Patience. Still need patience. Must continue with patience.
If only he could have patiently kept them a few more years, helped them perfect their breathing techniques, further honed their skills—perhaps he wouldn't have fallen to this current situation.
Sakonji Urokodaki wore a striped haori of white clouds on blue background, walking ahead. Roy led Tanjiro as they unhurriedly followed behind. Behind them were numerous living souls standing at attention—an indescribably eerie scene.
Makomo seized the opportunity as Tanjiro passed by her, sticking out her little tongue to lick the rabbit. Naturally, she licked nothing.
"I've never hated being a ghost as much as today." Sabito seemed to hear her thoughts, glancing at her helplessly before moving to follow Roy's pace.
The young man's frame exceeded the height he should possess at his age. Walking with the basket on his back, each step seemed pre-measured, advancing and retreating with order—clearly not an ordinary person.
'He must have undergone rigorous training. Moreover, from the speed he displayed earlier, his physical condition far exceeds mine, already trending toward matching Giyu.'
Outsiders see excitement; insiders see technique. What Sabito could see, Sakonji Urokodaki would see even more and further.
"Master is moved." Makomo, having failed to taste anything, wasn't disappointed but said happily. "Master has company now."
"We have company too." Sabito faced the towering Mount Sagiri, gripping the katana at his waist, reminding her, "Don't celebrate too early. They still need to pass the test."
Whether mule or horse, one must lead them out to see. Those traps buried deep in Mount Sagiri weren't decorations—speed alone would absolutely provide no chance of passing.
The wooden door creaked open. Sakonji Urokodaki placed his carving knife on a nearby rack, shook off snow, and entered. Roy and Tanjiro stomped their feet, following while removing their baskets, casually handing over the rabbits.
A mature swordsman might not be a good chef, but would definitely be a good knife handler. The half-roasted rabbit in his hands was quickly sectioned by Sakonji Urokodaki into uniformly sized small pieces, then deodorized with sake, stir-fried with sauce, and garnished with greens at the bottom. Soon, a "beggar's edition braised rabbit" took initial form.
Then, pushing aside the bed board and lighting the brazier, slowly simmering—it would be ready to eat.
Makomo sniffed, restless with anticipation. She knelt beside Sakonji Urokodaki. Across the brazier sat Roy and Tanjiro.
Sabito and those living souls entered through the walls in twos and threes, not approaching closely but lying down on the spot. For a moment, the small wooden house was "packed" full, filled with an unusual warm atmosphere.
Fire heated the clay pot, bubbling rhythmically. Having finished all this, Sakonji Urokodaki finally seriously examined Roy and Tanjiro.
The Kamado brothers were three parts similar, yet showed obvious differences in physique. Perhaps due to inheriting life energy from Nanno Hiroshi, Roy was somewhat more robust than before. Sitting cross-legged by the fire, he possessed an immovable, mountain-like quality.
Relatively speaking, innocent Tanjiro was somewhat immature. He imitated Roy's serious sitting posture—exactly like a "little adult."
"He won't do." After a moment of silence, Sakonji Urokodaki glanced at Tanjiro and spoke bluntly. "Too young to withstand the intensity. Return home to recover for three years first."
"I'm not small!" Hearing he might separate from Roy, Tanjiro protested, flexing his biceps. "I already helped my brother kill demons!"
What?!
Instantly all eyes in the room turned over. Though invisible, they stared until Tanjiro's scalp tingled, even though he couldn't see Sabito, Makomo, and the other living souls.
"You've already encountered demons?" Shinsuke had been lying lazily in the corner. Hearing this, he cried out and flew directly above Tanjiro's head, circling him.
A cold wind blew, sending a chill down Tanjiro's spine. The foolish little brother noticed Sakonji Urokodaki's gaze lock onto him instantly. Swallowing, he steeled himself. "I couldn't help with the one we met in the mountains, but the one we encountered at the shrine last night, I contributed."
'Not only contributed, but nearly got axed to death by my brother for hesitating.' Tanjiro added in his heart. Thinking about it now, his right cheek still ached faintly.
Sakonji Urokodaki remained silent, looking at him deeply, then turned his head. Behind him, a group of disciples turned to stare at Roy.
Tanjiro seemed to have said everything and yet nothing. What did "I couldn't help with the one in the mountains" mean?
Shinsuke and Fukuda desperately wanted to grab his ear and make him explain properly—after all, this wasn't a joking matter. If he wasn't lying, it meant this silent young man sitting quietly across from Master had solo-killed a demon! And without learning Breathing Techniques!
"Oh, he seems more amazing than you, Sabito." Makomo's eyes sparkled, finally willing to tear her gaze from the clay pot.
'More amazing than Giyu.' Sabito looked at Roy with unsparing admiration, silently adding in his heart.
Roy patted Tanjiro's back, signaling him not to rush. Hands clasped together, he looked sincerely at Sakonji Urokodaki. "Demons eat people first; people kill demons after. My brother is straightforward. Please forgive his frankness, Master Urokodaki."
Sakonji Urokodaki still didn't speak, examining Roy again. From these few words, he'd already detected Roy was a child completely different from Sabito and Giyu. He was too calm, too composed, too patient, displaying maturity completely inconsistent with his age—astonishing!
"Though this old man is reluctant to admit it, I must say, you are an exceptionally talented child. Perhaps you truly can kill it."
After a long while, Sakonji Urokodaki sighed deeply. Roy glanced at Sabito, his heart clear as a mirror. The so-called "it" was nothing but the "Hand Demon" confined by the Demon Slayer Corps on Fujikasane Mountain, who had eaten all of Sakonji Urokodaki's disciples, including Sabito and Makomo!
That Hand Demon was his captive and the culprit behind his years of despondency.
Sakonji Urokodaki stirred the rabbit meat with a wooden spoon, preventing it from sticking. Speaking to himself, "You have patience, talent, and know when to advance or retreat. Other cultivators here would have already taken you as a disciple, but this old man is different."
He covered the pot, raised his head, and looked directly into Roy's eyes, attempting to see through his heart, not letting a single lie slip past. Saying gravely, "Please tell me your resolve—what supports you in choosing to kill demons?"
Roy smiled. The young man fearlessly met his gaze, speaking frankly, "Honestly, I think you've asked an idiotic question. Since demons choose to eat people, they invite death. My killing them is perfectly justified."
"Oh!" Makomo's eyes flickered. She turned to Sabito. "This guy is even cooler than you."
Sabito's pink hair draped over his shoulders. The eyes behind his fox mask suddenly ignited with two divine flames, glowing brilliantly!