Well-Adjusted Barely Traumatized Demon Slayer (Murata SI-ish)

[DeeplyoftheWorld]

While reading and watching Demon Slayer, I initially thought to myself:

How difficult could it be to keep this timeline within canon?

Turns out, it's a bit confusing. For example, we know that Sanemi and Giyu are the same age. They're both 21, and furthermore, Giyu was actually born earlier in the year than Sanemi was. Or maybe Sanemi was born the year prior, which would make him a few months older. Either way, they're about the same age.

We also know that Giyu became hashira before Sanemi did. In Sanemi's promotion, we see Gyomei, Tengen, Kanae, and Giyu as already established hashira.

I think it's safe to say that Giyu joined the corps before Sanemi did. Sanemi joined later, but likely progressed a bit faster due to his experience fighting demons before joining, and his battle against Lower Moon One, in which he was the only survivor. Basically, an automatic promotion.

Why do I mention this?

Mainly because I had no damn clue where to put Makomo. Was she before Sabito and Giyu, or after them?

The only reason I put her before them is because I think it would be strange for Giyu to do nothing if he was the senior student. Like, he didn't visit his teacher in that time? On the other hand, it would make sense considering Giyu's guilt, so he would retreat into himself further and only complete his missions.

Considering his amicable relationship with Urokodaki, I would find it hard to believe he didn't keep in contact with Urokodaki. By extension, I would find it reasonable for Urokodaki to mention he took in another student. If he didn't, then Makomo was likely a student prior to Giyu and Sabito.

Anyway, back to ages. Murata's age is not specified. We know that in canon, he was in the same Final Selection as Giyu. Murata is at the very minimum older than Tanjiro and company.

In this fic, I have Murata the same age as Giyu and Sanemi.

So, a rundown (this contains spoilers for future chapters):

When Murata trains with his teacher Sato, I pinned him at around 12. He spends a year training, and takes Final Selection at 13. This would have him taking Final Selection earlier than Giyu, and is the reason why Makomo is there.

Makomo in this fic is about the same age. She's around 13 when she takes Final Selection. I can't imagine her older than that, and honestly, she looks like a kid in the anime. Whether her family was poor or rich, we don't know. Maybe she just didn't eat enough.

By chapter 3, Murata goes through a two year time skip between his first mission and the Lower Moon Six encounter. This guy ain't Tanjiro, so he isn't blitzing through the ranks in a year or finding Demon Moons like they're Pokemon. Murata will fight some, but it's not supposed to be a common occurrence.

In the original story, all the events between Final Selection and Infinity Castle took place in just over a year or so (it really highlights Tanjiro's growth).

So, Makomo and Murata fight Lower Moon Six at age 15. Makomo becomes a hashira shortly after.

In chapter 5, Murata meets Sanemi for the first time. So, Sanemi is about 15 or so. We don't know how old Sanemi was when he killed his mother, but the oldest I would put is about 13. So, Sanemi's been very lucky and killing demons for about a year and a half to two years all by himself.

From chapters 6 to 8, between training, normal missions, and his journey into the Eternal Paradise cult, Murata turns 16.

I'll update this as the fic gets longer, but this is a tentative timeline, and subject to change.

It doesn't help that the original manga is kinda unclear as well. As an example, consider the hashira's age by the time of Tanjiro's trial:

Gyomei is the oldest by far, probably around 27. We know that at 18, almost 19, he was going to be executed before being saved by Kagaya. I believe here Gyomei mentions Kagaya being 4 years younger than him. So by extention, Kagaya is about 23.

Next is Tengen. He's the same age as Kagaya, and we see in Tengen's flashback that Kagaya's scar didn't extend very far into his face. I also think it's safe to say Tengen was a hashira before Giyu, though in Tengen's flashback, we see all three of his wives. I have no clue when he gets each wife.

Giyu is likely next. We know that he joined early and he's about 21. And it was already mentioned earlier that he was hashira before Sanemi.

