Even Tanjuro, who had grown up in the mountains, had heard the old saying the elders often repeated.
[Nothing costs more than something free.]
Several doctors and traditional physicians in town had been vague about his illness and helpless to treat it.
Yet this boy from a wealthy household standing before him...
Had not only found a way... but was even willing to offer his help.
Surely, he must have had some purpose of his own.
Xia Xi said, "The price?"
Only then did the Dawn Hashira catch on.
Tanjuro's thinking was exactly how a normal person would react.
"Why... are you willing to treat someone like me?"
There was little suspicion in the charcoal seller's voice, only confusion and a desire to understand.
"I'm sure you've noticed, Mr. Kurumaji."
"My family is truly poor. We have nothing of value."
"Even if you really cure me, I honestly have nothing I could offer you in return."
As he saw it...
Even if he taught him [Hinokami Kagura], the only thing the Kamado family had to offer,
Its value would fall far short of all the effort the boy would spend treating him.
After all, it was only a dance.
Besides, the boy himself possessed breathing techniques of a comparable level, if not even more sophisticated ones.
Or... did he want Tanjuro to risk his life doing something dangerous?
After all, he had heard rumors of wealthy households keeping retainers willing to die for them.
Xia Xi pondered for a moment.
Was there anything I wanted?
Of course...
"I can cure your kidney deficiency and your other illnesses."
"As for the price..."
The Dawn Hashira clenched his fist and held it out before Tanjuro.
"Join the Demon Slayer Corps and become one of the [Nine Hashira]."
The Demon Slayer Corps?
*A