Led by the Ubuyashiki clan member, Ryosuke and Shota remained silent along the way.
Shota couldn't hold it in anymore and nudged Ryosuke with his elbow.
"Hey, what's going on with you? Why did Oyakata-sama summon you again?"
Ryosuke waved his hand, joking, "How would I know? Maybe he thinks I'm handsome and wants to treat me to tea."
"Get lost!"
Shota spat peevishly, but the curiosity and envy in his eyes didn't diminish in the slightest.
He really couldn't figure out how this guy, who would lie down if he could sit and slack off if he could work, caught Oyakata-sama's eye and was summoned repeatedly.
Ryosuke didn't speak anymore, muttering in his heart.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya had deep thoughts. This summons was definitely not for simple tea and chat.
The key was that it was chosen at the time when Rika and the others were participating in the Mt. Fujikasane exam, which felt a bit subtle.
Passing through several corridors, the guide stopped in front of an elegant courtyard and bowed to signal Ryosuke to enter alone.
Shota was politely led to a side hall to wait.
Ryosuke took a deep breath and stepped inside.
In the courtyard, under the wisteria trellis, Ubuyashiki Kagaya sat on the veranda as before.
Only this time, he was not alone.
Beside Kagaya knelt a burly, massive man!
He wore a look of compassion on his face, two lines of clear tears sliding down silently. His hands were pressed together, like a silent monolith.
That familiar monk robe and prayer beads—it was Himejima Gyomei!
Ryosuke's pupils shrank slightly. Suppressing his doubts, he stepped forward a few paces and bowed to Kagaya.
"Oyakata-sama."
Kagaya turned his head slightly, a gentle smile on his face. "Mr. Yasui, no need for formalities."
Ryosuke straightened up, turned his gaze to the massive man beside him, and greeted him politely.
"Mr. Himejima, long time no see."
Although Himejima couldn't see, he looked precisely in Ryosuke's direction.
His clasped hands didn't move, his voice low and deep: "Mr. Yasui... long time no see."
"Your aura has become much stronger than when we were at Mount Hinode... like tempered steel, calm and tough."
"It seems you have already mastered 'Total Concentration · Constant'."
The corner of Ryosuke's mouth twitched imperceptibly.
Good lord! This perception is too perverted!
Just meeting face to face, and he's already figured out my breathing state!
However, being praised by such a "Human Gundam," Ryosuke didn't feel the slightest bit of gratification.
As everyone knows, Demon Slayer never lacks geniuses.
Thinking about Sabito, Giyu, Uzui Tengen, those monsters, and this superman beside him who swings a flail around cosplaying a helicopter and chops demons like vegetables with an axe...
Ryosuke's little progress and strength really weren't much.
Ryosuke even felt that if Himejima threw a punch at him right now, there was a high probability he would ascend to heaven directly.
There was no helping it; he was strong! A pure stats monster!
Thinking that in his heart, Ryosuke gave a dry laugh on the surface and waved his hand.
"Mr. Himejima flatters me. I just got lucky and gained some insight. It's nothing compared to true geniuses; I'm still far off."
Kagaya seemed to be able to see through his internal complaints and spoke with a light laugh.
"Mr. Himejima has just been promoted to Stone Hashira. He practices diligently, has a resolute will, and his strength grows by leaps and bounds. His perception far exceeds that of ordinary people."
Sure enough!
Ryosuke understood in his heart.
The time for the Demon Slayer Corps' Final Selection at Mt. Fujikasane wasn't fixed every year.
In the original work, it only took Himejima about a year from being wrongly imprisoned to becoming the Stone Hashira.
It should be known that before this, he had never even held a sword and had absolutely no contact with Breathing Styles.
This growth speed could be called terrifying.
Kagaya continued to explain: "This time, I also wanted you two to meet again. After all, it was Mr. Yasui who first proved Himejima's innocence at Mount Hinode."
He paused, his gaze falling gently on Ryosuke.
"Moreover, looking at Mr. Yasui's aura and strength, it seems you are not far from the threshold of a Hashira."
Hearing this, Ryosuke shook his head repeatedly. "Oyakata-sama flatters me; I'm still far from it."
He calculated roughly; fighting desperately for the past year, he had killed about thirty demons at most.
There was indeed still some distance from the standard of "50 demons" or "one of the Twelve Kizuki" required to become a Hashira.
After all, the demons Ryosuke killed were of high quality, not all small fry, so it took some time.
Kagaya smiled and shook his head, his tone certain. "It is a matter of time. I believe in my own judgment, and I believe in Mr. Yasui's potential."
Himejima beside him also spoke again, his voice like a bell.
"I feel the same. Mr. Yasui has a firm thought of protection in his heart. The power driven by this will is bound to lead you to constantly break through limits. Becoming a Hashira is only a matter of time."
Being affirmed and expected by these two singing in harmony, Ryosuke really couldn't handle it and was speechless for a moment.
How did the affection points with these two get farmed so high?
Just because of that roar at Mount Hinode and those few letters?
This return rate is too heaven-defying!
He touched his nose a bit awkwardly, not knowing how to respond.
Admitting it seemed immodest.
Denying it seemed to reject their face.
Kagaya also saw his discomfort and changed the topic at the right time.
Only, this new topic made Ryosuke even more uncomfortable.
"Actually, inviting Mr. Yasui here this time, besides letting you meet, was indeed because I was entrusted by someone."
Kagaya's tone held a hint of teasing.
"Entrusted by someone?"
Ryosuke raised an eyebrow, an ominous premonition rising in his heart.
"Mhm."
Kagaya nodded, his smile deepening. "The Flame Hashira, Rengoku Shinjuro, sent a message a few days ago."
"He seems to have always favored Mr. Yasui and kept you in his thoughts."
"He happens to be resting at home these past few days and wants to invite Mr. Yasui to his residence for a chat."
Ryosuke: ∑(っ °Д °;)っ
Bro! Seriously!!!
Why hasn't he given up yet!
A chill shot from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head.
Ryosuke understood, thoroughly understood!
Today, Kagaya praised him for being able to become a Hashira and let him meet Himejima.
The purpose was to let him, a future "Hashira," get familiar with faces and build good relationships with the leadership so he could work better in the future.
Good, good, good—
You've really figured out the workplace game!
Evil Ubuyashiki brat!
Ryosuke complained frantically in his heart.
Kagaya seemed to notice the change in Ryosuke's expression and laughed softly.
"Mr. Ryosuke seems to be very afraid of Mr. Rengoku?"
"No! Nothing of the sort!"
Ryosuke subconsciously clenched his butt and waved his hands repeatedly.
I'm scared! I have a shadow! Psychological trauma, do you understand?!
Kagaya changed the subject and sighed deeply.
"Mr. Rengoku's wife has always been in poor health, and recently her condition has worsened. His fighting spirit is also somewhat low."
...
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