Rengoku Shinjuro sat at the courtyard table.
He had come to deliver a Nichirin Blade to Kuwajima Jigoro, fulfilling a request his father had made before passing away.
Having just completed a mission nearby, he decided to visit Mount Sagiri.
Breakfast for the master and rebellious disciple was simple: white porridge, pickles, and rice balls.
However, their appetites were not simple at all.
"Senior, you truly have a good appetite," Rengoku Shinjuro said with a smile as he looked at the rapidly emptying bowls.
"My rebellious disciple eats like a beast. Help yourself. Treat this like your own home," Kuwajima replied.
He hesitated for a moment before asking, "How has your father been recently?"
Rengoku Shinjuro's brows lowered slightly, and sadness flickered in his eyes.
Kuwajima understood immediately.
His old friend had passed away.
He forced himself to continue eating calmly, though grief tightened his chest.
"I should have visited him," Kuwajima said with a bitter smile.
"Senior, Father left with a smile. There is no need to worry," Shinjuro replied warmly.
He drew another Nichirin Blade from his waist and presented it respectfully.
"This was Father's personal blade. Before he passed, he specifically instructed me to deliver it to you."
Just then, a lazy voice interrupted the heavy atmosphere.
"Yo, we have guests?"
Yukito walked over rubbing his eyes, sat down casually, grabbed a bowl of porridge, and began eating.
Kuwajima immediately smacked him on the head. "You brat, show some respect. Call him Uncle!"
Yukito looked up.
The porridge in his mouth almost sprayed out.
So similar.
The fiery hair, the eyebrows, the aura.
This was definitely the Rengoku family.
He did not remember the Rengoku family having direct ties to Kuwajima, but this world already had small changes. It did not matter.
It was a good change.
"You eat a lot," Rengoku Shinjuro said with a bright smile. "A healthy appetite is a blessing. I have a son around your age. You two should meet sometime."
"Uncle, I definitely want to!" Yukito said excitedly as he grabbed Shinjuro's hand.
That was Rengoku Kyojuro.
Of course he wanted to meet him.
"You brat, get off the table!" Kuwajima kicked Yukito down when he climbed onto it.
"Old Man, at least give me some face in front of guests," Yukito complained while rubbing his backside.
"He is not an outsider. I know his father well," Kuwajima replied gruffly.
Rengoku Shinjuro watched them with amusement.
Their relationship was truly good.
He stayed until noon. After lunch, he prepared to leave.
Suddenly, a black Kasugai Crow landed on his shoulder.
"Rengoku! Rengoku! Hachijo Island, west-northwest! A demon is devouring people!"
"Understood," Shinjuro replied immediately.
He patted the crow gently and prepared to depart at once.
Yukito's expression turned serious.
"Master, can I go with Uncle?"
This was important.
According to the original timeline, a future Hashira would be saved there by the Flame Hashira.
Yukito did not want the world's small deviations to create regret.
For the first time in twelve years, Kuwajima saw such seriousness in his disciple's eyes.
Though reluctant, he understood.
A fledgling must eventually leave the nest.
"Stay close to the Flame Hashira. Do not act recklessly," Kuwajima said sternly.
"I know you're talented, but you are not at Hashira level yet. Do not be reckless."
"Eh? You agreed?" Yukito blinked.
"Wait here," Kuwajima muttered.
He soon returned, tossing a package and a Nichirin Blade to Yukito.
Inside were rice balls and some money.
"You planned this from the start, didn't you?" Yukito grinned. "As expected of my Master. Truly wise."
Before Kuwajima could respond, Yukito had already dashed away.
"You rebellious brat! I don't believe you won't come home!" Kuwajima shouted.
When Yukito's figure disappeared down the path, the old man seemed to age instantly.
"Be careful," he muttered softly.
On the mountain trail, crimson-gold lightning streaked forward.
Rengoku Shinjuro moved at astonishing speed. Yukito could only keep up by using his sword techniques to enhance his movement.
He knew that practice alone was meaningless.
Only real combat forged strength.
"Uncle, wait for me!"
Rengoku paused slightly.
"Did I just hear that child's voice?" he murmured.
"Rengoku! Look behind you!" the Kasugai Crow cawed.
He turned.
A figure wrapped in crimson-gold lightning was charging toward him at incredible speed.
At such a young age, he had already mastered Breathing techniques to this extent.
"Genius!" Rengoku laughed loudly. "Senior Kuwajima's disciple is truly a genius!"
He slowed down enough for Yukito to catch up.
"Uncle, may I join the mission?" Yukito asked.
"You have not even passed the Final Selection yet," Shinjuro replied seriously. "Demon slaying requires risking your life."
"As long as all demons are eliminated, this life is worth risking," Yukito said calmly.
The determination in his eyes surprised Shinjuro.
"Only through real combat can one grow. I will not hold you back," Yukito added.
Rengoku Shinjuro burst into laughter. "Good! You have spirit! Then come! I will not go easy on you!"
He felt deeply moved.
The Demon Slayer Corps truly had successors.