The World On His Shoulders | Demon slayer x Male reader

Chapter XXXI

Kagaya's POV

In the early dawn, at the Ubuyashiki estate, a significant ceremony was about to take place. Kagaya Ubuyashiki stood, his gaze filled with pride. Today, they would officially welcome a new pillar into their ranks.

Tengen Uzui was before him, imposing, yet as flamboyant as always. On either side of Tengen were Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira, and Shinjuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira.

 The presence of Gyomei, a man of few words yet a deep sense of duty was something that always made Kagaya feel more at ease. Shinjuro, despite his fall from grace following personal tragedies, had shown up, which was more than Kagaya had expected given his current disdain for formalities and his struggle with alcohol.

Kagaya cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the small audience, his current hashira, Tengen turned to him. "We gather here today to acknowledge and honor the achievements of a remarkable demon slayer. Tengen Uzui has proven himself through tireless dedication, extraordinary skill, and a commitment to our cause. With fifty demon kills to his name as a Kinoe-ranked slayer, he has more than earned his place among the pillars of our Corps."

He paused. "Tengen Uzui, step forward," Kagaya commanded.

Tengen moved, his eyes locked on Kagaya's.

"By the authority in me as the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, I hereby appoint you, Tengen Uzui, as the Sound Hashira. From this day forward, you will hold the responsibility to lead, to protect, and to guide. Your actions will reflect the will of our Corps, and your blade will carry the weight of our hopes."

 "I swear to uphold the duties of a Hashira, to fight with all my strength, and to live up to the trust you have placed in me," Tengen replied smoothly.

Kagaya nodded, satisfied. "We are stronger today because of you. Stand proud, Sound Hashira... my child" He added with a smile at the end that caught Tengen off guard but was returned.

A respectful silence followed Kagaya's words.

 Kagaya felt accomplishment mixed the sadness, in his years as the leader of the organization, this was the 14th Hashira he appointed for the position.

The ceremony concluded, and the newly appointed Sound Hashira, along with the other pillars, were dismissed.

 Kagaya was left alone with his wife Amane, unexpectedly, she leaned in and kissed his cheek tenderly, her lips brushing against the skin marred by his family curse. It was an affectionate gesture that meant more than he could ever express.

In the quiet aftermath, Amane handed him a list. It was a document he had come to fear, one that numbered the price paid in lives each month in their battle against demons. 

He braced himself to see the numbers going over a hundred, as was often the case. Instead, he found the number to be significantly lower.

"Twenty?" Kagaya echoed in disbelief, his gaze raising up from the paper to meet Amane's. While the loss of any life was a tragedy, the notably smaller number was a sliver of hope in their struggle.

Amane's expression was a complex combination of seriousness with a subtle relief. "Yes," she confirmed, her voice carrying the weight of each name listed as they read together, most of their losses were lower-ranked Slayers.

They exchanged a knowing look. There was no need to voice it; they both recognized the efforts of one particular slayer who had made this unexpected statistic a reality.

Y/N, their problem child, had been tirelessly going through the country, lending his strength to slayers of all ranks in joint missions. His drive to protect, to reduce the casualties, was making an impact. It was a difficult truth that his struggles, his amnesia, and his breakdowns, were often overshadowed by his dedication and results in the field.