What was the exact order of the deaging and what was it like?
it’s a bit rough atm, but the idea is they were all exposed to some sort of blood demon art or elixir Muzan created in the middle of a giant attack on the Demon Slayer Corps… it was a wide range attack, so they were spread out. The Hashira were hit with the intention of transforming them; anyone else who got in the way threatened to be killed ):
the general order is this:
Gyomei Himejima — He took a blow for Muichiro. As soon as he was hit, a cloud of smoke appeared, and it looked like he had vanished. When the smog faded, Gyomei stood, now de-aged into a young teenager
Kyojuro Rengoku — Kyojuro was nearby. He quickly pieced together what was happening, and ran into battle. Instead of being attacked or killed, he was also exposed to the elixir/BDA. Tanjiro was the one to carry him out of the fight-zone
Tengen Uzui — Tengen was confident. He knew what to do, and he fought accordingly. Unfortunately, he got hit when Inosuke and Zenitsu’s mid battle shenanigans led to him getting caught. The ten year old was very unimpressed
Shinobu Kocho — She was helping some wounded Demon Slayer Corps Members. By then, she caught onto the pattern; they were targeting the Hashira. She had a solution and was about to save the day, but she too got caught in Zenitsu and Inosuke shenanigans
Sanemi Shinazugawa — Sanemi and Obanai were instructed to keep guard of the transformed, especially now that the main medic was four years old. This worked for a while, but when Genya was caught in the crossfire of an attack, Sanemi was tricked into getting back on the main battle field. He was transformed after shielding Genya
Obanai Iguro — He dodged most blows, and he would have continued dodging them had they not threatened to target the children. Without thinking, Obanai threw himself in front of his de-aged Hashira, and held them as he was hit by the elixir/BDA
Mitsuri Kanroji — She got caught up in helping her peers, and never realized that she was a target of the transformations; in fact, she had not realized anyone aside from Gyomei and Kyojuro were transformed; she and Giyuu were so distracted fighting alongside the lower ranks. Upon realizing there were children on the battle field, she instinctively ran to find them. She, Giyuu, and Muichiro were instructed to flee the battlefield and take the transformed Hashira with them. She attempted to carry Obanai and Kyojuro to safety, but she was hit, having been too slow to dodge.
Giyuu Tomioka — Likewise, Giyuu was carrying Sanemi and Shinobu, with Tengen following close behind. Though the others, namely Tanjiro and the rest of the Kamaboko Squad, covered them, Giyuu was ultimately exposed alongside Mitsuri.
Muichiro Tokito — Muichiro didn’t leave the field at first, as he stubbornly tried to stay and fight, but Gyomei convinced him to go with the others. Running alongside Gyomei and catching up with their fellow Hashira, Muichiro feels guilty for Gyomei’s transformation. Before Gyomei can ask about it, he passes out. Muichiro carries him, only to find the other Hashira all unconscious. Anyone who tried to help them escape is either dead or wounded. The Kamaboko Squad nearly reaches them when Muichiro is hit. Everything fades to black as a baby starts to cry ):
What happens after that isn’t told to any of the Hashira, as all nine of them pass out shortly after transforming— side effects or something, I’m still figuring that piece out.
The AU really starts with all the Hashira waking up in the Butterfly Estate confused and disoriented until they register what happened! This is moreso background lore… I have plans of making an animatic once I have the time + a script!
