A-Class Swordsman

Tsugikuni Kuuga noticed the Flame Hashira looking their way and suddenly realized something seemed off, so he shut his mouth.

"Congratulations on passing the test. From today onward, you are members of the Demon Slayer Corps. Work hard and slay Evil Demons!" Rengoku Shinjuro launched into an impassioned speech.

At the same time, a Kasugai Crow had already flown to headquarters, crying out:

"Every demon on Mount Fujikasane has been killed! More than twenty people passed this time! They were all killed! All killed!"

Once the news spread, everyone at headquarters was utterly shocked. Surviving Final Selection was difficult enough, let alone killing every demon on Mount Fujikasane.

Butterfly Mansion.

"It was obviously Kuuga's doing. Doesn't he know how to keep a low profile?" Shinobu Kocho complained.

Kanae Kocho smiled. "That means Kuuga survived and did very well. We'll reward him when he comes back."

"You always take his side, Sister!" Shinobu pouted, though she was happier than she could say.

"Oh, you."

Kanae Kocho patted Shinobu's head reassuringly, and the weight in her heart finally lifted.

Oyakata-sama, who was visiting graves in the cemetery, looked up toward Wisteria Mountain, the smile on his face growing even wider.

At this time, Oyakata-sama was still a handsome young man, with striking features and no scars on his face. He could still walk on his own as well.

Just then, a Kasugai Crow landed on his arm. It was the Flame Hashira's crow. Oyakata-sama removed the note tied to its leg and read it.

"Tsugikuni Kuuga."

"The child from the Butterfly Mansion, along with Mr. Urokodaki's disciples... It seems the Demon Slayer Corps is about to enter an even greater era. I wonder if they can reach the level of the first generation."

Amane Ubuyashiki took her husband's hand and said gently, "They certainly can. What happened during this selection is unprecedented."

"Yes. Then let us make an exception and promote the three of them to Kinoe Swordsmen. I hope they can grow up safely."

After Oyakata-sama spoke to the Kasugai Crow, he let it go. The crow quickly flew back to Wisteria Mountain.

By then, everyone else had selected the Scarlet Crimson Iron Sand and Scarlet Crimson Ore needed to forge their Nichirin Blades and left. Only Tsugikuni Kuuga and the other two had been kept behind.

"Uncle Flame Hashira, why did you keep us here?" Tsugikuni Kuuga asked.

After hearing his Kasugai Crow's report, the Flame Hashira remained calm, as though he had already known.

Seeing the usually enthusiastic Flame Hashira wearing such a serious expression, Tsugikuni Kuuga immediately felt that something was wrong.

But then the Flame Hashira suddenly burst into laughter. "Hahaha! I never thought you'd be scared too, kid!"

Because Tsugikuni Kuuga possessed a special healing ability, many swordsmen had benefited from his help, and everyone treated him kindly.

"I'm not scared. It's just terrifying when an uncle who's normally as passionate as fire suddenly gets serious!" Tsugikuni Kuuga retorted.

"I see. But don't worry, it's good news. Master has made an exception and promoted all of you to Kinoe Swordsmen. So work hard, boys!"

The Flame Hashira spoke with such excitement that it was as though he himself had been appointed a Kinoe Swordsman. Still, his fiery enthusiasm really could inspire those around him.

Sabito was already filled with hope for the future, and even light flickered in the eyes of the normally silent Giyu Tomioka. Only Tsugikuni Kuuga, who knew the plot, remained very calm.

"All right, once you've chosen your materials, you can go back and wait. Your uniforms and Nichirin Blades will be delivered to you later!" After giving those instructions, the Flame Hashira prepared to leave.

Tsugikuni Kuuga first exchanged a few words with the two Water Breathing swordsmen, then ran over to the Flame Hashira.

"Uncle, I won't be going back just yet. Please tell my sisters for me—I need to make a trip to Mt. Sagiri first!" Tsugikuni Kuuga pleaded sincerely.

The Flame Hashira was stunned for a moment, then patted Tsugikuni Kuuga's shoulder. "No problem. I thought it was going to be something serious!"

"Oh, right. How has Auntie Ruka been lately?"

At that, a trace of loneliness flashed through Rengoku Shinjuro's eyes, but it quickly vanished.

"She's doing all right. There shouldn't be any problems."

"That's good. I'll definitely pay her a visit another day. Please take good care of yourself as well!" Tsugikuni Kuuga said.

Tsugikuni Kuuga had actually visited the Rengoku Family several times. Although he had used his healing technique on Ruka Kyogoku each time, it had never treated the root cause. But now that the Tai Chi healing technique had awakened, Tsugikuni Kuuga planned to visit the Rengoku Family after going to Mt. Sagiri.

"I'm fine. If it hadn't been for you, kid, Ruka might have left us long ago. I'll treat you to a drink another day!"

"I'll pass on the drinking. My sisters would scold me to death!" Tsugikuni Kuuga looked terrified.

"Oh, right. I'm confident I can completely cure Auntie Ruka's illness now!"

Hearing Tsugikuni Kuuga's words, Rengoku Shinjuro was so excited that he could not speak.

"Then I thank you in advance!"

"You don't need to do that, Uncle. Saving people is a healer's duty!"

"Then go on to Mt. Sagiri first, kid. Mr. Urokodaki is a very gentle man!"

The Flame Hashira left with a heart full of joy. According to the plot, he should have been a dispirited, alcoholic uncle by now, but fortunately, Tsugikuni Kuuga had kept visiting their home and stabilized Ruka Kyogoku's condition.

After all, Big Brother's family tragedy was not something Tsugikuni Kuuga wanted to see either. A demon-slaying family that had protected countless people through generations had ultimately been reduced from a family of four to only two.

Heaven was always unfair to good people, making them endure countless hardships, yet they still chose kindness.

Tsugikuni Kuuga would never forget Big Brother's smile before he died. He had used his life to protect everyone on an entire train.

Tsugikuni Kuuga gathered his thoughts and walked back to the two Water Breathing swordsmen. His next goal was to become a Hashira.

"Was that really a Hashira?" Sabito asked.

After all, the only Hashira he had ever encountered was his own master. He had never met any of the others, and the Flame Hashira's enthusiasm had been so pleasant that he seemed to lack the dignity of a Hashira entirely.

"Of course he was. It's just that everyone in Uncle Rengoku's family, aside from Auntie, is fiery and passionate. Of course, there are also some very hot-tempered people among the Hashira." Tsugikuni Kuuga explained.

At the mention of hot-tempered people, the image of a white-haired, spiky-haired hedgehog surfaced in Tsugikuni Kuuga's mind.

"I see. Every Demon Slayer must have a kindness that belongs to them alone in their heart," Sabito sighed.

Those words truly struck Tsugikuni Kuuga deeply. Though every member of the Demon Slayer Corps had a different personality, they all had a gentle side. Even that hot-tempered guy had tenderness for his younger brother.

But who could know that behind every act of kindness lay a bitter past unknown to others?

The demon extermination on Mount Fujikasane was over. The journey to Mt. Sagiri began.