That's how Gyomei and I became acquainted.
Because he was blind—also had keen hearing, plus quite old—didn't quite fit Cultivators' standards for selecting disciples.
For a time, also very difficult to find a teacher who could excavate his talent.
After asking Kagaya's opinion, I proactively told Gyomei my origins. Asked if he minded letting me guide his training.
He initially was shocked by my true identity for a moment. But didn't mind I was a demon. Didn't consider too long before agreeing.
Gyomei was very tall. Far surpassed ordinary men. This was very good innate advantage. As long as exercise volume supplemented—he should quickly master Breathing Styles.
From years of experience, I judged—he should suit Stone Breathing well.
However, because he couldn't see—probably couldn't wield Nichirin Swords like ordinary swordsmen. Best was a weapon coordinating with his hearing. Letting him attack from distance.
I had no experience forging weapons. Simply threw this puzzle to those swordsmiths who loved challenging new things. The village chief replied with an enthusiastic letter. Said willing to attempt crafting new weapons.
After weapons determined, I could confirm how sword techniques Gyomei should learn needed improvement. Before then, just taught him using Breathing Styles.
His progress also quite gratifying. When returning to the Ubuyashiki residence—already achieved beginner level.
I went out about half a year. Kagaya looked like he grew a bit taller. Body looked fine.
Just what surprised me—a young woman also in the residence.
That year, Kagaya and I glimpsed her once. Now she'd grown up. Appearance more delicate and beautiful than childhood... However, face had no expression. Quiet like an orchid. Silently doing her own things.
Her name was Amane. Kagaya's fiancée.
This, I naturally knew. Just when I left, Kagaya was still intensely pulling with the Shrine Priest. Planning to politely decline this marriage.
What was going on? I secretly sized up this beautiful girl. Used corner of my eye to glance at Kagaya.
After meeting Gyomei, Kagaya spoke with me alone—only then explained what happened during my absence.
He wrote a long letter seriously telling the Shrine Priest—he didn't need a wife. Also asked the Shrine Priest not to make things difficult for that chosen girl.
Besides this, he also wrote to Amane. Asked her not to force herself. Breaking the engagement—he'd bear responsibility alone.
But reportedly, after reading this letter, Amane instead agreed to the marriage. Simply followed the Shrine Priest's instructions. Brought simple luggage to the Ubuyashiki residence herself.
How they got along during this time—I wasn't clear. But Kagaya's attitude had changed.
Though he didn't say explicitly. Expression also calm—but I watched him grow up! Could those little thoughts hide from me?
He fell for Amane. Sincerely, tenderly loved her.
Even if he disguised well—I still saw that cautious joy. Made one's heart soften.
"When will the wedding be held?" I asked.
Limited by health reasons, each generation of Ubuyashiki couldn't give married wives grand ceremonies. But proper procedures—they absolutely wouldn't omit.
Even if only a handful could witness this wedding—must solemnly declare before heavenly gods at the shrine... The girl holding hands with him would be a lifelong companion.
Kagaya smiled, answered, "I think holding it when it warms up would be better. However, should first ask Amane's opinion?"
So I ran errands. Helped him ask Amane.
The young woman hearing this sat properly before me. Slightly lowered her head. Only let people see the upward curve of her mouth corners. A gentle, sweet smile.
"I like spring. The season of blooming flowers is very beautiful." She spoke frankly. "But pollen might make Lord Kagaya's body uncomfortable. So still choose a season without flowers."
But summer—wearing such thick ceremonial clothes, very easy to feel unwell.
After some discussion, the ceremony was set for late spring evening.
Considering Kagaya's poor health, ceremony procedures also simplified considerably.
Though didn't know how many of the Nine Pillars could attend—I still sent out invitations.
Everyone very happy. Replied saying would definitely try to spare time to attend.
Ume and Gyutaro also said—definitely would come. Ume also boasted to Kagaya—would send a peerless grand gift.
Even Gyomei, residing at the Ubuyashiki residence, sent blessings at first opportunity.
After that, good news came one after another.
Obanai was already sent to the Water Breathing Cultivator. That elderly swordsman wrote praising the new disciple profusely. Also said Obanai's body was flexible and agile. Combined with Water Breathing sword techniques—most likely could create a Breathing Style uniquely his own.
Because swordsmen easily went astray when innovating, this Cultivator also enthusiastically invited me—when free, guide Obanai. Could help him better improve himself.
In Obanai's letter to me—didn't mention the Cultivator praising him. Instead mentioned the Cultivator had several literary collections. After following the teacher to learn characters, also borrowed them. Found poetry very wonderful.
So in letters, only discussed these poems with me. Once, even shyly attached haiku he created himself.
I felt cultivating a life hobby besides demon slaying was very good. Greatly praised his haiku. Encouraged him to practice more. Could also try submitting to literary publications.
After New Year's, the swordsmith village also sent new weapons made for Gyomei. Iron hammer and axe connected by iron chains. Difficulty using them in combat—not just a little.
However, weapons suited Gyomei well. After receiving them, intensified practicing martial techniques.
This long-distance weapon—Ume and Gyutaro used most... Especially Ume. Seeing the Demon Slayer Corps' new member use weapons similar to hers—immediately became spirited.
She carried a senior's airs. Each time when Gyomei practiced, commented from the side like an expert. When stuck for words, quickly sought help from Gyutaro.
After Gyomei's Breathing Style gradually improved, the siblings also proactively became sparring partners. Helped him familiarize how to battle demons.
After spring flowers withered, Kagaya and Amane's wedding finished—Gyomei carried his weapon, completed training. Went to execute his first mission.
And I also left private space for Kagaya and Amane. Moved out from the Ubuyashiki residence.
Very unfortunately—regaining freedom not long—encountered a troublesome matter.
Don't know if should count as trouble?
I was kidnapped.
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