「Kid:
The Kasugai Crow that delivers the mail was annoyingly noisy early this morning. I heard that you've already become a Hashira, yet you haven't written a single letter back. Are you still dwelling on those words?
You had no talent for being a swordsman. Looking back now, it seems I am the one who is an inadequate Trainer.
The weather is getting colder; don't forget to add an extra layer of clothing when you're out on missions.
If you encounter a dead end, you can take a step back.
Retreating when necessary is not cowardice; it is merely to preserve your strength to slay demons tomorrow and the day after.
Remember, do not be impulsive, do not be reckless!
Do not worry about me.」
"You little fellow, you just finished healing and you're already wandering everywhere?"
Kiyokawa Izumi gently stroked the Kasugai Crow on his shoulder, his mood slightly complicated.
He had finished reading the letter, but he wasn't the original owner of this body after all.
The old man felt that he was still brooding over those previous words and couldn't bring himself to apologize to a kid, but he was clearly feeling some self-reproach.
A swordsman who can become a Hashira—and you say he has no talent?
It was obvious that he himself was dim-sighted and blind, truly no longer qualified to serve as a Trainer.
Along with the self-reproach, there was also some concern.
Writing this letter specifically was to tell him to take a step back when necessary and not to be foolish.
Demons, especially the Twelve Kizuki, are not that easy to deal with. Don't get carried away and become arrogant just because you killed lower rank six.
For so many years, the Upper Ranks have never changed.
Many, many Hashira have been killed by the Upper Ranks.
In the old man's eyes, the young Kiyokawa Izumi rapidly becoming a Hashira was not necessarily a good thing.
But what the old man didn't know was that Kiyokawa Izumi was no longer the same person he was before the Selection; he knew his limits.
'Because I didn't know how to interact with him, I deliberately avoided him. I didn't expect it to cause someone worry for nothing. Truly, I don't know what to say.'
Kiyokawa Izumi put the letter away, intending to write a few replies tonight.
He would briefly mention his recent situation, physical condition, and future plans.
If he hadn't known, it would be one thing, but knowing someone was worried about him, Kiyokawa Izumi would certainly do something about it.
"What are you all doing again?"
Turning around, his oppressive gaze swept over the crowd.
He truly wished he could use a whip to drive them from behind.
The moment he stopped watching, they slacked off. If they had even half of Tanjirou's hard work, he wouldn't be so angry he wanted to cut someone.
He constantly felt the urge to let his nichirin blade see some blood.
Kiyokawa Izumi's temper was actually quite good; he might be merciless with his words, but he showed restraint with his hands, at most leaving them with some superficial wounds that would heal in two or three days.
Do you think this is a Hashira's protection for them?
He just didn't want it to affect tomorrow's training.
'Why are there still people who don't know a Breathing Technique?'
'The swordsmen who have mastered Water Breathing are the most numerous, but they are basically all at Lv1, just beginners.'
'Letting them grow wild really doesn't work. Without guidance, there are too many redundant movements and too many openings. There are problems everywhere!'
"Morning training ends here. Take a break and go eat."
"Cough—"
As soon as Kiyokawa Izumi sheathed his sword and spoke, the whole group collapsed to the ground as if they had instantly lost their Souls... By the well,
The bare-chested swordsmen were cooling off there.
"So terrifying! Are all Hashira this terrifying?"
"Exactly! And his eyes, they suddenly turned red. It scared me into thinking a demon had appeared in front of me."
"Luckily he didn't ask who my Trainer was..."
The Official Members, having been tortured all morning, were all talking at once.
"You people are simply too much! Considering the heavy casualties of ordinary members and the lack of guidance, he specifically proposed this at the Hashira Meeting.
He clearly just fought lower rank six not long ago and hasn't even fully healed from his injuries, yet he came to take charge of your special training..."
Unable to listen any longer, Kanzaki Aoi couldn't help but put her hands on her hips and scold these Official Members.
Her opinion of Kiyokawa Izumi had now greatly improved.
That such an improper person would unexpectedly care about the lower-ranking members was almost unimaginable.
Yet these Official Members were so disappointing, complaining here one by one... "Is Kanao going to train with them?"
Looking at the taciturn Kanao, Kiyokawa Izumi smiled slightly and couldn't help but ask.
The young girl had a faint smile on her face, like an exquisite doll; she wouldn't act without an order.
She didn't answer, just stood there blankly.
'Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder with selective mutism... due to being abused by her parents because of poverty and then being sold... psychological shadows left from childhood need a lifetime to heal.'
Knowing the reason, Kiyokawa Izumi didn't find her rude, and his tone remained gentle.
"If you don't know how to choose, why not try flipping a coin?"
Hearing this, Kanao subconsciously took out a coin. The thumb-sized coin was tossed high and caught steadily by the girl as it fell.
After a moment, the girl smiled and shook her head.
'Is the answer from the coin toss not to go?'
'For this kind of thing, Tanjirou is still needed after all!'
Kiyokawa Izumi didn't intend to force her; he was just idle and asking casually.
As for why he was so idle?
Training the members didn't take much effort, and a certain Water Hashira who didn't want to be named was taking forever to show up, which was simply frustrating and maddening.
Where the hell is that bastard Tomioka Giyu?
Didn't he say he was coming?
Where the hell is he?
_____________
Hurry up, there's only a little left to get 500 energy stones
You will also decide on this week's special mystery mission in the comments.