Swordsmen in the Demon Slayer Corps known as Hashiras have arrived on Mt. Natagumo. Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira, slays the Father Spider Demon with a single strike. Inosuke, thrilled to see such a display of swordsmanship by someone in a totally different league from himself, challenges Giyu to a duel. Meanwhile, Zenitsu lies near death as the poison circulates throughout his body. Just then, the Insect Hashira, Shinobu Kocho appears before him.

Seeing Tanjiro try to protect Nezuko even as he collapses triggers memories of Rui’s own past. Once a sickly boy, he became a demon after meeting Muzan Kibutsuji who gave him a share of his blood. But after he turns into a demon, his own parents try to kill him. Ever since then, he has been searching for a family. Seeking a bond that he can never hope to acquire...

After the battle is over, Tanjiro and Nezuko are taken to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters. This is where the Hashira Meeting between the Corps leader, Ubuyashiki, and the Hashiras, the most powerful swordsmen in the Corps, is to be held. The Hashiras censure Tanjiro for violating the Demon Slayer Corps by protecting a demon. And then, the Wind Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa, raises his sword against Nezuko...

Ubuyashiki, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, finally appears before Tanjiro. He tells him that he will allow Tanjiro and Nezuko to join the Corps. But the Hashiras are unable to accept this decision right away. The Wind Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa, slashes his own arm and taunts Nezuko with his blood, trying to get her to show her true colors as a demon.