It is said that for a demon to survive over ten years on Mt. Fujikasane is an abnormal occurrence. The boy I saved from the hand demon later came to the base cave and told me so.
"Usually, they get cut down in the selection or die eating each other. That's what my master said."
"I see. …That demon was unlucky."
"It was lucky, you mean."
No, it was unlucky. It's not a good story for the demon, nor for us exam candidates.
A demon's strength is proportional to the number of people it has eaten. If it's been on this mountain for ten years, it must have eaten quite a few.
If candidates think there are only weak demons that have eaten two or three people, and suddenly such a demon appears, they'll panic.
In fact, even this boy, now calmed down, was out of his mind in front of that demon.
"Don't the Demon Slayer Corps regularly inspect the mountain?"
"Who knows. But seeing that such a demon was running amok, probably not."
"…Then, there might be more demons like that?"
"D-don't be stupid! Don't say such horrible things!"
Recalling the demon's appearance, the boy grabbed his shoulders and shouted. He must have been terribly scared to face such a deformed demon. His face had lost all color, turning pale. I soothed the boy and took a short nap.
The sun sets early in the mountains.
By the time I woke up, the second night was imminent.
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Alright, first, let's exterminate all the demons.
The next night, I resolved to do so.
If they don't inspect the mountain, there might be other demons that have survived long like that one. If candidates encounter such demons, it would be a disaster. They would undoubtedly be eaten.
If that happens, the demons grow stronger and attack the next children, continuing a vicious cycle. So, we need to break that chain here.
The demon I met yesterday was at the ten-year level, but think if there's one that unluckily survived 30 or 40 years. For inexperienced candidates, it would be sheer despair.
Especially since that demon hated Urokodaki, just thinking about what if I hadn't encountered it sends shivers down my spine.
It went berserk like that against me, who was just living off him, so if a real disciple came, it would explode in rage.
It might have persistently sought out and eaten Urokodaki's disciples for decades to come.
But with no examiners or monitors, and not even properly inspecting the mountain? It's a problem not protecting young lives, but I'm more angry at the attitude of not even doing minimal management.
At least replace the demons with each selection. Apply the spirit of recycling, which you're so stingy with for demons, to human lives too. Do you think talent springs up abundantly? Are grilled fish slices swimming on plates in your heads?
And I'm dissatisfied with giving demons time. Besides the cruelty of imprisoning immortal bodies for long periods, if given time, demons learn our numbers.
The hand demon I defeated last night was exactly that type. It felt like it knew my sword would break from the start.
It must have seen countless swords over the past ten-odd years—the swords of the swordsmen it ate, the swords of swordsmen who fought other demons.
If a demon's strength is proportional to the number of people eaten, what cultivates cunning is time. Inexperienced swordsmen are inevitably tripped up by demons with accumulated experience.
So, from the second day, I busily moved with the goal of exterminating all demons. If I heard a scream, I immediately ran to help; if someone was injured, I treated them.
Some kids thanked me for my meddling, while others got angry telling me not to do useless things, but sorry. Priority on human lives.
Anyway, during the exam period, I need to move like this and be careful to prevent casualties.
However.
As if mocking my actions, the situation changed abruptly on the fifth night.
"It's pouring like crazy!"
A torrential rain that started at dawn, so heavy it seemed to swallow even my screams. So intense that vision blurred, unable to endure, I hastily took shelter in the base cave, and there was a visitor there.
"Sorry, I couldn't think of anywhere else to escape the rain…."
The apologetic voice was that boy who had been attacked by the hand demon on the first day.
"If it's just until the rain stops, it's fine. Can I stay for a bit?"
"Yeah, yeah, it's okay. Ah, you hurt your arm. Wait, I'll apply some ointment."
"Sorry, thank you. …Seems like I've only been receiving help since the first day."
This was the fifth time I'd met him. The first was when I saved him from the hand demon. Since then, I helped him every time he was attacked by demons.
Thanks to that, we're now more than just acquaintances but less than friends. I think we've become quite close.
His name is probably… Ma, Maeyama-san?
"Don't worry about it. They say we help each other in times of trouble."