Sanemi is 21 and the next one to be a hashira among the canon lineup.

Obanai is actually the same age as Giyu and Sanemi. He's older than Sanemi but younger than Giyu. We don't know when he became a hashira though, but it would have to be after Rengoku and before Mitsuri.

Next oldest is Rengoku, who's 20. We know he was hashira after Sanemi, because Sanemi was the one who expressed doubt in Rengoku's ability to pick up the title after his father. It was only after fighting Lower Moon Two that Rengoku promoted.

Mitsuri is 19 and likely the last one to be promoted as hashira. We know that she trained under Rengoku. Honestly, with more experience, she could have become even more dangerous.

Shinobu is 18 and become a hashira at 16. I believe she ranked up right around the time Giyu spared Nezuko, and he was 19 at that point. I haven't read the Tomioka Gaiden, so maybe she was hashira for longer than that.

Last is Muichirou at 14. He became a hashira in two months. He's a speedrunner for sure.

Anyway, for this fic, we got Murata, Makomo, Sanemi, Giyu, and Sabito in the same ballpark, agewise. I mentally consider them to be their generation's version of the Tanjiro squad. Currently heavy with water breathers, which is subject to change.

 

[DeeplyoftheWorld]

Muzan was, unsurprisingly, someone who wrote a lot.

Not in terms of fiction or literary prose. His expertise bordered towards record-keeping.

When one became as long lived as him, not even the best memory can remember everything.

In addition, he was born to a wealthy family. As a wealthy heir, his duties including knowing how to read and write.

When he stole the notes from the doctor he murdered, he started to devour anything he could find about the Blue Spider Lily.

-

An excerpt below:

Originally, that cursed doctor found the Blue Spider Lily in Japan. His intent was to create a cure for all ailments. He traveled to Korea, China, and Mongolia, without luck.

It was only when he came back from his journey that he found it. He had neither the foresight or wisdom to record where it specifically grew.

In the end, he did achieve his goal. The disease of humanity is only cured by becoming a demon.

-

Next, it was necessary to keep track of his unique biology. Muzan did not immediately gain all his demonic powers at once.

The strength and the hunger were the first things he noticed. But the other abilities were cultivated through time.

-

The blood I hold is extremely toxic. It appears that not everyone has the same tolerance for it.

The more one can handle my blood, the stronger they are as a demon. There is no consistent variable that measures a human's potential to handle my blood, however.

Some have a natural affinity for it, while others can grow into it.

Interestingly, demon slayers have the worst affinity to my blood. It is most likely due to their mental insanity.

As for myself, I have perfected its control. It took decades, but I have made it so that each demon is cursed and bound to me. Because blood demons arts have become more unpredictable, it's a necessary measure, for the worst case scenario.

-

Muzan was also, for lack of a better term, an inhumane boss. For most demons, it was better if they didn't have to interact with the progenitor of demons.

He did like to keep a short summary of some of his strongest.

-

I enjoy Gyutaro's nature. His greedy ambition and unrepentant self is necessary to becoming a more powerful demon. If only he ditched the last remnants of his humanity by discarding his sister, then he could achieve his full potential.

Daki is an immature and spoiled child. She tries to act as a proper lady, but I have met animals more graceful than her. However, just like a child, she responds very well to a few words of encouragement.

Gyokko is fine but I do not care how sincere his praise is. However, his pottery is lucrative. Very few demons possess an appreciation for art. Since I showed him his path to life, it's only right that I benefit from his wealth.

Hantengu is annoying. If he turned into Zohakuten forever, then maybe Upper Four wouldn't be degrading. At least he knows respect.

If every demon were Akaza, then I would have achieved my goals centuries ago. Loyal, serious, and strong, he's one of the few I don't regret turning into a demon. It is for those reasons I humor his 'request.'

Douma is disgusting. A glutton and a slothful being. His rapid growth and strength is one of the greatest mysterious I've encountered. Yet, his cult could be worthwhile.

