Anime/Manga: Bankai Starting with Demon Slayer

“Your current behavior may cause unnecessary misunderstandings and even affect your good relationship with the Ubuyashiki family, don’t you think?”

Chapter 66 The Demon Slayer Corps' Sword

Shinobu Kocho's words were impeccable, yet contained a subtle warning—if you continue to entangle yourself, you might offend a powerful figure that even your boss wouldn't dare to mess with.

The major's face flushed red and then paled, and fine beads of sweat even appeared on his forehead.

He opened the document in his hand again, trying to find even the slightest possibility of forgery.

Unfortunately, the seal is clear and the format is strict.

".....Hmph!" He irritably threw the file back to Shinobu Kocho, suppressing his anger, and reluctantly withdrew his hand.

He glared at Asuka, his voice low and menacing, "Since you're from the Ubuyashiki family, I'll let it go this time! But remember this: don't even think about causing trouble or obstructing our military operations on Utsunomiya territory! Otherwise, even the noble families can't protect you!"

After saying that, he turned and walked away with his soldiers, cursing. Then he grabbed a soldier who hadn't straightened the note and used it as an excuse to slap him hard twice.

Shinobu Kocho breathed a sigh of relief as she watched the officer walk away.

The smile faded from her face, revealing a deep and complex expression of disgust as she carefully put away the documents.

"Ren, what did you mean just now?" Asuka asked, somewhat puzzled.

He has no memory of the present world, and the only violent organization he knows is the Death Swordsmen, but those people would never capture a wandering soul like himself to become a Death Swordsman.

“I know what you were thinking, Asuka.” Shinobu’s expression was serious, her gaze still fixed on the menacing soldiers in the distance: “Drawing your sword won’t solve the problem; it will only drag us into bigger trouble. That’s the rule of human society, no easier than facing demons.”

She gestured for Asuka to follow her, and they walked towards the direction of the Prison House.

"As you can see, this is the vortex that our lord is trying his best to prevent us from getting involved in."

Her voice was soft, yet incredibly heavy: "The country's bigwigs are making frantic preparations for a new war in order to seize land, resources, or so-called imperial glory... These recruitment drives are the signal."

"They treat young people as disposable pawns, pushing them onto brutal battlefields just to satisfy their own ambitions."

At this point, her tone was filled with undisguised contempt: "For profit, they can so easily rob others of the chance to live, robbing everyone of their peaceful daily life... What's the difference between such behavior and that of demons...?"

Asuka listened quietly, her hands tightening around the oilcloth bundle: "Would the world be better if we killed them?"

“You can’t kill them all, Asuka.” Shinobu shook her head and sighed softly. “As long as this extreme ideology doesn’t disappear, new ambitious people will always emerge. This is something we lowly swordsmen can’t control…”

After listening to Shinobu Kocho's words in silence, Asuka felt that this matter was more complicated than slaying demons. At least with slaying demons, she only needed to swing her sword.

"Furthermore, our Demon Slayer Corps is not a government-recognized organization. Our master can only rely on the influence of the Ubuyashiki family to keep our forces as far away as possible from these unjust wars and prevent members from being forcibly conscripted..."

Shinobu Kocho added, "I had no choice but to reveal my identity earlier. Remember, in Utsunomiya or anywhere in the future, stay away from these people and don't have any contact with them."

She extended her little finger, her gaze fixed intently on Asuka: "Do you remember our agreement? The Demon Slayer Corps' swords can only be used to slay demons, not to harm ordinary people."

“I understand.” Asuka nodded, her voice low and firm.

"Let's not talk about this anymore. Purgatory isn't far away. I hope Mr. Kyojuro is doing well."

Shinobu Kocho adjusted her emotions and regained that gentle, comforting smile.

After walking for about half an hour, they stopped in front of an old mansion hidden in a suburban residential area.

This is a traditional Japanese-style building, with a dark wooden structure that has weathered many storms, and thick, bright tiles that shimmer in the sunlight.

The courtyard was surrounded by a low stone wall, topped with tiles of the same dark color, and some of the roof tiles seemed to still have faint flame patterns remaining.

This was once the family crest of the Hellfire Clan as warriors, but it has since fallen into decline.

The heavy brown wooden door was ajar, exuding a profound sense of history.

Asuka and Shinobu announced their names loudly at the door and went straight inside.

From the outside, it's not apparent that Purgatory also has a rather spacious courtyard: it has no elaborate decorations, and the ground is paved with fine white gravel, which has been carefully raked into neat water ripple patterns, symbolizing purity and order.

A few ancient-looking boulders are scattered among the rocks, backed by two lush and sturdy pine trees, creating a unique sense of tranquility that feels secluded from the world.

