Chapter 135: All the Rice You Can Eat
Mentorship System?
Natsuya was taken aback for a second, then, with a mix of surprise and
anticipation, he opened the System panel that only he could see and began to
read through the details.
The functionality was much simpler than he had imagined.
By providing guidance or exerting a major positive influence on someone's
strength, they would be recognized as a "Disciple."
When the Power Level of a [Disciple] broke through specific thresholds, the
[Master] (Natsuya) would receive Achievement Points as a reward.
Mmm. Power-leveling apprentices to get extra XP for the Master—classic game
logic.
The thresholds determined by the system were Power Level 100, 200, and so on.
Every time a "trainee" hit one of these nodes, Natsuya would receive an
Achievement Point payout.
Let's do some quick math, Natsuya thought. If I raise five 'Disciples' and get
them all past Power Level 200, that's 10 Achievement Points. If I dump all 10
into Luminary Breathing, that's a whopping 5,000 Proficiency! That's worth years
of manual grinding.
This was much more efficient than just farming Life Skills!
So... the game is encouraging me to open a Demon Slayer Talent Academy?
It felt less like an action game and more like a farming simulator where he
planted "Talent Seeds" and waited for them to "ripen" into Achievement Points.
Natsuya's pupils contracted slightly as a wave of excitement washed over him.
As for whether every Slayer had the potential to break 200 or 300? Natsuya
optimistically decided that anyone he picked was bound to be a top-tier unit.
There were plenty of Slayers in the Corps; as long as he gave them a little
"modding," their stats would skyrocket.
I might not be able to solo the Demon King yet, but I can definitely grind
enough points to press 'Old Fossil' Kazami into the dirt.
The passive bonus from his [Mentorship] skill combined with this new [Party
System] created a perfect feedback loop. Disciples get stronger, the Master gets
rewards; the Master gets stronger, his guidance becomes more efficient, and he
levels up his own skills faster.
It was a triple-win scenario.
Natsuya scrolled down further and found a detailed roster at the bottom of the
panel. It listed every member currently flagged by the system as being under his
"Mentorship," along with their real-time Power Levels.
Scanning the list, there were at least a dozen names. However, only three had
currently triggered rewards:
- [Uzui Tengen (220/300)] — Sound (2 Points: Level 100 & 200)
- [Yukibashiri Seiko (102/200)] — Snow (1 Point: Level 100)
- [Dojima Kazuma (107/200)] — Flame (1 Point: Level 100)
Whoa. I just logged in and I've already got a 4-point payout?
A genuine, wide grin spread across Natsuya's face.
The others at the meeting—Kagaya and the Hashira—assumed he was either exhausted
from the long briefing or just back to his habit of spacing out. After
finalizing a few logistical details, the Master declared the Hashira Meeting
officially adjourned.
However, even though the formal meeting was over, the Hashira didn't immediately
leave the Master's estate.
Usually, the Nine Pillars lived scattered across Japan, making it difficult to
meet in person. Unless there was a top-priority mission or a world-ending
threat, they often stayed for a few days after a summit. Aside from trading
intel and waiting for the Master's final orders, they used the time for
"Bonding"—chatting, arm-wrestling, or taking walks in the surrounding woods.
It was a rare moment of private recreation for the elite tier.
Shinjuro Rengoku was the first to speak.
"I heard the Master's cellar has received a new shipment of fine sake. I propose
a small gathering tonight!"
Gyomei Himejima had only been a Hashira for a short time and didn't know the
"Owl Uncle's" personality well. He simply let out a few tears of gratitude and
declined. "That Lord Shinjuro would have such a kind thought is moving, but a
monk such as myself is not permitted to drink."
Shinjuro turned to Igarashi.
The Storm Hashira pushed his glasses up and offered a pained smile. "Lord
Shinjuro, you know my tolerance is pathetic. I could manage a cup or two, at
most."
"HAHAHA! What kind of man only drinks two cups?" Shinjuro laughed, slapping
Igarashi's shoulder. "Drink! We're celebrating tonight!"
Igarashi looked helpless.
Beside them, Takizuki Himorogi, the Wing Hashira, raised a slender arm. "Is
there plum wine? Or maybe some beer?"
Now that the Master had left, the refined and elegant lady had shifted into
"Lazy Office Worker" mode. She looked totally relaxed.
"The recent missions have been exhausting," she sighed. "A few drinks sounds
like the perfect way to vent some work-stress and talk about anything other than
demons."
She then turned to Natsuya.
Remembering their new colleague, the Wing Hashira dropped her慵懒 (lazy) aura for
a second and flashed him a grin. "Don't tell the Master, but Nee-san here
usually tries to maintain a very elegant image. So, little Natsuya-kun, want to
join us for a drink?"
