Demon Slayer: The Great Swordsman's System, Disciple of Yoriichi

Hearing footsteps outside, Sisho knew that Yoriichi had returned.

"Master."

Yoriichi nodded and sat down opposite Sisho.

"Is something on your mind?"

"If not, sit and talk with me."

Unexpectedly, Yoriichi was the one to ask Sisho if something was wrong. In seven years, this was the first time. Without the slightest hesitation, Sisho poured Yoriichi a cup of tea. He sat there quietly, waiting for Yoriichi to speak.

Yoriichi took a sip, moistening his throat, and for the first time in a long while, a flicker of emotion crossed his face. "I was born into a powerful samurai family. When I was young…"

He told Sisho about his past, and then recounted the conversation he just had with Michikatsu. "Sisho, I ask you, what is the reason for a person to live in this world?" he asked, putting down his teacup, a hint of sorrow in his eyes.

Sisho didn't speak. He picked up a brush and paper and drew something. The image was simple: a massive star surrounded by countless tiny, minuscule stars.

"In my view, both your perspective and Uncle Michikatsu's are just your own personal wills," Sisho said. "Those with different paths cannot walk together. Even if I am just a single speck of dust in the infinite starry sky of history, I will strive to be the most dazzling one of all! I will master this path and stand alone at its peak!"

Hearing Sisho's words, Yoriichi fell silent, staring blankly at the drawing. Suddenly, it was as if he understood. Just as Sisho said, both he and his brother were guided by their own convictions. Everyone has their own thoughts, and there was no need to force himself or others to understand one another.

"I am truly... defeated by you," Yoriichi murmured. He stood up, walked over to Sisho, and knelt down. Just as Sisho was wondering what he was about to do, Yoriichi reached out and hugged him.

In all seven years, this was the first time Sisho had felt Yoriichi's embrace.

"Master~" Sisho whispered. He didn't resist, simply letting himself feel the embrace. He instinctively reached out and hugged Yoriichi back.

The warmth of his disciple's hands seemed to pierce straight into Yoriichi's heart. "I am so glad I met you back then." Yoriichi's body trembled slightly, and Sisho felt his own shoulder grow damp.

No, meeting you was my greatest fortune, Sisho replied silently in his heart, hugging him tightly.

The master and disciple said little more, yet it felt as if they had said everything.

That night, after dinner, Sisho and Yoriichi retired to their rooms. When the moon hung high and the night was still, the sound of a flute suddenly arose. The melody was awkward, even unpleasant to the ear. But within the off-key tune, Sisho could hear the heart of the player. He knew his master had overcome his inner conflict and was no longer lost.

The next morning, Sisho and Yoriichi received a summons from Kagaya Ubuyashiki. The messenger was his wife, Amane.

Confused, Sisho asked, "Why has Oyakata-sama suddenly summoned us?"

"I do not know." Amane shook her head, indicating she was unaware of Kagaya's intentions. "Kagaya said the specifics must be discussed at the estate. And that this is a top-secret mission."

Their curiosity piqued, Sisho and Yoriichi secretly made their way to the Ubuyashiki estate. Entering the room, the first thing Sisho saw was Kagaya Ubuyashiki lying on a bed. Compared to their last meeting, he could no longer even sit up on his own. Most of his body was wrapped in bandages, and the air was thick with the smell of medicine. He was like a lamp whose oil had run out, as if he could pass away at any moment. Beside him, a small child who looked to be only four or five years old was taking care of him.

"Cough, cough… you've come." The one visible eye of Ubuyashiki moved, and his gaze seemed to brighten slightly. "Nozomi, help me up."

The child, Ubuyashiki Nozomi, helped his father sit up, placing several pillows behind him. "Yoriichi, Sisho… I am glad you could come. As you can see, I do not have much time left."

As soon as he finished speaking, Kagaya's chest began to heave violently. "Gah, cough, cough!" He suddenly coughed up a large mouthful of black, clotted blood, and his breathing grew even weaker.

"Oyakata-sama, you should conserve your strength," Sisho advised. Yoriichi nodded in agreement, also hoping Kagaya would take care of himself.

"If that's the case, then I will get straight to the mission." After resting for a moment and coughing up more blood, Kagaya's breathing stabilized. "You should know that demons are solitary creatures. If one appears in a certain area, it is highly unlikely a second one will appear."

Sisho and Yoriichi nodded in acknowledgment. Even among demons, there was competition. Food in a region was limited, and if two demons met, the weaker one would likely be driven away.

"But this time is different. The Kakushi have discovered that a large number of demons have gathered in a single town. A conservative estimate puts their number at no less than thirty!"

Hearing this, Sisho could already guess what Kagaya was thinking.

"I'm sure you have both guessed it. I hope you will take action and eliminate all of them. Within the Demon Slayer Corps, only the two of you, who can use the Breath of the Sun, are capable of this. So, I am begging you."

As he spoke, Kagaya lowered his head. This was the most profound gesture of respect he could physically make.

"Father!" The young Nozomi tried to pull his father up, but no matter how he tugged, his once-weak father was as unmovable as a statue. Tears welled up in Nozomi's eyes. He knew the unimaginable pain his father must be enduring to make such a gesture.

[System Notification: Kagaya Ubuyashiki has issued a request. Accept?]

The system's voice suddenly rang in his mind, surprising Sisho. For the system to classify this as a formal mission showed just how serious Kagaya's request was. Perhaps a few dozen demons were nothing to Yoriichi, but for Sisho, who was participating in a large-scale battle for the first time, this would be a life-threatening fight.

He glanced at Yoriichi and saw him nod. As expected, Master Yoriichi's choice was the same as his.

Accept.

Making the choice in his mind, Sisho then spoke to Kagaya. "Oyakata-sama, please raise your head."

Hearing that they had accepted the mission, Kagaya looked up, a hint of surprise in his eyes. Though he had never hunted a single demon himself, he knew that for Sisho, this would be the most difficult mission he had ever faced. Yet, Sisho had accepted without hesitation.

Yoriichi stood up and left the room first. "So, can we depart now?" Sisho asked with a small smile as he helped Kagaya lie back down.

"Cough, cough… I will have someone make arrangements for you immediately." Unable to hide the joy in his eyes, Kagaya's expression was one of excitement.

As Sisho pushed the door open to leave, three voices suddenly spoke from within the room. "May your fortunes in battle be prosperous."

Sisho replied without turning back. "We will not disappoint you."

He closed the door with a soft thud and walked out of the estate. At the same time, the detailed mission prompt sounded in his mind.

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