**The Unraveling of a Hidden Past**

The sun had just begun to set, casting a warm orange glow over the Demon Slayer Corps' headquarters. The Hashiras, all gathered in the grand hall, stood tall with their usual confident demeanor, but as Master Ubuyashiki entered, they instantly knelt down on one knee, their heads bowed in respect. The only exception was Muichiro, who, at just 9 years old, was still getting used to the formalities. He awkwardly followed the others, his knees wobbling as he tried to mimic their posture. "Rise, Hashiras," Master Ubuyashiki's gentle voice commanded. The Hashiras smoothly stood up, their eyes fixed on the master. Mitsuri, ever the caring and compassionate one, was the first to speak. "Master Ubuyashiki, what brings us together today?" Master Ubuyashiki's expression turned solemn, and he held up a small, plain letter. "I've received a letter from...Giyuu Tomioka's parents." The room fell silent. Tomioka, the stoic and usually unemotional Water Hashira, showed no visible reaction, but a faint flicker in his eyes betrayed a hint of unease. The letter, written in simple, bold characters, read: "Give him back. He is ours. We have legal rights." Sanemi, the Wind Hashira, snorted in disgust. "What do they want? He's a Hashira now, not some child they can play with." Iguro, the Serpent Hashira, narrowed his eyes. "This has nothing to do with law; it's about the cruelty of those people." Rengoku, the Flame Hashira, placed a reassuring hand on Giyuu's shoulder. "Don't worry, brother. We won't let them take you back." Gyomei, the Stone Hashira, nodded in agreement. "The Corps will protect its own." Uzui, the Sound Hashira, rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "But what if Giyuu wants to go back? He's 16 now; the law does say—" "No," Master Ubuyashiki firmly interjected. "We cannot let him go. Giyuu has become an invaluable member of our team. His skills and dedication are irreplaceable." Muichiro looked around, confused. "B-but, Master, what's going on? Who are those people?" Kocho, the Insect Hashira, offered a gentle smile. "Don't worry, young one. It's just some complicated business regarding Giyuu's past." As the Hashiras began to murmur among themselves, Tomioka's gaze drifted off, his eyes clouding over. Only he and Master Ubuyashiki knew the truth about his past, the painful memories he had left behind. At 9 years old, Giyuu had run away from his cruel parents, who had sold him to a heartless man for money. Master Ubuyashiki had found him in the forest, a scrawny, frightened child, and taken him under his wing. Giyuu had grown into a powerful Hashira, but now, his parents claimed they wanted him back. The Hashiras' discussion continued, with some arguing that Giyuu should be allowed to make his own decisions, while others insisted that the Corps had a duty to protect him. As the debate raged on, Giyuu's thoughts wandered back to his past, to the pain and fear that had driven him to flee. What would his parents do to him if he returned? And what would happen if he refused to go back? Only time would tell, but one thing was certain: the fate of the Water Hashira, Giyuu Tomioka, hung precariously in the balance.