Demon Slayer: The Great Swordsman's System, Disciple of Yoriichi

"Why are you dressed so strangely?" Mo Tie asked, bewildered as he looked at Si Shu, whose face was covered in soot and whose body was clad in an outfit made of leaves. "You look like you've been mugged."

"Not quite. This is what happens when you climb to the summit of Sunlight Mountain," Si Shu replied, placing the Tamahagane he carried onto a specially made rack. "This is what I brought back. The highest quality Tamahagane."

That simple sentence immediately captured Mo Tie's full attention. Even Xiao Gang, who was adding firewood to the furnace, poked his head over.

"Really? Let me see!"

The master and apprentice swarmed the ore like crazed fans surrounding their idol.

"So this is the highest quality Tamahagane... It truly gives off a wondrous feeling." "It does, Master! I can even feel a stream of air circulating in my stomach!" "Uh, that's probably just an upset stomach." "No way, my body has always been very stro—" (A farting sound echoed.)

Pinching his nose, Mo Tie kicked Xiao Gang in the butt. "Get out of here!"

Si Shu chuckled and shook his head, deciding to go wash up. He stayed the night at Mo Tie's house and, after packing his things, left the next morning. Although Mo Tie and Xiao Gang wanted to study the supreme ore for longer, Si Shu's mind was set, and there was no stopping him.

"This is far enough. Farewell, you two!" Si Shu waved goodbye to Mo Tie and Xiao Gang, who had come to see him off.

Finally, I can get some rest.

He walked back along the familiar path, the only difference being the few extra pieces of ore in his pack. Work hard when it's time to work, relax when it's time to relax; Si Shu had always valued a good work-life balance.

After a few days, he finally returned to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters. The moment he entered, he sensed that the atmosphere was unusual. The Corps grounds were usually quiet and discreet, but now they were bustling with people. Everyone had a smile on their face as if celebrating some good news.

Si Shu stopped a boy about his age and asked, "Has something happy happened? Why is it suddenly so lively?"

"You don't know? Tomorrow is the birthday of Oyakata-sama and Lord Tojuro!"

"A birthday?"

"Yeah! Oyakata-sama is turning twenty-two, and Lord Tojuro decided to celebrate his birthday early too." The boy then hurried away.

I see. The birthdays of two of the Corps' most important figures. No wonder it was so lively. Although Ubuyashiki and Rengoku Tojuro wouldn't make a big fuss, they couldn't stop the enthusiasm of the Corps members. In that case, I should go offer my congratulations as well.

Si Shu decided to first return to his residence to rest up and visit Tojuro and Ubuyashiki the next day with a clear mind.

Returning to his familiar quarters, Si Shu was surprised to find the door unlocked. Could Master be back?

His face lit up with joy, eager to share his adventures on Sunlight Mountain with Yoriichi. However, the moment he stepped inside, he instantly sensed something was wrong. The person sitting inside was not Yoriichi Tsugikuni!

Although the man's presence felt very similar to Yoriichi's, Si Shu could detect a hidden obsession, jealousy, and a hint of madness.

He picked up a wooden sword and held it tightly, slowly pushing the door open. From the back, this man was slightly taller and broader-shouldered than Yoriichi. He wore a purple samurai uniform, his black hair tied in a high ponytail.

Without asking the man's identity, Si Shu lunged, swinging the wooden sword at his shoulder. Rather than engaging in fruitless questioning, he preferred to defeat his enemies and have them speak the truth themselves.

Just as the blade was about to connect, the seated man moved. He slammed one palm on the floor, and his tall frame shifted instantly to the left. The sure-hit attack struck empty air, and the feeling of misplaced force slowed Si Shu's reaction by a split second.

In that single second, the man spun around and kicked Si Shu's wrist.

"Ugh!"

Enduring the pain, Si Shu clutched his wrist and stumbled back a few steps. It was because the man had turned that Si Shu finally saw his face. It was strikingly similar to Yoriichi's, yet with subtle differences. On his left forehead and extending from his right lower jaw to his neck were two deep red, flame-like marks. His eyes were incredibly sharp, but a deep-seated gloom lurked within them.

Si Shu pointed his wooden sword at the man, his brow tightly furrowed. Upon seeing the man's face, he instantly recognized him.

Yoriichi Tsugikuni's own twin brother. The future Upper Rank One, Kokushibo.

Michikatsu Tsugikuni!

Realizing his attacker was Si Shu, the man suddenly froze, as if deep in thought. "You are Yoriichi's student, Si Shu?"

Si Shu didn't speak, merely giving a slight nod. He never imagined that while he was on Sunlight Mountain, Yoriichi would have already made contact with Michikatsu again. All he could think was that fate was truly unpredictable. Even with an anomaly like himself present, the destined reunion of the Tsugikuni brothers could not be changed.

"It is true. Aside from the clothes, everything else is as Yoriichi described." After confirming his identity, Michikatsu abandoned his offensive stance. "I am Yoriichi's older brother, Michikatsu Tsugikuni. You may call me Senior Martial Uncle, if you wish."

He continued, "Yoriichi asked me to tell you that he is busy with something and will be back after some time."

With that, Michikatsu turned away and resumed drinking his tea. They truly are brothers, Si Shu thought. In many ways, Michikatsu was just like Yoriichi. After delivering the message, he said nothing more.

"Thank you for the message, Senior Uncle. If there's nothing else, I will take my leave."

After a polite thank you, Si Shu left the room. Back in his own quarters, he lay on his bed, pondering what had just happened. Yoriichi and Michikatsu had made contact, which meant the competition between the two brothers was about to begin again. The only silver lining was that Michikatsu was still human and was still slaying demons.

It seems I must forge my own Nichirin Blade as soon as possible. After this birthday celebration is over, I'll set out for the Swordsmith Village.

Having laid out his plans, Si Shu slowly closed his eyes.

-------

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