Shinichi stared blankly at the Nichirin Blade at his waist, lost in thought.
Just moments ago, he had intervened in the Final Selection.
That large-mouthed Demon, though slightly more ferocious than an ordinary one, wasn't beyond the standard limits.
If Kanae had encountered it, she likely would have slain it with ease.
Call it selfishness if you will, but Shinichi couldn't stand by and watch Shinobu be killed by that large-mouthed Demon.
In fact, sending Maru-ni into Mount Fujikasane was already an act of selfishness on his part.
The overpowered Demons on Mount Fujisasane had long been nearly exterminated by him after the Hand Demon betrayal and even the remaining Hand Demon had been drained of most of its power.
Therefore, Shinichi shouldn't have interfered with the Final Selection on Mount Fujikasane anymore.
Yet when he saw the Kocho Sisters at the foot of the mountain, Shinichi resolve wavered.
In the end, he used the pretext of patrolling Mount Fujikasane to send Maru-ni inside.
Truth be told, Shinichi intervention wasn't just to help Shinobu alone. Maru-ni had actually saved many other swordsmen who were nearly killed by Demons.
Whether it was due to their lack of skill or something else, Shinichi was deeply disappointed.
While the swordsmen courage was commendable, their weak Breathing Techniques and swordsmanship were almost unbearable to watch.
Those using Water Breathing couldn't even produce ripples on their blades—what a farce!
How did their trainers allow them to participate in the Final Selection?
With such poor skills, it was no wonder so few survived each Final Selection.
Shinichi heart grew heavy.
The number of swordsmen willing to join the Demon Slayer Corps was already scarce and such futile sacrifices on Mount Fujikasane were squandering the Corps' future.
The Final Selection had to change!
However, before Shinichi could figure out how to reform the Final Selection, the urgent flapping of wings sounded above him.
Puzzled, he looked up—it wasn't Eizo, but an unfamiliar Kasugai Crow.
Shinichi raised his arm and the crow swiftly landed on it.
Clearly, this crow owner was in dire straits, its tiny chest heaving rapidly.
"What happened?" Shinichi pressed urgently.
The unfamiliar crow cried out in a frantic voice.
"Reinforcements! Reinforcements needed! Demon Slayers in the southeast have encountered a Lower Moon Demon! Kinoe rank swordsman Moriki Shinichi, proceed immediately to assist!"
"A Lower moon Demon!" A flash of gravity crossed Shinichi eyes as he sprang to his feet.
The Kakushi member Goto, standing behind Shinichi had also heard the crow plea. Before Shinichi could speak, Goto stepped forward and said.
"Go, Shinichi! We'll handle things here at the Final Selection. Don't worry!"
Shinichi glanced at Goto, then back at Mount Fujikasane behind him.
Without a word, he gave a firm nod before gripping his Nichirin Blade and dashing off toward the southeast.
The crow that had delivered the plea immediately took to the skies again, guiding Shinichi path.
Though exhausted, it knew that without swift reinforcements, the Demon Slayers facing the Lower moon would be in grave danger.
So the crow pushed itself, flapping its wings desperately to lead the way.
In his haste, Shinichi had no time to bring Maru-ni along.
After leaving a brief instruction for Maru-ni, Shinichi swiftly departed Mount Fujikasane under Goto watchful gaze.
****
Meanwhile, within Mount Fujikasane...Maru-ni, who had been happily strolling through the mountain forest, suddenly stopped in his tracks.
Shinobu Kocho, who was struggling to carry a Nichirin Blade behind Maru-ni also halted in confusion.
The Nichirin Blade in Shinobu hands belonged to the swordsman who had been bitten by the Big-Mouthed Demon earlier.
However, by the time Maru-ni had slain the demon, the severely injured young swordsman had ultimately succumbed to his wounds.
Shinobu own Nichirin Blade had broken and to continue fighting, she picked up the fallen swordsman blade after burying him.
However, this Nichirin Blade was much heavier than the one she had previously used.
Seeing Maru-ni stop, Shinobu instinctively asked.
"What's wrong?"
Of course, Maru-ni couldn't answer.
His chubby little face showed a hint of grievance—his master had actually abandoned him and told him to take care of the child behind him.
How outrageous!
Maru-ni grumbled unhappily a couple of times before continuing forward on his short legs, leading the way.
He intended to take the little girl behind him to her sister.
Maru-ni actually knew Shinobu and her sister Kanae.
The little Shiba Inu nose clearly remembered the scent of these two sisters.
However, compared to Kanae, Maru-ni didn't particularly like Shinobu.
Or rather, Shinobu didn't interact much with Maru-ni and was even somewhat afraid of this fluffy, adorable little dog.
In contrast, Shinobu was more interested in plump, slippery goldfish.
Seeing Maru-ni continue forward, Shinobu hesitated but ultimately followed, still carrying the Nichirin Blade.
She didn't know why Maru-ni was here, but Shinobu was certain it had something to do with Shinichi at the foot of Mount Fujikasane.
That cold-faced man!
Just like her sister, he treated her like a child! This was so, so, so embarrassing!
Though Shinobu felt deeply ashamed inside, her body was honest and she obediently followed behind Maru-ni.
She just didn't know how she would face Shinichi, that cold-faced man, after the Final Selection.
"He'll laugh at me, won't he? He definitely will!" Shinobu muttered, her delicate little face downcast as she bit her lip.
***
Leaving aside the situation on Mount Fujikasane, Shinichi was currently rushing madly toward the southeast.
A Lower Moon Demon—after nearly two years, would he finally encounter one again?
Shinichi heart was heavy, but there was also a hint of excitement.
Two years ago, when he had faced Lower Moon Four—Rokuro, he had been far from a match for it.
Back then, Shinichi had repeatedly despaired over the gap in strength between himself and the Twelve Kizuki.
But now, times had changed!
After training in Forest Breathing and years of experience, Shinichi strength had improved by leaps and bounds.
If he were to face Lower Moon Four—Rokuro now, he wouldn't fear it in the slightest.
'Unknown Lower Moon Demon, I hope you're ready. I'm coming soon! Prepare to taste the power of Forest Breathing!' Shinichi thought to himself.
***
Meanwhile.
In Saga Prefecture, Shingi District.
Inside a dilapidated temple, withered trees could be seen everywhere and endless dried leaves covered the temple grounds.
On the moss-covered stone slabs knelt six or seven figures.
They wore uniform uniforms, gripping Nichirin Blades of various colors, with the large "Destroy" character on their backs clearly marking their identities—Demon Slayer Corps swordsmen.
However, every member of the Demon Slayer Corps wore expressions of extreme agony, veins bulging, teeth shattered and some even had blood seeping from their noses, eyes, and ears.
All of this stemmed from the figure lurking in the shadows of the temple main hall.
[A/N : can you guys make me a picture of MC using ai or something, MC have blackhair and heterochromia eyes, one green and one peach]
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