The smile on Kyojuro's face slightly restrained. First asked back: "Why does Miss Kanroji want to join the Demon Slayer Corps?"
Mitsuri followed a few steps. After pulling the door closed, led us to the wall before saying: "Because... Rengoku-san eats the same as me. His strength is also very great. In the Demon Slayer Corps, I definitely wouldn't be treated as a strange person, right?"
"I also understand that ordinary men—probably no one would accept me... But if it's the Demon Slayer Corps, maybe it would be different?"
She still really cared about what that man said. Should've beaten him up after all.
After listening, Kyojuro didn't laugh at her. Just nodded. Said solemnly: "I understand. But joining the Demon Slayer Corps is no small matter. Whatever your reason... Once you join the Demon Slayer Corps, you must endure rigorous training and constantly battle demons."
"Miss Kanroji, I won't deny your determination. But you also have family who care for and love you. This matter is significant. Please consider carefully and discuss with your family before deciding."
This entire area belonged to Kyojuro's territory. He could often pass through this region. So they agreed to meet again in a month.
If Mitsuri didn't change her mind, he'd agree to her request and promise to guide her training as her teacher.
Mitsuri hesitated a moment. Also agreed.
Hoped she'd discuss properly with her family. Think deeply before considering whether to join the Demon Slayer Corps.
Because I was concerned about this matter, when I left a month later, I didn't forget to tell Kyojuro.
If Mitsuri really came to the Demon Slayer Corps, remember to tell me.
Alright. After Kyojuro's training ended, who was next?
I flipped through my little notebook. Confirmed.
Oh, next was Gyomei.
Though seeing Ritsuka there wasn't anything surprising.
Gyomei said he only had some questions to discuss with me. Wouldn't take much time... So during this period, hoped I could guide Ritsuka more.
Because Ritsuka basically used his slot and didn't occupy others' time, it was beyond reproach.
Fine. He loved spoiling kids. Let him be.
Anyway, since I was already here, might as well check Genya's training results.
He'd grown taller again. Body also became more robust.
Besides the scar across his nose bridge, his body had many more scars. Looked more and more like that brother of his.
But his personality still hadn't improved half a bit. Finished training, came down from the waterfall. Saw me and Ritsuka. Face immediately flushed red.
What was better—he learned to stammer protests: "Senior Sister, could you... not look at me. I... I need to get dressed."
Ritsuka just stood on the bank, hands on hips. Not only didn't turn her head, but carefully examined him once over. Suddenly came out with: "Not bad."
She jumped over. Stepping on stones in the stream, patted Genya's shoulder and said: "Recently your muscles are well-trained. Almost catching up to Giyuu and Sabito. You need to work hard. Next time I'll take you to compete with them."
Wait, how do you know?
You didn't strip those two to look, did you!
After patting, she jumped to the opposite bank. Picked up a tree branch, washed it clean. Walked to the side to spear fish.
Her actions and words completely disregarded the young man's fragile sense of shame.
I saw Genya's tottering appearance. Mercifully handed him a dry towel. Told him a truth: "Just treat your senior sister like a rock. Her brain's missing a screw. Don't mind her."
Of course, I still turned around to avoid looking. Preserved his last shred of dignity.
But ultimately, Gyomei really didn't need my guidance.
He could already see that transparent world. Activating the Demon Slayer Mark would also be effortless.
He hadn't tried because he'd already passed the twenty-five-year death line. So didn't dare risk it.
This move he was saving for the most critical moment. Ordinarily, besides methodically tempering his body and spirit, he didn't need me to guide him on what to do.
Anyway, since I was guiding Ritsuka's training, I grabbed Genya to progress together.
Frankly, his aptitude was really quite poor. If just purely training the body, that was fine.
But when it came to learning sword techniques, his performance became quite clumsy.
Even if he couldn't learn Breathing Styles, at least basic combat swordsmanship still needed learning. Couldn't rely on being able to devour demons and act recklessly.
Ritsuka usually teased him. Often bought delicious food to bring back to supplement his nutrition.
But during training, she never held back.
Pretty much every time sword training ended, Genya was black and blue.
Seeing it so many times, even I felt it was unbearable.
Just then, the Swordsmith Village sent word. The gun they designed for him was finished. Asked Genya to come try it out. Convenient for the swordsmiths' subsequent adjustments.
I suggested going to the Swordsmith Village to look. Also counted as changing these two kids' mood.
Ritsuka readily agreed. Even specially bought two boxes of sweets and silk. Prepared to give to the swordsmith who forged her sword.
Since she bought for herself, couldn't leave out Genya's share. She also prepared gifts for Genya. Even included a greeting gift for the village chief.
Because she busied herself with these things, I was also in a trance. Only then remembered—several years ago, she was also a girl who properly attended school.
Ritsuka's training concerns were different from everyone else's.
She only asked me one question: "Now, how much distance is there between me and my ancestor Yoriichi?"
I didn't know how to answer her. Truly, she was also a child both talented and very diligent. Had even activated the Demon Slayer Mark.
But Yoriichi—wasn't an existence that could be used for comparison.
Even I was the same. Though I memorized his Sun Breathing. Also worked hard to master every sword form. But I still wasn't Yoriichi.
I thought about it and said: "If you really want to catch up to Yoriichi that much, then let's go to the Swordsmith Village."
The Swordsmith Village—this place was built very secretly. Even daily necessities procurement was once every six months.
Whether the village's swordsmiths traveled out or returned, they needed to undergo strict inspection. Also weren't allowed to remember the route themselves.
Besides the village chief, even the villagers who'd lived here for generations couldn't say clearly where the Swordsmith Village was.
Corps members permanently stationed here numbered a full ten. Though not Hashira, they were also demon hunters of formidable strength.
All these strict protections illustrated the Swordsmith Village's importance to the Demon Slayer Corps. Even I, to avoid drawing attention, rarely came here.
Since the last visit, sixty or seventy years had passed. The village chief had also changed from a robust man to a thin, small old man.
His face was hidden behind a Hyottoko mask. But his laughter was hearty: "Haven't seen you in many years, Lady Chihaya. Has your sword been serving you well lately?"
My sword was basically forged and maintained by each generation's village chief. So I usually corresponded with him.
I politely nodded and said: "This time I'll be troubling you."
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