"Ahem—"
"Have some water first!"
Kiyokawa Izumi took the water flask, moistened his throat, and continued to refute.
"I know what you're thinking—that relaxing the requirements will fail to select outstanding Demon Slayers.
But I still maintain my stance: meaningless sacrifices are worthless; they are wasteful and foolish."
His fierce words did not provoke dissatisfaction from the others; the other Hashira were not petty-minded individuals.
They might oppose for various reasons, but it would never escalate to the point of fighting on the spot.
"The discussion about the Selection can be left for later. Let's talk about the training of the Official Members.
The existing Successor System is good, in my opinion, but it's not enough!
Why can't we organize some special training? Systematically and professionally cultivate those Team Members.
I know, each of you has your own jurisdictions to patrol and your own matters to attend to.
But when we have time, could we Hashira try our best to spare some of it to guide the Team Members' training?
If we truly have no time, if we're genuinely short-handed, could we consider inviting retired Hashira to return?
Like the Former Water Hashira, the Former Sound Hashira!
Let those who have stepped back to secondary roles guide the Team Members' training.
Compile meaningful combat experiences or data on demons and have the Team Members study them uniformly.
Everyone, times are changing, and we shouldn't remain stagnant either.
We could consider purchasing some firearms, mass-producing ordinary poisons, and distributing them to the Team Members.
There is so much we can do, rather than just sitting here complaining about the severe decline in Team Member quality.
We are the Hashira; we should also demonstrate the responsibility of being Hashira. When we identify problems, we should solve them."
After speaking all this in one breath, Kiyokawa Izumi coughed lightly again.
He believed there were too many ways to enhance the strength of the ordinary Team Members.
As for whether purchasing firearms violates regulations or is difficult?
This era still has a sword ban, yet the Demon Slayer Corps members still carry their nichirin blades, don't they?
If we give up because of a little difficulty, how can we talk about vanquishing demons and slaying Muzan?
Sitting here, he suddenly somewhat understood what Kanae had said—why she wanted her younger sister to quit.
On one hand, it might be because she felt Shinobu was no match for Douma.
Additionally, she also felt there was no future in the Demon Slayer Corps.
No future exists!
After a brief silence, Shinazugawa Sanemi suddenly said, "As long as it can improve the Team Members' strength, I have no objections."
"Very thoughtful ideas. With more and more ordinary people falling victim, we are somewhat short-handed. We could consider recruiting more Team Members and asking the retired Hashira to help with their training!"
Rengoku Kyojuro, sitting upright, said solemnly.
In his heart, he wondered if his father might be inspired by this to participate in the Team Members' special training.
"If the Master agrees, I have no objections."
Uzui Tengen pondered for a moment before turning his gaze to the Master, who sat serenely with a smile.
"More people will make management more difficult... but times are changing."
Kochou Shinobu truly hadn't expected Kiyokawa Izumi to propose such significant changes at this meeting.
She knew he would act recklessly, but what he said wasn't without reason.
He really is starting to seem like a Hashira.
'What are they all talking about? Never mind, it's not important. I'll forget it all soon anyway... When will this end...'
Tokito Muichiro thought boredly to himself.
"People without determination are not suited to become Demon Slayers. We can advise those with wavering resolve to leave, but the Selection must be taken seriously.
As for inviting the retired Hashira to return, that is for the Master to consider.
Namu Amida Butsu!"
The Stone Hashira, with his hands clasped together, wept incessantly, but everyone was clearly accustomed to it.
As for Senior Brother Giyuu, he said nothing at all, simply sitting there, listening silently without uttering a word.
Perhaps he felt that as someone unworthy of being a Hashira, he had no right to speak in such a setting?
Surveying everyone, Ubuyashiki Kagaya listened earnestly to their thoughts and opinions, then said with a smile.
"The demons that cling to life in this world are still devouring people. Perhaps we too should make some changes.
Izumi, can I entrust the training of the first batch of Team Members to you?"
Hearing this, Kiyokawa Izumi, though aware it was troublesome, had to accept since he was the one who proposed it.
"Yes!"
Compared to the Master, he paid more attention to those below.
He wouldn't subconsciously think that the sacrifices of those low-ranking swordsmen were simply to be expected.
"Don't push yourself too hard. Shinobu, if possible, help Kiyokawa Izumi share the burden a bit more."
The Master said steadily and gently.
"Yes!"
"As for the Selection, I need some time to consider it."
The traditional Selection has a long Legacy. From the perspective of future generations, it seems deeply flawed.
But putting oneself in the present, it's understandable that he didn't agree rashly.
The Master also needed time to consider, time to contact those retired Hashira.
Kiyokawa Izumi wouldn't press. Even if no changes were made, he wouldn't be overly disappointed.
After all, these weren't his true objectives; he only spoke up because he couldn't stand idly by.
Whether changes are made,
or not,
it won't affect his determination.