Demon Slayer

**Demon Slayers** (*Oni kari*) are humans dedicated to hunting and killing demons, being either members of the Demon Slayer Core, or working independently.

## **Overview:**

Currently, only Slayers subordinate to the Demon Slayer Core are known. In which case, there are a few steps and necessary knowledge required for the proper growth of the common Slayer.

### **Recruitment:**

Slayers are usually picked from poor situations caused by demons. Either due to converted family members or unrelated demons causing havoc on someone's vicinity. Orphans are particularly common amongst the ranks, as they usually lack any sort of close relatives, and therefore, join the Core either seeking revenge, or simply out of a lack of perspective

A Slayer, before officially joining the Core, will be conducted through a series of procedures, with the first official one (which isn't purely paperwork) being the Cultivator Trials, designed to properly gauge whatever Breathing Style the new recruits are best suited to. Notably, this Trial is lacking when it comes to finding possible Sun Breathing users, due to there being no Sun Breathing cultivator.

After the Trial, the new Slayer will join their respective Sect after properly narrowing down what Style suits them the best. In their new Sect, they shall train until they reach a level of strength sufficient to take on the Final Selection.

### **Joining:**

In order to become a Demon Slayer, an individual must pass Final Selection, a test used as an entrance exam to join the Demon Slayer Core. During this selection, examinees must survive for seven days on the mountain top of Mount Fujikasane, a perilous domain infested with demons. The examinees must rely solely on the skills they have developed in training.

Candidates who complete the Final Selection are issued the standard uniform, as well as a Nichirin weapon pertaining to their particular Sect. Exceptionally, one may request a more unorthodox weapon, although said weapon's design will not necessarily be done properly considering the Blacksmiths' inexperience at forging most weapons that aren't Katana.

### **Salary:**

Slayers have two different methods of work, and therefore, be paid. The "Free Slayers", or "Bounty Hunters" gain their pay based on the demons they kill, with the demon's level of strength being used to gauge the amount of cash earned. Meanwhile, the Slayers that work in Squadrons gain weekly pay. Squadron Leaders, Cultivators, Tsuguko and Pillars all receive weekly pay, with Pillars having the priviledge of having whatever cost they desire to be covered by the Core itself.

### **Ranks:**

As described, Slayers can climb the ranks of the Core, following said order: "Trainee" -> "Registered, Unranked Slayer\*" -> "Squadron Leaders/Cultivators" -> "Tsuguko" -> "Pillar"

*\*Note how Unranked Slayers share the same hierarchical level regardless of whether they are "Bounty Hunters" or "Squadron Drones"*

## **Fighting Style:**

Slayers, by most definitions, must use Breathing Styles in order to grow to a level even comparable to that of a demon. Exceptionally, a singular known Slayer circumvented this by consuming their flesh, but the practice is not only uncommon but frowned upon.

Slayers may also use outside methods to grow stronger and to complement their Breathing Style. Poisons and the Repetitive Action are two of the most common methods.

## **Equipment:**

### **Uniform:**

A Demon Slayer wears a uniform that is highly durable and light-weight, they are also water-resistant and non-flammable (To an extent). The uniform cannot be easily damaged by the claws and fangs of demons, meaning that while it can tear and rend fairly easily, it is as durable as cloth can be.

The uniform buttons, and any sort of decals of the Pillars are gold-colored, whereas Tsuguko have silver details on their uniform. Cultivators and Squadron Leaders alike have bronze-colored decals, while unranked Slayers have all these colored plain white.

### **Nichirin Weapon:**

**Nichirin Weapons** are special weapons used by and made specifically for the Slayers to slay demons. They are forged from a unique ore that constantly absorbs sunlight, one of the only major weaknesses of demons. Nichirin Weapons take on a distinct color when first drawn by its owner. While they are most commonly seen as Katana, the Weapons can be found as, but not limited to: Kusarigama (and variations), Naginata, Needle-Swords, Cleavers, Indonesian Kris, Sword-Whips, Hammers and alike.

## **Familiars:**

### **Kasugai Crows:**

Upon passing the entrance exam, each new Slayer is also assigned a **Kasugai Crow**. These crows posses the ability to speak in full sentences, though their speech is very loud and somewhat limited.

It is the job of these birds to deliver missions to their designated Demon Slayer. Additionally, these Crows are often used for scouting, locating demons and announcing the threat to all Slayers nearby. They are tasked with always circulating around the area of their designated Slayer, so that they can reach them quickly after finding a demon.

There are exceptions to what animal is received by each person. Zenitsu Agatsuma, for unknown reasons, received a sparrow. It is unknown why it is a member of the Kasugai Crow group, as it cannot speak.

### **Serpents:**

Exclusive to the Serpent Sect, upon becoming trainees, each Slayer is given a particular breed of serpent with poison noxious only to demons. They come in a variety of colors.

## **Trivia:**

* While originally the Demon Slayer Core had a total of ten ranks, they were removed after the Core Reformation due to how inneficient the system was.