CHAPTER 80: CHAPTER 80: COMFORT

That night, Sosuke began writing the operating manual.

Judging by his practiced hand, this was clearly not his first time writing such a guide.

If Kagaya’s plan to create specialized training Automatons for each breathing technique was to succeed, each Automaton would require its own unique operating manual.

Therefore, Sosuke would need to write at least five such manuals.

Fortunately, the content wasn’t overly complex, and he finished writing everything before midnight.

Glancing back, he saw Kanae already fast asleep. Unable to sleep himself, he threw on his haori and decided to step outside for some fresh air.

As he stepped outside, he found Tanjiro, who should have been asleep, standing beside the Automaton, watching it intently.

Tanjiro didn’t even notice Sosuke’s footsteps.

Sosuke paused before approaching him. He overheard Tanjiro muttering to himself, "How can the Automaton move so fast? If it can do this, why can’t I? If I can’t do it, I can’t dodge it either... Is it because I can’t see clearly enough?"

Tanjiro was analyzing his performance from the day’s sparring session with the Automaton, meticulously considering possibilities, discarding his mistakes, eliminating unnecessary movements, and refining his technique to its purest form.

Sosuke had done the same thing before.

But back then, his sparring partner had been Shinobu.

Tanjiro suddenly sniffed the air and quickly turned around. "Sosuke-san?"

Sosuke smiled. "Still up so late?"

"You’re awake too, Sosuke-san."

"Hmm, I’ve written an operating manual for your master," Sosuke said. "It’s still a bit early for you to train with the automaton, but it should prove invaluable when you truly begin learning swordsmanship. However, the automaton I created is still somewhat lacking. If you ever get the chance, you should visit Swordsmith Village and train with the automaton there. That one is truly powerful!"

Tanjiro nodded, indicating he understood.

After hesitating for a long moment, he finally said to Sosuke, "Please don’t worry, I’m doing well!"

"Hmm?" Sosuke blinked in surprise.

"When I first met you, I sensed that you seemed to be regretting something."

Tanjiro carefully chose his words to avoid any misunderstanding. "Later, Master Urokodaki told me you felt lost and regretful because you couldn’t save someone."

He paused, exhaling softly, his face reflecting a complex mix of emotions.

"But perhaps we truly can’t save everyone!"

He looked at Sosuke. "Besides, we don’t even know each other. I appreciate your sympathy for what I’ve been through, but please rest assured, I’ll be fine. I’ll work tirelessly to find a way to restore Nezuko to her human form, and I’ll hunt down the culprit who murdered my family. Thank you for taking the time to create this Automaton for me despite your busy schedule. I’ll strive to improve myself and achieve my goals!"

With that, he took a step back and bowed deeply. "So, please don’t worry!"

Sosuke stood motionless for a moment, then nodded silently. He reached out to pat the young man’s shoulder but stopped, smiling instead. "You’re incredibly strong, and you have the drive to keep going. Tanjiro, keep moving forward. I’ll do the same—never retreat, never compromise. We must save every sorrow our eyes can see, and slay every Demon our blades can reach! Let’s work together to sever this chain of sorrow that has bound us for a thousand years."

Tanjiro straightened his posture, his eyes burning with determination. "I will!"

Sosuke smiled, though he felt his words might have been a bit abrupt. He knew the young man wouldn’t give up halfway, even if he hadn’t said them.

But... the moment felt right, so he spoke.

He nodded. "Once you’ve grown stronger, received your teacher’s permission, and passed the final test, remember to write to me. I’ll forge a Nichirin Blade that’s uniquely yours, and yours alone."

Tanjiro’s eyes lit up. "Yes!"

"Then get some rest," Sosuke said, waving his hand. "Tomorrow’s tasks can wait until tomorrow. The night is for recovery. Don’t let anything interfere with your training tomorrow."

"Yes, sir!" the young man replied loudly, then quickly lowered his voice, worried about disturbing the others in the house.

The two returned to their rooms to rest. The next morning, Tanjiro rose early as usual to train on the mountain peak.

Meanwhile, Sosuke and Kochō Kanae prepared to take their leave.

Before departing, they went to check on Nezuko.

The girl slept soundly, her peaceful expression betraying no hint that she had transformed into a demon.

Kanae’s eyes held an unreadable emotion as she finally let out a soft sigh and stepped outside to bid farewell to Urokodaki.

The old man, already growing impatient with the pair for disturbing his peace, waved them off without ceremony. But as Sosuke turned to leave, he couldn’t help but call out, "Don’t think finding the answer in your heart is the end. Human potential is boundless—what you’ve shown so far is only a fraction of what you’re capable of!"

Sosuke paused, turning back to look at Urokodaki.

After a moment of silence, the old man said, "Go forth and discover. This path is yours alone."

Sosuke remained silent for a moment before bowing deeply. "Thank you."

With that, he took Kanae’s hand and walked away, their figures receding into the distance.

As they left Mt. Sagiri, Kanae glanced back at the summit. "Aren’t you going to say goodbye to the child?"

Sosuke smiled faintly. "We’ll meet again someday."

Kanae nodded deeply, tightening her grip on Sosuke’s large hand. "Let’s go home!"

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The journey back was uneventful, almost identical to their trip there.

The only unexpected event was a sudden blizzard that nearly froze the entire world.

Just before the snowstorm hit, the pair managed to find a Wisteria-crested House, where they huddled together for warmth and spent a whole day indulging in each other’s company.

This delayed their return by a day.

When they finally arrived at the Butterfly Mansion, they saw the long-missed Shinobu.

The young girl stood at the entrance, her eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and resentment as she glanced at Sosuke, then at her sister.

With a soft sigh, she turned and walked into the mansion without even greeting them.

For some reason, Shinobu’s frail figure and vulnerable back seemed to radiate a profound sense of despair, as if the words "It’s over... all of it is over" were written across her shoulders.

Sosuke and Kanae exchanged a glance, unable to suppress their laughter, and burst out laughing.