Trial by Hashira (
Summary[]
Confused by his surroundings, what a Hashira is, and who are the people around him, Tanjiro's uncertainty is answered when Shinobu tells him he is at the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters and will now be put on trial. Within the Corps exists the Hashira, the nine most skilled and powerful Demon Slayers in the organization. Whereas lower-ranked members die quickly and frequently, the Hashira provide stability within the Corps.
Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku believes a trial is unnecessary; since protecting a demon is plainly against the rules, he advises them to kill Tanjiro and Nezuko summarily. Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui offers to do the task, promising to flamboyantly spray Tanjiro's blood with panache. On the other hand, Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji is against killing "such a cute kid" and refuses to act. While the Stone Hashira, Gyomei Himejima, pities the siblings for being born, Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito is instead looking at the clouds above him, ignoring the situation. As the Hashira talk amongst themselves, Tanjiro scans his surrounds for Nezuko and wonders on the whereabouts of Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Murata.
One Hashira ignores him and wonders what they will do with Giyu; sitting the trees, Serpent Hashira Obanai Iguro recalls Shinobu stating that Giyu broke the Corps' rules, and he wonders on what punishment he should take, even becoming annoyed to see him standing freely. As Mitsuri comments on Obanai's demeanor, Giyu, the Water Hashira, ignores Obanai's threat, much to Mitsuri's additional excitement. Shinobu believes they can settle on a punishment later, given that Tanjiro came without a fight; she is more interested in questioning him; Tanjiro becomes dismayed to see Giyu is now in trouble because of him.
Still injured, he begins to cough as he explains himself and is provided water with an additional painkiller by Shinobu. He states that his sister was transformed into a demon but that she has not eaten human flesh, claiming that she won't or ever will. Obanai refutes him, believing that Tanjiro is biased to protect his sister, and Gyomei believes they must kill him quickly for thinking such things. Tanjiro begs them to listen and states he became a Demon Slayer to protect her, mentioning it has been two years and she hasn't bitten anyone. Tengen instead believes that his explanation is circling endlessly, disregarding that Nezuko hasn't attacked anyone as empty words, while Muichiro looks at a bird. However, Mitsuri is unsure they can proceed without their master's knowledge, urging her peers to wait for him. Tanjiro yells out that Nezuko has fight beside him, and that she too can fight for the Corps and protect people.
Someone enters the scene and enjoys the tense situation; as a Kakushi urges the individual to put down Nezuko's box, he insults Tanjiro as the "idiotic Corps member" who travels with a demon; Wind Hashira Sanemi Shinazugawa demands to know what he is trying to do. As Mitsuri admires his rugged appearance, the Kakushi apologize to Shinobu for allowing his interruption. Unexpectedly, Shinobu, with a stern expression, orders Sanemi not to act rashly. However, Sanemi questions Tanjiro's own actions, asking how he could believe a demon could possibly fight for the Corps. Dismissing it as a completely impossibility, he draws his blade and stabs into Nezuko's box in front of everyone, impaling the demon in her shoulder. Tanjiro sprints at the Hashira and declares he will not let anyone hurt Nezuko, as Sanemi dismisses his challenge and prepares his blade. Giyu suddenly calls out that the master is arriving, causing Sanemi to lose focus and miss his swing, allowing Tanjiro to head butt squarely in the face.
Mitsuri bursts out in laughter but quickly recomposes herself as the Hashira look at her with confusion. Obanai, despite noting Giyu's intervention, is impressed he has landed a blow on Sanemi. Tanjiro stands in front of Nezuko and advises Sanemi to quit if he can't tell between good and bad demons. Enraged, Sanemi threatens to kill him, but the tense standoff is diffused when the master's arrival is announced; the man greets the Demon Slayers, and Tanjiro looks at him with curiosity.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
Events[]
- Tanjiro is put on trial by the Hashira, the Corps' strongest Demon Slayers.
- With the exception of Giyu, Mitsuri, and Shinobu, they all agree that Tanjiro and Nezuko should be killed.
- A confrontation occurs between Tanjiro and Wind Hashira Sanemi Shinazugawa, which ends when their master arrives at the trial.