In the center of the courtyard, on the wooden corridor near the main house, a familiar figure was sitting leaning against a pillar.

It was none other than Flame Pillar, Hellfire Kyojuro.

He was wearing a loose white shirt, his eyes slightly squinted, letting the warm sunlight fall on his face, as if absorbing this warmth to heal his internal injuries.

However, the occasional muffled coughs revealed his physical weakness.

The signature flame-patterned feather coat casually draped over his shoulders trembled with his cough, and his long, golden-red hair seemed to have dimmed slightly, losing its former flamboyance.

Not far from him, a rather thin boy was intently sweeping the courtyard.

The boy resembled Kyojuro, but with slightly darker hair, delicate features, and a gentle gaze tinged with lingering worry.

"Brother, are you alright?" he asked anxiously, looking at Kyojuro.

He is Rengoku Senjuro, the younger brother of Rengoku Kyojuro.

Senjuro didn't have much talent in swordsmanship and always admired his older brother.

During the time Xing Shulang was attacked and recuperated at home, he took great care of his daily needs, trying his best to help.

"Haha, it's nothing! My throat is just a little itchy!" Kyojuro coughed a few times and laughed heartily.

As he turned his head, he caught a glimpse of the figure at the doorway out of the corner of his eye.

Those golden-red eyes, which always burned like flames, lit up instantly, as if a spark had been rekindled.

"Ugh! Asuka! Shinobu!" Kyoujuro's voice was still loud and strong, and a bright smile appeared on his face as he struggled to stand up from the corridor to greet her.

However, this was clearly a bit of a stretch, causing him to cough violently again, his hand unconsciously pressing against his left chest.

Shinobu Kocho quickly appeared beside him in a flash, gently placing her hand on his chest to feel Kyojuro's heartbeat:

"Don't push yourself too hard, Mr. Purgatory. Your bones are only just beginning to heal, so be careful."

"Haha! Sorry, Ren! I made you all worry!"

Kyojuro waved his hand to indicate that he was alright, then looked at Asuka: "Long time no see! Asuka boy! It's so good to see you looking so energetic!"

Asuka walked slowly over, nodded to Senjuro as a greeting, and then said to Kyojuro:

“Your health doesn’t look very good. Perhaps you should consider stepping down. It just so happens that I’ve become a pillar, so there’s an extra position available.”

"Hmm! I heard! Arashihashi, you're amazing!"

He stood up and patted Asuka's shoulder firmly, the force still steady:

"That kick from Upper Moon Three was really heavy! Looks like I'll need... cough cough... some time to fully recover!"

"I really envy you, Asuka! You have such amazing regenerative abilities! You're as tenacious as... cough cough... like a weed!"

Chapter 67 Father and Son

When the topic of that night on the Mugen Train came up, Kyojuro Rengoku's gaze became incredibly solemn: "Speaking of which, I am truly grateful for your life-risking battle that night! If it weren't for you... this life-saving grace! I will remember it forever!"

He didn't launch into a long, rambling speech; his words were concise and solemn, filled with the responsibility and sincerity befitting the Flame Pillar.

Asuka's expression remained calm and composed; she nodded slightly in response to the other party's thanks.

He seemed completely indifferent to discussions about the life-saving grace or the speed of recovery from his injuries.

His gaze calmly met Kyojuro's burning eyes, and he spoke directly: "Don't worry about it. I'm here for the Breath of Flame."

Rengoku Kyoujuro chuckled, clutching his aching chest. He knew this was typical of Asuka's style.

"Hmm! Very good! This pure heart that pursues power is truly worthy of a pillar!" He admired Asuka's straightforwardness and was about to invite him into the house for a chat.

A sudden, stumbling sound of footsteps and a strong smell of alcohol wafted from the front door.

The main gate leading to the inner quarters was kicked open roughly, and a tall figure staggered in.

The person who came was wearing a faded gray-blue long gown, and his messy golden-red hair looked like it hadn't been washed in a long time and was quite tangled.

His face was flushed with an unhealthy redness caused by long-term alcohol abuse, and he had a stubble beard, making him look very unkempt.

He carried a full sake bottle, his bloodshot eyes fixed on the stench emanating from the courtyard.

This person is the head of the Rengoku family, the former Flame Pillar, Rengoku Makijuro.

Makijuro gulped down a large mouthful of sake, let out a rude burp, and arrogantly and impolitely sized up Asuka, who was talking to Kyojuro. A piercingly mocking smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

"Heh... I wondered who it was? Turns out it's just another useless Demon Slayer Corps member..." Maki Juro let out a series of ambiguous sneers, his voice hoarse and sarcastic: "What? Came to mock our Flame Hashira of the Rengoku family? A sick cat who can't even get up after being kicked by a mere Upper Moon demon?"

