Oyakata-sama

Oyakata-sama (お) is a respectful term for the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps. Traditionally, the Oyakata-sama has been a male member of the Ubuyashiki Family.

Overview
The position of Oyakata-sama in the Demon Slayer Corps is held by the head of the Ubuyashiki family. This leadership role is passed down to the eldest son upon the previous leader's passing. However, unlike the Demon Slayers who actively combat demons, the Oyakata-sama does not possess the physical power or ability to fight due to his ailing health. Afflicted by a hereditary curse, the Ubuyashiki family members suffer from a debilitating illness that causes burns to appear on their skin, gradually spreading throughout their bodies. This condition ultimately leads to the loss of bodily functions and even eyesight. Tragically, the lifespan of the Oyakata-sama is drastically shortened by this illness, with none of them having lived beyond the age of thirty.

As a result, many Oyakata-samas assume the role of leader at a very young age, such as Kagaya Ubuyashiki, who took on the mantle at the tender age of four following his father's tragic demise. Similarly, his son Kiriya Ubuyashiki assumed the responsibility at the age of eight. Aware of their limited lifespan, each leader of the Corps adopts a sense of urgency in raising their children, instilling strict discipline and guidance to expedite their growth into capable individuals. The purpose behind such a rigorous upbringing is to ensure the preparedness of their successors, who will be tasked with assuming the crucial responsibility of leading the Corps upon his father's inevitable death.

Despite lacking physical prowess, the Oyakata-sama possesses qualities of fairness, calmness, and astute judgment that are vital for leading the organization. Throughout generations, the leaders of Corps have exhibited the ability to foresee the future and influence the thoughts and emotions of others to some extent. Kagaya, in particular, excels in this aspect, possessing an unwavering charisma that can uplift and inspire people through his mere voice and gestures. This extraordinary ability that the Oyakata-sama possesses commands the utmost respect from all Demon Slayers. The intuitive nature of the Ubuyashiki family has also contributed to their wealth for generations, enabling them to navigate through crises and safeguard the organization from potential downfall.

Due to their fragile health, the Oyakata-sama remains within the confines of the Ubuyashiki Estate, where they reside with their family and oversee the day-to-day operations of the Corps. To stay connected and informed about the activities of the Corps members, they rely on the deployment of numerous Kasugai Crows. Through the reports delivered by these crows, the Oyakata-sama maintains detailed knowledge of each member's actions and stays updated on demon-related information. Together with his family members, the Oyakata-sama undertakes crucial tasks such as organizing and coordinating the deployment of Demon Slayers to areas affected by demon activity, overseeing the rigorous Final Selection exam for aspiring Demon Slayers, and conducting meetings with the Hashira, the organization's highest-ranking members below the Oyakata-sama. With unwavering dedication, the Oyakata-sama works tirelessly every day towards the Corps' ultimate goal: the eradication of Muzan Kibutsuji and his demonic forces.

Throughout the long history of the Demon Slayer Corps, the Oyakata-sama have chosen not to employ personal bodyguards, despite the inherent dangers they face. This tradition has persisted, even in the aftermath of an unfortunate incident where a leader was betrayed by a Demon Slayer who was convinced to become a demon. However, to safeguard the Ubuyashiki Estate from demons, intricate and elaborate methods are employed to conceal its location and ensure its secrecy. These measures are implemented to maintain the safety and security of the Oyakata-sama and their family.

History
Around a thousand years ago, a distant relative of the current Ubuyashiki family named Muzan Kibutsuji underwent a transformation, becoming the very first demon. This event marked the beginning of a curse that would plague the Ubuyashiki bloodline. Each subsequent generation would be afflicted with sickness and weakness, succumbing to an untimely demise before reaching adulthood. Faced with the imminent extinction of their family, the Ubuyashiki sought the guidance of a priest who offered a solution: they must dedicate their souls to the eradication of the Demon Progenitor and the purification of the world from demons, thus breaking the curse that bound them.

Inspired by this counsel, the Ubuyashiki family established the Demon Slayer Corps and assumed the responsibility of leading the battle against Muzan for nearly a millennium. Though the curse persisted, the resilience of those born into the clan seemed to strengthen over time, granting them a greater resistance to death. However, the shadow of mortality still loomed, as the members of the family would ultimately meet their end before reaching the age of thirty. Driven by their ancestral duty and fueled by the hope of one day overcoming the curse, the Ubuyashiki family continued to persevere, their unwavering commitment to the cause propelling them forward in the fight against Muzan and his demonic horde.

During the Sengoku period, a Demon Slayer, Michikatsu Tsugikuni, was persuaded by Muzan to become a demon. Soon after transforming, he killed the Oyakata-sama that led his era of Demon Slayers and brought his head to Muzan. Following the demise of the leader, his young son, who was only six years old, assumed the daunting responsibility of leading the Corps. When Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the younger twin brother of Michikatsu, assumed responsibility for his brother's betrayal and failure to kill Muzan, the other Hashira demanded that he commit seppuku as a form of penance. However, the newly appointed Oyakata-sama intervened and ordered that Yoriichi be spared. Instead of facing death, Yoriichi was allowed to leave the corps and was banished from their ranks.

Ultimately, after a millennium of relentless battles between the Corps and the demons, spanning generations of Oyakata-samas, the Corps achieved their ultimate goal during the Taishō era. They succeeded in defeating Muzan and eliminating all his demons. The decisive battle was initiated by one of the last Oyakata-samas, Kagaya, sacrificing himself by detonating the Ubuyashiki Estate to trap Muzan. In the aftermath, his son Kiriya assumed leadership and guided the Demon Slayers in their fierce battles against the Upper Rank demons within the Infinity Castle, culminating in a final showdown against Muzan in the hours until sunrise. With their historic victory, Kiriya not only freed his family from the curse that had plagued them for generations but also became the oldest living person in Japan, a remarkable accomplishment. As a testament to their triumph, Kiriya officially disbanded the Corps and abolished his own position as the Oyakata-sama, bringing an end to the era of the Demon Slayer Corps.

Equipment
Attire: The Oyakata-sama wears a black kimono and a white, calf-length haori with a unique design of gradient flames of the colors purple and salmon pink rising from the hem up to the half of the sleeves.

 Kasugai Crow: To stay well-informed and maintain effective communication with Corps members, the Oyakata-sama utilizes the crows to receive updates on situations, send letters and inform members about missions.

Abilities
Foresight: Each of the Oyakata-sama possesses a heightened level of foresight that helps him avoid disastrous situations and amass a great amount of wealth and fortune. Due to this instinct, he can accurately made several guesses about multiple things that were eventually proven to be true and accurate without him knowing any prior information.