Thud!
A limp arm, about the thickness of a child, fell weakly to the ground.
The once-massive bulk of the Hand Demon had now shriveled into a small, pitiful lump.
Dozens of sickly green, muscular arms had turned into pale, feeble, elongated limbs.
If the Hand Demon strength had once rivaled two Karasuma, then now, drained dry by Shinichi and left with barely a breath, it might barely equal two of Karasuma… fingers.
With a casual glance at the Hand Demon, Shinichi retracted the vine-like tendrils emerging from his palm.
A faint glimmer flashed at his waist, and a bamboo canteen appeared in his hand.
Pulling out the stopper, the rich fragrance of wisteria immediately wafted out.
Gulping down the entire canteen of Wisteria Tea, Shinichi twisted expression gradually softened.
The crimson hue in his right eye faded back into a gentle peach-pink and his sharp fangs and claws slowly retracted to their normal state.
Looking up at the countless stars twinkling in the night sky and the moon gradually sinking westward, he murmured.
"Seems like dawn is approaching."
***
On the eighth morning of Shinichi mountain trial, at the entrance of Mount Fujikasane, the Flame Hashira, Rengoku Shinjuro, stood with his arms crossed, rigidly positioned before a table draped in red cloth.
The morning sun cast a radiant glow on the flame-patterned haori draped over his shoulders, making it shimmer with an extraordinary brilliance.
Behind Shinjuro stood a much shorter boy, also standing upright.
Though young, the boy striking resemblance to Shinjuro—his spirited expression, fiery golden hair, red-tipped strands, wide orange eyes and bold eyebrows—made him unforgettable at first glance.
In his arms, the boy cradled an adorable black Shiba Inu.
As time passed, movement stirred from the shadowy path leading deep into Mount Fujikasane.
Gradually, Shinjuro discerned the sound—footsteps!
From within the wisteria-lined path, a figure slowly came into view.
The moment Shinichi, with his sword at his side, stepped out of the wisteria-covered trail, a sense of vast openness washed over him.
The morning sunlight was soft yet warm, evoking a feeling of nature revival.
However, for Shinichi the warmth of the sun was something he could no longer perceive.
Exiting Mount Fujikasane, Shinichi immediately spotted Rengoku Shinjuro standing with his arms crossed.
He was surprised—had the Flame Hashira been waiting here at the mountain for seven whole days?
A sense of being valued washed over him, stirring a flicker of satisfaction in his heart.
(Actually, Shinichi was overthinking it. The Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps all had crucial demon-slaying duties. Shinjuro just happened to be on a mission near Mount Fujikasane during this time.)
But what caught Shinichi attention even more was the boy behind Shinjuro.
He looked to be only eleven or twelve, yet his striking resemblance to Shinjuro—right down to the fiery hair, bold eyebrows, and intense gaze—made him look like a miniaturized, enhanced version of the Flame Hashira.
The "mini-Shinjuro" was even holding Shinichi own Maru-ni in his arms. The ungrateful little dog showed no reaction to his master return, lounging comfortably in the boy embrace.
It seemed high time to put Maru-ni on a diet.
Shinichi walked up to Shinjuro and before the Hashira could speak, pointed at the "mini-Shinjuro" behind him and asked.
"Is this your kid?"
Shinjuro blinked, then replied bluntly "How did you know?"
Hmm... A big owl standing next to a small owl—it was obvious at a glance.
Shinichi was speechless, but Rengoku quickly introduced the youth behind him who looked exactly like him.
"Rengoku Kyoujuro, my eldest son" he said with a trace of barely detectable pride in his voice.
Kyoujuro, holding Maru-ni also looked at Shinichi with curiosity, particularly at the Nichirin Blade at his waist.
He had already heard Shinichi story from his father and greatly admired this older brother who was three years his senior.
For the eldest son of the Rengoku family, a lineage of demon slayers, someone so young yet having already slain dozens of demons was truly fascinating.
"Kyoujuro? A fine name" Shinichi remarked without surprise.
It was only natural—not only did they look alike, but even their names were similar.
Rengoku estimated the time and then lowered his hands, speaking solemnly.
"Alright, Shinichi, to avoid wasting time, let's proceed quickly. First, congratulations on passing the Final Selection and welcome to the Demon Slayer Corps. We also thank you for everything you did on Mount Fujikasane."
As he spoke, Rengoku actually bowed deeply to Shinichi.
This was quite a gesture—considering Rengoku status as the Flame Hashira and his age, a man nearing thirty bowing to a teenager was somewhat inappropriate.
However, Rengoku saw no issue with it, as he wasn't just thanking Shinichi on his own behalf but also on behalf of the Demon Slayer Corps and future swordsmen who would participate in the Final Selection.
This bow was not excessive.
Seeing Rengoku bow to him, Shinichi was momentarily flustered.
Awkwardly scratching his nose, he said "Uh, this—this is what I should do!"
Rengoku straightened up and walked to a table covered with a red cloth behind him.
Lifting the cloth, he revealed a neatly folded Demon Slayer Corps uniform alongside several large chunks of ore resembling honeycomb coal.
Picking up the uniform, Rengoku personally handed it to Shinichi.
"Shinichi Moriki, the Demon Slayer Corps welcomes you."
Shinichi accepted the uniform and asked curiously.
"How did you know my measurements?"
"Elder Moriki Mitsuyo gave us a detailed account of your living habits. Rest assured, the Demon Slayer Corps can become the most trustworthy family for you."
Shinichi: "?? Old Man?? How did he know? Wait—!!"
"..."
After handing Shinichi the uniform, Rengoku added "Within our Demon Slayer Corps, swordsmen are divided into ten ranks: Kinoe, Kinoto, Hinoe, Hinoto, Tsuchinoe, Tsuchinoto, Kanoe, Kanoto, Mizunoe, and Mizunoto. Given your achievements, the Master and the Hashira unanimously agreed to promote you to Kinoto rank."
Shinichi murmured to himself "Kinoto, huh? Directly to the second rank—that's not bad at all."
He recalled the Kinoe-ranked swordsman Himejima Gyomei he had encountered in Takanogawa Village.
The man formidable strength left a deep impression on Shinichi.
Being ranked just below Gyomei didn't feel unfair, so he accepted the arrangement without hesitation.
Shinjuro helped Shinichi imprint the symbol representing a Kinoto rank on the back of his hand.
With this mark, Shinichi could receive full assistance from the Wisteria Crest families across the nation.
After explaining some of the Demon Slayer Corps' regulations, Shinjuro clapped his hands.
Suddenly, a loud caw echoed above Shinichi head.
A pitch-black Kasugai crow with large wings flapped nimbly, circling above Shinichi.
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