"The Master's grounds are quite peaceful at night. I doubt you're the type who
enjoys roaming the woods alone in the dark anyway."
Natsuya shrugged. "Sure. I'm down."
Shinjuro's brow furrowed. "But he's still just a child—"
Takizuki immediately cut him off with a mischievous look. "So? Lord Shinjuro,
are you telling me you want our first dinner with all five of us to be
incomplete?"
Shinjuro blinked, then quickly corrected himself. "Well, Kokonoe might be young,
but he is a Hashira now. He is a full-grown warrior of the Corps!"
Natsuya: "..." You just want more people there so you have an excuse to drink
more, don't you?
Igarashi leaned in close to Shinjuro and whispered, "Lord Shinjuro... is it
possible that Lady Ruka has strictly forbidden you from drinking recently?"
"Ahem! Cough! Cough!"
Shinjuro's cough was suddenly very loud and very fake. His thick eyebrows
twitched. "I'm just happy Natsuya became a Pillar! Don't make wild guesses! And
for the love of the Sun, don't tell Ruka about this!"
Takizuki giggled into her hand. "HAHAHA! Senior, you're totally whipped!"
"Anyway, Natsuya-kun, if you aren't saying no, I'm counting that as a 'Yes'!"
She then turned to the still-praying Gyomei Himejima. She draped an arm over his
broad, tensed shoulder, trying to peer-pressure the giant.
"Hey, little Gyomei. Even the rookie agreed. As a senior, you can't possibly
plan on being a killjoy, right?"
"Don't be a hermit!"
The giant's chanting grew louder, and his tears flowed even faster. "Namu Amida
Butsu..."
Takizuki wouldn't let up. "Oh, come on! No one is forcing you to drink! We'll
get you some tea or fruit juice! Just come for the 'flashy' atmosphere!"
Watching the yard descend into chaos, Natsuya felt a wave of realization. He
finally understood why Takizuki's tag said [Salted Fish].
These warriors standing at the peak of the Corps... aside from Igarashi, not a
single one of them was "Normal."
But it was a good reminder. Even the Hashira were human beings with their own
joys, sorrows, flaws, and quirks. They feared their wives, they wanted to slack
off, and they loved a good party.
"What a bunch of... weirdos," Natsuya muttered.
Igarashi walked over and patted his shoulder. "Natsuya, you're one to talk. You
spend half your time in another dimension and sprout theories that make our
Master tilt his head."
The Storm Hashira looked at the group with a touch of relief. "It's lively,
isn't it? Even for us, we are just 'slightly stronger' adults. We hold ourselves
to impossible standards every day; having a moment to let loose is a necessity."
"The last time it was like this was years ago, before Lord Shinjuro hit his
'Gloom Phase'..."
Igarashi looked at Shinjuro bickering with Takizuki, then at Gyomei, who—despite
the tears—hadn't walked away yet. Finally, he looked at Natsuya.
"So, thank you, Natsuya," Igarashi said sincerely. "Your arrival has made it
possible for us to gather like this again. You've brought the 'Flashiness' back
to the headquarters."
Natsuya paused, realizing Igarashi was talking about Lady Ruka's recovery. He
rubbed his head. "Don't get all sentimental on me, Aizen... er, Senior Brother."
Igarashi didn't mind the deflection. His eyes lit up as a "Gamer Idea" hit him.
"Oh! Wait! Natsuya, your cooking is top-tier, isn't it?"
He turned to the group with a "Look what I found" tone. "How about Natsuya
handles the catering for tonight? I guarantee you'll all be blown away!"
"Eh?"
Before Natsuya could protest, Shinjuro chimed in, "I almost forgot! Natsuya, you
have to show them what you can do! No joke, this kid's cooking is the best I've
ever tasted."
Natsuya: "..." How did my 'Welcome Party' turn into a 'Chef Natsuya' shift?
He gave his Senior Brother a side-eye. I take it back. NONE of these Pillars are
professional.
Takizuki, hearing the high praise, looked skeptical. "Is he really that good?
He's just a kid."
Shinjuro's face went dead serious. "He stayed at my house for a month. Ruka...
she gained ten pounds."
Hiss— The group let out a collective gasp.
"Wait, wait," Takizuki said, instinctively touching her own waist. "If it's that
good, I might have to limit myself. I don't want to gain ten pounds!"
Gyomei, who had been uninterested in the alcohol talk, suddenly looked up.
"Um... Sir Kokonoe."
"Do you... do you know how to make properly steamed, fluffy white rice?"
Natsuya blinked. Wait, you were silent for the beer, but you broke character for
the carbs?
He looked at the weeping giant. A small smirk played on his lips.
"Yeah. I've got all the rice you can eat."
☆☆☆
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