Kaigaku?
Hearing that name, Chiba Yo's heart immediately sank, because the child Gyoumei mentioned, who let a demon into the Temple, was also named Kaigaku. He had even mentioned him recently when talking with Sayo.
Though suspicious, Chiba Yo didn't speak up immediately.
"That's right... After all, my senior brother's talent is better than mine. He must be busy hunting demons every day." Zenitsu agreed with Kuwajima Jigorō's words, but he felt a bit uncomfortable inside.
Kuwajima Jigorō taught them everything he knew without reservation. No matter how busy his missions were, he couldn't possibly not have time for a letter, could he?
He himself had written many letters to Kaigaku, but he never received a reply. Even when he encountered Kaigaku in the Demon Slayer Corps, Kaigaku would pretend not to know him.
When high-ranking Demon Slayer Corps swordsmen mocked Kaigaku, Zenitsu had even argued with them because of it. But when Kaigaku found out, he only annoyed Zenitsu by saying it was causing him trouble.
Although Kuwajima Jigorō was explaining for Kaigaku, he was still somewhat disappointed in Kaigaku and felt a bit uncomfortable.
"I will try my best to get along well with my senior brother," Zenitsu said to Kuwajima Jigorō.
Kuwajima Jigorō smiled upon hearing this and said to Zenitsu, "It's okay if you can't do it, as long as you can keep getting better."
Because... you are my pride, Zenitsu...
Kuwajima Jigorō was very satisfied with Zenitsu as a disciple. Although he only learned Thunder Breathing First Form, Kuwajima Jigorō could see that his talent in Thunder Breathing was very high, and he would definitely be able to surpass him and make Thunder Breathing stronger in the future.
Moreover, compared to his other disciple, Kaigaku, Zenitsu was kinder and more grateful, treating both him and Kaigaku like family.
Although Zenitsu had some personality issues, Kuwajima Jigorō still considered him his proudest disciple.
Chiba Yo silently drank his tea, listening to Kuwajima Jigorō and Zenitsu's conversation. He had basically confirmed that Zenitsu's senior brother was the KaigakuGyoumei had mentioned.
The most common way to join the Demon Slayer Corps is to apprentice with a trainer and learn a Breathing Technique. Since Kaigaku joined the Demon Slayer Corps, he likely entered through this method.
Coupled with Kuwajima Jigorō and Zenitsu's conversation, Chiba Yo felt that the Kaigaku they spoke of had the same selfish, ungrateful personality as the KaigakuGyoumei had mentioned.
Chiba Yo was now conflicted about whether to tell Zenitsu and Kuwajima Jigorō about the things concerning Kaigaku.
Telling them would definitely make them feel bad, especially Kuwajima Jigorō. His disciple had once colluded with a demon to harm humans, and among those humans was even a current Pillar.
But if he didn't say anything, the two of them would probably remain in the dark.
"Phew..."
Chiba Yo blew on the tea leaves in his cup, and in the end, he still didn't bring up the matter.
Because he felt that bringing it up would not do any good. Moreover, as far as he knew, these past Pillars were all very upright. If Kuwajima Jigorō knew that his disciple had once cooperated with a demon, even if he didn't know about it, he might do something to punish himself.
Kaigaku was at fault, but Zenitsu and Kuwajima Jigorō were not. Chiba Yo didn't want them to be implicated by Kaigaku's actions.
Besides, Gyoumei had already gone to find Kaigaku, so perhaps this matter could be resolved.
"I heard Zenitsu say that you take good care of him in the Demon Slayer Corps. Thank you very much."
After finishing his tea, Zenitsu voluntarily went to wash the dishes, and Kuwajima Jigorō spoke to Chiba Yo.
"It's not really taking good care of him. After all, we are friends and both Demon Slayer Corps swordsmen, so it's only right to look out for each other," Chiba Yo said with a smile.
"Although Zenitsu is a bit timid and gets tired easily, his talent and character are both very good. I still look forward to the day he becomes a Pillar, though I don't know if I'll have the chance to see it," Kuwajima Jigorō said with some longing.
He said these things to Chiba Yo because he already treated Chiba Yo as his peer.
"Senior, you will definitely see that day. And we will definitely be the generation that witnesses Kibutsuji Muzan and all demons being eliminated," Chiba Yo said firmly.
"Hahahahaha, that's right! All demons will definitely be eliminated. As expected, you young people have drive..."
Kuwajima Jigorō was infected by Chiba Yo's conviction and said happily, full of anticipation for the future. With such powerful young swordsmen with both strength and conviction, demons would be completely eliminated sooner or later.
...
By the charred big tree on the mountainside of Peach Mountain.
Kuwajima Jigorō stood there, watching the two people walk down the mountain, his heart filled with relief for Zenitsu.
From his previous conversation with Chiba Yo, he already knew that Zenitsu no longer avoided training and could even face demons alone.
"Zenitsu—keep it up—Grandpa is waiting to see you become a Pillar—waiting to see you get married and have children—"
Kuwajima Jigorō shouted loudly towards Zenitsu in the distance.
Upon hearing Kuwajima Jigorō's words, Zenitsu turned around.
"I'll do it—Grandpa, don't worry—"
Zenitsu's face was full of reluctance, and tears even welled up in the corners of his eyes.
After joining the Demon Slayer Corps, their opportunities to meet were few and far between. After this farewell, he didn't know when they would meet again.
Upon hearing Zenitsu's reply, Kuwajima Jigorō's heart was filled with a mix of emotion, relief, and reluctance. He stood in place, watching them descend the mountain.
"We'll definitely have a chance to meet again in the future. Let's go," Chiba Yo said softly to Zenitsu beside him.
"Mm..." Zenitsu nodded, turned, and continued walking down the mountain.
Kuwajima Jigorō stood there until Zenitsu's figure was out of sight before slowly turning and walking home.
Zenitsu has grown so much...
...
As soon as he returned to the headquarters, Chiba Yo saw a strange sight.
The Sound Pillar had Kanzaki Aoi on his shoulder, Takada Naho (one of the three little girls from the Butterfly Mansion, with a light green butterfly hair ornament) tucked at his waist, Nakahara Sumi (pink hair ornament) on his head, Terauchi Kiyo (light blue hair ornament) holding onto his leg, and Kanao behind him, pulling on Kanzaki Aoi and Naho.
Chiba Yo felt his ability to think disappear, not understanding what was happening, and at the same time, he felt a bit speechless that he always seemed to stumble upon such strange scenes.
"Hey! Have you girls had enough of this commotion?!"
Tengen Uzui was annoyed by these little girls and shouted at them angrily.
Then he noticed Chiba Yo nearby and quickly shouted to him, "Chiba, you're just in time! Quickly help me take these three idiots away!"