'So, I'll learn sword techniques from Kanae first, and then still have to go to Mount Fujikasane for a trial?'
Sosuke nodded thoughtfully, but then suddenly realized something.
He had been so focused on the prospect of learning basic sword techniques from Kanae that he had overlooked an important detail.
But he wasn't sure if he should ask about it now.
"Is there something you're hesitant to mention?" Kagaya noticed Sosuke's hesitation and said with a smile, "Whatever it is, you can tell me."
"Well..." Sosuke's face flushed with embarrassment at being called out. "I thought you'd prefer me forging blades—Nichirin Blades like the Flower Pillar's..."
A faint smile touched Kagaya's lips. "Would you be willing to forge more such blades?"
"Of course!"
There was no hesitation. Why wouldn't he forge Nichirin Blades that could weaken demons? Was there some shortage of tragedy?
Breaking the chains of sorrow—he couldn't promise he could achieve that, but he would gladly dedicate his efforts to the cause.
Regardless of whether he would ever truly become a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, he was first and foremost a swordsmith, a swordsmith who provided Nichirin Blades to the Demon Slayer Corps!
"If that's the case, why would I need to emphasize it?"
As Kagaya spoke, he was suddenly seized by a fit of coughing. Amane gently patted his back.
He smiled, took his wife's hand, shook his head, and said to Sosuke, "If that's the case, then go. Go and learn, go and experience, go and grow. No matter the pain, sorrow, or torment you endure, you can always write to me about it."
Sosuke was momentarily stunned. Was that... all?
No questions about how he knew Doma's Blood Demon Art?
No inquiries about how he could forge a Nichirin Blade that suppressed demons?
No curiosity about how a mere swordsmith could shatter Doma's weapon in the heat of battle?
He had anticipated Kagaya would ask these questions and had prepared various answers in his mind, but none of them were needed.
The man had simply asked if he was willing to join the Demon Slayer Corps and have Kanae teach him sword techniques.
Nothing more.
As he watched Kagaya's cough grow increasingly severe, Sosuke knew it was time to take his leave.
"Please take good care of yourself," Sosuke said, his voice carrying a sincerity that even he hadn't expected.
"Go now," Kagaya replied. Sosuke rose and departed.
The door closed behind him. Kagaya, his coughing slightly subsided, let out a long sigh. "Thank you for your hard work."
Amane shook her head, then turned her gaze toward the door. "This should suffice for now," she murmured. "With the Flower Pillar's protection and some basic sword techniques for self-defense, his safety should be at least temporarily assured."
"The Swordsmith Village is inherently secretive; they'll have a hard time finding it."
Kagaya wiped his mouth with a handkerchief. "But even if the worst happens and the village is discovered, they'll never suspect I'd hide him within the Demon Slayer Corps."
Amane asked quietly, "Are you sure you don't want to ask about those matters?"
"At first, I was curious. But now, it seems those details are ultimately unimportant."
Kagaya shook his head. "No matter how secretive Upper Moon Two's Blood Demon Art is, there's always a chance it could be discovered. It just so happens that the Demon Slayer Corps swordsmen were unaware of it. Regardless of how Sosuke learned about it, this information helped us slay an Upper Moon. Therefore, the source itself is no longer important; the result speaks for itself."
He coughed softly. "As for the Flower Pillar's Nichirin Blade forging method, that depends on the child's own wishes. If he remains dedicated to forging blades even after becoming a Demon Slayer Corps member, I believe he wouldn't keep such a method secret if others could use it. Besides, what would be the point of us knowing it? Someone will inquire about it eventually..."
He paused. "Compared to that, I'm far more curious about what Breathing Technique he uses."
"According to the Flower Pillar's description, the power he displayed when shattering the Upper Moon's weapon could only be achieved through a Breathing Technique," Amane said.
"The Village Chief mentioned in his letter that he had an accident while climbing the mountain. Could he have acquired it by chance during that incident?"
"We can only wait for him to provide the answer himself... or perhaps the Flower Pillar will uncover something?" Kagaya murmured.
"Now, we can allow the Pillars who desire new Nichirin Blades to visit him one by one," Kagaya said softly.
Amane remained silent.
Stepping out of the room, Sosuke felt the bright sunlight overhead and the courtyard breeze as soft as Kanae's touch. His mood was even brighter than the sun.
After all, the feeling of being trusted was truly wonderful.
Looking up, he saw Kanae waiting beneath a tree. Perhaps hearing the door open, she turned and smiled.
Sosuke immediately wished he could capture this scene in a painting:
Afternoon sunlight, warm breeze, a towering tree, a tranquil courtyard, and a beautiful woman...
As he mentally sketched the scene, the woman was already standing before him.
"What's your decision?" she asked, her voice trying to remain calm, though a hint of nervousness seemed to linger beneath the surface.
"You knew?" Sosuke suddenly realized. Could Kanae's outing today have been related to this?
"Your decision!" Kanae refused to answer his question, repeating her own with added emphasis.
"I... choose to become a member of the Demon Slayer Corps," Sosuke said, his emotions a mix of resolve and uncertainty. "From now on, I'll be under your guidance."
Kanae secretly let out a sigh of relief, then composed herself into an expression of serene composure. "I'll be very strict!"
"Understood," Sosuke nodded.
"Then let's go." Kanae turned and walked away. As soon as she was out of Sosuke's sight, the corners of her lips unconsciously curved upward, a hint of joy in her eyes that went unnoticed by everyone.
Sosuke watched Kanae walk ahead, briefly considering asking her for the answer he sought.
But the thought quickly faded.
Why ask now?
There would be plenty of time in the future to slowly decipher and understand that answer.
Looking back, he realized he had been too impulsive back then.
It was a reckless, impulsive act, his head throbbing with blood, without a moment's consideration for whether he might scare the girl...
"I was so rash, utterly rash!" he muttered under his breath as he followed Kanae.
"What was that?" Kanae asked cheerfully.
Sosuke shook his head. "Nothing. Let's go home."
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P.S. Every 250 power stones = 1 Bonus chapter