The first time sneaking out to play at midnight ended safely. The following days, Kagaya didn't get sick from eating outside food either.
Mission accomplished. Hooray!
With the first experience, the second time I suggested taking Kagaya out to play—he thought reservedly for a while. Still shyly agreed.
However, living in the same house—saying Ema knew nothing was impossible.
I also feared she'd worry at midnight. Get up to check if Kagaya slept well... What if she discovered such a big son wasn't in bed? Got scared into problems?
So before taking Kagaya out, I told her.
No matter how mature Kagaya must be before Demon Slayer Corps swordsmen—in Ema's eyes, he was only her child.
Letting this four or five-year-old child have more happy times—Ema was very willing. Also tacitly permitted me taking him out to play.
Ultimately, my sneaking around was to guard against those very nagging Nine Pillars. Every few days, they'd write letters to inquire about the new Master's health.
If they knew I took him out to play, definitely a pile of nonsense awaited me.
Kagaya's first outing was quite careful. Just circled the nearby city once, then urged me back.
Later, his courage grew. After nightfall, once servants left—we'd slip out right after.
Also not just eating, drinking, playing. Kagaya preferred chatting with street passersby and shop owners.
Others saw his young age. Yet speech and manner like a little adult. All very surprised. Also very happy to chat with this little friend.
I asked what he wanted to know from chatting with others. Kagaya said the Ubuyashiki and Demon Slayer Corps always hid in darkness. Focused on demon slaying. Unknowingly became isolated from the normal world. Continuing this way wasn't good.
For instance, once after chatting with a fashionably dressed gentleman—he came home and found publications introducing new-style things. After studying for a while, discussed with me whether firearms could be introduced to the Demon Slayer Corps.
Actually, when Western firearms appeared, the Ubuyashiki at that time already considered this.
However, the final result remained regrettable.
I pulled out that year's trial records. Carefully analyzed with Kagaya why the Demon Slayer Corps currently couldn't change Nichirin Blades to firearms.
One—insufficient lethality. Even if bullets used the same materials, demons hit wouldn't immediately die like humans. Demons' regeneration ability far stronger than humans.
Two—bullets were troublesome to manufacture. After use, difficult to recover. Don't look at their small size—accumulated one by one, materials consumed far faster than forging new blades for swordsmen.
Three—Breathing Styles always coordinated with swordsmanship. Those older Cultivators also found accepting new things difficult... Didn't know how to train Corps members to combine Breathing Styles with firearms in combat.
The last point—in my view, actually not that important... But swordsmiths took pride in personally forged blades. Making them switch careers to research manufacturing firearms—they definitely wouldn't accept.
In summary, very unprofitable. Also easily caused Demon Slayer Corps chaos. Therefore abandoned.
But Kagaya didn't feel discouraged. Thought for a while before saying, "But what if Corps members cannot use Breathing Styles?"
I answered without thinking, "Then he shouldn't join the Demon Slayer Corps. No Cultivator would accept training such a swordsman."
"That's wrong, Lord Chihaya."
He kept a round face taut. Showed an unprecedentedly serious expression. Looked very incongruous.
I didn't laugh. Sat up straight to think. "Mm, where do you think it's wrong?"
"Not a single Corps member should join the Demon Slayer Corps." Kagaya said seriously. "They come here all to prevent more people from suffering like them... That heart protecting others shouldn't be ranked by talent."
I was lectured by a child.
After thinking more seriously, I honestly apologized to him. "You're right. I shouldn't think that way. Won't say such things again."
Kagaya immediately smiled. Fingers still stroking that book. Said to me, "As you said, firearms aren't suitable for large-scale promotion. But for Corps members whose talents are somewhat lacking, this might help them make up the gap."
Because he said so, I wrote a letter on his behalf to the swordsmith village. Asked if any swordsmith was willing to research this new thing.
Fortunately, after some time, the village chief replied—a craftsman was very interested in firearms. Willing to accept this commission.
Kagaya was mostly well-behaved and polite. Even presiding over his first Pillar meeting, didn't show half a bit of discomfort. At such a young age, gained the Pillars' recognition.
But this didn't mean he had no willful moments.
For instance, half a year after his father's death, his birthday arrived... Though because Father just passed away, couldn't celebrate loudly—I still asked what wish he had.
Kagaya's request was—he wanted to personally see how Corps members and demons fought.
"I always hide in the safest place. Wait for everyone on the front lines to fight at risk. I want to know how my Corps members battle demons. Also want to remember their fighting appearance."
If taking him out to play, I could still decide myself.
But such a risky matter—not something I could casually agree to.
I didn't pretend nothing happened. Specially asked Ema.
She was already near her due date. Daily movements inconvenient. Could only rest in bed.
Hearing Kagaya had this thought, she silently pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Then I'll entrust you. Lord Kagaya knows what he's doing."
Fine. Since the mother agreed, I also had to fulfill the child's wish. Said nothing could stump me.
Actually speaking of risk—mainly that Muzan could control demons... If Kagaya showed himself before demons, very likely would leak his whereabouts.
Urokodaki already returned to settle in his hometown. He was skilled at handicrafts. I asked him to make two masks and send them over. For me and Kagaya to both wear. Also had him wear an outer garment soaked in wisteria flower juice. To mask his scent.
Next most important—find a suitable battlefield for him to observe.
This also wasn't troublesome. Before long, somewhere reported news of demon mischief... Because missing persons hadn't exceeded the danger line, sent to execute the mission was a Mizunoe-rank Corps member.
That place also wasn't far from the Ubuyashiki residence. After getting news, I took Kagaya to rush over. Just in time to catch that swordsman entering the city searching for demon traces.
His surname was Inoue. By appearance, at most sixteen or seventeen. According to rank, should have just passed Final Selection not long ago.
I held Kagaya, standing far away on a rooftop. While observing Inoue's actions, softly explained to Kagaya.
Basically, Demon Slayer Corps swordsmen concentrated between fifteen and twenty-five years old. Those who could live past twenty-five—necessarily elite swordsmen at Pillar level.
Actually, this was already good. Before Yoriichi taught everyone Breathing Styles, demon hunters' lifespans generally under twenty.
Kagaya listened to my soft words. Fingers gripped my clothes. Very dejectedly said, "My swordsmen are clearly healthy. Why do they seem also cursed, short-lived like me?"
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