Chapter 134: Huh? They Trust Me This Much?
Once the title of "Luminary Hashira" was finalized, the next order of business
was clarifying the responsibilities and authority that came with being a Pillar.
Essentially, a Hashira was responsible for overseeing a massive territory,
executing high-tier, high-lethality missions, and conducting investigations into
Kibutsuji Muzan and the Twelve Kizuki. Beyond that, if they had the inclination,
they could personally scout and train high-potential swordsmen as Successors
(Tsuguko).
They also acted as the internal affairs division, monitoring the discipline and
morale of Slayers within their jurisdiction. Despite the brutal filter of the
Final Selection, every year saw Slayers whose wills wavered or who committed
"Player-on-Player" violence due to personal grudges. Pruning these "Toxic
Players" fell under a Pillar's purview.
Of course, authority was balanced by perks. As a Hashira, Natsuya would receive
the maximum possible resource and financial support from the Ubuyashiki family.
He also possessed "Emergency Conscription" rights—the power to forcibly draft
any lower-rank Slayer into his party for missions, regardless of their original
assignment.
In short, a Hashira was a [Supreme Theater Commander], a [Regional Lord], and a
[High-Level Disciplinarian] all rolled into one. They were the Corps' final and
most unyielding line of defense.
Since the lore-dump was getting too long and dry, Natsuya naturally opted to
[Skip Dialogue].
He just needed the gist. Basically, being one of the Nine Hashira meant he could
pull the "I don't eat beef" card whenever he wanted. He only cared about where
the "Kill-Zones" were and which maps offered the highest XP ROI (Return on
Investment).
However, the next segment of the script was unskippable. It involved assigning
Natsuya his permanent jurisdiction.
Previously, with only four Pillars trying to cover the entire Japanese
archipelago, the Corps' manpower had been spread paper-thin. Natsuya's addition
was a massive relief to the administrative workload. Consequently, the
jurisdictions needed a "Balance Patch."
The Master's voice was steady and clear as he redistributed the map.
"Lord Shinjuro, you shall remain the guardian of Tokyo and the northern
prefectures."
The Flame Hashira nodded firmly. That area had always been a "High-Mob Spawn"
zone; having the most senior veteran in charge was the logical choice. Plus, his
clan was rooted in Tokyo.
"Lord Igarashi, Kanto and the Central regions—Yokohama, Yamanashi, and
Nagano—are now your responsibility."
The Storm Hashira pushed his glasses up and accepted the decree. While it added
a bit more "Fog of War" to his territory, it was familiar ground.
Kagaya then turned to the giant.
"Gyomei-kun, I must ask you to continue holding the vital Kansai region. Kyoto,
Osaka, and the surrounding prefectures."
Himejima Gyomei wept, his prayer beads steady as a rock. "Namu Amida Butsu. I
shall exert my full strength to fulfill your trust, Oyakata-sama."
"And Lady Takizuki," Kagaya said, turning to the Wing Hashira. "You have been
exhausted by constantly kiting between the North and South. With Kokonoe-kun
here to split the load, you can contract your patrol range."
Takizuki Himorogi let out a long breath of relief, casting a wink at Natsuya.
Having a Junior to share the grind is the best thing ever.
"Takizuki," Kagaya continued, "Shikoku and the northern coasts—Kochi, Hyogo, and
Tottori—shall be your primary jurisdiction."
The Southwest sector. The Wing Hashira offered an elegant bow, waving a hand at
Natsuya as if to say, "Don't be a stranger~"
Finally, the Master's gaze settled on Natsuya. The look in his eyes was one of
deep, strategic reliance.
"Natsuya, the Northeast."
"Fukushima, Akita, and Aomori are now your territory. If a high-level anomaly
appears, I may also ask you to oversee Hokkaido."
"Pillar Estates are being prepared in these locations. You may move in within
the month."
The frozen North, huh? Natsuya thought. Up there, it's basically Snow-Country.
"Any questions regarding the deployment?" Kagaya asked.
Natsuya raised an practical concern: "Do I have to stay 'Logged In' at the North
permanently?"
