Recap.

Tanjiro was still unconscious and had his hands tied up with Y/n and a person in a uniform with their face covered watching over him. That was a Kakushi.

Kakushi: Wake up. I said "wake up"! Come on, get up! Are you going to sleep all day? Wake the hell up, will ya?!

Tanjiro finally came to and saw Rengoku, Uzui, Mitsuri, the blind gaint, Tokito and Shinobu watching over him.

Uzui: I heard he was a Demon Slayer with a demon in tow and to our good luck, he had Y/n with him. Though, I was expecting someone with more flare, but it's just some ordinary looking kid? Too bad.

The blind gaint was rubbing his hands together.

Rengoku: We must see that this boy and Y/n are put on trial to be judged! So it shall be!

Tokito was just staring off into the sky.

Mitsuri: (Thinking: To think that he's been protecting his sister who's now a demon. And Y/n helping him despite knowing that. What brave and beautiful display of sibling love and friendship.)

Tanjiro: Wh- who are these people-

The Kakushi slammed Tanjiro's head on the ground gently.

Kakushi: Don't open your mouth until you're told! Do you know who you're in the presence of?! These are the Hashira!

Tanjiro: (Thinking: Hashira? These are Y/n's former Masters and Ladies? Their scents are similar to Y/n's. Where even am I?)

Shinobu: Boy, this is the Demon Slayers headquarters. Your here because you, Tanjiro Kamado along with Y/n L/n are to be put on trial.

Shinobu: Before we begin the trial, why don't you two explain the crime you two have been accu-

Rengoku: There's no need for a trial!

Tanjiro: (Whispering: Y/n, are these really your former Masters and Ladies?)

Y/n: (Whispering: Yes. Here, let me give you the run down.)

Y/n pointed at Rengoku.

Y/n: The one with flaming bright hair is Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira. He's someone who takes great pride in his line of work.

Rengoku: Protecting a demon and stabbing Hashira are clear violations! We can deal with this on our own! We shall execute the three of them!

Y/n then points to Uzui.

Y/n: That big guy with lots of jewelry on him is Tengen Uzui, the Sound Hashira. He prefers that everything be done in a really "flashy" way.

Uzui: In that case, I'll decapitate them with style. I'll show you the most dramatic spray of blood ever. It'll be a spectacle.

Then towards Mitsuri.

Y/n: The girl with pink and green hair is Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira. She may seem like a timid girl, but when she gets mad. Well, let's just say you wouldn't want to be around if you were a demon.

Mitsuri: (Thinking: No way. You'd really kill such an adorable child as him and even kill our Y/n? Such a thought fills my heart with sorrow!)

Then at the blind gaint.

Y/n: The blind giant's name is Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira. He might be blind and emotional, but he's the strongest Demon Slayer you'll ever meet.

Gyomei: A least, to see such a pitiful creature as this with Y/n. I grieve for him. Perhaps it would have been better if he hadn't been born.

Then to Shinobu.

Y/n: And the last girl is Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Hashira. She's weak, but resourceful.

Shinobu: Nice to see you still have some nice things to say to us, Y/n.

Tanjiro: What about the young looking one?

Y/n looked at Tokito.

Y/n: I... don't know him. You, Kakushi, who's the teal boy?

Kakushi: That is Muichiro Tokito, the Mist Hashira, Master Y/n.

Tokito: (Thinking: Um, what was the shape of that cloud again? What was it called?)

Tanjiro: (Whispering: Y/n, where's Nezuko?)

Y/n: (Whispering: They made me leave her box somewhere else, but I think she's okay.)

Tanjiro: (Whispering: What about the others?)

Y/n: (Whispering: I heard they were taking in for treatment.)

Kakushi: Are you two done chatting? You should be focusing on the nine strongest ranking swordsmen in the Demon Slayer Corps.

Gyomei: Let's put him out of his misery.

Rengoku: Right!

Uzui: Then let's do so with flair.

???: Never mind the boy with L/n. What will we do with L/n and Tomioka?

They looked up at a tree and saw Iguro sitting in a tree.

Y/n: Oh, God. It's you.

Iguro: Seeing the two of them without any restrains in making me feel ill. We all know what L/n did, but based on what Kocho told us, Tomioka's just as guilty of breaking the Corps rules.

Tanjiro: (Whispering: Y/n, is he another Hashira?)

Y/n: (Whispering: Unfortunately, yes. His name is Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira. He's a snake in the grass with a heart of mold.)

Iguro: How shall we make them take responsibility? What kind of lesson shall we teach them? What do you have to say for yourselves?

Tomioka was also there but he didn't say anything.