Kokushibo is someone I hold a certain level of respect. Bound to duty and order, he understands the deepest concepts of demonic nature.

-

 

[DeeplyoftheWorld]

The Demon Slayer Corps is traditionally made up of ten ranks, with two additional positions.

In order from lowest to highest, it goes like this: mizunoto, mizunoe, kanato, kanoe, tsuchinoto, tsuchinoe, hinoto, hinoe, kinoto, and kinoe.

The two additional positions are tsuguko and hashira.

Tsuguko is less of a rank and more like an additional status. The tsuguko are the direct successor of a specific hashira. In the event of a hashira's retirement or death, the tsuguko is left to inherit the hashira's responsibility. As a result, one could theoretically be a mizunoto and a tsuguko of a hashira at the same time.

The hashira are the strongest slayers of the organization. At most, there is only one hashira per breathing style. Furthermore, they have to clear a couple requirements.

Now, the manga and anime don't really touch on the rank and file of the Demon Slayer Corps. As far as we're concerned, the important ones are the hashira and to a lesser extent, tsugukos and kinoes.

I mention this because despite many people's knowledge, the requirements on becoming a hashira are more vague than necessary.

Spoiler: Demon Hunter Q&A; a databook, most likely

Beating fifty demons or one of the demon moons. Simple enough. Also, the Rengoku Gaiden mentions this during the fight between Hairo and Rengoku:

"The conditions for becoming a pillar are to be a kinoe, and to either exterminate over fifty demons, or to defeat one of the twelve demon moons."

Okay, now you have to be a kinoe, and either kill fifty demons, or eliminate one of the demon moons.

Maybe it's just an ambiguous translation, because while it adds more information, it raises more questions than it answers.

The implication here is that to be hashira:

1. One has to be a kinoe.

2. One has to kill fifty demons or kill a demon moon.

Alternatively:

1. One has to be a kinoe and kill fifty demons.

OR

2. One has to kill a demon moon.

The kinoe part is what makes it frustrating. Does a demon slayer have to kill fifty demons total or fifty more demons after becoming the kinoe rank? Does your tally from previous ranks still count? For example, if you killed thirty demons then ranked up as kinoe, does that mean you only have to kill twenty more?

Alternatively, does a demon slayer have to kill a demon moon as a kinoe to become a hashira?

One situation is if you were involved in a demon moon encounter as a lower rank. If you were able to kill that demon, would you automatically be eligible for hashira? Or is it just an unlucky situation where you rank up but don't become a hashira?

Another confusing thing is that most people think you have to kill a demon moon by yourself to get the rank.

We have only two confirmed instances where a demon slayer killed a demon moon and became a hashira. Kyojuro and Sanemi.

Kyojuro defeated a Lower Moon by himself.

Sanemi defeated a Lower Moon with his friend, who later died after the battle.

Both were kinoe in their respective fights. Both promoted to hashira.

With all that said, I'm going to go ahead and establish my own standard.

To be hashira, one has to:

1. Become kinoe.

2. Kill a total of fifty demons OR kill a demon moon (but not necessarily by yourself).

The attrition rate for demon slayers must be horrible. Consider the time it takes to travel between missions, conduct investigations, killing the demon, and then resting. Reaching fifty demon kills is impressive, no matter what.

Adding the caveat that one doesn't have to solo a demon moon would explain Sanemi's canon promotion. It would also discourage sabotage in the organization. When we have people like Kaigaku that exist, I don't think such things are off the table.

The caveat also brings in the third factor that is not mentioned in either the manga or anime and that I just made up.

The Ubuyashiki vibe check. Kagaya has a great intuition of people's character.

Despite not being the most stable of people, the hashira are, deep down, good people. Continuously serving to fight for others.

The hashira are meant to serve as a backbone of the organization. Not only are they capable fighters, but they serve to raise morale for other demon slayers. There's a reason Shinjuro was considered for early retirement. His behavior was not reflecting the organization's values. It helps to be a kinoe first to understand the structure of the organization beyond killing demons.

