CHAPTER 72: CHAPTER 72: TURNING BAD

’Reducing the time by two-thirds!’

Kagaya gazed at Sosuke, his vision blurred but his determination unwavering.

"I must ask," he began, posing a question that puzzled Sosuke, "are you truly unconcerned?"

"Concerned? About what?" Sosuke asked.

"For three centuries, no one has been able to fully understand the manufacturing techniques of the automatons," Kagaya said softly. "Perhaps it’s because no one has been as daring as you, actually dismantling one. Regardless, you now possess a unique and invaluable technology. If you distribute its production, the core principles will inevitably be revealed. This knowledge belongs solely to you. Are you truly unconcerned about the possibility of it being disseminated?"

Sosuke couldn’t help but smile wryly at the unexpected words.

Composing himself, he replied solemnly, "The Kakushi are only responsible for crafting the external structure. While it requires some technical skill, it’s minimal. The true core forging still requires my expertise. This isn’t about me jealously guarding this technique; it’s simply that the process involves methods others would struggle to master."

He chuckled. "And has Lord forgotten? My sole ambition is to become a Demon Slayer Corps swordsman. If this task weren’t crucial to the Corps, I wouldn’t even be doing it. If someone else could master this technique, I’d gladly hand it over. As for spreading it... as long as it remains within the Demon Slayer Corps and helps us slay demons, reducing casualties among our swordsmen, I don’t care if it becomes widely known. After all, this knowledge isn’t truly mine to begin with."

"In fact, before leaving, I already compiled all the details and entrusted them to that boy named Kotetsu in the Swordsmith Village."

After hearing Sosuke’s words, Kagaya remained silent for a long moment before finally exhaling softly. "Thank you, child."

Sosuke shook his head, not seeing it as anything special.

Then Kagaya continued, "In that case, I’m afraid I must entrust some further tasks to you."

"Please tell me," Sosuke said, immediately perking up.

"The Automaton holds extraordinary value and significance for enhancing the skills of Demon Slayer Corps members. The same is true for successors of breathing techniques."

Kagaya explained, "Therefore, I wish you to travel to several locations, find specific individuals, and create Automata based on their breathing techniques and swordsmanship to aid in training the next generation of swordsmen."

Hearing this, Sosuke’s heart stirred. He asked softly, "Where should I go?"

"First, visit Sakonji Urokodaki, the former Water Pillar, who resides on Mt. Sagiri. Then, seek out Jigoro Kuwajima, the former Thunder Pillar. Finally, find Shinjuro Rengoku of the Rengoku family..."

At this point, Kagaya paused, glancing at the somewhat bewildered Sosuke. He smiled apologetically. "Did I... startle you?"

Sosuke quickly shook his head.

Kagaya continued, "Each of them represents a lineage of breathing techniques, having sent countless proud swordsmen to the Demon Slayer Corps. I know you’ve been training recently and seem to have encountered some difficulties. Therefore, I’m sending you to them. On one hand, you’ll help them create qualified Automata for training their disciples. On the other hand, you can seek their guidance on swordsmanship. I myself know nothing of such matters and truly don’t know how else to assist you, so this is all I can offer..."

"I’ll write letters to them explaining your situation. The departure date is for you to decide."

Having said all this in one breath, his energy seemed to have been greatly depleted, and he couldn’t suppress a series of coughs.

Amane quickly patted his back gently. Kagaya sighed softly, but when he looked at Sosuke again, his eyes once more shone with a renewed light.

"What do you think?"

He asked.

Sosuke immediately nodded. "Yes, I’ll set out as soon as possible!"

"That’s wonderful," Kagaya said between coughs. "You may leave now."

Sosuke gazed at the coughing man before him and couldn’t help but whisper, "Please take care of yourself."

A gentle smile spread across Kagaya’s face. "Thank you."

Emerging from the room, Sosuke felt the sunlight overhead but sighed softly.

Yet when he looked at Kanae beside him, the gloom in his heart instantly dissipated.

’My world... is still here.’

Slipping on his shoes, he approached Kanae. The Wind Pillar beside them seemed to have truly become a mere gust of wind, unnoticed by anyone.

He took Kanae’s hand, gently rubbing it between his own. "Are you cold?"

Kanae smiled and shook her head. "No, not at all. Can we go home now?"

"Mm-hmm," Sosuke nodded. "Let’s go."

He took Kanae’s hand and began walking away.

The Wind Pillar glanced at Kagaya’s door, then at Sosuke and Kanae, scratching his head. Suddenly, he felt rather superfluous.

A surge of irritation rose within him. ’The Lord ignoring me is one thing, but how dare Sosuke disregard me too? And that look from the Flower Pillar... was she looking down on me?’

Just as he was about to chase after them to demand an explanation, the door opened again, and Kagaya’s voice called out, "Sanemi, come in and warm up."

Sanemi glared resentfully at the retreating figures before turning and entering the room.

The walk back was quiet.

Sosuke held Kanae’s hand as they walked, pondering what to do next.

On one hand, he wanted to honor the former Pillars by forging Automaton training dummies to nurture disciples. On the other hand, how should he ask for guidance on swordsmanship?

He glanced at Kanae occasionally and noticed she was smiling at him.

"What is it?" Sosuke asked, curious. "Why do you always steal glances at me when I’m not paying attention?"

"I can’t help it," Kanae replied with a smile. "It’s your fault for never stealing glances at me. If you won’t do it, then I have to."

Sosuke was momentarily stunned. ’She can actually say things like that now?’

He lowered his head to look at the girl before him and couldn’t help but chuckle softly. "Then how about I steal glances at you every day?"

"That sounds a little strange..." Kanae pondered, gently biting her lip. "We can just look at each other all the time, no need to steal glances."

"All day?"

"Mm-hmm, all day."

"Even when you’re sleeping?"

"Hmm... Yeah, right!!"

Kanae couldn’t resist gently punching Sosuke’s chest with her small fist. ’This man has turned mischievous!’