Kagaya's words left Ryosuke a bit bewildered.
What did he mean?
You want me to go give him a shot and then take the opportunity to counsel him?
Boss, don't mess around!
I can direct myself just fine, but you want me to counsel someone else?!
And the target is Rengoku Shinjuro!
Who is he?
He's the guy who was utterly crushed by the Sun Breathing used by Yoriichi Tsugikuni to cut Muzan, as described in the ancestral "Records of the Flame Hashira."
Plus, after his wife's death, he became a heavy drinker, depressed, and harshly scolded his son, filled with deep self-reproach!
He didn't re-emerge until the final battle when they were short-handed.
You want me to go counsel him? Counsel what? How?
Am I supposed to say: "Your wife is about to pass away, please accept my condolences, but pull yourself together and continue slaying demons"?
Wouldn't that just be asking for a beating!
His social experience from two lifetimes combined couldn't even compare to one lifetime of a reclusive shut-in; how could he handle being a spiritual massage therapist?
It's a success if I don't have a mental breakdown myself, alright!
Ryosuke felt overwhelmed and instinctively wanted to decline.
"Lord Kagaya, this... Mr. Rengoku's family matters are profound, and as an outsider, it's really not appropriate for me to..."
He hadn't finished speaking when Himejima Gyomei, who had been silent, suddenly turned to him.
"Namu Amida Butsu..."
Himejima clasped his hands together and said in a deep voice.
"Mr. Yasui, words can sometimes be pale, but action and existence themselves can illuminate the path for those lost, if only for a moment."
"Your voice once pierced the darkness and brought me salvation; someone like you existing might just be the 'edge' (fate/connection) that Mr. Rengoku needs."
Ryosuke: "..."
Ryosuke was speechless.
No!
Why are you joining in the teasing too!
You two, one playing the good cop and one playing the bad cop, are trying to put me on the spot, aren't you?
That was just me shouting when my emotions got the better of me; how can that be the same as this situation?!
The 'edge' you're talking about is a bit too heavy!
Kagaya seemed to perceive all of Ryosuke's embarrassment and resistance.
There was no displeasure on his face, only a hint of helplessness in his gentle smile.
"I understand, this might be asking too much, Mr. Yasui, but Mr. Rengoku was once an incredibly brilliant flame on the path of demon slaying."
"To see that flame gradually dim, as his master and also his friend, my heart is inevitably filled with melancholy."
"If you truly find it difficult, then consider it an unreasonable request from me, and simply forget about it."
Ryosuke was practically rolling his eyes.
Simply forget about it?
When a master has spoken to this extent, if I really just walk away, how will I ever get by in the Demon Slayer Corps later?
Ryosuke was thoroughly cornered, with no room for resistance.
Wasn't this a form of workplace bullying!
After a long time, Ryosuke finally let out a long sigh.
"I understand, Lord Kagaya, Mr. Himejima. I will go see Mr. Rengoku, but I cannot guarantee whether it will be effective. I can only do my best."
Kagaya's smile finally relaxed a little.
"Thank you very much, Mr. Yasui."
The conversation ended, and Ryosuke left the courtyard with his head down.
Shota, who had been waiting in the side hall, could no longer contain himself and immediately went over to him when he came out.
"Hey! What did Lord Kagaya want with you? You're being so mysterious!"
Ryosuke looked utterly defeated, waving his hand weakly: "Nothing, just caring for the psychological well-being of his subordinates. Anyway, it's nothing good."
"Tch, if you don't want to say, then don't."
Shota pouted.
Although he was curious, seeing that Ryosuke really didn't want to talk much, he didn't press further.
Ryosuke was not in the mood to stay longer, and after getting the Rengoku Family's address, he set off immediately.
The Rengoku Family had been Flame Hashira for generations in the Demon Slayer Corps, so their financial situation was naturally not bad.
The mansion was ancient and grand, in an excellent location.
Ryosuke stopped at the gate; before he could knock, the door opened from the inside.
It was a young boy who opened the door.
He had distinctive golden-red hair, sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, and a hint of childishness on his face.
It was Rengoku Kyoujurou in his youth.
"Hello! Who are you looking for?"
Kyoujurou observed Ryosuke, guessing a thing or two from the sword at his waist and his Demon Slayer Corps uniform.
Looking at the young Kyoujurou, Ryosuke suddenly felt an indescribable sensation.
It was like a familiar person suddenly acting young in front of you.
Very awkward!
Especially awkward!
Ryosuke suppressed a smile, his voice softening.
"Hello, I am Yasui Ryosuke of the Demon Slayer Corps. I've been entrusted by Lord Kagaya to visit Mr. Rengoku."
"Oh! A colleague of Father's! Please come in!"
Kyoujurou immediately stepped aside, his movements swift and decisive: "Father is in the backyard! I'll take you!"
He led Ryosuke to sit briefly in the waiting room, then quickly departed.
Not long after, a slightly hurried footsteps approached.
Rengoku Shinjuro strode into the living room.
He was wearing a casual kimono, his figure still tall and upright.
"Oh! Young Yasui! We meet again!"
Shinjuro's eyes lit up as he looked at Ryosuke: "Lord Kagaya sent someone to inform me earlier! I didn't expect you to arrive so quickly!"
Ryosuke said nothing, bowing slightly.
Shinjuro waved his hand, signaling him not to be overly formal.
His gaze swept over Ryosuke, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.
"Your aura is completely different from when we last met! Not only is your Total Concentration Breathing Constant stable, but the vitality contained within your body has also become much more vigorous! It seems you haven't been slacking off during this time and have undergone considerably arduous training!"
Ryosuke nodded.
Since his liver healed, his physical functions had greatly improved, and his strength had advanced by leaps and bounds.
With Himejima as a precedent, Ryosuke wasn't surprised that Shinjuro could see through it at a glance.
After all, as Hashira, their senses were exceptionally keen.
"I've merely had some fortunate gains. I'm still far from Mr. Rengoku."
Shinjuro nodded, seemingly wanting to say something, but his gaze involuntarily drifted towards the deeper parts of the mansion.
A few coughs occasionally came from there.
His brows instantly furrowed, and worry and irritation appeared undisguised.
The atmosphere in the living room suddenly became somewhat heavy.
Ryosuke racked his brain, not knowing how to start the conversation, and was overcome with embarrassment!
Comfort? Encourage?
He had no idea where to begin.
Should he just ask directly: "How is your wife's condition"?
That would be far too abrupt!
Shinjuro was very agitated and not in the mood to think much.
He suddenly stood up, strode to the sword rack in the courtyard, picked up two wooden swords, and tossed one to Ryosuke.
"Alright! Enough small talk!"
Shinjuro announced loudly: "You've made significant progress lately. Since you're here, spar with me!"
Ryosuke took the wooden sword and did not refuse.
Within the Demon Slayer Corps, Hashira also spar with each other.
Engaging with swordsmen of different Breathing Techniques is very helpful for improving strength.
Ryosuke also wanted to know how much of a gap there was between him and a true Hashira.
Thinking of this, Ryosuke walked to the front garden and bowed.
"Then, I apologize in advance."
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