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The condition for passing selection was surviving seven days on Mount Fujikasane. No rule specified how many demons must be killed.
Because Sabito had basically killed all the demons on the mountain, the remaining people smoothly survived seven days. According to the rules, they qualified.
But anyone knew—among them, quite a few shouldn't have passed selection originally.
Retest them? Judge them as unqualified? Or acknowledge this result?
I'd always been someone very unwilling to make things difficult for myself. So naturally, this matter was righteously tossed to Kagaya to handle.
While I agonized over Ritsuka and Sabito's relationship.
Usually people who experienced life-and-death trials together could often become good friends.
But this law applied to Ritsuka and Sabito seemed invalid.
This youth wasn't seriously injured. Quickly regained consciousness, even specifically got up to find Ritsuka and thank her.
Because quite a few were injured and selection results weren't out yet, everyone noisily lodged together at the nearby Wisteria House.
Not that I deliberately eavesdropped on kids talking. But I just happened to pass through the corridor, heard familiar voices from outside, involuntarily pricked up my ears.
"No need to thank me. I originally didn't plan to specially save someone like you anyway."
Hearing Ritsuka say such words, couldn't blame me for stopping, quietly pressing my ear over. Had a feeling the upcoming conversation atmosphere was very ominous.
Sure enough, Sabito's voice became unhappy. "I'm saying, you—I admit I'm indebted to you, but your words are too harsh."
"Stating facts counts as harsh? An idiot who doesn't know his limits and throws himself away?"
"You're right! Not anticipating such a formidable enemy hiding in the mountain was indeed my mistake... but I don't think helping companions is wrong. Everyone's life is precious. Shouldn't be casually lost to demons."
"Final Selection is to select warriors to contend with demons, not fulfill your benevolent heart. Rather than pushing people with insufficient ability onto battlefields that don't belong to them, better they die directly on the mountain."
"What do you mean by that?! Everyone came to participate in selection with resolve. Don't casually belittle others' determination!"
"Not so. I've never belittled anyone. I only look down on you."
"..." I quietly peeked through the door crack. Ritsuka sat expressionlessly on the veranda, while Sabito... Sabito looked about to explode with anger.
Oh my. This atmosphere was a bit terrible. Better not get involved.
From that day on, whenever Sabito and Ritsuka met, the atmosphere would rapidly chill.
Every time their gazes clashed, I felt like invisible sparks flew.
No matter what topic, their conversations immediately carried sparks.
Like after Giyu woke up—not seeing Sabito, he thought he'd heroically sacrificed himself. Sat there bawling.
His crying drew Ritsuka over. She glanced into the room, turned back to face the arriving Sabito.
She opened her mouth: "That weak guy inside is your friend?"
Sabito angrily shot back: "Shut up! Giyu isn't weak! And you, Giyu—what are you crying for? Not manly at all. I'm not dead yet!"
Giyu jumped in fright. Tears still hung on his lashes. Involuntarily hiccupped.
I watched their entire argument process. Turned around and quietly told Amane everything, sighing to her: "Their relationship is really terrible."
Amane laughed, as if comforting me: "It'll get better in the future."
Kagaya's reply letter came back without much delay. In the letter he said, rules were rules... since the swordsmen had already completed the trial, naturally they should qualify. Who could say their luck wasn't part of their strength?
Well, since he said so, let's handle it according to the rules.
So many new swordsmen at once—the swordsmiths and tailors would surely be busy for a while.
Ritsuka naturally followed me back to Gyomei's place, preparing to learn Sun Breathing.
When parting, Giyu specifically ran over to greet her.
No matter how bad Sabito and Ritsuka's relationship was, in his view Ritsuka had saved Sabito, no mistake... so he actively expressed friendliness, played peacemaker in the middle.
Have to say, these two would clash whenever they met, but both were pleasant to Giyu.
But when Giyu chatted a few more words with Ritsuka, Sabito started yelling over there: "Giyu, don't waste words with that person! Let's go early. Mr. Urokodaki is still waiting for us!"
I asked him to give my regards to Urokodaki, also took Ritsuka to leave by another mountain path.
At the Wisteria House, I hadn't asked about her conflict with Sabito... but now with just the two of us, I still wanted to ask what she'd been thinking.
I'd seen Ritsuka's file. She originally had open-minded, optimistic parents, plus two older brothers and an older sister.
Though the former Ritsuka was calm, she hadn't reached this degree. Rarely expressed her true thoughts.
That she could argue with Sabito—from another angle, this wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
Ritsuka said: "People with insufficient ability who die on Mount Fujikasane only die themselves. But if they're killed by demons during missions due to insufficient strength, not only they die—ordinary people who could have kept their lives also die."
I said: "Your consideration is indeed correct. But they could get cultivator permission to participate in selection, showing their strength isn't bad. The problem you worry about just needs experience to make up for. I'll explain to Kagaya, ask him to consider strength differences more when assigning missions to these new Corps members."
Or could also adopt the previous small squad combat system. Let these new swordsmen work in pairs, jointly execute missions.
After their strength improved to a certain degree, then let them separate to complete their own missions.
The gloom on Ritsuka's face dissipated a bit. She nodded lightly, acknowledging my remedial plan.
I added: "Since that's the case, next time explain properly to Sabito. You're also considering everyone. No need to conflict with him."
Ritsuka closed her mouth again, turned her face to the other side. Obviously unwilling to accept my suggestion.
Kids were really troublesome. Well, let the young people work this out themselves.
Compared to considering kids' interpersonal relationships, more important matters needed my worry.
Since I'd already decided to teach Sun Breathing to Ritsuka, should I also tell her about the Demon Slayer Mark?
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