Special Quotas

It was fifteen days later when Asuka saw Shinsuke again.

The afternoon sun shone lazily on the bird, which was dressed in coarse old clothes, making it feel warm and cozy.

Asuka gripped the Nichirin Blade, extending it evenly to adapt to her recovering body.

"Buddha above, you're truly made of iron..."

Aunt Matsumoto sat under the eaves, pounding medicine with a pestle and remarking, "My husband's leg was gored by a wild boar back then, and he couldn't get up for three months. You've almost recovered in such a short time!"

The bird slowly came to a stop and exhaled a long, stale breath.

He was actually a little puzzled; two weeks had indeed gone by too quickly.

Although he felt he was indeed somewhat resilient, he shouldn't be this resilient.

Is it because of the nature of his own wandering spirit... or is it because of that asagi...?

When he first unleashed Asauchi and used it to wound Shinazugawa Sanemi, he discovered that his spiritual pressure seemed to have a strong predatory desire, taking some of the other party's energy to nourish himself.

Could it be because it seized the power that belonged to Red Swamp?

Asuka shook her head, putting those thoughts aside for the moment, and said calmly, "It's Matsumoto-san's medicine that's good."

However, the woman was clearly unmoved by such flattery, and instead looked at the bird's sturdy body with a sense of wonder:

"Youth is wonderful, but don't take your good health for granted! You must always be more careful and cherish your health, my child."

Just then, a familiar, slightly hurried footstep sound came from outside the courtyard gate, along with Rintarō's signature loud voice:

"Matsumoto-san! Asuka brothers! We're back!"

Asuka looked up and saw that the people who came were Rintaro and Akemi, whom he had met once before, as well as Shinsuke, whom he knew better.

They were all travel-worn, their Demon Slayer Corps uniforms still stained with mud and bits of grass, and they looked quite tired.

When Shinsuke saw Asuka, his eyes lit up, and he exuded a sense of relief and excitement as if he had accomplished a great mission.

He led the two of them over quickly, with Rintaro carrying a bulging cloth bag on his shoulder.

"Good day, everyone." Asuka mustered her goodwill and gave the three a cold greeting.

"Looks like you're recovering very well! Excellent, I told you you should just focus on getting better!"

"...Hayama, you're a few days late. What trouble did you run into?"

Shinsuke scratched his head, a hint of slyness and a touch of pride in his smile:

"No trouble at all, it's just... we went in a little roundabout way." He stepped aside, gesturing for Rintaro to come forward.

Rintaro carefully took off the cloth bag and peeled it open layer by layer. Inside was a brand new piece of clothing that was folded neatly—the Demon Slayer Corps uniform!

The deep black fabric, as dark as night, gleamed with a supple sheen in the sunlight, and felt unexpectedly cool to the touch.

The back of the top is embroidered with the striking character "灭" (meaning "extinction") in white linen thread, while the cuffs and hem are woven with a special technique to create a dense, subtle wisteria pattern that is even and full of power.

Next to the team uniform, a sunflower-patterned badge symbolizing the identity of a Demon Slayer member lay quietly.

It is made of brass, heavy, and the edges are polished smooth and shiny.

"This is..." Asuka was stunned. Of course he knew what it was. Wasn't this the same kind of uniform that Shinsuke and the others were wearing?

According to Shinsuke, the Demon Slayer Corps' uniforms are specially made, which not only have excellent breathability and can withstand both heat and cold, but also prevent demons of intermediate or lower rank from harming the members' bodies.

"Here you go, Asuka!" Rintaro gave Asuka a thumbs-up in a loud voice.

Akemi nodded vigorously from the side, "This was personally approved by the Lord! Don't worry!"

Shinsuke added, "After returning to Hayama and telling you about your situation, I took Mr. Arashizaki's handwritten letter and these two guys and made a special trip to Fujikasane Mountain! We also submitted a detailed report to the [Hidden] Division, which was in charge of the final selection, and the Ubuyashiki Otaku!"

