The Sakuragi family and the Rengoku family shared a bond that stretched back many years.
Long before the present day, Sakuragi Rukawa had once learned Flame Breathing from Kyojuro Rengoku's grandfather. In those distant years, when Kyojuro was still a small child, Sakuragi Rukawa had even held him in his arms. Time had passed, lives had changed, and the world had grown darker—but fate had brought them together once more.
To Sakuragi Rukawa's surprise, Kyojuro still remembered him.
That single fact deeply moved the old man.
After briefly explaining what had happened on the mountain, Kyojuro learned the truth—that the Tiger Demon had already been slain, and that the one who did it was James. Without hesitation, Kyojuro stepped forward, placed a firm hand on James's shoulder, and laughed loudly.
"You did very well! Thanks to you, I didn't arrive too late!"
James stiffened slightly. He wasn't used to this kind of fiery enthusiasm, especially not from someone whose eyes burned like a blazing sun. Being stared at like that felt less like praise and more like being evaluated as some rare treasure.
To defeat a Mutant Demon with bare hands?
That wasn't normal. That wasn't human.
If James joined the Demon Slayer Corps, he would without doubt become a future Pillar.
Yet despite that thought flashing through his mind, Kyojuro did not extend an invitation.
He understood better than anyone that joining the Demon Slayer Corps was not always a blessing. Unless James himself asked, Kyojuro would never push him toward such a dangerous fate.
"It's only natural," James replied calmly. "After all, that old man is my responsibility."
"Who are you calling troublesome, you disrespectful brat?!"
Sakuragi Rukawa raised his voice and moved to strike James, but he was too slow. James slipped behind Kyojuro in one smooth motion, using him as a shield.
"Sakuragi-senpai, please calm down," Kyojuro said hurriedly, raising both hands.
"You brat! Show some respect to the Flame Pillar!"
"I'm not the Flame Pillar yet," Kyojuro quickly corrected, scratching his head with a laugh.
The title of Pillar was not inherited lightly, even in the Rengoku family. One had to prove themselves worthy first—and Kyojuro was still one step away.
"Pillar?" James asked, pretending curiosity. "Sounds important."
"They are the pillars that support the Demon Slayer Corps," Sakuragi Rukawa said solemnly.
James narrowed his eyes slightly. "And what exactly is the Demon Slayer Corps, old man? You're hiding a lot from me."
Sakuragi Rukawa paused, then waved his hand dismissively. "It's late. This isn't the time. Let's head back. It's rare to see Kyojuro again—we must treat him properly."
Kyojuro smiled. "Just find me somewhere to rest. I haven't received a new mission yet."
The old man ignored that entirely.
He dragged Kyojuro down the mountain and into the village, lit a fire, set up a pot, and began cooking without hesitation. He knew very well how terrifying the Rengoku appetite could be.
Unfortunately, in the middle of the night, options were limited. All he could make was a simple bowl of noodle soup.
Kyojuro sat down obediently, stared at the steaming bowl, and immediately felt hunger surge through him.
"Then I'll dig in!"
"Delicious—!"
James flinched at the sudden shout and quietly tasted his own bowl.
Salty. Very salty.
While they ate, Sakuragi Rukawa prepared a room for Kyojuro to stay the night.
The next morning, James woke early. As he stepped outside to wash up, he heard the sharp sound of air being cut repeatedly.
In the courtyard, Kyojuro stood shirtless, practicing with focused intensity.
"Good morning, James!" Kyojuro called out brightly, sensing his gaze instantly.
"You slept well?"
"Fine," James replied. "You're up early."
"Why don't you join me?" Kyojuro asked enthusiastically. "I want to understand your strength better."
James raised an eyebrow. "How?"
"Arm wrestling!"
"…That's your idea of training?"
Still, James sat down, rolled up his sleeves, and clasped Kyojuro's calloused hand.
"Ready?"
"Begin!"
The stone table shattered instantly.
With a loud crack, the bluestone split into pieces.
James froze.
Not good… was thirty percent still too much?
Kyojuro stared at the wreckage for a split second—then burst into laughter.
"Amazing!"
"What did you do to my table?!" Sakuragi Rukawa roared, storming out.
James immediately pulled Kyojuro in front of him again.
"Sakuragi-senpai, this is my fault," Kyojuro said firmly. "I asked James to spar."
"Yes, yes, hit him," James added helpfully from behind.
"You brat!" the old man yelled. "That's the future Flame Pillar!"
"Pillar or not, I'm still just a man," James replied calmly.
Kyojuro nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! There's no difference."
Sakuragi Rukawa fell silent.
Later, James asked, "Tell me more about the Demon Slayer Corps."
"It's an ancient organization dedicated to slaying demons," Kyojuro explained.
"And demons come from?"
"All demons originate from the Demon King."
Sakuragi Rukawa watched nervously, worried James might be tempted to join.
But James shook his head. "I won't join. I just want to be strong enough to protect myself."
Relief washed over the old man.
"Then teach me," James continued. "Breathing Techniques."
Kyojuro hesitated, then smiled. "I'll do my best."
Three days passed.
By the end of it, James could already use Flame Breathing techniques smoothly.
Kyojuro felt… empty.
Not jealous. Just stunned.
"I really have nothing left to teach," he admitted honestly.
That evening—
"Dinner's ready, Kyojuro!"
"Coming, Big Brother!"
The title had started naturally, once Kyojuro learned James was older. And it carried genuine respect.
They ate together, laughter filling the house.
Then, suddenly—
A crow landed on Kyojuro's shoulder.
His smile faded.
"I must go."
He handed James a handwritten manual.
"These are my Flame Breathing insights. Take them."
James accepted it solemnly.
"Thank you."
And just like that, the Big Brother he gained… left to walk his dangerous path once more.
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