"Accepting the Challenge"
"What's going on? My head feels dizzy. This guy is strange," Aoki thought, surprised by the unsettling effect of Kagaya Ubuyashiki's gentle tone. He didn't immediately respond.
Only when Muichiro Tokito nudged him did he react.
"Yes, it's me," Aoki said awkwardly, noticing the anger and displeasure in some of the gazes directed at him.
"Master Ubuyashiki, why have you summoned me here?" Aoki asked, puzzled by the sudden summons.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki ignored his question, gesturing towards the Hashira. "Look at those beside you. They are the strongest in the Demon Slayer Corps—the Hashira. Why do you stand here with them? Or rather, how long do you think it will take before you are worthy to stand here with them?"
"I don't know," Aoki replied.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki smiled. "There's a reason I've summoned you and the Hashira. From today, you are officially the tenth Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps. Named after your breathing style, you will be known as the Devour Hashira."
Everyone, including Aoki, was shocked.
"I object!" Sanemi Shinazugawa was the first to protest. He had already disliked Aoki, and this decision enraged him. "Master Ubuyashiki, with all due respect, every Hashira present has slain members of the Twelve Kizuki, even if only Lower Moons. That's far more impressive than this fellow who hasn't even killed a demon with Blood Demon Art!"
Obanai Iguro, Tengen Uzui, and Gyomei Himejima immediately nodded in agreement. Obanai Iguro's agreement stemmed from his dislike of Aoki; the others simply believed Aoki was unworthy.
Shinobu Kocho and Mitsuri Kanroji remained silent, seemingly hesitant. Rengoku Kyōjurō agreed with Kagaya Ubuyashiki's decision but didn't believe Aoki was worthy of the title. Giyu Tomioka and Muichiro Tokito remained impassive, neither agreeing nor objecting.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki remained calm despite Sanemi Shinazugawa's outburst. "I understand your dissatisfaction, but this decision wasn't arbitrary. The Hashira represent the strongest. To become a Hashira, one must slay a member of the Twelve Kizuki or fifty demons. Aoki may not have slain a member of the Twelve Kizuki, but he fulfilled the latter requirement on Mount Fujikasane."
The Hashira realized Kagaya Ubuyashiki's decision was justified. Aoki had met the requirements. They couldn't find a reason to object.
However, Sanemi Shinazugawa wouldn't back down so easily. He stood, clenching his fists. "Master Ubuyashiki, you may be right; he met the requirements. But he's still too weak. If you insist on making him a Hashira, he must withstand ten of my attacks."
He glared at Aoki. "If you're a man, accept my challenge."
The other eight Hashira, including Giyu Tomioka and Muichiro Tokito, turned to Aoki, intrigued by the prospect of a fight.
"Mmm," Aoki said after a thoughtful pause. "Alright."
Minutes later, they faced each other, the other eight Hashira watching from the eaves to protect Kagaya Ubuyashiki.
Sanemi Shinazugawa drew his green Nichirin Sword, his eyes menacing.
"Kid, let's go."
Aoki, having already activated his Sharingan, braced himself, anticipating a swift, deadly attack.
A bead of sweat trickled down his cheek. Before it hit the ground, Sanemi Shinazugawa appeared before him with blinding speed, his sword slashing down.
Using the Sharingan to anticipate the attack, Aoki raised his sword to block.
"Clang!"
The swords clashed, a deafening sound echoing. Aoki, unable to withstand Sanemi Shinazugawa's power, knelt, his face strained.
"Is that all?" Sanemi Shinazugawa taunted, pleased by Aoki's struggle. He didn't know that Aoki could use Tsukuyomi to instantly defeat him.
Aoki managed to push Sanemi Shinazugawa back, but before he could catch his breath, another attack came.
Unable to defend, Aoki sidestepped, but Sanemi Shinazugawa's sword still grazed his cheek, leaving a bloody scratch.
Aoki's thoughts: "Eight rounds. He hasn't used a technique, and neither have I. I still have Susanoo. I should be able to survive without Tsukuyomi or Amaterasu."
Aoki panted, sweat pouring down his face, after dodging Sanemi Shinazugawa's second attack.
"Wind Breathing, First Style: Dust Whirlwind Cutter!"
Sanemi Shinazugawa, having missed again, launched his third attack, using a technique this time.
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