So, to reiterate:

1. Be a kinoe.

2. Kill a total of fifty demons OR a demon moon

3. Pass the Ubuyashiki vibe check. For judge of character and in the event of a demon moon death, your level of contribution.

The Ubuyashiki family has the final say, ultimately. It's their organization, and the hashira respect Kagaya so much that barring severe circumstances, they would understand if he made a decision to make someone a hashira or not.

A/N: The image broke. I'm attaching the reddit link to the post that has the imgur image of what I'm talking about. https://www.reddit.com/r/KimetsuNoYaiba/comments/srm6o5/why_are_people_still_so_confused_about_the/

 

[DeeplyoftheWorld]

The kanji for 'hashira' has nine strokes, which has led many in the corps to assume the maximum number of hashira allowed was nine. However, the Ubuyashiki family has no rule or quota dictating the number of hashira.

Indeed, there have been many times in the history of the corps where there were as few as one hashira and as many as ten. Though, it is important to realize that the title of hashira was just that, a title. Some eras have boasted hashira that today may seem weak, while others have stood the test of time.

The two most powerful era of demon slayers include the Sengoku Golden Age and the Taisho Era.

There are currently 11 hashira. This was the order in which they were promoted:

1. Stone Hashira - Himejima Gyomei
2. Sound Hashira - Uzui Tengen
3. Water Hashira - Ishikawa Makomo
4. Wind Hashira - Shinazugawa Sanemi
5. Ice Hashira - Sato Murata
6. Flood Hashira - Matsuda Sabito
7. Mist Hashira - Iguro Seiko
8. Insect Hashira - Kocho Shinobu
9. Flame Hashira - Rengoku Kyojuro
10. Snake Hashira - Iguro Obanai
11. Love Hashira - Kanroji Mitsuri

Their height and weight*:

1. Gyomei - 220 cm (86.6 in) - 140 kg (308.6 lb)
2. Tengen - 198 cm (77.9 in) - 105 kg (231.4 lb)
3. Sabito - 181 cm (71.2 in) - 82 kg (180.7 lb)
4. Sanemi - 179 cm (70.4 in) - 80 kg (176.3 lb)
5. Kyojuro - 177 cm (69.6 in) - 75 kg (165.3 lb)
6. Murata - 169 cm (66.5 in) - 70 kg (154.3 lb)
7. Mitsuri - 167 cm (65.7 in) - 65 kg (143.3 lb)
8. Seiko - 164 cm (64.5 in) - 59 kg (130 lb)
9. Obanai - 162 cm (63.7 in) - 55 kg (121.2 lb)
10. Makomo - 159 cm (62.5 in) - 53 kg (116.8 lb)
11. Shinobu - 151 cm (59.4 in) - 44 kg (99.2 lb)

*Some of the weights were slightly adjusted as I refuse to believe someone like Gyomei, being as built as he is, was only 130 kg.

Arm wrestling. Tengen once joked about Murata's soft-looking hands (they weren't), which caused him to start an arm wrestling contest between the hashira.

1. Gyomei - Insanely Strong
2. Tengen - Really Strong
3. Sabito - Surprisingly Strong (What is he hiding?)
4. Sanemi / Kyojuro / Mitsuri - Strong
5. Murata - Somewhat Strong (Maybe he should stop spending so much time in the Ubuyashiki library?)
6. Seiko / Makomo - Normal
7. Obanai - A Little Weak
8. Shinobu - Weak

Grip strength. They used progressively denser and stronger pieces of wood.

1. Gyomei - His large hands were perfect for this test.

2. Tengen - It makes sense, especially the way he uses his blades.

3. Murata - A surprising contender. Could've surpassed Tengen, but the scars on his hands flared up and he stopped.

4. Sanemi / Sabito / Kyojuro - They tied on the same piece of wood. Sabito claims to have damaged it the most (it was actually Kyojuro).