Kagaya explained gently, "It is your primary base. However, for emergency World
Boss events or high-tier missions, you will be recalled to reinforce other
sectors. And if you need to leave for personal training or research, just notify
HQ via crow or assign a reliable substitute to watch the fort."
So I get 'Paid Time Off' and 'Shift Swapping.' High flexibility build, Natsuya
noted.
The Master paused, then added a unique directive for Natsuya alone.
"Furthermore, Natsuya-kun, you have a specialized duty."
"You are the Supervisor of the Five Final Selection Grounds. You will conduct
periodic sweeps to ensure no 'Out-of-Bounds' demons appear that exceed the
trainees' level."
"Additionally, during each Selection cycle, you must personally preside over the
exam, or appoint a swordsman you trust to act as your proxy. You are responsible
for the oversight and final results of the entire recruitment process."
Natsuya looked up, his eyes meeting Kagaya's. The refined young man gave a
small, meaningful nod.
Natsuya understood instantly.
This was the continuation of their conversation at the Rengoku estate. Natsuya
was the first piece moved on the board to reform the Corps' ancient, flawed
system. Giving him the power to appoint staff and take charge of the Selection
meant he could begin building a flexible, modern testing system independent of
the old-school "Sodate" gatekeeping.
It was about retaining talent. Filtering out the "Leeches." And ensuring that
those who failed the combat check but had high "Willpower" stats could be
funneled into the Kakushi or the Butterfly Mansion instead of being discarded as
trash.
"One thing, Boss," Natsuya said. "If all five Selection grounds run their exams
at the same time, I can't be in five places at once, even with a high Agility
build."
Kagaya's response surprised the other four Hashira and made Natsuya's eyes go
wide.
"The Final Selection is traditionally held twice a year. However... there is no
written law regarding the specific dates."
Kagaya spoke with a level of trust that was bordering on "Admin Privileges."
"Natsuya-kun, if there is a scheduling conflict, you have the authority to
coordinate the dates for each region as you see fit."
"As long as the 'Recruitment Meta' remains healthy, whether a Selection is held
in March, May, or any other month—and whether they are staggered or
simultaneous—is entirely up to your discretion. Just coordinate with HQ."
Natsuya: [?]
I know the Boss wants reform, but this is a massive 'Transfer of Power.' He
basically just gave me the right to decide the dates for the National Bar Exam.
Even Natsuya felt a sliver of the weight of the responsibility. The other
Hashira were even more stunned. The Final Selection was the bedrock of the
Corps. Giving a brand-new Pillar this much autonomy over the entire recruitment
pipeline was unheard of.
Igarashi Uzen remained silent. He trusted Natsuya because the boy had never once
failed to deliver. Whether it was training, combat, or his bizarre but effective
logic, Natsuya constantly produced "S-Rank" results. The kid will pull another
miracle, Igarashi thought.
Shinjuro didn't object either. He remembered Natsuya's "Patch Notes" from Tokyo.
To him, this was just the first step in a plan they had all agreed upon. Looking
at Natsuya—and his "Sun-adjacent" Breathing Style—Shinjuro felt more confident
than ever that he might actually see the Demon King die in his lifetime.
Gyomei had initially planned to counsel the Master against such a hasty
decision. To him, Natsuya was still a minor—talented, yes, but potentially prone
to "Teenage Impulsiveness."
But then he remembered Master Matsuyama's letters. He remembered how Natsuya,
despite being a rookie, had charged a Lower Moon to settle a debt for his
mentor. Maybe Natsuya isn't like other children, the Stone Pillar thought,
deciding to offer his trust.
As for Takizuki? She was just happy Natsuya was taking over her busywork.
Whatever he says, I'm in.
Natsuya gave Kagaya a determined nod. "Since you're giving me 'Developer'
permissions, I'll make sure the next patch is perfect. I won't let you down."
The moment he spoke, a golden light flared at the edge of his vision.
[Main Quest Updated] [Chapter 3: Become a Hashira] \rightarrow [Chapter 4:
Subjugate any Upper Moon]
[System Feature Unlocked: 'Mentorship/Party System']
Main Quest progressed already? And a new Party System?
Natsuya's "Gamer Heart" skipped a beat. This was where the real fun began.
☆☆☆
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