Horitake grandly introduced his master, Jigoro Kuwajima, to Yae, even using himself as an example.
"See how strong I am? My master taught me everything! That just goes to show how amazing my master is!"
In truth, Horitake's exceptional strength had little to do with Jigoro Kuwajima. Kuwajima merely laid a foundation for Horitake, who became so powerful partly through his own efforts and partly because of the system's cheat-like abilities.
Of course, Horitake couldn't reveal the truth while trying to promote his master to Yae.
Listening to Horitake's pitch, Yae seemed interested:
"Are you... are you the strongest swordsman in the Demon Slayer Corps?"
Horitake nodded with a hint of smugness:
"Yes, that is officially recognized by the Demon Slayer Corps."
"In that case, your master must indeed be very formidable, to have trained such a powerful individual as yourself."
"Exactly, Yae-chan. How about becoming my master's disciple? And my junior sister?"
Yae grew even more intrigued.
However, if Horitake's recruitment plan were so easily successful, Shinobu Kocho wouldn't be Shinobu Kocho.
The cunning Shinobu-nee-san would surely interject a little at this moment.
Shinobu-nee-san took a bite of pastry, sipped her tea, and then calmly said:
"Although I am not a cultivator, Yae-chan, you can also learn from me, you know.
I have a younger sister, Kanao, whose strength is also quite good, and I personally guided her.
If Yae-chan is willing to learn and train with me, I would be very happy to teach you."
Horitake was momentarily stunned, looking at Shinobu in disbelief.
"Shinobu-nee-san? What are you doing? Why are you trying to steal my junior sister? Why are you trying to steal my junior brother's wife? This wasn't what we agreed upon!"
Shinobu understood Horitake's gaze and returned one of her own:
"Given your scoundrel nature, Horitake-san, I reasonably suspect that your junior brother isn't much better. I cannot just stand by and watch Yae-chan fall into a pit of fire."
Horitake understood Shinobu's gaze, and he was utterly helpless.
"Well, Shinobu-nee-san, if you're going to be like that, then I won't hold back either."
Horitake let out two sarcastic chuckles, then began to provoke Shinobu:
"Shinobu-nee-san sure knows how to brag about herself. Kanao-chan's strength is indeed good, but was it really you who trained her? Not necessarily, right?
What breathing style does Kanao-chan use?
Flower Breathing!
What breathing style do you use?
Insect Breathing!
Shinobu-nee-san, how can you shamelessly claim that Kanao-chan was trained by you? She was clearly trained by Kanae-nee-san! Shinobu-nee-san, don't give yourself too much credit!
You spend all your time researching medicine, or going out on missions. How much can you usually teach Kanao-chan? Yae-chan would only be delayed if she joined you!"
Horitake's words were quite harsh, and Shinobu was so provoked that she almost exploded on the spot.
Horitake grinned at Shinobu, unperturbed.
"What? Shinobu-nee-san, you want to fight me in front of Yae-chan?
Not only can you not beat me, but even if you could, fighting in front of Yae-chan would just show how hot-tempered you are, wouldn't it? In that case, Yae-chan would be even less likely to choose you!"
Shinobu was fuming.
But she couldn't show it. She could only forcefully suppress her anger, smiling sweetly at Yae:
"Yae-chan, don't listen to this scoundrel Horitake's nonsense. My Kanao-chan was also taught by me, and she benefited greatly from my guidance.
Moreover, our place is full of children, so you would feel more at ease staying with us, wouldn't you?"
Yae hesitated, a little swayed, leaning slightly towards Shinobu.
Horitake immediately sneered:
"Hmph! Shinobu-nee-san, are you using sugar-coated bullets to attract Yae-chan?
I admit, your place is indeed more suitable for children to live.
However, Yae-chan needs to find a qualified teacher to guide her, not just a place to live!
Shinobu-nee-san, tell me honestly, how much time do you usually have to teach Kanao? If Yae-chan comes to you, and that limited time is split between them, they'll both receive even less good guidance.
You are a Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps, not a specialized cultivator!
Compared to training new swordsmen, your more important work is to treat and save people in the Demon Slayer Corps, and to go out and complete missions to kill more demons!
Yae-chan, I won't hide anything from you. Living with Shinobu-nee-san might indeed be a bit better than living with my master.
However, Shinobu-nee-san absolutely won't have any extra time to teach you. You won't get enough training and practice there; you'll be held back!
My master's place is different.
My master is a former Hashira, and now his main profession is cultivating. His primary work is to train swordsmen.
My master is truly the one who can wholeheartedly cultivate your talent and teach you how to train!"
Horitake's words were well-reasoned and highly convincing.
Shinobu was gnashing her teeth in anger.
But she couldn't refute him, because most of what Horitake said was true and undeniable.
In this debate, Horitake gained a clear advantage, while Shinobu was clearly at a disadvantage.
Yae was not foolish; seeing their reactions, she knew that Horitake was right and Shinobu couldn't refute him. Thus, the scales in her heart tipped towards the other side.
Just before Yae was about to make her decision, Shinobu suddenly decided to give up:
"Alright! I won't argue anymore!
I admit it, as Horitake said, I am a Hashira, not a specialized cultivator, so I am indeed not suitable for specifically training disciples. Yae-chan, you should choose Horitake's side!"
Yae gave an embarrassed smile:
"I'm sorry, Onee-san, I was planning to choose Horitake-sama's side anyway."
Shinobu shrugged nonchalantly.
Horitake was extremely happy:
"Yae-chan, congratulations on making a very correct choice!
I think your personality and disposition are also quite suitable for learning our Thunder Breathing.
Don't worry, my master is a very good person, dedicated to his disciples. You will definitely learn many things by becoming his student.
Oh, by the way, my master also has another disciple, my junior brother.
From now on, he will also be your junior brother!"
"Huh?" Yae looked confused: "Since he joined before me, shouldn't he be my senior brother?"
"No, no, that junior brother of mine is younger than you, and his personality is quite weak. It's perfectly fine for you to be the senior sister. If he's unwilling to be the junior brother, just beat him up!"
"Huh, huh?"
Hearing Horitake say this, Yae immediately felt some doubts about this junior brother she hadn't met yet.
In her mind, she began to form an image of a weak-willed junior brother.
Well... how to put it?
Though not completely accurate, it wasn't far off.
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