Over the next few hours, Horitake and Shinobu Kocho briefly explained the situation regarding the Demon Slayer Corps and demons.
This included the structure of the Demon Slayer Corps, their training methods, breathing techniques, and Nichirin Blades.
They also touched upon the characteristics of demons, their numbers, demon arts, and even the Twelve Demon Moons and Muzan Kibutsuji.
Their purpose was simply to give Yae a clear understanding of what they were involved in, so that her decision wouldn't be a blind one.
After the explanation, Horitake extended his invitation to Yae once more:
"Yae-chan, to be honest, I think you have great potential. With your personality and abilities, you could truly make a difference if you joined the Demon Slayer Corps.
However, this is just my personal opinion, and it's because of my personal thoughts that I want to invite you to join.
The important thing isn't me, it's you.
You need to follow your heart's desires, think carefully and seriously, and make a good decision about your future, whether you want to dedicate yourself to such a great but extremely dangerous cause.
If you desire a peaceful life, I will bless you and not interfere further.
If you wish to join the Demon Slayer Corps, I welcome you with open arms.
Think it over carefully, be thorough, take responsibility for yourself, and then make your decision."
Actually... Horitake was quite cunning.
Although his words conveyed fairness, consideration for her, and no coercion, they subtly contained a manipulative undertone.
This was Horitake's little scheme; he still hoped Yae would join the Demon Slayer Corps.
Next, Horitake and Shinobu gave Yae ample time and space to consider her future choice carefully.
The two of them simply sat on the other side of the room, engaging in casual conversation (chatting and talking).
They sat opposite each other at a table, drinking hot tea and enjoying delicious snacks, chatting happily with each other.
Yae sat alone, deep in thought.
After about two or three hours, Yae made her decision!
She emerged from beneath the blankets, from the corner of the room, her eyes once again filled with determination.
While it didn't possess the same firm and heroic resolve as before, this determination was equally undeniable.
She walked over to Horitake and Shinobu.
Seeing her, Horitake and Shinobu knew that Yae had made her decision.
Horitake said with a hint of anticipation:
"It seems Yae-chan, you've made up your mind. Come, tell me your decision!"
Yae took a deep breath, speaking with great solemnity:
"I have decided to join the Demon Slayer Corps! To slay evil demons!"
This decision was not unexpected by Horitake and Shinobu; their reactions were calm.
Horitake looked earnestly into Yae's eyes, confirming once more:
"Our work and our cause are very dangerous; one careless mistake can cost you your life.
Yae, are you serious? Have you truly considered this carefully? Are you certain that the decision you are making now, you will not regret, and will you strive for it until the very end?"
Yae clenched her fists, nodding firmly:
"I am serious. I made this decision after careful deliberation.
I believe your words just now were absolutely correct. After experiencing such a tragic calamity, I don't want such tragedies to befall more people. I want to stop this from happening!"
Horitake smiled with satisfaction:
"What a kind and good child, I am very happy."
It wasn't surprising that Yae made this decision.
Her father had just passed, and all her family were gone. Yae was currently at a crossroads in life, and giving her a goal and a path meant she would most likely embark on this journey.
Horitake happily gestured to the side:
"Come! Yae, sit!"
Yae obediently sat beside Horitake and Shinobu.
Horitake, in a very casual and friendly manner, said to Yae:
"We've already told you about the general situation of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Joining the Demon Slayer Corps is not a simple matter; one's strength must meet the standards.
So, before officially joining the Demon Slayer Corps, you need to undergo rigorous training and practice.
The Demon Slayer Corps has dedicated cultivators, who are responsible for training qualified swordsmen for the Corps.
Yae, you need to choose one of these cultivators, become their disciple, and learn skills diligently from them.
After learning, you will participate in the Final Selection, and if you pass, you can officially join the Demon Slayer Corps.
As for becoming a Hashira, like us, it's not impossible, but it requires more opportunities and even greater effort; it's not something that happens overnight."
Yae listened to Horitake's explanation, nodding as she listened:
"Understood.
So, I need to find a Demon Slayer Corps cultivator, become their disciple, and diligently learn and train with them, is that right?"
"Exactly, that's right."
When this topic came up, Yae surprisingly hesitated:
"It's good to be able to learn skills, but..."
"But what? Is there something inconvenient?"
Yae replied with difficulty:
"I don't have much money on me; it's only enough to support myself. I can't afford tuition fees."
So, that's what it was!
Horitake smiled and shook his head:
"No tuition fees! You don't need to pay! And during your apprenticeship, your food, lodging, and travel will all be covered by your teacher, and these expenses will be paid by the Demon Slayer Corps!"
"Eh? No money needed!? And free room and board?"
"Uh... while 'free room and board' might sound a bit off, that's essentially what it means.
The Demon Slayer Corps is not a profit-making organization; we don't charge aspiring members. You just need to focus on learning and training; you don't need to worry about anything else.
And once you truly join the Demon Slayer Corps, your monthly salary will also be quite substantial.
This is also a benefit provided by the Demon Slayer Corps for us swordsmen who risk our lives every day, nothing out of the ordinary."
Yae breathed a sigh of relief, feeling somewhat joyful:
"It's great not to have to pay tuition fees, but... where do I find a cultivator master? Will those teachers be willing to take me as a disciple? Is my aptitude sufficient?"
"You don't need to worry about that either, Yae-chan.
From my observation, Yae-chan, your aptitude is excellent; you are truly a raw talent. No cultivator master would overlook such a promising student as you.
Furthermore, I now solemnly recommend a cultivator to you!"
"Which cultivator?"
Finally, the key point arrived, Horitake's objective was within reach, and Yae was finally falling into Horitake's trap!
Horitake replied with a hint of smugness:
"None other than my own master, the former Roaring Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps, old man Jigoro Kuwajima!
Our old man was extremely powerful in his youth. Although his strength has declined quite a bit with age, he still trained outstanding disciples like me!
By the way, I am currently the strongest combatant in the Demon Slayer Corps!
Now you know how amazing my master is!"
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