Muichiro, the Mist Hashira, completely apathetic to the world, but still in a kneeling position.
"I have no reason to believe malice in either of their intent." Kyoko said, keeping her head bowed.
The others, however, remained silent, either unsure of their opinion now that the master has stated his will, or due to a simple desire to hold their tongue.
But Iguro was the first to speak his discontent after the past acceptances.
"I too must state that I don't trust them. I loathe Demons."
"Although I respect you with all my heart master, I cannot Abide by this! I am Fully against it!" Rengoku went, looking up with a smile on his face.
Sanemi remained silent, looking up at the master, doing all he can to avoid looking at the man standing sentry just ahead of him.
The Master looked down at the child beside him, saying:
"The letter."
The child pulled a letter out of their Kimono, Saying:
"A letter from a former Hashira, Mister Urokodaki contains a request. It reads: I ask you for Tanjiro and his sister to accompany each other. Because of her resilient Mental fortitude, Nezuko has not lost her human reason. Even when Starved, she has never devoured a human, and that is true more than two years later. In the event that Nezuko does assault a Human being, Myself, as well as Tanjiro Kamado and Giyu Tomioka will atone by committing Seppuku."
Tanjiro too openly started crying, realizing not only the weight of his decision, but the impact it made on his master and the man who saved him from his feral sister.
Sanemi, gritting his teeth decided to speak out, his voice cracking for just a moment.
"It doesn't matter how they die. So long as she remains, we'll never be safe!"
"Shinegazawa is right! If she devours a human, we can't turn back the clock, that person will be lost forever!" Rengoku stated.
"Hmm. You do have a point. We cannot be certain she won't attack humans. That said, we can't be certain she will attack Humans…" The master looked saddened for a moment, before the last person finally spoke.
"If I may Interject." all eyes but one pair snapped to the Source of the voice, as Tanjiro was finally able to get a good look at the man.
He stood quite tall, at six foot, so not towering. But his most striking feature from anyone else he had ever seen was the fact his skin was incredibly dark, as Tanjiro could almost liken it to the Coal he worked with back home, not quite as dark, but coming close. His hair was set in braids, and his eyes were a chocolate brown, with a straight lined scar perpendicular to his right eye, but still functional. He dressed in a Pure white Haori, without a spot of color on it, his Demon slayer uniform in of itself was faded blue rather than the standard colors, his two Katana, while larger than usual, were still not large enough to be classified as an Odachi. He looked down at Tanjiro, and towards the box.
"To charge one for a crime they have not even yet committed is a sin far worse than any a Demon has. We are still Human and we should abide by our standards. To kill her now is to Kill a human before they are turned. To Kill the boy for breaking these… 'Rules' is to kill what little humanity The Hashira, and thus the Demon slayer Corps has left. After all, he's done far more to help one life than any have done here." He stated as if It was simply factual. He wasn't devoid of emotion either, as he spoke with a minor level of conviction that led to a smidgeon of hope in Tanjiro.
"But our inaction here could cost us a Valuable human life in the Future. We cannot be certain of her abstinence from human flesh. I cannot abide by this." Gyomei stated, rising to his feet now.
The man closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.
"As our action here can take just as many. We cannot be certain of anything. We as demon slayers cannot be certain of living to see the sun rise tomorrow, but we walk into the darkness all the same." He opened them again, looking Tanjiro directly in the eyes. Kenta Zarzuela, The Paper Hashira.
Gyomei seemed unsatisfied with this answer, but stood his ground, as the master Continued.
"I see. Well I believe that clears up much of my thoughts on Nezuko and Tanjiro. But I do wish for you all to also know, My children, That Tanjiro has met face to face with Kibutsuji." This seemed to shock everyone, as they all were faced with differing levels of shock, from outright stating it to wide eyes.
"Impossible! Not even a Hashira has even crossed his path! Did you really?! What did he look like, His Abilities?!" Tengen said, shocked, having accidentally knocked Mitsuri on her face.
"He's the King of the Demons, isn't her?" Said Kyoko, staring Wide-eyed at Tanjiro.
"Where is his Stronghold!? Answer me!" Sanemi finally burst, shaking his head about as Tanjiro looked like his very brain cells were being shaken out.
The Hashira continued to argue, as the Master had simply put a finger to his lips, indicating quiet. The Hashira all immediately silenced themselves, as they all returned to a bowed head stance.
"Speaking of that man. We know he has sent pursuers after Tanjiro. I expect his Goal is to Silence Tanjiro, He has revealed himself. I wish to seize this opportunity. I also Believe that something is Happening to Nezuko that Kibutsuji never saw coming. Do you agree with me now?" The Hashira remained silent, as with gritted teeth the otherwise opposed Hashira remained silent, with Gyomei looking somewhat more satisfied.
"..." Sanemi looked up somewhat, as he looked as if he wanted to act, making Direct Eye contact with The Black man, who looked at Sanemi with an impassive glance, redirecting his gaze elsewhere, as Sanemi repressed his Impulsive nature as of now.
"I see. Tanjiro, While You and Nezuko are accepted as of now, It cannot be said within the rest of the Demon slayer Corps, or even some's opinions here. But I implore you, Seek out and slay a twelve Kizuki. After that, there will be none who oppose you or Nezuko. As for you, Sanemi." Sanemi's breath hitched for a moment as his grip on Tanjiro's head tightened.