5. Obanai - Another unexpected ranking. What's up his sleeve?

6. Mitsuri - Could have placed higher, but didn't want to get splinters.

7. Makomo / Seiko - Tied. They understood the assignment.

8. Shinobu - Didn't participate. Her lithe hands were more suited towards medicine.

Running Speed. The running took place from one end of the Ice Estate to the other end.

1. Tengen - Just like a ninja, his speed makes others look twice. Who would have thought the flashiest guy was the hardest to catch?

2. Sabito - Similar to his breathing art, the way he runs is similar to a disaster coming towards you.

3. Sanemi - The way he runs into battle is like a hurricane.

4. Makomo - Surprisingly nimble, her strides make her appear like a swift river.

5. Gyomei - Even worse than Sabito. Instead of a simple disaster, the very earth shakes when he sprints.

6. Shinobu - Light on her feet. Unfortunately, her endurance could use improvement.

7. Murata - He stumbled, but quickly regained his bearings.

8. Kyojuro - Explosive like a raging campfire.

9. Obanai - Maybe if he ran in a straight line instead of moving like a snake, he could have placed higher.

10. Seiko - It was difficult to see her. Maybe she's obscuring her final form?

11. Mitsuri - She tried her best, but maybe should have ran on a lighter stomach.

Openness. Ranked on how easily they can talk to others and socialize.

1. Kyojuro - 95%
2. Mitsuri / Gyomei / Sabito - 90%
3. Tengen - 88%
4. Shinobu / Makomo - 85%
5. Murata - 75%
6. Sanemi / Obanai - 60%
7. Seiko - 17%

Approachability/Kindness. Ranked on how easy it is to talk to them.

1. Mitsuri - The Love Hashira is cheerful, smiles a lot, and is a source of positivity for the people around her. She can even interact with the Snake and Mist Hashira.

2. Kyojuro - The Flame Hashira burns bright and he presents himself accordingly. His presence is simply motivating! He inspires many of the junior members of the corps.

3. Makomo - Her calm and experienced demeanor is soothing to others. Don't badmouth Giyu in front of her. Otherwise, she'll discipline you.

4. Shinobu - She has a kind smile, though she can be very blunt in that nice tone of hers. It's very confusing, but even the other hashira rely on her.

5. Sabito - His presence can seem overwhelming, but he just follows a personal code. Respect that, and he'll talk all day to you. Many of the female kakushi and demon slayers find him dashing.

6. Murata - His face may look ordinary, yet his eyes are old. Not difficult to talk to, but he always seems to be deep in thought.

7. Tengen - He can be a bit overbearing. Also, he talks about his wives a lot.

8. Gyomei - The way he cries while chanting is unnerving to others. However, many people look up to his strength and presence.

9. Obanai - His persistent glare is difficult to bear. He does get along with the Wind and Love Hashira. Sometimes annoyed by how the Mist Hashira treats him.

10. Sanemi - Very scary to talk to. Feels like walking into a typhoon.

11. Seiko - Quiet and attractive. She dislikes talking, often using paper to interact with others, which makes things complicated. She acts like a mother hen towards the Snake Hashira.

What the hashira think of each other.

[Gyomei]

Tengen: He is boastful, but not overconfident or insecure of his skills.

Sabito: Dutiful and honorable, he is loyal to others.

Sanemi: He is bashful and honest in his heart. He likes Kanae and visits her often.

Kyojuro: An honest and positive person without bitterness.

Makomo: A calm, thoughtful person. She seems to like Murata.

Mitsuri: A good-natured girl. She seems to like Obanai.

Shinobu: A delicate person who sometimes works too hard.

Obanai: Very sincere and sensitive person. He seems to love Mitsuri.

Murata: He knows more than others see. Enjoys speaking with Makomo and Tengen.

Seiko: A smart, resourceful woman. Enjoys Obanai's company.

[Shinobu]

Tengen: A bright person. However, his attitude can get annoying.

Sabito: He's easy to get along with. Aoi sometimes asks if he's coming.

Sanemi: He asks how I'm doing whenever we meet. I know he wants my approval.

