Demon Slayer: Muzan, will you dance too?

At the foot of the vine-covered mountain,

"Zenitsu, don't look so down. The selection is about to start, aren't you happy at all?"

With nothing else to do, Kiyokawa Izumi teased the bound Zenitsu, "Look ahead, if you go through this wisteria forest, you'll encounter lots and lots of demons. They haven't eaten a human in a very, very long time."

Seeing you bunch of greenhorns, the captured demons are probably thrilled.

Seemingly imagining being surrounded by evil spirits, Zenitsu was so frightened that he fainted, followed by a low chuckle.

Quite a few people came here with Kiyokawa Izumi.

Some were prospective swordsmen participating in the selection process, while others were official team members sent to assist.

Murata, an old acquaintance, was among them.

Upon seeing this person, Kiyokawa Izumi's expression became somewhat strange—was it really alright to send Murata to assist?

He wouldn't possibly ask a prospective swordsman participating in the selection for help, would he?

Both Zenitsu and Ino are much stronger than this guy.

Not to mention the silent girl standing not far away, lost in thought.

I have no idea what the higher-ups were thinking.

Even if there's a shortage of manpower, is it really necessary to send some low-level team members to fill in?

Although that's what he thought, he wouldn't say it aloud, lest he hurt Murata's fragile heart.

After a short while, more and more aspiring swordsmen arrived.

Some people stood to the side with an arrogant expression, arms crossed, seemingly disdainful of communicating with others.

Some people were uneasy; even before the selection process began, their right hands were already gripping the hilt of their knives tightly, and their bodies were trembling slightly.

Others are naturally outgoing and chat quietly with those around them.

Kiyokawa Izumi, who had witnessed everything, felt a sense of感慨 (gan3kai3, a complex feeling of mixed emotions, often including admiration or reflection) – the Demon Slayer Corps, despite its size, still possessed considerable strength.

No fewer than twenty prospective swordsmen came to participate in the selection.

In the past, the number of people who survived the selection process could probably be counted on one hand.

"Dozens of hawksbill crows have already gathered here, but there are only six regular team members assisting. We're a bit short-handed."

"Should we test your basics? Headquarters hasn't given us any specific standards. Does this mean I'm in charge of everything?"

Am I trusting you a little too much?

Just as I was pondering this, an acquaintance appeared.

An old man wearing a Tengu mask walked silently towards them. Some of the ordinary team members tried to stop him, but were reminded by the people next to them.

"This mask... could it be... the former Water Pillar?"

"The ex-boyfriend, Joo?"

The team members, having been reminded, all showed respectful expressions and bowed slightly to show their respect for the former water column.

"Is this Lord Urokodaki? It seems you also received that letter... Don't you think it's a waste of time to make a special trip for such a trivial matter?"

The middle-aged man, dressed in a slightly sloppy kimono, spoke with extreme impatience.

His voice came from afar.

Holding a Nichirin Blade in one hand and a sake bottle in the other, he completely ignored the comments of others.

"Is this all there is? They're all mediocre, some haven't even mastered breathing techniques... How laughable!"

This person made unrestrained and loud comments about everyone present.

His disdain was written all over his face.

"What's the point of participating in this kind of selection? We might as well go home!"

"Is this the kind of personality the current Flame Pillar's father has? I really can't tell at all!"

Despite their striking resemblance, they have completely different personalities.

"Lord Makijuro?"

"Where did this drunkard come from? He's utterly absurd!"

"Can a drunkard like you really hold a knife?"

Upon hearing this, Kiyokawa Izumi was greatly surprised and almost asked his men: Whose subordinate is this, that he is so brave?

"Quiet down, all of you!"

A calm yet powerful voice rang in everyone's ears; the speaker was none other than Kiyokawa Izumi.

Nobody knows how much of a headache he's having right now!

What exactly is Kagaya Ubuyashiki thinking?

If you feel you're short-handed, it's perfectly reasonable for you to send the former Water Pillar to assist me—one retired Water Pillar is more useful than ten ordinary team members.

But why did you send this bastard out?

Don't you know we don't get along?

Kiyokawa Izumi mentally ranted and raved.

But it must be admitted that Kagaya Ubuyashiki, who was able to persuade this old bastard, has some skill!

No matter how much this person complains, how disdainful, or how impatient they look—the fact that they're here is enough to make them worth paying attention to!

……

Makijuro was actually quite helpless.

He didn't want to waste time, but he had no choice but to come.

Despite his serious illness, the master visited him multiple times, hoping that he could help the current Pillar complete the selection process, given the Demon Slayer Corps' manpower shortage.

This is a brand new beginning, and it's something to look forward to.

Makijuro didn't want to hear any more about such trivial matters.

But he couldn't be rude to this person, nor could he violently kick them out. Helpless, he was essentially forced to stay with this person.

During this period, he used many methods, such as staying out all night and avoiding seeing his lord.

But how can one avoid it?

When he returned home the next day, his youngest son, Senjuro, told him that the lord was still waiting for him.

Having no other choice, I had to agree.