Tanjiro: (Thinking: Tomioka's in this situation because of me?)

Y/n stood up from his sitting position.

Y/n: What I say depends on what you want me to say, Master Iguro.

Iguro jumped down from the tree, walked over to Y/n and aggressively pressed his finger against Y/n's chest.

Iguro: I'd watch that snarky attitude if I were you, brat.

Y/n: You couldn't be me in a thousand years. Not with your lack of honor, you damn snake.

Iguro: There you go with your honor again.

Mitsuri: (Thinking: I guess those two never stopped having that bitterness for each other.)

Rengoku walked to the two and put a hand on both their heads.

Y/n: What are you doing?

Rengoku: When I compare your height with Iguro's, I see no change from the last time at all!

Uzui: Actually, now that I get a better look at you, you didn't grow at all, Y/n.

Y/n: We'll worry about that at a different time.

Shinobu: All right, you two. Break it up. Y/n, since you and Tomioka came here without resisting, we will think of a punishment for you both later. What I'm more interested in is hearing your friend's story. He's been traveling with a demon on missions, despite being a Demon Slayer himself. I wish to hear why and hear it straight from the boy's mouth. As do I want to know why you did what you did, Y/n. What you both did was unquestionably against the Demon Slayer Corps rules. You both are aware of that, aren't you? Let's start with you, Tanjiro Kamado. Why are you traveling with a demon as a fellow Demon Slayer?

Uzui grabbed the helts of his swords.

Uzui: Who cares why?

Shinobu: You can take your time. Just answer the question.

Tanjiro: She's my... She's my younger-

Tanjiro began to cough and Y/n checked on him.

Y/n: It looks like your jaw is broken.

Shinobu walked over to Tanjiro with a bottle of water.

Shinobu: It looks like you need some water.

Tanjiro grabbed the tip of the bottle with his mouth and started drinking.

Shinobu: Y/n was right about your jaw, drink slowly. I added an aesthetic to the water to help.

Tanjiro finished his drink.

Shinobu: Do you need any, Y/n?

Y/n: Thanks, but no thanks.

Shinobu: Very well. Are you ready to tell your story, Tanjiro?

Tanjiro: That demon is my little sister! My family was attacked by a demon while I was gone, I lost almost everyone. My sister was turned into a demon, but she's never hurt anyone. She never has and never will. She'll never harm a human being no matter what!

Iguro: Spare us these absurd ramblings. If she's family, it's no wonder you're defending her. I can't trust a single word you're spouting. I don't believe you for a moment.

Gyomei: So sad. He's been possessed by a demon. Let us end this child's life and free him from this cursed existence.

Tanjiro: Please, listen to me! I became a swordsman in hopes of finding a cure for her! It has been two whole years since Nezuko became a demon! She's never devoured anyone in that time!

Uzui: Your storytelling is lacking any vibrant sparks of color. She hasn't devoured anyone, and she's not going to? If you're going to plead your case, at least spice it up a bit.

Mitsuri: Excuse me. Something about this concerns me. I find it hard to believe that master would have been unaware of this situation.

Rengoku and Uzui looked at Mitsuri.

Mitsuri: I don't think we should act without his permission. Maybe it's best we wait until you arrives.

Y/n: Finally. Someone willing to see reason.

Shinobu: Well, while we're waiting for the master, let's talk about what you did, Y/n. Why did you stab us?

Y/n: I didn't stab all of you. At least not Lady Mitsuri.

Shinobu: Still, why?

Y/n: You were in my way.

Shinobu: But why did you try to leave in the first place?

Y/n: Why the hell should that concern you?

Kakushi: Hey, you watch how speak to the Hashira!

Y/n: (intimidating tone) You be quiet. Don't speak unless spoken to.

Kakushi: (scared) Y-Yes, Master Y/n! Sorry, Master Y/n!

Y/n: Now that I've spoken, is there anything you'd like to say, Tanjiro?

Tanjiro: My sister... Let my sister fight by my side! I know she can fight as a Demon Slayer to protect humans! So please...

Y/n felt a familiar presence nearby.

Y/n: (Quietly) Shit.

Sanemi showed up with a psychotic grin and Nezuko's box.

Sanemi: Well, well, what kind of fun do we have brewing here? Is that the moron who brought not only a demon, but my worthless student along with him? What the hell do you two think you're trying to pull here exactly?

Tanjiro: (Whispering: Y/n, this guy's scent is the most like yours.)

Y/n: Yeah. Tanjiro, Meet Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira and unfortunately, my mentor. Though, I remembered his voice having a little pitch in it.