Kyojuro: A good person. Sometimes, we're not on the same page.

Makomo: I like her. She gets along with Kanao.

Mitsuri: She's wonderful. Cute and cheerful.

Gyomei: I respect him from the bottom of my heart.

Obanai: We talk about training and sword techniques sometimes.

Murata: He's fine. I'm not that short, okay?

Seiko: Smart and beautiful. The girls love her.

[Kyojuro]

Tengen: Crazy sword techniques. And he's a ninja! Also, he has slightly too many wives!

Sabito: He and I are best buds! Honorable, strong, and can eat a lot!

Sanemi: Admirable! He elevated Wind Breathing to its full potential!

Shinobu: Uses poisons and fights despite her disadvantage! I respect her!

Makomo: Calm and collected! Her technique is mesmerizing!

Mitsuri: Cute, and a talented student of mine! She created her own breath!

Gyomei: What a blessed body! The way he swings his weapons, so amazing!

Obanai: He has sharp senses! He moves like a snake!

Murata: Made his own breath! Very knowledgeable!

Seiko: Resourceful! She reminds me of my mother!

[Sanemi]

Tengen: He's alright. He acts like a big brother.

Sabito: A good rival.

Kyojuro: He's a good guy, I like him.

Shinobu: I talk to her since she's Kanae's sister. I want to be on her good side.

Makomo: She has a fierce side. Don't ask how I know.

Mitsuri: Acts like a dunce sometimes.

Gyomei: I respect his strength.

Obanai: I like him. We get along well.

Murata: I like him. I'm jealous of his luck.

Seiko: I don't talk to her much, but she's smart.

[Tengen]

Sanemi: Dangerous, but can act like a brat sometimes.

Sabito: A flashy guy. Criticizes me for having multiple wives, though.

Kyojuro: Very flamboyant! Super self-reliant, and he's just a good guy.

Shinobu: Hardworking and a bit flamboyant. Good hips.

Makomo: Has a hidden flamboyant side to her! Though, she says I'm annoying. Good hips.

Mitsuri: Kind of flashy, but also weird. Good hips.

Gyomei: The first time I saw someone so huge! Very strong.

Obanai: He's too serious but his eyes are so flamboyant! I'm jealous.

Murata: I like messing with him, but he has his moments of flamboyancy. He learned from the best!

Seiko: A clever, mature woman. Very good hips.

[Mitsuri]

Sanemi: He's scary, but that's part of the charm! Gets angry with me sometimes.

Sabito: He's so dutiful! He's like a powerful samurai.

Kyojuro: A good older brother! It was fun training together and he took good care of me.

Shinobu: I love her! Even though I'm older, she's more composed than I am. And she's cute.

Makomo: She's so nice and thoughtful! We like to cook together when we have time.

Tengen: Has the sex-appeal of a mature adult! But he speaks like a child sometimes. It's funny.

Gyomei: Loves cats! Even if he's soft, he's the strongest in our group!

Obanai: He's kind, and he writes such beautiful letters! He even waits for me when I'm slow.

Murata: He reminds me of my grandfather! He knows a lot.

Seiko: Has a quiet, mature, lady-like beauty! We write to each other a lot.

[Obanai]

Sanemi: He's a good friend of mine.

Sabito: He works hard. Would like to talk to him more.

Kyojuro: He speaks a lot, but I like him and he has a good personality.

Shinobu: A hardworking and knowledgeable person.

Makomo: I respect her. Easy to work with.

Tengen: We talked about our pasts. He doesn't despair even after everything. I respect his determination.

Gyomei: Very strong and reliant. I trust him.

Mitsuri: I love her, she's cute. Makes me nervous and sound illogical, which scares me.

Murata: He's fine. I can respect his experience and preparation.

Seiko: We sorted out our pasts. Sometimes, she acts too fussy towards me.

[Sabito]

Sanemi: I'm proud to call him a rival. Let's work together.

Obanai: I like his seriousness. It's how we should carry ourselves.