"I applaud your restraint."
"If I may, I would like to Take Kamado to my abode. He is still very injured." Shinobu asked, as the Master merely Gestured outwardly, in acceptance, as Shinobu Snapped her fingers, as the Kakushi, whom grabbed Both Tanjiro and Nezuko, before bolting off without a word.
"Now, Let us continue the Hashira meeting as it should have been. Our first order of business, is to congratulate the New Hashira, Kyoko Tsukigun, for being the first to slay an Upper moon in over a century." There was no applause, but Kyoko seemed nervous to be called out at all, as most of the Hashira looked over to her.
"Congratulations. The Defeat of Upper rank four is no easy feat!" Rengoku blared, looking up entirely, as everyone stood, the Two children beginning to lead the Master back in the Building, as He was followed closely by Kenta.
"Aha. Thanks." Kyoko said, slightly embarrassed as she scratched the back of her head, starting to stand as she glanced at the Paper hashira, who disappeared into the building.
The hashira entered the Building, as the Two children had closed the doors behind them. Each of them took a resting position on a mat on the ground, now with Every Hashira facing him.
"While we must celebrate our victories whenever we get them, we must also remember our enemies are learning from their failures. The Twelve Kizuki will not stand still and abide by our rules. Muzan Kibutsuji will likely be making moves if he has not already."
"May I speak?" Kyoko asks, as a few different people look at her, before They're beaten to it by Tengen.
"Of Course! Whenever the Master is finished speaking, Its Always the loudest's turn to speak!" Kyoko nods her head, as she says:
"So… I know That we Killed an Upper rank, but was that a Mistake?"
"Not in the slightest. An Upper moon is not easily felled, but they are also not easily made. Only after consuming hundreds of Humans and consuming more of Kibutsuji's blood over time can one ascend the ranks and become as powerful as an Upper moon. Over all, your deeds with Zarzuela-San are more good than bad for the Demon slayers as a whole. And we all thank you for that." The Master attempts to bow his head, as he starts heaving slightly, as everyone starts to jump into action, with Kenta and Shinobu, the two closest, starting to reach out before the master raises a hand.
"Apologies, but my breath stills when I try to bow right now." Kyoko raises her hands in embarrassment, as everyone seemed to sit awkwardly at the Master's attempt at formality.
The Master righted himself as he regained his breath, saying:
"I can say with certainty, that despite Whatever That man may be planning, That the Demon slayer Corps can take it tenfold. For Before me are not only the most, but the Strongest Swordsmen since the Heian Era. Each of you have felled your mark and exceeded all expectations of you. In so, I now expect your very best from each of you. Your new task, collectively as the Hashira, is to Eradicate every member of the Twelve Kizuki." Every one of the Hashira had lowered their head, and said in unison:
"Yes Master!"
An Hour later
Night had fallen, as Kyoko stared up at the night sky outside of the Master's Mansion, as she waited long after most of the Other Hashira had left. As the Sliding door had opened, revealing Kenta, whom remained and merely stepped outside.
"... You should head Home, Kyoko. Our mission now is to start as soon as we are able. You need to rest." Kyoko takes a deep breath before bowing stiffly.
"I know, but I never got the chance to thank you for Saving my life. And Helping me."
Kenta blinked a few times, his face betraying no outward emotion or thought process, but he said:
"You saved yourself. Your instincts and training did you far better than anything I could have."
Kyoko tilted her head a couple times as she stood up straight, and started to belt out
I-I dont think I'm ready to be a Hashira, though. I never intended to climb to this rank, so I don-"
"Stop." Kyoko obeyed, not having noticed until now that Kenta was holding his hand up in an open palm.
"I know you don't like it, and that you aren't ready. But you severed the head of the Upper moon. A feat impossible by a rank and file Slayer. Even if, by chance I did most of the combat, You were the one who beheaded It. I don't care for Glory, as being a demon slayer is hardly my place. There will be hell to pay regardless for who took the credit." Kenta and Kyoko stood there in silence for a few moments, as Kyoko remained unsure as to what to say.
"The Hashira will need another. One such as yourself. So Go home. Rest and hone the rest of your skills." Kyoko bows again, either not finding or not wanting to give any more words at the obvious finality of the statement. She turned away as Kenta said one more thing.
"But if you ever feel Like you are assigned a task you cannot handle, write me a letter and i shall accompany you." Kyoko turned back, only to find that Kenta had shut the door behind him, going back into the Master's Estate.
Kyoko Tsugikuni: Somethingforsuree, Check them out on Deviantart, there's a full image of Kyoko.
Hakaru Nanami: Not certain, Not sure if I ever will be, mostly because I can't seem to Find Hakaru's Original Creator. There's not Watermark on the Profile so I can't Find them that way, No results come up on reverse Image searching, Aaaaand I don't have friends in the Fandom really, so Trying to locate them has been a pain.
So in that case, I would encourage anyone to send me a Hashira Candidate in place of Hakaru (I'll edit this first chapter to have a little more with them as a Character)
And No Demon OCs yet! Soo I will likely be on the hunt for Them, So if you have OCs you want to read in action, Either Demon or Otherwise, Send them to Me! I'd love to look through them.