"…Right, thank you."
Besides the boy with gentle sclera, there was one more person in the cave. It was dark and hard to see, but I felt a presence deeper inside. Who could it be? Well, it doesn't really matter.
Besides, now wasn't the time to worry about that. I turned my gaze outside the cave.
——This heavy rain is dangerous. A very bad situation.
Humans lose body temperature and stamina quickly when wet. On the other hand, demons are supernatural beings that don't tire. If they want, they can move all day.
It starting at dawn was the worst. Most exam candidates probably let their guard down, thinking they just need to hold out a bit longer until the demons stop moving. Some might have pushed themselves, expecting to rest well once morning comes.
Frankly, for demons, this rain that blocks the morning sunlight is a tremendous stroke of luck.
Even though I've cut down quite a few demons over the past few days, I can't guarantee they're all gone. I hoped the demons were quietly sheltering from the rain somewhere, but that vain hope was soon shattered.
"Ugh, aah! Save meee!"
A cry for help.
I immediately tried to dash out of the cave, but someone grabbed my hand from behind. Maeyama-san. Looking back, he shook his head with a desperate expression, begging me not to go.
"This heavy rain. You can't see ahead, and with wet clothes, you can't move properly. Give up."
He's right. Because of the thick clothing for sunlight protection, my body is heavy, and honestly, it's hard to run out into this rain. I'd rather not.
But.
"Don't think you can only fight when the situation is favorable, I heard from someone I'm indebted to."
I uttered Urokodaki's words. Now I truly understand how right they were.
"So, I'm going."
"Idiot, I said don't go!"
He's quite desperate even though he could just leave a stranger like me be. The grip on my wrist was strong, it hurt.
On his face, which seemed a few years older than mine, there was a scar like a nail mark. Must be a wound from a demon. Contrary to his rough speech, his eyes looked like they were about to cry.
Perhaps he had a younger sibling around my age, and that's why he's so desperate.
"Listen well. This is a selection. Weak ones who can't defeat demons have no choice but to die. I don't want to say this after receiving help many times, but this is a ritual to filter out useless ones on the battlefield!"
"But if we, who should protect the weak, acknowledge that 'they're weak so it can't be helped if they get eaten,' then we're no different from demons."
Only the strong survivors who made it through can forgive such arrogant thoughts.
Of course, if going to the battlefield, strong kids are needed. Weak kids would be useless. That's natural.
But not this selection method. That doesn't become a reason to kill. What do they think human lives are? I hate such careless cruelty in this exam.
Even if they're no help on the battlefield, they might be helpful elsewhere. Don't let the value of life be decided here.
"Thanks for worrying. But sorry. My creed is 'cherish life'!"
Twisting my arm, the restraint loosened weakly. The hand reaching out again, I dodged it.
"Hey, wait! Don't act rashly! In this pouring rain, even you won't be safe!"
"It's okay. I'll be back soon!"
Waving my hand at the shout flying from behind, I dashed into the world of splashing raindrops. I ran straight towards the scream.
"Hmm, very good. An excellent mindset."
*
Sorry, boy.
I lied. I don't think I can be back soon.
"Hehehehe, I knew you'd come, black fox."
Heading towards where the scream was heard, there were demons. No sign of the attacked child, just demons crowded.
"See, I told you. This guy who acts righteous will definitely come."
"Ugh, save meee… that was my voice, you idiot."
Due to the rain, it was hard to sense presences, so I didn't notice, but the surroundings were already surrounded by demons.
Five, eight, ten, twelve… Roughly counting, when it passed 15, I gave up counting. I thought I had cut down quite a few over the past days, but where were they hiding in such numbers?
"I heard demons don't form groups, was that a lie?"
I learned that from my master or Urokodaki, so I thought I wouldn't be attacked by a group, but what's with this cooperation among demons?
"As you said, we don't form groups. We just have aligned interests."
"To eliminate a nuisance, we can get along too. Just this once."
"Fresh meat came at a rare time, and because of you, we couldn't eat it, so we're irritated…!"
"Because of a thorn in the side like you, all demons on this mountain have gathered here. How about it, aren't you happy?"