Kyojuro: Very admirable and honorable man. I respect him greatly.

Shinobu: She works hard even if it's difficult. I admire that.

Makomo: My scary, yet dependable senior! She has great discipline.

Tengen: He is strong and funny. But, way too many wives! I don't understand it.

Gyomei: The most powerful of us all. He's a role model to strive towards.

Mitsuri: She acts a bit silly sometimes. But, she surprised me with her muscles!

Murata: He acts too humble sometimes. I don't understand what Makomo sees in him.

Seiko: I respect her. I've seen Muichiro's skill, so I know she's a good teacher.

[Makomo]

Sanemi: He's a bit crazy. While powerful, he is reckless.

Obanai: I like snakes! I wish he would show off Kaburamaru more often.

Kyojuro: An inspiring guy. I think he'll be great friends with Giyu.

Shinobu: A good friend. She does more than we know, and I appreciate her for that.

Sabito: My talented and tall junior! He can be hard on himself.

Tengen: He's okay. Says weird things at odd times. I should smack him more often.

Gyomei: I respect him greatly. He's strong, and he sits still so I can draw him.

Mitsuri: A cute friend of mine. She's the Love Hashira, yet can't tell that Obanai likes her.

Murata: We've been through a lot together. I like him quite a bit.

Seiko: We've cleared our differences. She's a very insightful person.

[Murata]

Sanemi: I got used to him. He's like a hissy cat. Still too violent at times, though.

Obanai: Hard to tell what he's thinking. Except when it comes to Mitsuri.

Kyojuro: His presence is even more motivating in person. We're on good terms.

Shinobu: She's incredibly short but smart with medicine. Maybe Tamayo could work with her, one day.

Sabito: We've met a few times. He enjoys sparring with me, but likes to rough me up like Sanemi.

Tengen: Enjoyable to be around. He won't share the secret of the muscle mice, unfortunately.

Gyomei: Unbelievable stature and strength. He's probably the strongest human, bar Yorrichi.

Mitsuri: She can be a bit absent-minded. Her flexibility scares me.

Makomo: We get along the best and she's nice to me. We have a long history, after all.

Seiko: I hope she doesn't regret her choice, but she is a good hashira.

[Seiko]

Sanemi: He corrupted Yuichiro. But, I can't deny his ferocity.

Obanai: He's like a brother I never got to have. I wish Kaburamaru liked me more.

Kyojuro: He's a bright flame and very reliant. I wish he would speak quieter sometimes.

Shinobu: Extremely good with poisons and medicine. We exchange ideas.

Sabito: He's a bit dense, but a strong and respectable man.

Tengen: I never met a ninja before. I was disappointed.

Gyomei: He is absolutely the strongest of us. It's a tough burden to bear.

Mitsuri: I get along with her. She might be a future in-law, one day.

Makomo: She was jealous at one point, but now we're good friends. Can be self-conscious sometimes.

Murata. I respect him greatly. Without him, I would probably be eaten by Douma.

Each hashira's favorite food and hobbies.

[Gyomei]

Food: Japanese mixed rice. It was a staple at the temple.

Hobbies: Playing the bamboo flute. His sense of hearing makes him very good at it.

[Sanemi]

Food: Sweet rice balls. His mother was the greatest at making them, and he won't accept any other answer.

Hobbies: Raising rhinoceros beetles. A surprisingly child-like hobby. He's jealous that Yuichiro is better at raising the stronger beetles.

[Kyojuro]

Food: Sweet potatoes. An ancestor of the Rengoku family started to grow them. They own a garden of sweet potatoes.

Hobbies: Traditional Japanese art and theater (sumo, noh, kabuki). A very cultured hobby that surprises people.

[Mitsuri]

Food: Sakura mochi. She ate so much that her hair turned pink because of it.

Hobbies: Cooking (especially western food) and Menko, a card game. She's never lost a game.

[Shinobu]

Food: Ginger with soy sauce. A light and refreshing snack, suited for the Insect Hashira.

