Chapter 59: Take Courage, Seiko!
To Natsuya, this was likely just another routine support mission. The names of the demons and the trivial details of the battle were forgotten the moment he turned his back. The only thing that left an impression was the specific mechanic of that Blood Demon Art.
The next day, as Natsuya and Seiko sat in a BBQ restaurant arguing over whether vegetables or meat should be placed on the grill first, a series of ripples was spreading through the vast and precise hierarchy of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Deep in the mountains of Honshu.
Kazami Koichi held a letter delivered by a Kasugai Crow, reading the battle report line by line.
[Frontal suppression of a demon using unarmed combat techniques]
[Rescue of six missing swordsmen]
[Prioritized medical treatment of all civilians and casualties post-battle]
Every word made the corners of the stern old swordsman's mouth curl upward irrepressibly. His fingers drummed rhythmically on the tabletop. A sense of profound relief and pride bloomed in his chest.
This child... has he already grown to this level?
And he's actively helping and healing others now... it seems he is no longer solely consumed by hatred. That is a good thing.
Recalling a recent letter from Igarashi Uzen, which was filled with nothing but praise for Natsuya's talent and character, Kazami's smile widened.
Nearby, a young teenager stopped swinging his wooden sword. Noticing the look on the old man's face, he couldn't help but wander over. "Master? Who is that letter from?"
"It's about your Senior Brother."
"Eh? Kokonoe-senior? We haven't heard from him in a while."
The boy tried to peek at the paper, but the old man laughed and chased him back to his training. "Your Senior is making far more progress than you are right now. Keep practicing, Masachika. Don't let your seniors leave you too far behind."
"Yes, Master!"
The boy—Kumeno Masachika—offered an embarrassed grin. He poured his strength back into his wooden sword, continuing his drills with renewed vigor. As he slashed, a gentle, fragrant breeze began to stir in the training yard.
Mt. Sagiri.
After listening to the report the Master sent via crow, Urokodaki Sakonji fell into deep thought.
"Ruthless to enemies, merciful to the innocent."
"Whether in swordsmanship or the medical arts, this child has truly stepped through the gates."
A trace of admiration touched his voice. Remembering Natsuya's days of training there, the Tengu-masked old man nodded. "Kazami's eye for talent was correct."
Beside him, Sabito spoke with conviction. "Senior Natsuya was always strong. Taking down a demon like that is only natural for him."
Giyu remained silent, but he was secretly reminiscing about the meals Natsuya used to make. It's been five months since Senior left. I miss his cooking.
"I say, Stone-head. You've heard about the kid too, haven't you?"
The one-eyed swordswoman took a swig of sake and pushed the cup toward the middle-aged man sitting opposite her. Matsuyama Daimon simply shook his head, showing no interest in joining her drink. Nikaido Mei didn't mind and took another solo gulp.
"At this rate, the Kokonoe kid might actually become a Hashira before we know it."
"As long as he is strong enough and doesn't stray from his path, it is inevitable," Matsuyama replied flatly.
Nikaido rested her chin on her hand, her expression playful. "Forget that. I heard he's using his fists instead of sword forms to channel Thunder Breathing. Don't tell me he picked that habit up from you?"
"First a hammer, then a flail, and now a guy using his bare hands? You're a terrible influence, Matsuyama."
Matsuyama remained unphased. "I taught him no sword forms. Furthermore, as long as a demon is slain, I do not care what weapon is used."
He glanced at her. "You, however, seem quite bothered that he didn't use a Nichirin Sword for his Thunder Breathing forms, Nikaido."
Nikaido Mei: 💢(#-皿-)
She curled her lip and spat, "You old cripple!"
Matsuyama didn't flinch. He nodded calmly. "Takes one to know one, Madam Blind-Eye."
Nikaido: "..."
(You bastard, are you picking a fight?!)
