CHAPTER 120: CHAPTER 120: TWO MATTERS

It wasn’t until Sosuke carried the anvil back to his courtyard that he noticed everything in the Swordsmith’s Shed had been restored to its original place.

The Kakushi were still busy, and Kanae was directing their movements.

Sosuke set down the anvil and noticed a bundle of iron ingots nearby.

"These were delivered this afternoon," Kanae told him. "They said you requested them by letter."

Sosuke nodded. His Big Hammer had been damaged in the previous battle, and these ingots were for forging a new one.

This time, Sosuke planned to use the Bloodforged Method to craft the "sheath" of the Hammer-Sword, aiming to enhance its effectiveness in combat.

After chatting with Kanae for a while, he turned and entered the house.

A letter lay on the table.

He opened it and skimmed through the contents, reading ten lines at a glance. Then, he stared out the window in a daze.

The letter could be roughly divided into two parts. The first addressed Sosuke’s proposed solution to the Automaton forging problem.

Lord had suggested that someone compile different breathing techniques and Sword Forms into a manual for Sosuke to study. By familiarizing himself with the Sword Forms associated with each breathing technique, he could create Automata that perfectly replicated them.

The letter also stated that Sosuke didn’t need to fully assemble the Automata before sending them back.

He only needed to install the core components and provide an assembly guide for the remaining parts, allowing them to complete the process themselves.

"It’s basically like a semi-finished product..." Sosuke couldn’t help but chuckle. He had to admit, it was a brilliant idea.

Not only would it save him time, but it would also allow those training with the Automaton to gain a basic understanding of its mechanisms. This way, they could handle minor repairs themselves, such as replacing worn-out parts or fixing a broken finger.

However, this approach meant Sosuke would also need to document the final calibration procedures for the Automaton. He couldn’t risk the Automaton being improperly calibrated and accidentally killing the swordsmen training with it.

As he organized these thoughts, he realized that if Kagaya’s plan went through, his future work would primarily involve desk work.

"Hmm, the first manual will be the hardest to write, but the subsequent ones should be much easier. After all, they’ll be largely similar, with the core differences lying in the unique techniques I’ve mastered. The rest will be essentially the same."

Sosuke nodded in agreement, recognizing the merits of this approach. Moreover, he would even gain access to "secret manuals" detailing other breathing techniques and Sword Forms—a prospect that was both terrifying and exhilarating.

If he could fully integrate all these techniques, his strength would undoubtedly reach new heights.

However, that seemed unrealistic. After all, he wasn’t a prodigy; in fact, his talent for swordsmanship was rather limited.

Having finished pondering this, Sosuke turned his attention to the rest of the letter.

The message was straightforward: in six months, the Demon Slayer Corps would hold their next selection trials. The letter asked if Sosuke was interested in participating.

It also noted that, given his ability to single-handedly defeat a Lower Third demon, he already qualified to become a Pillar.

However, since the kill had been achieved through personal training rather than as part of the Demon Slayer Corps’ official duties, it didn’t count as official merit.

Therefore, it was recommended that he go through the proper initiation ceremony. Once he became a full member of the Demon Slayer Corps, his promotion to Pillar would be beyond question.

Yet as Sosuke finished reading, he sensed Kagaya’s hesitation.

"It feels like he wants me to use these six months to carefully consider whether I truly wish to join the Demon Slayer Corps."

Sosuke tapped his fingers lightly on the table twice.

Half a year!

That was certainly not a short time. Sosuke was confident he could master the Fourth Form, and even complete much more beyond that.

By then, passing the selection trials should be no problem.

After all, the demons on Wisteria Mountain, where the trials were held, were relatively weak. The only truly powerful one, the Hand Demon, wouldn’t be beyond his capabilities even now, let alone after six months of further training.

Thinking this, he nodded slightly. "The trials shouldn’t be an issue. There must be another reason why this is being brought up now."

Regardless of the reason, becoming a member of the Demon Slayer Corps and eventually a Pillar had always been the plan.

There was no room for deviation.

With this in mind, he began writing a letter. First, he thanked Lord Ubuyashiki for his trust and approval of the proposed production process for the Automaton. He then provided a more detailed breakdown of the steps, as the process required collaboration across various departments. This would allow Kagaya to coordinate the efforts effectively.

Finally, regarding joining the Demon Slayer Corps, Sosuke pondered for a moment before earnestly declaring his determination to participate in the selection trials in six months.

After instructing Goto, who was busy outside, to send the letter, Sosuke sat on the corridor, lost in thought.

Kanae approached him. "What’s wrong?"

Sosuke smiled. "In six months, I should be able to become a member of the Demon Slayer Corps. Flower Pillar-sama, please promote me well when the time comes."

"Six months..." Kanae mused, then nodded. "The next selection trials are indeed scheduled for six months from now. Did the Lord mention it in his letter? Why so early?"

Sosuke chuckled. "Different paths in life, I suppose. The Lord probably wants me to use these six months to truly understand what I desire. To become a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, fighting day and night on the front lines? Or to dedicate my life to blacksmithing, forging countless Nichirin Blades as a legendary master craftsman. These are two distinct paths, and the Lord is giving me the opportunity to choose."

"Then you need to think about it carefully," Kanae said, looking at him. After a moment of silence, she added, "I don’t want to change your original intention."

"My original intention has never wavered!"

Sosuke gazed at Kanae, his eyes burning with unwavering resolve like flames. "And you... you’ve only strengthened my resolve!"

Kanae seemed burned by the fiery intensity in his gaze. Her face flushed crimson, and she lowered her head slightly.

Sosuke continued, "Besides, who says I can’t continue forging Nichirin Blades after joining the Demon Slayer Corps? Many rely on my blades, and I’m no different."

This was something he could never abandon—a lifelong pursuit he would cling to until the end!

"Greedy," Kanae teased, hopping over to sit beside him.

Sosuke grinned. "But there’s one thing I’m still really hesitant about."