This boy named Genya looked up urgently. Blurted out: "He's my brother!"
Ritsuka fished several fish from the river. After processing them, stuck them by the fire to roast.
She focused intently on the roasting fish. Hearing this, stabbed another knife into Genya's heart: "I wrote to the Wind Hashira. He said you're a liar. He has no brother. Told me to chase you away immediately."
Genya immediately lowered his head. Said listlessly: "Brother... must still be angry at me..."
So this child with no talent for Breathing Styles insisted on joining the Demon Slayer Corps just to find his brother?
I gave Ritsuka a look. She stared at me for two seconds. Suddenly understood and handed over the freshly roasted fish. Also said very caringly: "If it's not enough, I'll catch a few more."
Who asked you for fish!
Completely can't read the room. No wonder you can play so well with those two Water Breathing boys!
I grabbed the roasted fish and took a bite. The skin was crispy, the meat tender, sprinkled with a layer of pepper and salt. Before I knew it, I'd eaten half.
Coming to my senses, noticed Genya staring at me wide-eyed, looking completely bewildered. Like he didn't know what I came for.
I coughed. First put down the fish and said: "In the past there were also swordsmen who could fight by eating demons. These people possessed peculiar stomach organs. Could borrow eating demons to obtain demonic power. But it's not without cost."
In Yoriichi's era, figures similar to him appeared. Called Demon Devourers.
Though they gained ability to fight demons this way, the more demons they ate, the more it would gradually destroy their body structure.
In the end, either sudden death, or complete assimilation into demons, losing reason.
Therefore the Demon Slayer Corps didn't recommend swordsmen fight this way. Sealed away this method.
Ritsuka picked up a roasted fish. While eating, nodded: "You need to think clearly what price you'll pay."
I was a bit puzzled. From her tone, seemed she didn't oppose Genya using this method to stay in the Demon Slayer Corps. Why was that?
Was the Corps really that short-staffed now?
Genya only nodded. Solemnly thanked me: "Um, thank you for telling me all this. No matter what, I must join the Demon Slayer Corps."
Ritsuka finished that fish before saying to me: "I'll take responsibility for supervision. Master means the same. Genya also has his own reasons for persisting."
I didn't know exactly why Genya wanted to join the Demon Slayer Corps. But since he was betting his life to persist, whoever it was had to respect his will.
This master and disciple were both tough-talking but soft-hearted types. Said with their mouths he wasn't suitable... Actually kept thinking of ways to help him survive as much as possible on the battlefield against demons.
Since he couldn't use Breathing Styles, a Nichirin Sword in Genya's hands would definitely be less powerful than other swordsmen.
That's why Gyomei specially had Ritsuka ask me to come. Wanted to ask if there was a way to make up for Genya's deficiencies.
I remembered several years ago, Kagaya discussed this problem with me.
So Corps members not skilled in Breathing Styles could also display their strengths, specially asked a swordsmith to research new weapons.
Didn't know after all these years how his research progressed.
I told Gyomei about this. Gave him that swordsmith's name and contact information.
After returning, I also told Kagaya about this. Didn't ask, didn't know—asking revealed quite a few swordsmen in the Demon Slayer Corps used firearms.
Many Corps members whose swordsmanship wasn't good enough would use firearms to assist in battle.
Of course, because the Demon Slayer Corps also had its own chain of contempt, Corps members who fought with firearms were often looked down upon by other members... So unless absolutely necessary, few people chose to learn firearms usage.
Fortunately Genya didn't reject firearms. Also had no pride as a swordsman or anything. Gratefully accepted the new weapon.
Ritsuka said aside from training with Gyomei every day, he practiced with firearms. From morning to night without rest.
She hesitated a bit. In the end didn't give him a punch like she did stopping Muichiro. Only bought many supplements from the city to take back. Supplement nutrition for Master and junior disciple.
Yes, though Gyomei didn't acknowledge it, Ritsuka already considered herself senior sister.
She was also quite proud. Said Sabito and Giyuu gained a junior disciple. She must also have one. Absolutely couldn't be shorter than those two guys!
Really couldn't understand why these kids' competitive spirit was so strong.
Also didn't expect just for Genya's matter, Ritsuka and Shinazugawa directly clashed at the next Hashira meeting.
I wasn't present at the time. Hinaki quietly ran over to tell me the Wind Hashira and Ritsuka were arguing. Asked me to go mediate.
She probably didn't want Kagaya to discover this discord. So looked panicked, pleadingly at me.
I patted her head. Hurried over.
Before arriving, heard Ritsuka say very loudly: "Didn't you say he's not your brother? Since he's unrelated to you, why do you care so much! He's my junior disciple now. Don't you dare bully him!"
Shinazugawa seemed to laugh coldly: "Just because I'm the Wind Hashira, I have the right to advise the Master to kick out freeloaders from the Demon Slayer Corps!"
Also Gyomei's voice mediating: "Both of you, say less. The Master is coming soon. You arguing like this is really improper."
Others also seemed to say a few words. But Ritsuka seemed too angry to listen: "Who are you calling a freeloader! Idiots who don't know how much effort others put in, shut up!"
My ears were sharp. Also heard the sound of a blade being unsheathed. Immediately rushed into that room shouting: "Everyone stop!"
Good, good. This old face of mine still had some respect in the Demon Slayer Corps.
Everyone stopped talking. I looked around. Didn't see which guy just pulled their blade out a bit, then quietly pushed it back when I wasn't paying attention.
But though they seemed to stop arguing, their expressions showed neither would yield.
Youth was so great. Endless energy every day. Why couldn't they learn from seniors to get along peacefully!
I couldn't say this was entirely Ritsuka's fault. If Shinazugawa didn't respond, how could the argument start?
Seeing Kagaya was about to arrive, I simply said: "Since neither of you will yield, how about a competition? Save everyone from spending energy on pointless matters!"
Tengen had been standing aside watching the excitement. Hearing this, turned his head over. Eyes shining, asked: "How do we compete?"
Another troublemaker!
And don't look at them usually being colleagues. Actually each was somewhat unconvinced of the others.
Aside from Gyomei's strength being recognized as strongest, probably these guys all wanted to find a chance to compete.
But for a moment I didn't know how to have them compete. Couldn't be one-on-one duels.
Just then Kagaya came over. Sensed the atmosphere was off. Gently asked what happened.
I thought about it and told the truth. Kagaya smiled. Didn't oppose letting these hot-blooded guys have a competition.
"That's right. Every Hashira meeting is just business. Everyone must be somewhat weary. How about a trial?"
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