Kyojuro Rengoku's expression faltered for a moment, but he immediately took a deep breath and introduced with a hearty laugh, "Father, this is...."

"Stop nagging!" Maki Hisarou rudely interrupted his son, impatiently shaking the sake pot. "You're nothing but another worthless mediocre nobody! What's there to say? Get out of here!"

He staggered toward the inner courtyard.

As he passed by Kyojuro, Makijuro glared at him fiercely: "Isn't this better! People with no talent should just stay at home! Going out will only lead to their deaths!"

These words slightly stung Shinobu Kocho, who was standing to the side, causing her brows to furrow involuntarily.

The younger brother, Senjuro, who was sweeping the courtyard, was almost in tears, burying his head low, afraid of upsetting his father.

However, Kyojuro Rengoku was not angry. He simply bowed to his father and said, "Father, you should drink less. Your health is important..."

Makijuro seemed not to hear what he said and climbed up the corridor on his own, about to go inside.

“Mr. Rengoku Makijuro, right?”

Asuka suddenly spoke, causing everyone else in the room to pause slightly. Shinobu Kocho even tugged at his sleeve, telling him not to talk too much and cause trouble.

"I would like to learn the Breath of Flame. Could you teach me?"

"Huh?" Makijuro turned around, frowning as he looked at Asuka: "What nonsense are you spouting, you brat?"

Asuka bowed earnestly: "I am Asuka, and I wish to learn the Flame Breathing technique passed down in the Rengoku family. Please guide me."

"Hehe...hahahaha!" Rengoku Makijuro burst into a piercing, maniacal laugh, as if he had heard the funniest joke in the world.

The laughter stopped quickly.

Makijuro's eyes turned cold and desperate, filled with a self-destructive and venomous resentment: "Want to learn Flame Breathing? Kid, are you deliberately looking for trouble? What kind of bullshit is that? It's a joke!"

He slammed the wine jug in his hand down in front of the bird, the ear-piercing sound startling the birds perched in the nearby trees.

"Worthless! Absolutely worthless!" he roared hysterically, pointing at Kyojuro. "Look at him! What good is learning it? What good is reaching the Pillar level? He's still getting beaten to a pulp like a dog!"

"Flame Breathing is the breath of trash! People like us are just talentless trash..."

"Is that so? But I'm not a piece of trash. I just want to learn more power."

Asuka interrupted Makijuro's self-destructive behavior, speaking calmly amidst his escalating anger: "If this request is too difficult for you, I apologize for bothering you."

This man is hopeless, he thought to himself.

"What? You brat..." Makijuro's shoulders trembled. He never expected this kid to dare to talk back to him like this, and he was about to lose his temper.

"Father! Please calm down!"

"Get out of here!!"

Rengoku Kyoujuro quickly stepped between the two, but was roughly pushed aside by Makijuro and fell to the ground.

He suddenly coughed violently, his face turning pale.

Senjurou quickly ran to his brother's side, gently patting Kyojurou's back. Tears welled up in his eyes, but he bit his lip tightly, not daring to make a sound.

Kyojuro struggled to calm the pain in his chest, looking at his father with a pained expression: "Please take care of yourself, and don't get angry..."

Seeing his expression, Maki Juro, who had just been about to cause trouble for Asuka, suddenly froze, his raised fist rising and falling several times before finally letting out a vicious snort:

"...Take your cronies and get lost! Don't get in my way!"

After saying that, he turned around without looking back, mumbled a few incoherent drunken words, and stormed into the inner room.

The courtyard was left in a mess and a suffocating silence, the heavy smell of alcohol and the sorrow of self-abandonment lingering for a long time.

Once the other person's figure had completely disappeared behind the door, Shinobu Kocho quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Somewhat dissatisfaction, she turned to Asuka, thinking that he shouldn't have been so rash in talking back to his senior.

However, Asuka's gaze never went in Makijuro's direction. Instead, she squatted down and stared intently at Kyojuro.

The sunlight shone on the two of them, giving them a soft glow, as if trying to dispel the gloom of the past.

"I will learn the Breath of Flame, no matter what others say."

“Hell, you are you, your father is your father, his weakness does not represent you.”

"Stand up, take good care of your health, and come with me to kill Wuchan, to prove him wrong."

His words were not impassioned or grandiloquent; they were simply his innermost thoughts.

He didn't take Makijuro's rubbish to heart at all.

The value of power is defined by the person who uses it, and by the enemy that is slain.