In a sun-drenched courtyard somewhere in Kyoto.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya, whose body was already showing faint signs of the curse's progression, wore a smile warmer than the sunlight. He looked at the Kakushi liaison kneeling before him.
"It seems Kokonoe-kun has truly proven both his capability and his character."
"Kazuma-kun's report emphasizes that Natsuya possesses not just combat talent, but the potential for leadership and a deep kindness toward his comrades."
"According to our traditions, it is time to advance his rank further."
The Kakushi blinked. "Oyakata-sama... are we promoting Sir Kokonoe to Tsuchinoto (Rank 6) already?"
It hadn't been that long since his triple-jump to Kanoe (Rank 7).
"By the rules, moving from Kanoe to Tsuchinoto is appropriate," Kagaya said, his voice soft yet firm. "However... I believe he can go a bit further."
"Promote him directly to Tsuchinoe (Rank 5). His recent contributions and his obvious potential warrant this exception."
The Kakushi was stunned for a second, then bowed his head low. "As you command, Oyakata-sama!"
Two direct double-promotions in a row... the Master really has high hopes for this Kokonoe.
Ripples were spreading across the corners of Japan because of Natsuya's latest mission. But all those undercurrents, evaluations, and expectations were currently blocked out by the thick, savory aroma of a BBQ joint.
"AH! Natsuya-kun! I was grilling that piece!"
"BBQ is a free-for-all. It belongs to whoever's chopsticks get there first."
"Ugh... so cunning!"
The charcoal crackled, and the meat sizzled in its own juices. Natsuya dipped the perfectly seared slice of beef he'd "sniped" from Seiko's side into the sauce and popped it into his mouth.
Honestly, the spices in this era were nowhere near as complex as the tiered flavors of 2099. The meat wasn't exactly Kobe A5, either. But compared to the "Nutritional Sludge" and protein compounds he ate back home, this was heaven.
Not bad. Actually, it's amazing.
Seiko sat across from him, her chin resting on her hands, pouting in mock anger. Natsuya noticed.
"It's just one piece of meat," he muttered. "Here. This beef is done... I'll compensate you with it."
The girl's annoyance vanished instantly.
"Yay! Thank you, Natsuya-kun!" She happily picked it up, blew on it carefully, and ate. She squinted her eyes in pure bliss. "Oishii! This place really is the best! The meat quality is great, and the sauce is top-tier!"
Natsuya: This kid acts like she hasn't eaten in a week.
He grabbed another piece for himself and ate at a leisurely pace. After a few rounds of meat, perhaps from the heat of the grill or something else, a faint blush appeared on Seiko's face. She put down her chopsticks, her fingers unconsciously fidgeting with the hem of her uniform.
It's time. I have to tell him.
Go, Seiko! You can do this!
The girl psyching herself up. Finally, she mustered her courage. Her eyes stopped wandering and locked onto Natsuya's.
"Um... Natsuya-kun?"
"Yeah?"
Natsuya was currently mixing some soy sauce with a piece of meat. He looked up, confused. Does she want more food? There's still plenty left on the plate.
The girl's face turned even redder, and her voice was shaky—much quieter than usual.
"I... there is something I want to ask of you."
The bustling, hungry atmosphere in their booth suddenly felt very still. Natsuya's eyes sharpened.
He rapidly filtered through his mental log of his interactions with Seiko: fighting together, chatting, eating...
In any other RPG, this is the 'Affinity Threshold'. This is where the Favorability hits Tier 2 or 3.
Confirmed. A Special Event is triggering!
He wasn't sure if it was a new skill unlock or a personal quest chain. He slowly put his meat back in the bowl and sat up straight. For once, he was dead serious.
"What is it? Speak up."
There was even a trace of professional caution in his tone. Seiko took a deep breath, her hands clenching into fists beneath the table. She looked up at Natsuya, her eyes shining with resolve.
"PLEASE HELP ME TRAIN, NATSUYA-KUN!"
Natsuya: [?]
☆☆☆
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