Ah, I see. A common enemy in me has united them. Okay, got it.
But what to do? I've never fought against multiple opponents. Lord Rengoku of the Edo period was good at this. I should have watched when he showed stylish one-against-a-thousand hand-to-hand combat to those grumbling about the next head of the Ubuyashiki being a woman.
Shabana Tsukuru, the mistake of a lifetime. It wasn't the time to be making damn irritating medicinal ointments for unsettling guys who look down on others because they're women.
"Seems like you've been quite active since the first day… but that ends here."
"With a broken sword, in this rain, against so many enemies, can you survive… kukuku, aren't you looking forward to it."
"After eating you, it's the brats' turn. We've endured for so long, we're ferocious now."
He's mine, no I'll eat him, first come first served!
While drooling and chattering such things, the demons narrowed the encirclement. In this heavy rain, sound, smell, and presence are all erased, but do I need to worry about behind too?
Hmm, not impossible but it'll be tough! Injuries are certain!
If there's no attacked child, escaping is an option, but if all mountain demons are gathered here, it's better to wipe them out at once.
I gripped my sword, planning to cut through the thin part of the encirclement and escape, then take them out one by one while running. At that moment─
"Squawk!"
A death cry erupted from one side. A demon's scream. But I hadn't done anything yet.
Surprised, I looked that way, and beyond the rain-blurred vision, a red blade was being swung. One, two, successively, demon heads flew.
The color of Rengoku danced and danced again. Like flames burning in the rain.
Dodging the swung demon's claws, the boy who leaped back to my side. His golden braided hair, heavy with absorbed raindrops, swayed before my eyes.
"Surprise attack, my apologies! But for cowards who surround a few with many, there's no right to argue!"
Even amidst the rain's noise, a clear voice echoed. Suddenly, I realized. This is the voice of the child who greeted the furisode-clad child before the selection started.
Indeed, the owner of that voice was this child. I understand. Because it's the bloodline of the Rengoku family!
For example, Lord Rengoku of the Edo period, or vitality condensed 200%, speaking clearly even from the womb, RENGOKU OF RENGOKU!
"Another brat has appeared…!"
"Calm down. Anyway, in this downpour, you won't be able to move properly!"
"As you say! Frankly, my mobility now is lower than usual!"
No, why are you honestly admitting your weakness? Ah, because it's the Rengoku bloodline. Then, it can't be helped.
Lord Rengoku of the Sengoku period, and Lord Rengoku of the Edo period, were pure and straightforward people. Especially Lord Rengoku of the Edo period, so straightforward that common sense was torn like paper daily.
"But on the battlefield, you can't always be at full strength. Then, this too is a trial and training. If aiming to be a demon slayer, if you can't overcome this, what will you do! Don't you think, fox boy!"
"Uh, yes…?"
"I was impressed by your words. Therefore, I, Rengoku Shōjuro, will help with all my might! Leave your back to me!"
"…! Yes, please!"
After that, there was no conversation between us. We just silently cut down the demons that attacked all at once.
I didn't look back. I didn't feel the need to. I focused only on the enemies in front. Because I trusted the bloodline of Rengoku passed down to the Meiji period. There wasn't even a one-in-a-million chance that he would let a demon slip through.
He didn't seem to be worrying about his back either. So, to meet his expectations, I swung my blade towards the necks of the demons before me.
I cut, cut, and cut down demons. He finished off the last one. Shaking off the blood-drenched sword and sheathing it, he turned and looked at me. His cheeks were flushed red, forgetting the chill of the rain.
"Are you injured anywhere?"
Somewhat out of breath, but his voice was calm, unbelievable for someone who had just been shouting loudly and cutting down demons. The pupils that were wide open when facing demons had now gently settled.
A kind gaze. There was a tremendous gap from the sparkling eyes earlier.
Come to think of it, the Flame Hashira of the Sengoku period was usually smiling and gentle, but when entering battle, his shouts were tremendous, the Thunder Hashira once said. Indeed, that bloodline. Type that changes personality when drawing a sword? Burning heart with a lighter method?
"No. Thanks for the help."
"That's good then. But what about that sword?"