"We reported everything that happened by the stream, especially your solo slaying of the great demon known as Red Swamp!"

He lifted the black team uniform, his tone filled with respect:

"You were able to slay a powerful demon with Blood Demon Art who devoured over fifty people, your strength far surpassing that of ordinary trainees! Coupled with your courage to face enemies alone and your determination to fulfill your promise even when severely injured, you have absolutely no need to participate in the Fujikasane Mountain selection to prove anything!"

"Asuka! The Lord has given his approval, making an exception to include you in the Demon Slayer Corps. You are now a qualified Demon Slayer!"

With that, he handed the clothes that represented his identity as a member of the Demon Slayer Corps to Asuka and pinned the badge to his chest.

My lord...

This person was mentioned many times by Shinsuke and Arashizaki-sensei, and seemed to be a wise and tolerant leader of the Demon Slayer Corps.

Asuka was surprised that the other party would make an exception for a trainee she had never met before.

What kind of person is he...?

Asuka weighed the seemingly light uniform in her hand, yet it carried the weight of responsibility, and a strange mix of emotions welled up inside her.

Does this mean I have an organization or powerful backers?

He had once joined a gang in Rukongai, but he was either forced to do evil things against his conscience or driven away by the equally cruel exploitation within the gang.

Would this Demon Slayer Corps be a good place to stay...?

".......Thank you." Asuka's voice was a little hoarse. He raised his head and looked over the sincere and encouraging faces of Shinsuke, Rintaro, and Akemi. "Thank you."

"Hey, no need to thank me!" Rintaro slapped Asuka on the shoulder and chuckled. "From now on, we're comrades! Remember to look out for your brother when you're slaying demons!"

"Hey! Rintaro! Asuka's body!" Akemi glared at him unhappily.

"Ah! I'm so sorry!"

The four of them made a ruckus for a while, and then Shinsuke told Asuka that the Demon Slayer Corps members still needed to choose the [Tamagang] they would use to forge their Nichirin Blades. So, although it would be a bit troublesome, he would have to make a trip to Fujikasane Mountain to see if he could find the right steel for himself before the trial ended.

Asuka nodded and put the Demon Slayer Corps uniform over her coarse cloth clothes.

He turned around and bowed deeply to Aunt Matsumoto, who was sitting under the eaves and nodding repeatedly to him.

"Matsumoto-san, thank you for taking care of me for so many days."

Asuka's words were earnest, and Matsumoto-sama wiped her eyes, her face showing both relief and reluctance. "Good child...be extra careful after wearing this outfit! Come back and visit often!"

The bird nodded emphatically.

Several days later, in front of the mountain gate of Yeshan.

As dusk settled, the last rays of the setting sun cast a warm glow over the training field.

The trainees had long since dispersed, and now only Arashizaki Teshin stood with his back to the gate, wielding a heavy wooden sword with his remaining right arm, slowly adjusting his breathing as he faced the distant mountains bathed in the glow of the setting sun.

The footsteps stopped outside the courtyard gate.

Arashi didn't turn around. His weathered face was indistinct in the shadow of the setting sun; only his deep, resonant voice rang out, revealing no emotion.

"It's too late."

"Teacher, I'm back."

Arashizaki Tesshin finally turned around slowly, his deep eyes scanning the newcomer inch by inch.

My gaze swept over the brand-new black team uniform that represented the official team member's status.

It swept past the gleaming sunflower emblem on her chest.

Finally, it landed on his face—on that young face that had lost some of its gloom and wariness, and gained more composure and restraint.

"Is your injury any better?"

"Yes, thanks to Aunt Matsumoto's care, I'm much better now."

"Hmm... It's good that you're back."

Arashi's stern gaze softened as he slowly walked towards him.

Before the bird could react, the resolute old man pulled him into his arms with his one arm.

"...You're such a troublesome kid."