When facing someone he respected, Sanemi was actually quite rational and capable of speaking properly.
He had come here specifically to visit Tetsushin, and being able to briefly chat about recent work matters and inquire about his teacher's health was enough to achieve his purpose.
Sanemi looked at Taka, who was still somewhat unwilling to admit defeat, struggling to stand up while leaning on that battered sword, and frowned slightly.
"Sensei, that kid, what's his story?"
".....Sanemi, you know about innate Breathing, right?"
'Innate Breathing?' Sanemi raised an eyebrow.
Innate Breathing referred to the ability that some individuals with special constitutions developed on their own, without ever having encountered any Breathing Style, to strengthen their bodies and even fight against demons.
The origin of the Demon Slayer Corps, the Sun Breathing from which the five main Breathing Styles derived, originated from the innate ability of a powerful swordsman. Later generations simply could not learn it, and it gradually became lost.
Another example was the Sound Hashira of the Corps. Although his so-called Sound Breathing was said to be an evolution, its fundamental nature seemed to rely on specially made explosives as an aid. The true essence of his power, his 'Score', still originated from his own ninja training methods, basically having little to do with Breathing Styles.
So when Tetsushin mentioned innate Breathing, Sanemi immediately understood his meaning.
"You mean this kid is...?"
Tetsushin nodded. "That's right.... Sanemi, his name is Taka. He's a very special child. You two should get along well!"
"....." Sanemi didn't agree immediately. Instead, he respectfully bowed to Tetsushin and steered the conversation back to matters of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Taka couldn't hear clearly from afar. He only felt his head spinning.
Since beginning his training, this was the first time he had truly sparred with genuine Wind Breathing.
The blood and energy within him were still churning violently, stirred up by Sanemi's terrifying sword aura.
"Be careful, Sanemi's blade has a powerful tearing effect. If not treated properly, it could leave internal injuries!"
Rika had somehow appeared quietly again and began dressing Taka's wounds.
"Thank you...." Taka nodded slightly, grateful for the continued help from this female disciple whose strength remained unknown.
The sun gradually slanted westward. Sanemi had said what he needed to say… it was time to leave.
"Sanemi, have you visited the graves of Masachika and Suzune?"
"....Please take care of yourself, Tetsushin-sensei."
Sanemi bowed deeply, then glanced at Taka, who had already been bandaged and was sitting cross-legged with Rika, meditating to calm the energy within him.
The corner of his mouth twitched. His figure blurred and vanished from the spot.
After the training ground quieted down once more, Tetsushin slowly walked over to the two sitting cross-legged.
"Taka, are you alright?"
Tetsushin's voice sounded above Taka, and Taka quickly stood up to respond. "...I'm fine. Thank you for your help earlier."
"That wasn't help, Taka.... You still need to learn more from Rika about how to interact with people..." Hearing that Taka actually thought him stopping Sanemi was helping him, Tetsushin felt a momentary sense of oddness, but could only sigh helplessly.
"Sanemi is not your enemy. He's just not very good at expressing himself.... You two should get along well!"
"....Yes!"
Tetsushin looked at the bandaged wounds on Taka's body, 'Although he looked bloody and somewhat frightening, that boy Sanemi still had some restraint… the injuries were only superficial, with no hidden problems of chronic damage.'
He cleared his throat and spoke seriously:
"Taka, the time has come!"
Hearing this, Taka was startled. Tetsushin continued, "In another two months, it will be this year's Final Selection for the Demon Slayer Corps! It will be held at Mount Fujikasane!"
"Normally, I might have planned to temper you for a while longer, at least until you could hold your own against Rika for two hours before sending you to Selection, but...."
He looked at the mottled sword scars on the rear mountain training ground and made up his mind:
"The fact that you could head-on receive a serious strike from a Wind Hashira and still stand up.... shows you already have the ability to become a Demon Slayer!"
'Demon Slayer Corps, huh...' Taka listened silently to Tetsushin's words, his thoughts drifting back two years.
Back then, Tetsushin had asked him, newly escaped from death, if he was willing to become a Demon Slayer. He had agreed purely out of a desire to protect himself and survive.
'Was now the time to repay that debt?'
He looked up, his expression equally serious, and asked:
"Sensei, what exactly is the Demon Slayer Corps? And what is this Wind Hashira you mentioned?"
At this question, even Rika, who usually maintained a calm expression, was stunned, looking incredulously at Tetsushin.
Tetsushin awkwardly scratched his white hair. Thinking about it carefully, it really was true...
For two years, he had only been training this kid Taka. Taka only knew he was practicing the ability to kill demons, and he knew nothing else....
"Cough...." He cleared his throat, ignoring Rika's speechless gaze, and began to explain to Taka the basics he should have explained long ago....
Demons were monsters that appeared from unknown places and times, subsisting primarily on humans.
Their physical abilities were extremely high. They healed quickly from wounds, and even severed parts would remain connected to the main body, allowing them to regenerate other limbs.
Some even mastered powerful and terrifying supernatural abilities, posing a serious threat to the human living environment.
The Demon Slayer Corps was the organization specifically established to deal with the existence of demons.
As for the Wind Hashira, it was the title given to the most powerful swordsmen within the Demon Slayer Corps.
Saying this, Tetsushin paused, his gaze somewhat complicated.
Although the Demon Slayer Corps had existed since ancient times, for several hundred years now.
But this was the Taisho era. The current government was implementing the [Sword Abolishment Edict]. Organizations like the Demon Slayer Corps, which carried swords to fight demons, were actually not officially recognized.
So Demon Slayer Corps' members not only had to fight demons with their mortal bodies but also had to be wary of regulation from human society.
"Humans are not demons. Severed limbs cannot be restored. Severe injuries lead to death.... It's a profession purely for protection, one could say it's a thankless, difficult task...."
"Do you understand, Taka? Are you prepared for this resolve?"
Tetsushin looked at Taka's calm expression, uncertain of the thoughts in this child's heart.
He had already decided that if Taka, given his personality, was unwilling to become a Demon Slayer.... he would keep Taka at Hayama, to become an instructor even stronger than himself in the future.
Beside him, Rika also looked at Taka, wanting to hear what this diligently training disciple planned to do.
"...If I become a Demon Slayer, would that count as repaying my debt to you?"
'...What?' Tetsushin's brow furrowed.
Taka did not avoid the topic. He looked calmly at Tetsushin. "I only wanted to gain enough strength to survive, to become stronger than anyone, to no longer be bullied.... At Hayama, I have lived well. I am very grateful for your shelter and teaching."
"If this debt of gratitude requires me to enter the Demon Slayer Corps and kill demons to repay it, I will not refuse."
'This kid...'
Tetsushin clenched his remaining right hand, his gaze deep.
The two stared at each other for a long time, until finally, after a gust of wind passed, it was broken by a heavy sigh from Tetsushin.
He slowly walked up to Taka and reached out to ruffle Taka's disheveled, thick hair.
Tetsushin, who always maintained a stern face and presented a severe demeanor, showed a gentle and worried expression for the first time.
"Taka... you are a very impressive, very hardworking child..."
"Be sure to pass the Final Selection and come back alive...."
"We have a promise."