"It broke on the first day."
"And yet you charged in? A reckless act."
"I had some chance of winning."
"Even so. He in the cave was worried. After seeing you dash out, he tried to follow too. I barely persuaded him to wait… Go back and apologize."
Following Lord Shōjuro's words, I returned to the cave with him. Approaching nearby, the light of a bonfire was visible. Surely, that boy must have lit it.
"I'm back~ Sorry about this. Said I'd be back soon, but it took some time."
The boy was trembling with his face buried in his knees beside the bonfire. But at my voice, he jerked his head up─ and from his sclera, tears began to pour like a flood.
Before I could be startled by that sight, the boy sprang up like a spring and tightly grabbed my shoulders with both hands.
"You… you brat, don't mess around! Suddenly dashing out, idiot, I was worried! Do you know how much I worried! Hey, are you listening, you overly kind brat!"
"I, I'm listening! I'm listening, so don't shake me, I might throw up…!"
"I almost shit myself from anxiety, worry, tension, and fear too! Apologize, unconditionally apologize, apologize right now! Say you're sorry! I said apologize!"
"I, I just apologized, sorry…!"
"Apologize more properly! Say 'I'm sorry, I won't do it again, big bro' you little kid!"
As if seeing his younger sibling in me, the boy shouted with a face beyond worried, to the point of rage. So angry that he didn't seem to know what he was saying, it was Lord Shōjuro who calmed him down.
"Scolding is enough for now. First, calm down, Maeshima-kun."
"Huh, wasn't it Maeyama-san?"
"Yama? Wasn't it Shima?"
"Yama is right, definitely Yama."
"No, it's neither Yama nor Shima. It wasn't even Mae from the start! Not a single letter matched! Enough, quickly take off your clothes and warm by the bonfire, you kids!"
As forced by Maeyama-san (temporary), both I and Lord Shōjuro took off our outer clothes. The warmth of the bonfire seeped into our cold, stiff bodies. Lord Shōjuro untied his hair and was wringing out his thoroughly wet hair tightly.
Thinking blankly that people with long hair must have it tough, I also wrung out my hood tightly. Then, Maeyama-san (temp) tapped my shoulder, saying "Hey."
"You take off your hood too. If you keep your hair wet, you'll catch a cold."
"Ah, I'm NG for face reveal. My agency forbids it."
Because there are enthusiastic fans (demons), you see.
And first-time viewers might get scared.
"Stop talking nonsense and hurry…."
Slap!
"Hey, don't move your hand. Behave…."
Slap!
"Do it moderately, you?!"
"I refuse. Even if I become naked, I will defend my hood."
"No, defend your fundoshi too! Don't lightly give up something important as a man!"
Expose your butt but cover your head. Take off your wrestling panties but not your mask. Yes, my heart is always a masked wrestler. Would Taketori's old man be a good ring name?
I briefly struggled with Maeyama-san (temp) who desperately reached out to take off my hood, but perhaps giving up, Maeyama-san (temp) let out a sigh with a very tired face.
"Seeing you reminds me of my younger brother…."
"What, you have a younger brother too? Same here, I have a younger brother."
At Maeyama-san (temp)'s mutter, this time Lord Shōjuro, who was wringing out his outer clothes, smiled like that.
In Lord Shōjuro's case, it's 'have', but in Maeyama-san (temp)'s case, it should be 'had', but Maeyama-san (temp) didn't particularly mind and joined Lord Shōjuro's story.
"Ah, having a younger brother is tough. Doesn't listen, only his mouth is alive, really stupid and not even cute."
"Sorry, but don't compare. My Shinjuro is cute, wise, and values manners, a proud younger brother."
"Don't suddenly get serious and betray me, you brat!!"
Listening half-heartedly as the conversation in front changed from catch ball to dodgeball, Lord Shōjuro turned his gaze to me this time.
"By the way, I haven't asked your name yet. I am Rengoku Shōjuro, and you?"
"Rei. Urokodaki Rei."
"Urokodaki… Ah, then you're the child my father mentioned."
