The Crystal's Whisper and The Wind's Embrace

Chapter 13: The Birth of a New Crystal Hashira

Two years had flown by. Tsukiyo stood proudly in the grand hall of the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, adorned in her new haori.

The intricate designs on the haori shimmered in the soft light, each crystal and pattern a testament to her newfound status. Her blue Nichirin blade rested comfortably at her side, and her Kasugai Crow, Yoru, perched on her shoulder, shared in her prideful moment.

"I am proud of you, Tsukiyo. Here, this is a gift from me to you. Congratulations on becoming the new Crystal Hashira," Hikari had congratulated Tsukiyo the previous night as she presented her with the haori adorned with crystals along the hem.

"Congratulations, Tsukiyo! It's hard to believe you've taken over Hikari-neesan's position. It feels like just yesterday we were learning how to wield a sword," Hiroshi said, forcing a cheerful tone. Yet beneath his words, a hint of bitterness tinged his voice, revealing his own disappointment.

Tsukiyo grinned, her thoughts drifting back to the celebration with Hikari and Hiroshi the previous day. She admired the new haori, its pink silk adorned with intricate, shimmering designs that captured the essence of crystal formations.

Feeling the weight of her new responsibilities, Tsukiyo looked around the hall, taking in the faces of the other Hashiras.

Her eyes locked onto Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Pillar. He was standing tall and imposing, his eyes sharp and unyielding. A rush of memories flooded back, reminding her of their not-so-pleasant encounters.

"Ah, so the crystal girl has climbed her way up to a Hashira," Sanemi sneered, his voice dripping with disdain as he strode over to Tsukiyo.

Tsukiyo's eyes narrowed, but she held her ground, refusing to let his words undermine her achievement. "It seems the wind still hasn't learned to calm its harsh gusts," she retorted, her tone cool and composed.

A stifled giggle broke the tension, coming from a girl with long, light pink hair that faded into a vibrant lime green halfway down, styled into three thick braids. Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira, struggled to contain her laughter at the exchange between Tsukiyo and Sanemi.

Sanemi's eyes flashed with annoyance, but he quickly masked it with his usual aloof demeanour. "Watch yourself, Amano," he warned, leaning in slightly, "Being a Hashira isn't child's play."

Tsukiyo met his gaze, her resolve unshaken. "I've earned my place here, Shinazugawa. Don't underestimate me."

Before Sanemi could retort, the head of the Demon Slayer Corps, Kagaya Ubuyashiki, called for attention, drawing their focus away from each other.

The hall fell silent as Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, stepped forward. His gentle demeanour was a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere.

"My beloved children," Kagaya began, his voice soft yet commanding, "Thank you for coming. Today, we gather to welcome a new addition to the Hashiras, a testament to the strength and dedication of our corps."

"It is my honour to introduce our newest Hashira, who will assume the title of the Crystal Hashira, Tsukiyo Amano," announced Kagaya-sama.

Mitsuri Kanroji, with her vibrant pink and green braids, bounded over to Tsukiyo with infectious enthusiasm. "Hi Tsukiyo! Nice to meet you! I'm Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira! It's so great to have another girl Hashira with us, right Shinobu?" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Shinobu Kocho, with her gentle smile and poised demeanor, chimed in, "Yes, I'm glad Tsukiyo seems so nice and normal. I'm Shinobu, the Insect Hashira."

As the introductions continued, a calm and collected Muichiro Tokito stepped forward. "Hello, Tsukiyo," he began in his usual serene tone. "I'm Muichiro Tokito, the Mist Hashira. It's good to have you as part of the Hashira."

Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira, stood quietly, his gaze steady as he addressed Tsukiyo. "I'm Giyu Tomioka."

"He is the Water Hashira," Shinobu chipped in.

"Congratulations on your appointment as the new Crystal Hashira, Tsukiyo-san," Gyomei greeted warmly, his deep voice resonating throughout the grand hall. "I am Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira. Specialising in the Stone Breathing technique, my strength lies in unwavering resolve and determination to protect humanity. I look forward to working closely with you."

Obanai Iguro stepped forward, positioning himself beside Sanemi. His expression was serious yet not too unfriendly. "Tsukiyo Amano, I'm Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira. Welcome to the ranks of the Hashira."

With his characteristic fiery enthusiasm, Kyojuro Rengoku's eyes sparkled with curiosity and respect as he introduced himself. "Greetings, Tsukiyo! I'm Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira. It's an honour to meet you and to fight alongside you."

Tengen Uzui, flamboyant and confident as ever, offered his introduction with flair. "Hey there, Tsukiyo! I'm Tengen Uzui, the Sound Hashira. I'm looking forward to working with you and hearing tales of your exploits!"

All eyes then turned to Sanemi, who was looking away with his arms crossed.

"What? I don't need an introduction, do I? She already knows me!" Sanemi commented, a hint of his usual brashness evident in his tone.

With a playful twinkle in her eye, Tsukiyo responded, "Well, Shinazugawa, some formalities wouldn't hurt, even for a Wind Hashira."

Tengen, with his characteristic flamboyance and a wide grin, interjected with playful enthusiasm. "Ah, this is gonna be so entertaining! But let's not forget the task at hand, shall we?" he said, drawing a few chuckles from the other Hashira.

Before Tsukiyo and Sanemi could rebut, Kagaya Ubuyashiki stepped forward with a gentle smile, his presence calming the atmosphere in the grand hall. "Thank you, Hashira, for your warm welcomes. Today, we come together not only to welcome Tsukiyo as the new Crystal Hashira but also to discuss our next mission."

Upon hearing this, the Hashiras knelt before Kagaya to receive their assignments and instructions.