Sanemi: Well, apparently there's a lot of things you don't remember. Like your loyalty to the Demon Slayer Corps.

A female Kakushi ran from behind the big mansion they were in front of.

Female Kakushi: Please, Master Shinazugawa! I must ask you to put down that box.

Shinobu dropped her smile, but didn't give any other facial expressions.

Shinobu: Shinazugawa, please don't act out of line.

Sanemi: Run that by me again, kid? She can fight as a Demon Slayer to protect humans, was that it? You know what we call that? Completely impossible, you idiot!

Sanemi drew his sword from its Sheth and stabbed through the box and Nezuko. Y/n clenched his fist in anger while Tanjiro ran at Sanemi.

Tanjiro: Anyone who harms my sister answers to me! I don't give a damn if you're one of the Hashira!

Sanemi: (maniacal laugh and pulls his sword out of the box) How very nice for you!

Tanjiro screamed in anger and ran towards Sanemi.

Tomioka: Cease this! The Master will be arriving shortly!

Sanemi tried to slash Tanjiro, but he jumped up and gave Sanemi a headbutt to the head, making his nose bleed. The others watched slight shock as both along with Nezuko fell to the ground, Mitsuri tried hard to hold in her giggle.

Mitsuri: (hiding face) Pardon me.

Tanjiro ran to protect Nezuko.

Sanemi: (weakly) Damn you!

Iguro: Tomioka's outburst must've been a distraction, but that boy still managed to get a blow in.

Iguro noticed the blood dripping from Y/n's right hand.

Iguro: (Thinking: What's got the brat so mad?)

Tanjiro: If you can't tell the difference between good demons and bad ones, then you shouldn't be a Hashira! Yet alone, Y/n's mentor!

Sanemi: You no good little...

Sanemi grabbed his sword and got up.

Sanemi: I'll destroy you!

Y/n stepped in front of Tanjiro.

Y/n: You're gonna have to get past me first, Master Shinazugawa.

Shinazugawa: Fine with me. I was hoping to beat your ass to death last as it would make it all the more satisfying, but whatever.

Iguro stepped in.

Iguro: Please, Shinazugawa. Allow me.

Iguro drew his sword which was black and looked all curvey like a slithering snake.

Iguro: The hatred I have for this brat has been brewing longer than yours.

Y/n: When I'm done with you (draws Eleatara) I'm gonna let you watch as your pet becomes my new belt.

The two clashed swords once, then Iguro slashed Y/n's mask vertically. One half fell to the ground while Y/n held the other half.

Y/n: If you were trying to piss me off, you succeeded.

Iguro: Are you pissed off?

Y/n: Well, you broke my favorite/only mask, so yeah. I'd say pissed off is a good word to describe what I'm feeling.

Y/n let his mask's remaining half fall, leaving the Hashiras except for Tokito and Tomioka in shock of how young his face is.

Shinobu: (Thinking: How? He looks the same as he did three years ago.)

Iguro: (Thinking: Did he develop Heterochromia while he was gone?)

Y/n: Enough with this.

Iguro: You ready to start with breathing styles now?

Y/n: Please, as if I need a breathing technique to defeat a low class Slayer such as yourself.

This clearly hit a nerve with Iguro.

Iguro: You little...

Iguro took a stance.

Tomioka: (Thinking: If he was trying to get Iguro rilled up, it worked.)

Iguro: Total Concentration. Serpent Breathing, Second Form: Venom Fangs of the Narrow Head.

Iguro appeared behind Y/n with insane speed.

Y/n: (Thinking: This simple technique. Seriously?)

Iguro was about to cut Y/n's neck, but Y/n vanished into thin air.

Iguro: Where that brat go?

Gyomei: (Thinking: He has still retained his speed after all these years.)

Y/n appeared behind Iguro and kicked him square in the jaw, braking it.

Mitsuri: (Thinking: Iguro!)

Rengoku: (Thinking: A fine kick as always.)

Uzui stepped in and grabbed the foot that kicked Iguro.

Uzui: All right, you had your fun, Y/n.

Y/n tried to kick Uzui in the head, but Uzui caught it, which broke his hand.

Uzui: (Thinking: This kid's kicks are harder than I remember.)

Y/n was now hanging upside down mere inches from the ground while Uzui was holding him by both his feet.

Shinobu: Well, that didn't go the way you expected, did it?

Y/n: This proves nothing.

Y/n sunk both his hands into the ground, spun out of Uzui's grip and landed next to Tanjiro. Uzui was speechless as he whistled in impressiveness.

Uzui: (Thinking: Never expected that.)