Just as I heard about Lord Shōjuro from the Flame Hashira, it seems he heard about me too. Hearing my name, Lord Shōjuro narrowed his orange eyes happily.
"I heard a child with white hair and red eyes was coming to the selection, and I was wondering strangely since there wasn't one."
Silence.
Maeyama-san (temp) looks at me.
I look at Maeyama-san (temp).
Only Lord Shōjuro is grinning.
…Ah, this won't do. This kid doesn't realize his slip of the tongue.
"…Hey, Rei. I don't mind that, so quickly take off your hood and dry your hair."
"…Thank you."
"Indeed, it was you. Then your movements make sense too. …Huh? Why are you suddenly taking off your hood? Didn't you say you wouldn't? Oh, your eyes are really red. Beautiful like stained glass. Your hair is like starlight too. I want to show it to my younger brother."
"Shōjuro, come over here for a bit and talk with me!"
"No problem, but what is it, Maeshima-kun. You have a scary face though."
"I said I'm not Maeshima!"
The Rengoku clan is a naturally combusting natural material.
I knew it well from connections since the Sengoku period!
·
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Perhaps given a persistent lecture about the slip of the tongue by Maeyama-san (temp), later Lord Shōjuro came to apologize with a sullen face.
Seems scolded quite harshly; even the brave bangs, a charm point of the Rengoku family, were somehow drooping. Looked like a sullen puppy.
The torrential rain that poured all night changed to a drizzle by the next morning, and by evening, we could see a clear sky without a single cloud.
Just one more day and the selection ends. Since all demons are cut down, there should be no more screams.
Thinking of staying in the cave as is, but worried there might be kids whose condition worsened from the rainy season, I checked the mountain and, as expected, there were several such kids. Especially those in bad condition, we moved them to the gathering point, dividing the task with Lord Shōjuro and Maeyama-san (temp).
And with dawn, the exam concluded, and survivors gathered at the gathering point. There, all the same people from 7 days ago were gathered without a single one missing.
"Welcome back."
""We're back!""
This time too, Lord Shōjuro's and my voices overlapped. But this time, the furisode-clad child wasn't surprised and smiled gently.
After that, explanation time again. About the uniform, about ranks, about Kasugai Crows.
As the furisode-clad child explained one by one, and finally reached the words to choose the ore for the sword, at that time.
"Um…."
Suddenly, Maeyama-san (temp) cautiously raised his hand.
"What is it?"
"I will not become a swordsman. I want to join the rear… post-processing unit? If possible."
"A Kakushi, then. Yes, it's fine."
Perhaps such proposals are common, as the furisode-clad child's reply was calm. Despite safely passing the selection, those around couldn't hide their surprise at him giving up the path of a swordsman.
There was even one who mocked, "Cowardly guy" — hey, you're the one who lost strength in your legs and collapsed in front of a demon. Is that something you should say! I unconsciously took a fighting stance, but Maeyama-san (temp) tapped my head.
"I don't mind, so you don't mind either. There's no way I, who only received help, can become a swordsman."
"But Maeyama-san…."
"Enough. Even if I, who luckily survived, go to the battlefield, I'll just be an obstacle to other members or you. In short, I've discerned my own ability. …And I'm not Maeyama."
Discerned ability.
With that one phrase, the atmosphere of several around changed. And after a moment of hesitation, children cautiously said they too want to switch to rear support.
Maeyama-san (temp) loosened the corner of his mouth seeing that, and I also felt relieved.
Sorry for saying this after saving them on my own, but those kids aren't suited for holding swords.
"Even I, who collapses in front of demons, can be helpful in rear duties, right?"
"…Maeshima-san, I'm sorry."
"At times like this, you say thank you. And I'm not Maeshima either."
"…Thank you, Maeda-san!"
"You're welcome. And Maeda is over there, idiot!!"
Looking where he pointed energetically, there was a boy's figure prostrating to the furisode-clad child, saying, "Please assign me to tailoring! I want to make uniforms that cling to the curves of women!"
I want to legally check female body measurements! As the boy shouted his desires, I wasn't wrong to chop his neck with my hand.
…A dangerous guy switched to the rear.
At that moment, the hearts of everyone there became one.
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