Jigoro Kuwajima listened in silence, his expression showing no surprise. "Of course. Slaying demons is not a polite dinner party."
He slowly poured a cup of tea that had long since gone cold, took a sip, and spoke. "Your assessment is sharp. That child has a problem with his character. I brought him up the mountain knowing exactly that."
Tatsuya blinked, taken aback by how bluntly his master categorized the new disciple.
"I am not blind," Kuwajima said, his gaze turning distant. "From the moment I 'happened' to meet him at the foot of the mountain, I knew it wasn't a coincidence. He had heard from somewhere that a Trainer lived on Mount Momoyama and purposely swung his blade at the forest edge to catch my eye. Since coming here, his behavior—while respectful—lacks sincerity. To his core, he is driven by a selfish desire to cling to the strong and climb upward by any means necessary."
"Then why did you..." Tatsuya was even more confused.
"For two reasons." Kuwajima held up two fingers. "First, Kaigaku truly possesses talent for Thunder Breathing. While his potential doesn't match yours, he is one in a hundred. It would be a waste to let that go to waste."
He paused, a trace of complex emotion in his voice. "Second, I have been reflecting lately. In the past, my standards for disciples were too rigid—accepting only those with both perfect character and talent. While this ensured quality, perhaps... I also passed over some unpolished gems. Children who were simply lacking guidance rather than being beyond redemption."
Tatsuya looked at his master in shock. He never expected the legendary strict "Roaring Hashira" to engage in such introspection.
"Taking Kaigaku in is an experiment," Kuwajima continued. "Even if this time fails, next time, or the time after that, there will eventually be a moment where a flawed stone is turned into a treasure. I hope that through correct guidance and tempering, I can straighten his character. If successful, not only will the Corps gain a powerful swordsman, but it will prove that even a flawed jade can shine."
Tatsuya understood now. It was all for the sake of the Corps. He couldn't help but chuckle, his tone playful. "Master, aren't you being a bit hypocritical? When we talked about standards before, you said 'quality over quantity' and 'never recruit the corrupt.' And yet, here you are, breaking your own rules."
He leaned in closer, whispering with a mischievous wink. "Is it because your favorite first disciple is about to graduate and the mountain will be too quiet? You just wanted a new toy to keep you busy, didn't you?"
Normally, Kuwajima would have barked "Fool!" or whacked him with his cane. This time, the old man remained silent for a moment. The harsh lines on his face softened, and he actually gave a small nod.
"That is part of it," Kuwajima admitted, his voice carrying a hint of loneliness. "Tatsuya, once you pass the Final Selection and become a Slayer, the days we spend together like this will be numbered. You'll be lucky to return to Mount Momoyama more than a few times a year."
The sudden, somber honesty made Tatsuya's smile freeze. a wave of warmth and the pang of impending departure surged through him.
"I'll definitely come back to see you often, Master. Besides, you told me I have to come back here to wait for my Nichirin Sword anyway."
"Hmph, that's only a few days of waiting... It's enough that you have the heart. I'd rather you chop off a few more demon heads."
Kuwajima didn't let the sentimentality linger. He straightened his back, his expression returning to its usual sternness. "Therefore, Tatsuya, in these last two months on the mountain, I am giving you a task."
"Name it, Master."
"As the Senior, you must guide and supervise Kaigaku as much as possible," Kuwajima said sharply. "Not just in his training, but in his character. You must be his 'safety net.' Pull him back when he strays, remind him when he seeks shortcuts, and discipline him when he errs. This is a Senior's responsibility... and your special training."
"To slay demons... you must first understand the human heart."
Tatsuya nodded heavily. "I understand, Master. I will do my best to teach him."
Watching the reliable young man Tatsuya had become, Kuwajima felt pride—and a heavy hidden resolve. Tatsuya, as the Senior, you will be his safety net. But as the Master, if Kaigaku eventually strays and commits an unforgivable act... then the one who must take final responsibility and act as the ultimate safety net is me.
Following that conversation, Tatsuya began to watch Kaigaku with a more scrutinizing eye.
During the morning runs, Tatsuya would purposely slow down to run alongside the gasping Kaigaku. "Morning, Junior! How's the state of things today?"
Kaigaku would glance at him, annoyed that Tatsuya was interrupting his rhythm. "Fine... Senior. Legs are just heavy..."
"Normal!" Tatsuya laughed. "I wasn't much better when I started! Thunder Breathing demands everything from your body. If the foundation isn't set, you'll break. Hold on."
Kaigaku would grunt an affirmative, but internally, his resentment grew. Easy for you to say... you're strong. You don't know what it's like to be at the bottom.
Over the next two months, Tatsuya tried his best to guide Kaigaku, sharing insights and attempting to open his heart during chores. But he could feel the invisible wall. Kaigaku's "friendliness" was calculated—he saw Tatsuya as a useful tool for getting stronger, not as a brother.