CHAPTER 88: CHAPTER 88: THE BLADE’S NAME

With the formalities concluded and the necessary words spoken, the atmosphere instantly became lively.

After all, it was impossible for the mood to remain subdued with such a fiery and enthusiastic young man present.

The group entered the room. Sosuke and Kanae set down their belongings, and Sosuke immediately returned to the main topic.

"Where’s the Flame Pillar’s Nichirin Blade? I want to see how far it’s progressed," Sosuke said.

Kyojuro immediately handed over his Nichirin Blade. "I’ve been using my old blade for recent missions, but I’ve never let this one out of my sight. It always feels like it’s constantly channeling power into me. As long as it’s with me, my heart remains at peace."

Sosuke was surprised. The Bloodforged Method he knew could indeed produce different sensations based on the individual’s blood.

However, to achieve such an effect, one needed to grip the sword’s hilt.

Why was it that the Flame Pillar only needed to wear the sword for it to work?

Thinking this, he casually drew the blade.

The battered sword immediately appeared before Sosuke.

It was indeed severely damaged!

The blade was cracked, and the edge was badly worn.

After careful examination, Sosuke nodded, already formulating a plan for its restoration.

Then he heard Kyojuro ask, "How is it? Can Flame Cutter still be saved?"

"...Huh?" Sosuke blinked in confusion. "What?"

"Flame Cutter is the name Brother gave his Nichirin Blade," Senjuro explained softly. "He not only named it but also talks to it while maintaining it daily."

Kyojuro’s face flushed crimson as he loudly defended himself, "It’s my closest companion, so naming it isn’t strange at all! Even occasional conversations should be considered normal!"

Sosuke listened thoughtfully.

Naming weapons was actually quite common.

For instance, the first sword he had forged was named "Sun of genesis."

However, after forging Nichirin Blades, the standardized "Nichirin Blade" designation had made the practice of renaming swords obsolete.

Moreover, battles against Demons inevitably damaged Nichirin Blades.

While initial repairs were possible, there were times when a blade might never be repaired again, rendering names and such ultimately inconsequential.

Seeing Kyojuro’s attitude toward his sword, Sosuke had a new idea.

Could treating it like a partner unlock deeper potential within the Bloodforged Method?

’This thing... it won’t evolve into some strange Blade Spirit, will it?"

’The Bloodforged Method was already unscientific enough. Now it seems to be becoming even more so!’

Sosuke shook his head, temporarily suppressing the thought. ’I can always test it with my own sword later, right?’

’Everything... still needs verification!’

He nodded and said, "It can be saved. In three days, this sword will regain its vitality."

"That’s wonderful!" Kyojuro immediately breathed a sigh of relief. "The sword’s severe damage is my fault. After obtaining it, I felt my strength had increased and began accepting missions too frequently. I engaged in too many battles without considering its limits. This is my mistake. Please forgive me!"

As he spoke, he began apologizing again.

Sosuke quickly reassured him, saying that slaying demons was the Demon Slayer Corps’ duty, and that saving so many lives was nothing to apologize for. Moreover, a sword’s wear and tear was natural, and it was precisely because of this that swordsmiths had value, and so on...

Finally, Kyojuro was persuaded. He immediately began to radiate enthusiasm once more. "I’ve received Lord’s letter!"

"Hmm?" Sosuke looked at him.

"Therefore, I know what’s troubling you now!" Kyojuro declared. "There are no shortcuts in swordsmanship. You must feel it with your heart, ignite your inner fire, temper your body through relentless training, and forge yourself until you burst forth with a flame-like brilliance! So, Swordsmith Boy, fight! The greatest help I can offer you is combat! In the coming days, I will personally serve as your opponent, allowing you to experience the heat of battle, to fully grasp its meaning, and thereby comprehend the wonders of swordsmanship!"

"Furthermore, during this process, I will demonstrate all the forms of Flame Breathing, aiding you in completing your Automaton!"

Barely giving Sosuke a chance to speak, the man’s eyes blazed with fiery anticipation, as if eagerly awaiting the challenges ahead.

Sosuke felt a chill run down his spine. Why had he suddenly thought of someone else...?

Kanroji Mitsuri!

Yet Mitsuri’s enthusiasm was different from this man’s.

Upon closer inspection, it became clear that one of them had a clear grasp of the situation, while the other did not.

Kanae glanced at her companion, who was gazing upward, seemingly lost in thought.

To be honest, her experiences in the town had made her realize something crucial.

With the Pillar’s guidance, Sosuke could grow rapidly, significantly increasing his chances of survival against Demons in the future.

In comparison, any potential injuries or suffering he might endure during this accelerated growth were acceptable.

After all, it was better than death!

Therefore, she had mentally prepared herself to endure even if Sosuke cried out in agony during training. She would resist the urge to intervene.

As for her heartache... that was a separate matter.

As long as he could survive in the future, as long as Sosuke himself believed he could endure, all she could do was stay by his side, supporting him through every moment of his growth.

Seeing her resolve, Sosuke seemed to understand her thoughts as if they shared a telepathic connection.

He nodded solemnly to Kyojuro. "Then, I entrust the rest to you!"

"Leave it to me!"

Kyojuro patted his own shoulder. "I’ll watch over you!"

Of course, things had to be done step by step. After all their recent troubles,Sosuke’s injuries hadn’t fully healed yet, so they decided to rest for the day.

Starting tomorrow, they would focus on two things: helping the Flame Pillar repair his Nichirin Blade and undergoing special training with him.

The brothers didn’t linger to disturb them further. After bidding farewell, they left the room, leaving only the two of them behind.

They spent the entire afternoon recuperating. That evening, they met Kyojuro’s father... Shinjuro.

However, the man showed no interest in their arrival. His attention was solely focused on the wine in his hand, wondering how much was left.