CHAPTER 122: CHAPTER 122: BEFORE DEPARTURE

Shinobu had been far from idle during these six months.

Although Sosuke’s presence occasionally triggered her mischievous side, causing periodic outbursts of childish behavior, she had been diligently working on her own training.

Despite this, she never neglected her own training.

As a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, she routinely battled demons, and the life-or-death trials she faced daily naturally fostered her growth. Moreover, her innate talent was extraordinary; otherwise, she could never have created the Insect Breathing technique.

Later, her intellectual and strategic battles against Sosuke and Kanae demanded even greater capabilities in every aspect.

Thus, over the past six months, she not only avoided complacency but actually reached new heights in her training.

Although she hadn’t slain a Lower Rank demon to become a Pillar, the primary reason was simply that she hadn’t encountered any of the Twelve Kizuki.

Even so, after sparring with Sosuke using wooden swords, he shattered her blade and defeated her in combat.

Though she initially flew into a fit of anger and burst into tears of frustration, she had to admit that Sosuke’s swordsmanship had indeed reached mastery.

***

As the setting sun cast long shadows across Sosuke’s courtyard, a small wooden table stood on the veranda. Tea and snacks were arranged on it, and Sosuke sat facing Kanae.

"Have you made your decision?" Kanae asked, lifting her teacup for a delicate sip. She savored the rare, refreshing breeze of the summer evening and let out a contented sigh.

The recent weather had been oppressively hot, making one long for the swirling snow of winter. Yet when winter arrived, they would inevitably yearn for the warmth of summer’s sun.

Sosuke nodded. "Of course. I’ll leave tomorrow."

Six months ago, Kagaya had informed him of the selection date, hoping he would use the time to carefully consider whether he truly wished to join the Demon Slayer Corps. Once he made his decision, he would embark on an entirely different path.

Sosuke had never wavered. From the very beginning, his goal had been crystal clear: to become a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, to become a Pillar!

Becoming a Pillar didn’t seem particularly difficult these days. Therefore, his next objective was to become even stronger.

To become an even stronger Pillar, Sosuke dared not pray for a future where he would become the pinnacle of combat power in this world, the most powerful being.

However, the more power he mastered, the more he could control his future.

To protect everything he wanted to protect.

"Over the past six months, I’ve come to understand Urokodaki’s words more deeply," Sosuke said. "The more we understand our own hearts, the more we can unlock the power hidden within. This isn’t just about the immense potential hidden within each person; more importantly, clarifying our goals reduces the time wasted on detours, allowing us to reach our desired destination faster."

Kanae’s gaze softened further as she looked at him. "This time," she said, "you will embark on this journey alone."

To become a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, self-preservation was naturally the foundation.

If one couldn’t protect oneself, how could they protect others?

How could they possibly slay Demons in the darkness?

Sosuke nodded in understanding.

Kanae, however, looked wistful as she gazed at the crimson sun on the horizon. "Now I can understand what you meant by that thing you were hesitant about."

"What?" Sosuke blinked, confused. ’Did I say something?’

"Six months ago, you mentioned something you were particularly hesitant about," Kanae reminded him, her eyes fixed on his. "Becoming a Pillar means you’ll have to leave Butterfly Mansion. I have a feeling that day isn’t far off."

Sosuke’s heart sank. Half a year ago, it had been just a casual remark. But now, it seemed like it might soon become reality.

He had grown accustomed to Kanae’s daily companionship, to the playful rivalry with Shinobu, to teasing Big Hammer every day and training him to grow stronger, to the warm atmosphere of Butterfly Mansion, to the bamboo grove behind the mountain, to so many familiar things.

If becoming a Pillar meant abandoning everything he had grown used to, then it truly was a troubling prospect.

Footsteps clattered at the entrance. Both turned to see a massive white wolf charging toward them, a girl riding on its back. She declared loudly, "Sosuke, face justice!"

With a howl, the wolf and its rider surged forward.

Sosuke didn’t even look up. He simply said, "Sit!"

Big Hammer, who had been about to pounce, skidded to a halt, its paws scraping the ground, and obediently sat down.

Whether from being overfed or not, the white wolf sat nearly as tall as Shinobu. With a stretch of its neck, it could easily reach Sosuke.

Sosuke glanced smugly at Shinobu. "I trained him myself."

Shinobu bristled with annoyance. "How infuriating!"

Before she could finish, Big Hammer, its slobbering tongue lolling, licked Sosuke squarely across the face.

Sosuke froze in stunned silence.

Shinobu and Kanae stared in shock for a moment, then burst into uncontrollable laughter.

Big Hammer, convinced it had done well, wore a goofy grin on its wolfish face.

Sosuke, furious, sat up abruptly and stomped his feet repeatedly. He stormed into the house, splashed water on his face, and emerged looking utterly disheveled, his features twisted in a grimace.

The two sisters nearly cried with laughter. Suddenly, Kanae had an idea. "Why don’t you take Big Hammer with you on your next trip?" she suggested to Sosuke.

Sosuke immediately shook his head. "Absolutely not."

He sat down on the veranda, dangling his legs over the edge. He extended his hand, and Big Hammer promptly placed his massive paw in Sosuke’s palm. Sosuke smiled and ruffled the wolf’s furry head.

The thick, fluffy fur felt wonderful to the touch.

The only problem was the shedding.

Sosuke had Big Hammer turn around, facing away from him. He began grooming the wolf’s white fur, gathering the loose strands into a pile as he spoke. "He may look big, but he’s still just a pup at heart. He’s playful and doesn’t behave well when we’re out. Given his size, I worry he’ll get lost in the deep forests. In crowded areas, I’m afraid he’ll scare people. And if we encounter demons, I’m afraid he’ll rush in recklessly and give them a taste of wolf meat—though I don’t even know if demons eat wolf meat. Still, I can’t help but worry."

Kanae found herself caught between laughter and tears. "I remember when we first got him, you said you’d train him to be a master demon hunter. You said he’d protect you in battle and serve as your mount when there was no fighting. But things seem to have turned out quite differently."

Sosuke gazed tenderly at the large white wolf before him. "Of course. It’s different when you raise something from scratch. I feed him every day, take him for walks, and watch him throw tantrums and act spoiled. It’s a strange feeling. Now, all I want is for him to grow up healthy and strong, eventually find a mate in the mountains, and have pups. If we can avoid bloodshed, all the better."

As he spoke, Big Hammer seemed to sense the sentiment. He turned his head, wearing a goofy grin, and licked Sosuke’s face again.

Half of Sosuke’s face was now covered in slobber, nearly unbearable!

Sosuke’s hand froze mid-air. Finally, he gritted his teeth and snarled, "Tomorrow, I’m taking it out. If it doesn’t kill fifty demons on the way, I’ll bring it back and stew it!"