All the Pillars turned their attention to Lock.
Shinobu Kocho tilted her head, puzzled. "Does Lock lack confidence in his own strength? I believe Wind Pillar Sanemi will recognize him soon enough."
Sanemi scowled at the remark. Just as he suspected, Lock seemed like someone afraid before the battle—such a person would be wasted, no matter the potential. He probably wouldn't even dare to raise his sword against a demon.
Under the Pillars' gaze, Lock spoke calmly: "I don't need two months. I can defeat Sanemi in half a month."
A stunned silence followed.
The Pillars exchanged glances, each taking a sharp breath. Half a month? Against Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Pillar? Even prodigies like Mist Pillar Muichiro Tokito took two months to reach their swords and rise to Pillar-level. Could Lock truly surpass Sanemi so quickly?
Mitsuri Kanroji, Love Pillar, spoke with concern. " Lock, isn't it too hasty to challenge Sanemi in only half a month? Even Mist Pillar Muichiro needed two months."
Lock's gaze remained clear and unwavering. "I don't need his approval. I mean to defeat him."
The room went silent.
Sanemi's scowl deepened. The thought that a young man might look down on him stoked his fury. "You… intend to defeat me in half a month? Do you take the Pillars lightly?!"
Tengen Uzui, Sound Pillar, asked flamboyantly, "Young man, have you ever wielded a sword? Or faced a demon before?"
Lock shook his head. "No. I've never even seen a demon, and I haven't touched a sword."
Shinobu Kocho's expression showed worry. " Lock, this is rather reckless."
Lock smiled faintly. "Don't worry. I know what I'm doing."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki spoke calmly. "Then it is settled. In half a month, Lock will face Sanemi. If he wins, he will become the tenth Pillar-level member of the Demon Slayer Corps."
Sanemi gritted his teeth but controlled his anger before the Lord. "Yes, sir!"
Lock nodded calmly. "Very well."
After making the decision, Kagaya and Amane left the room, instructing Sanemi not to act impulsively.
Sanemi left, glaring fiercely at Lock. "In half a month, I will break every bone in your body with Wind Breathing."
Lock waved lightly. "I'll be waiting."
The remaining Pillars exchanged looks. The next question was Lock's residence. Where would he stay? But the real question was whether he would even accept their invitations.
Lock scanned the Pillars: Tengen, Kyojuro Rengoku, Muichiro Tokito, Mitsuri Kanroji, Obanai Iguro, and Shinobu Kocho.
Muichiro: "Lock, come with me. I can teach you how to fight skillfully."
Mitsuri: " Lock, come to my house! I make the best cream cakes!"
Obanai: "Lock, think carefully. I can train you strictly."
Tengen: "Lock, let's have a gorgeous adventure together!"
Kyojuro: "Lock, I will protect everyone alongside you!"
All extended their offers warmly.
Shinobu Kocho stepped back slightly and smiled softly. "No matter where you choose, Lock, I will support you."
The warm sunlight highlighted her serene beauty. Mitsuri's face turned pale. It's over… she'll take him!
Sure enough, Lock made his choice. He followed Shinobu Kocho.
She had saved him at Spider Mountain, and Lock would not forget her kindness. Shinobu led him to the Butterfly Estate, talking and laughing along the way.
The other Pillars watched silently, a mix of regret and amusement in their expressions.
"Shinobu took him again… didn't she do the same with Kamado Tanjiro?"
"Too bad. If he came to me, I'd make him into a dazzling swordsman!"
"Doesn't he want my cream cakes?"
Mitsuri sighed softly, determined to learn from Shinobu Kocho herself.
Obanai, however, glared silently at Lock, a small surge of jealousy in his chest. I'll have to step up my training…
Meanwhile, Lock walked beside Shinobu.
"The Butterfly Estate is the Corps' medical and support base," she explained. "The accommodations are perfect for you, Lock."
Lock bowed politely. "Thank you, Miss Shinobu."
Shinobu smiled. "I wonder why you want to join the Demon Slayer Corps, Lock."
Lock whispered, almost to himself: "To become stronger."
In this world, weakness meant death—either as a human consumed by demons or a swordsman failing in battle. Strength was survival.
His goal was clear: to rise to Pillar-level, surpass the limits of the corps' warriors, and one day live a life as long and legendary as Tsugikuni Yoshiichi.
Shinobu Kocho tilted her head, surprised. "All just to become stronger?"
Her expression hinted at unspoken thoughts. In a world like theirs, the quest for strength often included… dangerous paths, even the possibility of becoming a demon.