Shinobu looked at Y/n's ankles and saw the skin was ripped off. Than everyone heard the voices of two little white haired girls.

Little girls: The Master of the Mansion... has returned.

A man with black hair, purple flesh on the top of his head that reached to the top of his nose, blank, lavender eyes, a black kimono under a white haori with pinkish, purplelish flames on the bottom, and a kind smile walked on to the porch of the Mansion.

Man: My beloved children, I thank you for coming this day.

He walked closer with the support of the little girls.

Man: Good morning to you all. The weather is strikingly nice today. Perhaps with a blue sky? Finding yourself here at the semi-annual gathering with all the same faces, it brings me joy.

Tanjiro: (Thinking: So, this is the Master? He looks wounded. No, sick maybe.)

Shinazugawa harshly pinned Tanjiro's head to the ground with his hand.

Tanjiro: (Thinking: So quick! I couldn't even react! He really is Y/n's mentor.)

Y/n himself as well as every Hashira bowed to the Master. Everything was silent until Shinazugawa broke the silence.

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

Master: I thank you, Sanemi.

He turned to Y/n's direction.

Master: Ah, Y/n.

Y/n: Master, I am honored that you have let me be in your presence.

Mitsuri: (Thinking: Aw. I wanted to be the one to welcome the Master.)

Shinazugawa: If I may, Master... Before we start this meeting, would you kindly enlighten us about this young swordsmen right here, who it would appear is being accompanied by a demon and Y/n.

Tanjiro: (Thinking: Y/n was just beating on the Hashira a second ago and his mentor didn't have any social grace before, but now the both of them are speaking so formally.)

Master: Why of course. I apologize for any confusion. Tanjiro, Nezuko and Y/n, have all been sanctioned. I would appreciate it if you all accepted this.

Gyomei: Master, even though it is your request, I just can't bring myself to do it.

Uzui: I am also opposed to this! A Slayer traveling with a demon is unacceptable! As well as stabbing Hashira!

Y/n: You're just mad because I broke your hand, aren't you?

Uzui: Shut up!

Mitsuri: As for myself, I shall you whatever it is you wish, Master!

Tokito: I'll forget anyway, so I'm fine either way.

Shinobu and Tomioka said nothing.

Iguro: I won't trust them. Absolutely not. First off, I loathe demons. Second off, I don't trust that brat as far as I can throw him.

Y/n: And how far is that exactly? An inch?

Iguro growled.

Rengoku: Although I respect you with all my heart, Master, I cannot abide by this! I'm fully against it!

Shinazugawa: The Corps mission is to annihilate demons. I ask that you punish Kamado, Tomioka, and Y/n.

The Master looked at one of the twins.

Master: The letter.

Twin 1: Yes, sir.

She pulled a piece of paper out from her kimono.

Twin: A former Hashira, Mr. Urokodaki. Sent us this letter with a request. I shall read to you an abridged version. "I ask you to allow Tanjiro and his sister and Y/n 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. And Y/n, even though being a half demon and having deranged outbursts, has never killed anyone. Although both situations sound outlandish, they are in fact reality. In the effect that Nezuko does assault another human being, myself as well as Tanjiro Kamado and Giyu Tomioka well atone by committing seppuku and Y/n L/n will slice his own head. The same if Y/n were to ever kill a human being. We'll slice open our stomachs and Nezuko will slice her head off."

Y/n: (Thinking: Old man Urokodaki and Master Tomioka... are sticking their necks out for us?)

Tears streamed down Tanjiro's face.

Shinazugawa: Who cares how they choose to end their lives? Fire, hanging, it's all the same! It doesn't guarantee our safety!

Rengoku: Shinazugawa is right! If she kills a human, we can't turn back the clock! That person will be lost forever!

Iguro: And what's all this about the brat being half demon? I've never heard of such a thing.

Y/n: Well, I am.

Uzui: Oh, really? Prove it.

Y/n: You know how I tore the skin off my ankles?

Y/n raised his pants off his ankles and it showed his skin was repaired.

Shinobu: (Thinking: His skin cells recovered that quickly?)

Y/n: And there's more.

Y/n showed them his fangs.

Iguro: (Thinking: I don't believe it.)

Shinazugawa: So what? Do we need to keep you from eating humans, too?

Y/n: I won't kill a human.

Shinazugawa: And you expect us to take your word for it? Master, we can't let this go!

Master: You do have a point.

Shinazugawa: So then...

Rengoku: What do you wish, Master?

Master: We can't guarantee they won't attack or kill humans. We can't prove it. That said... we also cannot be certain that they will attack or kill humans.

