Kagaya's words left Ryosuke a bit dazed.
What does that mean?
You want me to go give him a preventative shot and take the opportunity to counsel him?
Boss, don't joke around!
I can barely counsel myself, and you want me to counsel others?!
And the target was Rengoku Shinjuro!
Who was he?
The "Number One Deeply Affectionate and Self-Blaming Brother" who was hit so hard by the ancestral "Book of Flame Hashira" (recording Yoriichi Tsugikuni using Sun Breathing to slash Muzan) that he went numb!
Plus, after his wife died of illness, he drank heavily, became decadent, and scolded his son severely!
He didn't come out of retirement until the final battle when they were short on manpower.
Ask me to persuade him? Persuade him of what? How?
Do I say: "Your wife is about to die, please restrain your grief, but please cheer up and continue chopping demons"?
Isn't that purely asking for a beating!
With his two lives combined, his social experience couldn't compare to a normal person's single lifetime. How could this poor otaku do the job of a spiritual masseur?
It's already a success if my own mentality doesn't collapse, okay!
Ryosuke felt his head swelling to the size of two heads, and subconsciously wanted to decline.
"Oyakata-sama, this... Mr. Rengoku's family matters are heavy. It's really not appropriate for me, an outsider..."
Before he finished speaking, Himejima Gyomei, who had been silent, suddenly turned to him.
"Namu Amida Butsu..."
Himejima pressed his palms together and said in a deep voice.
"Mr. Yasui, words are sometimes pale, but actions and existence itself can illuminate the path ahead for a lost person for a moment."
"Your voice once pierced the darkness to grant me salvation. The existence of a person like you might be exactly the fate Mr. Rengoku needs."
Ryosuke: "..."
Ryosuke was numb.
Bro!
Why are you joining in the commotion too!
You two, one playing the good cop, one playing the bad cop, roasting me on the fire, right?
I just yelled because the emotions hit me back then; is it the same as this situation now?!
This "fate" you speak of 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 trace of helplessness in that gentle smile.
"I understand. This might be forcing you, Mr. Yasui. It's just that Mr. Rengoku was once an incomparably dazzling fire on the path of demon slaying."
"Seeing the firelight dimming, as his master and his friend, I cannot help but feel melancholy."
"If you really find it difficult, just treat it as an unreasonable request of mine and forget it."
Ryosuke rolled his eyes so hard they almost broke.
Forget it?
You, a Master, have said this much. If I really walk away, how can I mix in the Demon Slayer Corps in the future?
Ryosuke was framed tightly, with no room for resistance.
How is this not a form of workplace bullying!
After a long time, Ryosuke sighed deeply.
"I understand, Oyakata-sama, Mr. Himejima. I will go see Mr. Rengoku, but I can't guarantee if it will be effective. I can only try my best."
The smile on Kagaya's face finally relaxed a little.
"Then, many thanks to Mr. Yasui."
Conversation over, Ryosuke left the courtyard with his head hanging low like a dog.
Shota, waiting in the side hall, couldn't hold back anymore. Seeing him come out, he immediately leaned over.
"Hey! What did Oyakata-sama want with you? So mysterious!"
Ryosuke looked devoid of the will to live, waving his hand weakly: "Nothing, just caring about the subordinate's mental health. Anyway, it's not a good thing."
"Tch, don't say it if you don't want to."
Shota pouted.
Although curious, seeing that Ryosuke really didn't want to talk about it, he didn't ask further.
Ryosuke wasn't in the mood to stay longer. After asking for the Rengoku family's address, he set off immediately.
The Rengoku family had been the Flame Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps for generations, so their economic conditions were naturally good.
The mansion was quaint and grand, located in a prime spot.
Ryosuke stood in front of the door. Before he could knock, the door opened from the inside.
The one who opened the door was a young boy.
His golden and red hair was extremely iconic, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, his face still carrying some childishness.
It was the young Rengoku Kyojuro.
"Hello! May I ask who you are looking for?"
Kyojuro sized up Ryosuke, guessing a bit from the sword at his waist and the Demon Slayer uniform.
Looking at the young Big Brother, Ryosuke suddenly felt an indescribable feeling.
Like an acquaintance suddenly pretending to be young in front of you.
Very awkward!
Especially awkward!
Ryosuke suppressed his laughter, softening his voice.
"Hello, I am Yasui Ryosuke of the Demon Slayer Corps. I was entrusted by Oyakata-sama to visit Mr. Rengoku."
"Oh! It's Father's colleague! Please come in!"
Kyojuro immediately stepped aside, his movements crisp and neat. "Father is in the backyard! I'll take you there!"
He led Ryosuke to sit in the reception room for a moment, then left quickly.
Not long after, a rush of footsteps came.
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 when he saw Ryosuke. "Oyakata-sama sent someone to tell me before! I didn't expect you to come so fast!"
Ryosuke didn't say anything, bowing slightly.
Shinjuro waved his hand, indicating no need for formalities.
His gaze swept over Ryosuke, a flash of surprise passing through.
"Your aura is completely different from when we last met! Not only is Total Concentration · Constant stabilized, but the vitality contained in your body is also much more vigorous! It seems you haven't slacked off during this time and have undergone quite arduous training!"
Ryosuke nodded.
Since his liver healed, his physical functions had improved significantly, 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.
"Just lucky to gain some harvest. Still far behind Mr. Rengoku."
Shinjuro nodded, seeming to want to say something, but his gaze involuntarily drifted to the depths of the mansion.
Sounds of coughing came from there occasionally.
His brows locked instantly, worry and irritability surfacing undisguised.
The atmosphere in the living room suddenly became a bit dull.
Ryosuke racked his brains, not knowing how to speak. His awkwardness syndrome was acting up!
Comfort? Encouragement?
He didn't know where to start.
Should he ask directly: "How is your wife's condition?"
That would be too abrupt!
Shinjuro was very irritable and didn't have the mind to think much.
He suddenly stood up, strode to the weapon rack in the courtyard, grabbed two wooden swords, and threw one to Ryosuke.
"Alright! Enough small talk!"
Shinjuro raised his voice: "You've improved a lot during this time. Since you're here, practice with me!"
Ryosuke caught the wooden sword and didn't refuse.
Within the Demon Slayer Corps, Hashira also sparred with each other.
Fighting swordsmen of different Breathing Styles was 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 courtyard and bowed with his hands clasped.
"Then, excuse me."
...
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