Class A Squad

Ten days later.

boom! boom! boom!

With Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke working frantically, the three giant gourds were blown apart one by one!

This is the last lesson in the complete collection of lessons. Being able to do this means that their physical condition has been greatly improved.

"Congratulations, it seems you have recovered."

Asuka stood not far away and said to Tanjiro and the others, "Now that you are all healthy, let's set off today."

"Departure? Where to?"

"Eh!!! Are we about to start a mission? I suddenly feel a little dizzy..."

"What the heck! Finally, I can leave the nest! I'm going to cause a huge ruckus!"

Last night, Asuka was learning simple and effective medical first aid techniques from Shinobu Kocho, as well as how to more effectively use breathing techniques to stop ruptured blood vessels in the body.

Crack!

The raven flapped its wings and landed outside his door.

"Good evening, Shinobu Kocho, Shichihachi Asuka, the moon is beautiful tonight."

The bird turned its head and found that it was not its own raven, but a raven wearing a purple scarf and with a voice full of intelligence.

Before Asuka could reply, Shinobu Kocho greeted her with a smile, "Good evening, Mr. Messenger."

Kasugai nodded and looked at Asuka: "Nice to meet you, Asuka. I am Kasugai of Ubuyashiki Kagaya. You may call me messenger."

Messenger? My lord?

"Although I would like to enjoy the moonlight with you two, business is more important. Seventy-eight Flying Birds, convey the order:"

"The number of victims of the Mugen Train has increased, with more than forty people still missing, including members of the Demon Slayer Corps."

"Please head to Saitama Prefecture in the west, meet up with Kyojuro Rengoku on the scene, find the demon, and defeat it!"

"The above is the message."

Mugen Train....

Asuka looked at Shinobu Kocho and asked seriously, "Shinobu, what's a train?"

This isn't a joke; Asuka genuinely doesn't know.

Since he left the mountain, he has always traveled on foot when carrying out field missions, rarely even taking a carriage, let alone... a train?

Seeing the Crow's puzzled expression, Shinobu covered her mouth and chuckled, "Mr. Envoy, there's no need to be surprised. Asuka has been training in the mountains and hasn't been exposed to many things."

"I see. Forgive my rudeness." The messenger used his wings to preen the fine feathers on his head and continued, "In short, I hope you can get to Saitama as soon as possible to meet up with the Flame Pillar, investigate the ins and outs of this matter, and be careful in everything you do."

"By the way, sir, could a few more people join us?"

"Oh? The Insect Pillar Lord also wants to participate in the mission? Aren't three Pillars a bit...?"

"It wasn't me, it was Tanjiro and the others," Shinobu Kocho explained. "These three children have recovered, and they're growing very fast. Perhaps they can take on more challenging missions to improve themselves."

"In addition, Tanjiro once said that his family has a Kagura dance similar to the 'Breath of Fire'. I think Mr. Rengoku might be able to give him some guidance."

Upon hearing the words "Breath of Fire," Kasugai-raven narrowed its eyes: "...I know that's true."

It nodded, responding on behalf of Lord Ubuyashiki: "Asuka, as a Class A swordsman and a quasi-Pillar, you are capable of leading the Demon Slayer Corps on missions. Therefore, I entrust Tanjiro and the other two to you."

"Understood. Shall we depart now?"

"Of course, the sooner the better. After all, the Infinite Train is running every day, and no one knows if anyone will disappear again."

"Okay, then I'll do it now..."

Shinobu Kocho stopped Asuka, who was about to get up and go find Tanjiro and the others, saying, "Wait a minute, Asuka."

She looked at the messenger, Kasugai: "Let's set off tomorrow. Even Asuka doesn't know how to get to Saitama Prefecture, so let's make preparations first."

"Hmm, you make a good point. Well then, farewell. Goodnight, sirs."

The messenger merely conveyed the order and did not force the birds to carry it out immediately. After giving a polite greeting, he flapped his wings and left.

The Butterfly House fell silent again.