Shinazugawa gasped.

Master: Here is what we do know about them for certain. Nezuko has been abstinence for two years, and our four people who would vouch for her with their lives. When Y/n was a full human, he showed a strong drive for protecting humans, when he left, he stabbed people in non-vital spots, so he didn't want to kill anyone, and he hasn't killed anyone in the three years he was missing. Not to mention that similar to Nezuko, he has four people who would vouch for him with their lives. If this evidence is rejected, one must offer in turn an even more convincing argument. Are any of you able to do so?

Everyone stayed silent.

Master: Also, there is another thing I would like to relay to you, my children. Tanjiro and Y/n have met Kibutsuji face to face.

Everyone except Tomioka and Tokito were surprised.

Uzui: That's impossible! Not even a Hashira has crossed paths with him! Did you really? What did he look like? What are his powers? Where did you two see him?

Tokito: Did you fight?

Shinazugawa started to violently shake Tanjiro's head.

Shinazugawa: What was Kibutsuji doing? Did you find his stronghold? Answer me!

Y/n tightly grabbed Shinazugawa wrist.

Y/n: I would love it if you didn't do that. As for your questions, where do I begin?

Uzui: With mine! I asked you first!

The Master put a finger to his lip, gesturing everyone to be quiet. As soon as everything settled down, the Master spoke.

Master: Speaking of that man, we know he has sent pursuers after Tanjiro and Y/n. While his goal may be to simply silence them, now that he has finally revealed himself, then did you try to cease on this opportunity. I also believe something's happening to Nezuko that Kibutsuji never saw coming. And I think the fact Y/n is half demon might have something to do with it. Do you agree with me now?

Shinazugawa: I'm afraid I don't, Master. If it were human, there'd be no question we'd spare it. But after all we've gone through, after losing countless of our brethren, even the L/n's themselves. Asking us to house a demon, even half of one, that is unacceptable.

Shinazugawa drew his sword and cut his arm to draw blood.

Y/n: (Thinking: I guess this would be as good of a test as any.)

Shinazugawa: Hear me, Master! The depravity of a demon, I will prove it to you here and now!

Master: Sanemi...

Shinazugawa let his blood drip over the hole he made in Nezuko's box.

Shinazugawa: Hey, demon! It's time for your dinner! Take a bite! No need to hold back. Just show us true colors, and then I'll destroy you right here!

Iguro: It's daytime. It's no good doing this now. It'll only show itself in the shadows.

Shinazugawa: Master, please forgive the discourtesy I'm about to commit.

Shinazugawa jumped into the shady part of the porch and threw down Nezuko's box.

Shinazugawa: (Thinking: Let's see if this'll rattle you up, Y/n.)

He stabbed Nezuko through the box again which made Y/n fight his killing intent.

Tanjiro: Stop it!

Tanjiro was about to step in, but Iguro elbow dropped on his back.

Y/n: Tanjiro!

Y/n was about to help Tanjiro, but Uzui showed up behind him and held his twin cleavers to Y/n's throat.

Uzui: Don't move.

Shinazugawa: Come on out, demon! It's the human blood you love so much!

Tanjiro: (Thinking: I can't breathe. I can't move!)

Shinazugawa used his sword to open Nezuko's box and Nezuko came out of it with slit pupils and drooling.

Y/n: (Thinking: Come on, Nezuko. Don't take his blood.)

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Preview.

Iguro: To think Shinazugawa fell victim to a rookies head-butt.

Rengoku: It was a fine head-butt!

Uzui: Yeah! The sound it made was as vibrate as one of Y/n's kicks! Which me and Iguro sadly fell victim to.

Gyomei: They must've hurt. Namu Amida Butsu.

Mitsuri: The way both that boy and Y/n stood up to Hashira were so brave.

Shinazugawa: You all listening here. I could have dodged it if Tomioka hadn't gotten in my way!

Tomioka: Excuses, excuses.

Shinazugawa growled in anger.

Shinobu: I see none of you have changed at all.

Uzui: So, Y/n, how does it feel to be back after so long?

Y/n: Fuck all of you.

Shinobu: Same as always I guess. And now, time for a Taisho-era secret! The first one among us to speak to the Master is the one to greet him, so we all had butterflies in our stomachs waiting for him to get here!

Y/n: Say your line, Tokyo, or whatever your name is.

Tokito: Oh, right. Next, Chapter 23, "Hashira Meeting."

Iguro: You know, the only reason you broke my jaw is because you caught me off guard, L/n.

Y/n: You want to test that theory?

Iguro: Gladly.

Mitsuri: No... wait...

To Be Continued.