Kawanishi fell silent for a moment, then asked, "What do you mean by this?"
"Do you mean that, because I am a demon, I will inevitably be prejudiced against?"
Urokodaki's meaning was clear, and Kawanishi understood it immediately.
Urokodaki put his mask back on and nodded. "Yes. Many in the Demon Slayer Corps have suffered attacks or lost loved ones to demons."
"That's why they harbor deep hatred toward demons and refuse to trust them."
Without such hatred, why would anyone risk their life fighting demons?
Most demon slayers are driven by revenge, fueled by grief and rage.
Only a few exceptions exist—families like the Flame Pillar's lineage, raised for generations with the sole mission of slaying demons, or people like Urokodaki himself, who chose this path simply to protect the innocent and prevent demons from wreaking havoc on the world.
In short, there are many reasons one becomes a demon slayer, but revenge remains the most common.
This environment was clearly unfriendly to someone like Kawanishi.
"But remember, a mask is only a mask," Urokodaki continued. "You know that my ferocious tengu mask isn't my true face."
"The Master will see your true self beneath your demon face."
"You have nothing to worry about. With the Master's protection, no one in the Corps—even the Hashira—will dare harm you, even if they disapprove."
"At most, they might challenge you to a few sparring matches, so you'd better strengthen yourself, or you'll get beaten."
Kawanishi: "…"
He felt like he'd already agreed, though Urokodaki's sincere words were indeed persuasive. Kawanishi was moved.
If he could gain the Demon Slayer Corps' support, there would be enormous advantages.
He wasn't naive enough to think he could face Muzan Kibutsuji alone.
But what kind of person was the Master, to command the loyalty of even the strongest and most prideful Hashira?
Was it sheer strength?
Strong people tend to be proud, yet according to Urokodaki, the Hashira obeyed him unconditionally.
Whoever he was, the Master must be extraordinary.
Kawanishi said slowly, "Give me some more time to consider."
Urokodaki smiled. "Of course. But don't wait too long—the Master's reply will likely come soon."
He could tell Kawanishi had already made up his mind; it was only a matter of time.
Deep down, Kawanishi didn't see himself as a demon, so why should he fear the Demon Slayer Corps?
Glancing at the time, Urokodaki figured Tanjiro should be returning soon.
But Kawanishi still hadn't decided what to say to his brother.
He explained his dilemma to Urokodaki, hoping for advice.
"My true wish is for Tanjiro to live a peaceful, ordinary life."
"But I know he longs for strength to avenge our family. And once Tanjiro makes up his mind, he's very stubborn."
"If I force him to settle into a peaceful life, he may resent me—or at least feel deeply saddened."
Hearing this, Urokodaki smiled knowingly. This young man could face demons without fear, yet when it came to his brother, he grew anxious and lost.
He said calmly, "When you're in the thick of it, you lose perspective. Outsiders see more clearly."
"You want Tanjiro to live the life you envision."
"But what does he want?"
"Does he prefer fighting to protect others, or being protected while living peacefully?"
"And what right do you have to decide for him?"
Those final words struck Kawanishi like a bell, snapping him awake.
He froze, then smiled bitterly. "You're right—I was blinded by my concern."
"I nearly became the kind of person I despise most."
"Yes… Tanjiro would rather fight to protect others. And here I am, his brother, trying to stand in the way of his dream. That's terrible of me."
As a bystander, Kawanishi always disliked people who said, "I'm doing this for your own good."
Even if they were parents or elders, they had no right to decide for someone else.
Yet now, faced with his brother's future, he had fallen into the same trap. Love had clouded his judgment.
He now understood: "For your own good" isn't always an excuse—it's often said out of love.
Because you love someone, you want to shield them from suffering and hardship.
Even if your way of doing so is wrong.
That's why, when someone says, "It's for your own good," don't get angry right away.
Take the time to have an open conversation—there may be better outcomes.
Thinking this, Kawanishi sighed softly.
Now, he understood those people's feelings.
Still, no matter how well-intentioned the love, a wrong choice is still wrong—and many fail to recognize that.
What he saw as an ideal life might feel cruel or unbearable to someone else.
Kawanishi resolved not to interfere anymore.
If Tanjiro chose to train and gain strength, to protect others—
then, as his older brother, he would simply support him.
After all, Urokodaki, as a mentor, had seen much more. His words had awakened him.
But just as Kawanishi admired Urokodaki's wisdom and prepared to relinquish control, Urokodaki unexpectedly said:
"Actually, I completely understand your feelings… and I agree with you."
Kawanishi: "(ω)?"
Urokodaki sighed again. "Because I feel the same way."
"My disciples… too many have died."
"I don't want to see Tanjiro die at the hands of demons. He's a good child who deserves a better ending."
Kawanishi: "Σ⊙▃⊙川"
Wait, so after all that internal struggle, we actually feel exactly the same?!
Urokodaki looked toward the training grounds. "So I've decided to make his training absurdly difficult."
"He won't be able to pass. Once he realizes he has no talent for demon slaying, perhaps he'll give up."
"That way, everything will resolve itself."
Even before Kawanishi arrived, Urokodaki had already planned to set an inhuman level of training for Tanjiro.
If Tanjiro failed, Urokodaki could simply tell him he wasn't qualified for Final Selection, sparing him from a senseless death.
Now Kawanishi fully understood Urokodaki's plan. He gave him a thumbs-up: "You truly are a master teacher. You've got much better methods than me."
This way, Tanjiro would naturally change his mind—and wouldn't resent his brother.
It wouldn't be me forbidding you from fighting demons—you simply wouldn't have the strength to pass training and would give up on your own.
The two men exchanged a knowing smile: "()()"
Kawanishi: "Please, make the training even harder!!!"
(End of Chapter)