Hashira

The Pillars are the top-ranked and most powerful swordsmen among the Demon Hunters that serve as the Demon Killing Corps' elite warriors.

Overview
The Pillars are the nine most powerful swordsmen among the Demon Hunters who sustain the Demon Killing Corps. Those who are of lower rank may be killed at a freighting rate, as each Pillar possesses a distinct breath style which is learned from a cultivator or developed through extreme training. The group is overseen by the leader of Demon Killing Corps Ubuyashiki Kagaya.

Pillars are constantly searching for a Tsuguko (Successor), that can take their place when they die or retire. Each Pillar is assigned to a specific region that they need to protect. They also need to gather information about demons and improve their own swordsmanship, because of their busy schedule, they usually would only train their Tsuguko.

The time needed to become a Pillar though hard training is usually 5 years for normal people, but talented and fast learners can do it in 2 years. To become a Pillar, you will also need to defeat one of the Twelve Demon Moons or 50 demons. Swordsmen who can use the breaths of flames and water have become Pillars in every era no exceptions.