Hobbies: Ghost stories. She especially loves telling them to the girls at the Butterfly Estate.

[Obanai]

Food: Kelp with vinegar. He dislikes anything heavy and dislikes fatty aromas.

Hobbies: Poetry and live-amezaiku (Japanese candy sculpting). He believes beauty is better captured on paper than through speech.

[Tengen]

Food: Pufferfish sashimi. How exotic, and in the worst case scenario, he can rely on his poison resistance.

Hobbies: Going to hot springs with his wives and searching for hot springs. How lucky, and on brand for the flashiest hashira.

[Sabito]

Food: Cold soba. It used to be miso soup until Giyu introduced him to a spot. The owners are still scared and amazed by Sabito's appetite.

Hobbies: Crafting masks. An obvious inspiration from Urokodaki.

[Makomo]

Food: Urokodaki's stir fry. It's nostalgic and easy to make. She cried of happiness once she was able to replicate it on her own.

Hobbies: Cooking with Mitsuri, drawing, and stargazing. The beauty of the sky puts her in a drawing mood.

[Murata]

Food: Rice and natto. His village knew exactly how to ferment the soybeans.

Hobbies: Reading. He dislikes writing, however. It gives his hands cramps.

[Seiko]

Food: Tofu. It has a lot of variety and is easy to eat.

Hobbies: Teaching and learning. She loves when new information clicks, and enjoys seeing that expression on others.

Each hashira's quick backstory.

[Gyomei]

A caretaker at a temple, he raised and cared for nine orphans. Gyomei was an orphan himself. He was happiest at that point in life, even when he was hungry and cold. Unfortunately, after being nearly executed, he has come to distrust most children.

[Sanemi]

He's the oldest of seven children. With an abusive father and a caring mother, he swore to take care of his family starting from a young age. Has a quick temper, which only makes him angrier, because it reminds him of his father.

[Kyojuro]

A proud and noble son of the Rengoku bloodline. His greatest inspiration is his mother, and even with his father's drinking problem, he promises to teach Senjuro right and correct his father's behavior.

[Mitsuri]

She had a normal childhood growing up. However, due to her oddities, it has made finding a husband difficult. She's grateful for the support she's received from the corps. It has made her more confident and proud of herself.

[Shinobu]

Shinobu and her sister lived in a well-off family. They were known for being good at treating illnesses. After being saved by Gyomei, she made a promise to her sister. Even now, she works endlessly to quell the growing anger in her heart.

[Obanai]

Being the only son in over three centuries, his torture by the hands of his family has made him distrustful of women. However, he is insecure of himself and has tremendous guilt. He loves Mitsuri, but he is not willing to take the first step until he repays his debt.

[Tengen]

With a paranoid father, he had to endure harsh training. Tengen even killed some of his siblings to survive. But, he lives by moving forward. To be weighed down by his tragedies like a pitiful character, that was something only fools did.

[Sabito]

He was the oldest brother in a family of sisters. His father always taught him to be responsible and reliable, and that a man's greatest strength was his own determination. After being saved by Urokodaki, he still tries to live by his father's mantra.

[Makomo]

A middle child, she was taken care of by an older brother because of their mother's death. After a demon killed the rest of her family and Urokodaki saved her, Makomo came to greatly admire Urokodaki's comforting nature. She tries to mimic that in all that she does.

[Murata]

He had a childhood friend he promised to marry, but when a demon killed his friends and family, a part of him died. A piece of the original Murata and a parasite from the future fused into an unnatural being that the world knows as Murata. Even Muzan would be disturbed by Murata's true nature.

[Seiko]

She was a gifted girl in the Iguro family, but when she spoke against Obanai's treatment, they slit her tongue and left her to die. She worked hard at Douma's temple, but fled when she found the chance. To her, living in ignorance is the most terrifying thing. It is through truth that she can live happily.

A/N: May update as the story gets further. Might consider adding some non-hashira, such as Giyu or Yuichiro, if the itch strikes.