"That's enough for today!" Kyojuro Rengoku sheathed his nichirin blade, his orange-red eyes filled with admiration.
In just a few days, Yoizumi had not only perfectly corrected his flaws but even created new sword forms. Kyoujurou, feeling an itch to test him, had proposed a sparring match.
The biting cold that assailed him, the seemingly harmless snow—just adhering to his skin, it was a stinging sensation. Even as a Flame Breathing user, he couldn't completely suppress these snowflakes.
Moreover, every breath was frigid air. If they fought for an extended period, his lungs would surely freeze.
This was still holding back. If Yoizumi were an enemy, just how terrifying would he be?
However, Kyojuro Rengoku didn't believe he would necessarily lose. Yoizumi's immature sword skills weren't enough to contend with him. The most threatening aspect was his unfathomable Blood Demon Art. If he were to use that...
Invisible blades, if one didn't carefully detect the anomaly in the air, the fight would likely be over as soon as it began.
Furthermore, Kyojuro Rengoku knew clearly that Yoizumi was still continuously growing.
It was truly fortunate that he wasn't an enemy.
"Thank you for the guidance."
Kyojuro Rengoku was very strong.
This was Yoizumi's impression after their spar. Sword techniques accumulated over many years, combined with the domineering Flame Breathing, were unstoppable.
There were several times Yoizumi almost failed to defend himself.
Purely on sword skills, Yoizumi knew he couldn't defeat him.
Are all Pillars such strong existences?
"Oh, by the way, tomorrow, you, I, and Kochou need to go to the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters."
"Me? What for?"
What matter required his participation?
Kyojuro Rengoku shook his head, "I don't know, but all the Pillars have been summoned."
"We'll find out then."
"However, the meeting is during the day. Will you be carried in a wooden box by me, or...?"
"I'll take Yoizumi," Shinobu appeared in the corridor, leaping a few steps to their side.
Her purple eyes swept across the messy courtyard, a gentle smile gracing her lips.
"Next time, please try to control your strength a bit, or my Butterfly Mansion will be ruined by you two."
"My apologies, my apologies!" Kyojuro Rengoku also felt they had gone a bit overboard. If he hadn't remembered the important business tomorrow, they might still be sparring now.
"Sorry, Shinobu..." Yoizumi lowered his head slightly, his calm tone carrying an apology.
"It's good that you understand~ After all, repairs cost a lot of money."
Heaven knows how shocked she was when she saw this month's bills this morning.
Where was her money? Where did all that money go?!
The Pillars' salaries were very generous, and Shinobu never needed to worry about money. Usually, after buying some precious medicinal ingredients and research materials, the remaining money was still quite ample, even more than enough.
However, this month, not only did repairs and maintenance cost a lot, but even food expenses had doubled!
It almost emptied her wallet!
She was almost unable to support Yoizumi's family.
Her slightly resentful gaze fell upon the harmless-looking fellow beside her. That idiot Yoizumi had even killed the plants she had carefully tended!
After feeling this gaze, Yoizumi blinked innocently, his bewildered expression making Shinobu even angrier. She raised her fist and tapped his arm.
Ah... what happened? ⊙_⊙
And Mr. Rengoku!
The increase in food expenses was inseparable from him!
She had no objection to training juniors, but with three rich meals a day, her little Aoi's spatula was almost smoking!
"Well, I'll be going now!" Kyojuro Rengoku sensed the awkward atmosphere and strode away. It was better not to disturb these two.
After seeing Mr. Rengoku off, his sleeve was carefully tugged. He turned his head to meet those clear blue eyes, recalling that hug from the other day, and his voice unconsciously softened.
"What's wrong?"
"Shinobu... are you short on money?" Yoizumi had been thinking about this ever since he heard her say that repairs would cost a lot. He, Nezuko, and Tanjirou stayed in the Butterfly Mansion, and she bore all the living expenses for their family.
He hadn't had a concept of money before, nor did he need to spend money on anything, so he hadn't paid attention.
But now, he suddenly realized the importance of money.
"Hmm? No, I'm not~" Shinobu, of course, couldn't tell the truth. If she did, who knew what earth-shattering actions this fool (dāizi - 'idiot') would take.
"I see." Yoizumi lowered his eyes, secretly thinking that he needed to earn some money.
Right, he had joined the Demon Slayer Corps, so would he also get a salary?
He would tell Kagaya Ubuyashiki tomorrow to give all the money to Shinobu. It was useless for him to keep it.
"Shinobu, is there something important to discuss tomorrow?"
According to the Master's summons, no useful information was specified, but it was rare for all Pillars to be summoned at once, except for a Pillar Meeting.
Shinobu already had a guess in her heart, but she wasn't sure. This meeting, which required Yoizumi's participation, would probably have him as the main character.
What exactly it would be, only tomorrow would tell.
"We'll know tomorrow. The meeting might get lively again."
Among the Nine Pillars, the attitudes of the other Pillars towards Yoizumi and Nezuko were still ambiguous, but based on her understanding of the Wind Pillar, Sanemi Shinazugawa's personality, he would definitely make trouble for Yoizumi at the meeting.
She hoped Mr. Shinazugawa wouldn't be so ignorant; otherwise, she wouldn't mind giving him another alcohol disinfection the next time he got injured.
"Anyway, I'll come find you when it's time tomorrow, Yoizumi, go rest now~" She gently patted the dust off Yoizumi's shoulder, her eyes curving into a smile.
"Good night, Shinobu."
..."So this is what it feels like when Tanjirou carries the wooden box," Shinobu unconsciously weighed the wooden box on her back. It was her first time carrying it, and it felt a bit novel, until she heard a dull "thump-thump" from inside the box and stopped moving.
She tried hard to suppress her urge to laugh, feeling a bit apologetic.
"Sorry, I wasn't paying attention. Are you alright?"
Yoizumi rubbed his bumped forehead and said softly, "I'm fine."
He was used to squeezing in with Nezuko, so now that he had ample space, it was actually easier to bump into the wooden box.
"Ready? Then let's go!" Kyojuro Rengoku held Yoizumi's nichirin blade. Actually, he originally wanted to be the one to carry Yoizumi, but Shinobu righteously refused.
According to Shinobu, Mr. Rengoku walked very fast, and it might not be good for Yoizumi to be in the wooden box.
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