"Asuka, this is your first time leading a team, remember..."

The night wind is blowing, and parting is inevitable.

The time spent at the Butterfly Mansion was one of the few leisurely periods in Asuka's life.

This kind of warm and cozy time together, with occasional meaningless chats with other people, is actually not bad.

Asuka listened attentively as Shinobu Kocho explained the route to Saitama Prefecture, the local customs and traditions she might encounter along the way, and the details of how she, as the team leader, should arrange the team members...

In particular, Shinobu Kocho mentioned that since she had become a captain, she couldn't just focus on fighting herself.

Protecting one's subordinates and ordinary people around them is a leader's duty.

Seeing Shinobu's serious expression, Asuka suddenly felt a little lost.

If there were no ghosts, no battles, and no evil beings who use their power to do evil, how happy it would be if everyone could live a peaceful life like this.

No sleep for one night.

The next morning, after Tanjiro and the others had completed their final test, Asuka told them about the mission.

"I'm the team leader for this mission. If there's danger, you don't need to fight; I'll handle it," Asuka commanded calmly. "I'll protect you; don't worry."

"Huh?! I don't need anyone to protect me!" Inosuke was clearly unconvinced.

Although he knew that Asuka was a pretty formidable character, he had never witnessed it firsthand, so he completely disregarded the so-called "Jun-Hill".

In his opinion, he might be slightly better than Uoga Gonpachiro at best, but compared to Inosuke-sama when he goes all out, he's probably still a bit lacking!

Asuka nodded: "Yes, there will be many ordinary people on the train. Inosuke, you also need to take responsibility and protect the vulnerable people."

"Tch, of course!"

"Mr. Asuka, could the ghosts on that car... be from Ghost Month?" Zenitsu asked worriedly. "Forty people are missing, and they don't look like ordinary ghosts at all..."

"I don't know, but I will kill him."

Asuka tightened the kimono around her waist and looked at the already bright sky: "Let's set off. We need to get to Saitama as soon as possible."

"Yes!" Tanjiro replied solemnly, tightening his mesh haori.

Before leaving, the group bid farewell to the Butterfly Mansion members.

Tanjiro looked at Kanao and encouraged her with great enthusiasm, "Go for it, Kanao! The human heart is the driving force! The heart can become infinitely powerful!"

"Remember to follow your heart and take good care of your health!"

"...You too, have a safe journey."

Huh? Kanao is talking to a stranger?

The members of the Butterfly Mansion were confused about what had happened and stared in the direction of the two in disbelief.

"I'm telling you, don't always eat random things, you'll ruin your health."

"Haha! I am the master of this mountain, how could I possibly get an upset stomach?"

"Enough talk, here you go."

On the other side, the girl from the Butterfly Mansion, with her hair in twin ponytails and adorned with a blue butterfly hair accessory, helplessly shoved a lunchbox into Inosuke's arms.

"This is normal rice ball. Eat this if you're hungry, and don't pick and eat random fruits!"

She is Kanzaki Aoi, and one of the Butterfly House members responsible for the rehabilitation training of Tanjiro and the other two during this period.

Although he seems cold, he is actually very warm-hearted and always cares about the health of the three of them.

"Wow, I want to eat it now!"

"No way! You idiot!"

Seeing their noisy antics, Butterfly suppressed a laugh.

That smile wasn't faked; the bird could sense the joy emanating from her.

"Let's go, Ren."

"Okay, take care on your journey."

Shinobu Kocho handed several test tubes filled with brown liquid to Asuka:

"This contains some traditional Chinese medicine to help with sleep. If you feel that your nightmares are getting worse, drink one bottle before bed next time, and it can provide some temporary relief."

"Thank you, I will be careful."

"Asuka..." Shinobu Kocho withdrew her hand, a hint of worry in her eyes: "Be careful, and remember our promise."

Asuka nodded solemnly and extended her little finger to her.

Although they didn't say anything, they both understood each other perfectly.

The four of them rushed down the mountain and headed west.

In the distance, even darker clouds are gathering.