Kagaya's words left Ryosuke completely stunned.
So… you want me to go give him a mental health intervention?
Boss, don't mess with me like this!
I can barely keep my own mindset from collapsing, and you want me to counsel someone else?!
And that someone is Rengoku Shinjuro?!
The man who got mentally shattered after reading the ancestral Records of the Flame Hashira—
After realizing that the Sun Breathing used by Yoriichi to slash Muzan was on a completely different level.
On top of that, his wife fell gravely ill, eventually passed away, and he drowned himself in alcohol, lashing out harshly at his sons out of guilt and grief.
He only came out of retirement near the very end because the Corps was desperately understaffed.
And you want me to persuade him?
Persuade him how?
What am I supposed to say—
"Your wife is dying, please accept my condolences, now pull yourself together and go kill demons"?
Isn't that just straight-up asking to get beaten?!
With the combined social experience of two lifetimes still not matching a normal person's, what makes you think I can play therapist?!
I'd already consider it a success if I didn't mentally collapse on the spot, alright?!
Ryosuke felt his head split in two. Instinctively, he tried to refuse.
"Master, this… Rengoku-san's family matters are heavy. I'm an outsider—it wouldn't be appropriate for me to—"
Before he could finish, the previously silent Himejima Gyomei turned toward him.
"Namu Amida Butsu…"
Hands clasped together, Himejima spoke in a deep, solemn voice.
"Mr. Yasui, words may be powerless at times, but one's actions—and one's very presence—can still illuminate a lost path, if only briefly."
"Your voice once pierced the darkness and offered me salvation."
"Someone like you may be precisely the 'fated encounter' Rengoku-san needs."
Ryosuke: "..."
Why are you piling on too?!
One of you plays good cop, the other bad cop—
Are you two roasting me over an open fire together?!
That shout back then was just emotion getting the better of me!
How is that comparable to this situation?!
This 'fated encounter' you're talking about is way too heavy, alright?!
Ubuyashiki Kagaya seemed to fully understand Ryosuke's discomfort and resistance.
There was no displeasure on his face—only a trace of helplessness mixed into his gentle smile.
"I understand. This may indeed be asking too much of you, Mr. Yasui."
"But Rengoku-san was once a blazing flame upon the demon-slaying path—dazzling beyond measure."
"To see that flame gradually dim… as his lord and his friend, I cannot help but feel sorrow."
"If you truly find this difficult, then consider it nothing more than an unreasonable request. You may forget it entirely."
Ryosuke was about ready to roll his eyes clean out of his skull.
You've already said this much—
If I just turn around and walk away, do you think I'll still survive in the Demon Slayer Corps?!
He was completely pinned, with zero room to escape.
This was workplace pressure, wasn't it?!
Straight-up corporate bullying!
After a long silence, Ryosuke finally let out a deep sigh.
"I understand, Master. Himejima-san."
"I'll go see Rengoku-san. I can't promise results—but I'll do my best."
Only then did Kagaya's smile relax slightly.
"Thank you, Mr. Yasui."
The meeting ended.
Ryosuke shuffled out of the courtyard, his head drooping like a defeated dog.
Shota, who had been waiting in the side hall, immediately rushed over.
"Hey! What did the Master want with you this time? Why so secretive?"
Ryosuke looked utterly lifeless as he waved weakly.
"Nothing much. Just caring about his subordinates' mental health."
"Anyway, it's nothing good."
"Tch. Fine, keep your secrets."
Shota pouted, but seeing Ryosuke clearly unwilling to talk, he didn't push further.
Ryosuke had no mood to linger. After asking for the Rengoku residence's address, he set off immediately.
The Rengoku family had served as Flame Hashira for generations.
Naturally, their finances were solid.
The estate was grand yet understated, situated in an excellent location.
Ryosuke had just stopped at the gate when it opened from the inside.
A少年 stepped out.
Golden-and-red hair, instantly recognizable. Sharp brows, bright eyes, with lingering traces of youth still on his face.
It was a young Rengoku Kyojuro.
"Hello! May I ask who you're looking for?"
Kyojuro sized Ryosuke up, easily guessing his identity from the Nichirin sword at his waist and Corps uniform.
Looking at the young version of this future pillar, Ryosuke felt a strange sensation.
Like seeing someone you know suddenly pretending to be younger than they are.
Suppressing a smile, Ryosuke softened his voice.
"Hello. I'm Yasui Ryosuke of the Demon Slayer Corps. I was asked by the Master to visit Rengoku-san."
"Oh! A colleague of Father's! Please come in!"
Kyojuro immediately stepped aside, movements crisp and energetic.
"Father is in the backyard! I'll take you to him!"
He had Ryosuke sit briefly in the reception room, then hurried off.
Not long after, hurried footsteps approached.
Rengoku Shinjuro strode into the room.
He wore a casual kimono, his frame still tall and imposing.
"Oh! Young Yasui! We meet again!"
Shinjuro's eyes lit up the moment he saw Ryosuke.
"The Master had someone send word earlier! I didn't expect you to arrive so quickly!"
Ryosuke said nothing, only bowed slightly.
Shinjuro waved it off, then scanned him closely, surprise flashing through his eyes.
"Your presence is completely different from last time!"
"Total Concentration: Constant is fully stabilized—and the vitality within your body is far stronger!"
"It seems you haven't been slacking off. You must've gone through extremely harsh training!"
Ever since Ryosuke's liver had fully recovered, his physical functions and strength had surged.
After seeing Himejima earlier, Shinjuro reading him at a glance didn't surprise him.
Hashira really did have terrifying senses.
"I just had a bit of luck," Ryosuke replied.
"I'm still far from your level, Rengoku-san."
Shinjuro nodded, as if wanting to say something more—
But his gaze drifted involuntarily toward the depths of the estate.
A few faint coughing sounds carried over.
His brows instantly furrowed, worry and irritation surfacing without restraint.
The atmosphere in the room grew heavy.
Ryosuke racked his brain, utterly clueless about how to start.
Comfort him? Encourage him?
He had no idea where to begin.
Ask directly—"How is your wife's condition?"
That felt way too abrupt.
Shinjuro, already agitated, suddenly stood up.
He strode to the courtyard's weapon rack, grabbed two wooden swords, and tossed one to Ryosuke.
"Enough talk!"
He raised his voice.
"You've improved a lot. Since you're here, spar with me!"
Ryosuke caught the wooden sword and didn't refuse.
Even among Hashira, sparring was common.
Crossing blades with swordsmen of different Breathing styles was invaluable for growth.
And Ryosuke also wanted to know—
Just how wide the gap between himself and a true Hashira really was.
With that thought, he stepped into the courtyard and clasped his hands in salute.
"Then… I'll have to trouble you."
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