’You must be joking?’

Kaigaku was genuinely shocked at this moment. Unintentionally meeting that indifferent gaze, his body began to tremble uncontrollably.

Not only were his laughable thoughts seen through, he even felt that this man harbored killing intent towards him.

Even if this man only used a wooden sword, he could easily slaughter him.

Who exactly said this man was easy to get along with?

Damn it!

’Learning it doesn’t mean mastering it. Even with just a wooden sword, if you push it to the extreme, you can still achieve such power.’

Kiyokawa Izumi glanced sideways at the silent Kaigaku. The killing intent this scumbag sensed earlier was real, and it was deliberately leaked by him.

Otherwise, how could someone like Kaigaku possibly sense the aura he leaked when making a move?

Remember this sword strike. Engrave this fear deep in your heart.

I wonder if you in this world will still encounter upper rank one. Regardless, think more before turning into a demon. After becoming a demon, can you really withstand this strike?

’I will remember everything you said.’

Not daring to stay here any longer, Kaigaku made an excuse about training elsewhere and hurriedly left.

Whether you remember or not is up to you.

Kiyokawa Izumi was certain that this guy must hold a grudge against him deep down. For such a selfish person, if you speak up for him, he’ll take it for granted.

He might even think you’ve given too little, feeling no gratitude whatsoever, nor any sense of satisfaction.

The Sound Hashira’s judgment of people is truly lacking. How could he take in trash like this and teach him Thunder Breathing without reservation?

And even tell Zenitsu to learn from his Senior Brother... it’s truly speechless.

Kiyokawa Izumi was also quite curious. Could the butterfly effect caused by him affect this guy?

Maybe someday, drag Kaigaku along to fight an Upper Rank?

Like Upper Rank Six, for instance.

Your Junior Brother could hold off Daki, and in the end, even managed to cut off her head with Inosuke’s cooperation—aren’t you always convinced you’re stronger than your useless Junior Brother?

How about letting you solo Daki?

Fight Daki first, then Gyuutarou. If you can win, becoming a Hashira would be a piece of cake, right?

Such a rare opportunity, Kaigaku would definitely be up for it.

It’s just soloing Upper Rank Six, isn’t it?

Kiyokawa Izumi firmly believed he had the strength for it.

’Um...’

A timid voice came from the side. Zenitsu, who had been berated by his Senior Brother, wasn’t in tears. Although his mood was very low, his kind nature prevented him from hating his Senior Brother because of it.

He simply felt it was all because he himself was too unimpressive.

It was all his own fault.

He had heard Kiyokawa Izumi’s words clearly.

But at this moment, he didn’t even have the courage to ask for confirmation again.

Besides wanting to escape, he was unwilling to face it.

Another reason he didn’t dare to agree was that he couldn’t live up to this man’s expectations.

’What if you only know one move? If you perfect it, you can still reach the peak!’

Hearing this, Zenitsu still lacked confidence. He couldn’t help but wonder, does someone like me really have the qualifications to become a Hashira’s Successor?

’But I...’

’Not long ago, someone asked me a question. Now, it’s my turn to ask you.

If one day, a little girl was about to be brutally killed by a demon right in front of you, would you turn a blind eye?’

’I...’

Zenitsu, who had never experienced anything like this, couldn’t possibly answer.

He didn’t know if he would have the courage to draw his sword in that moment.

Just thinking about it was terrifying.

He’d die, wouldn’t he?

’No need to answer, because I already know. You will definitely pass the Selection. When the time comes, announce proudly that you are my Successor.

Fear, avoidance—none of that matters.

Just do things you won’t regret. That’s all. That’s probably my only expectation for you.’

Despite seeming to have the weakest personality, he wasn’t actually lacking in courage.

Gently patting Zenitsu’s shoulder, Kiyokawa Izumi continued, ’As for now, if you don’t want to be severely lectured by a certain woman, you’d better head back and rest early.’

His mind still in a bit of a mess, Zenitsu looked in the direction Kiyokawa Izumi pointed. On the roof eaves stood a petite figure, quietly watching... ’Mr. Kiyokawa Izumi, care to explain? Not sleeping at night is one thing, but why did you shatter so much glass?’

’Can you hear me? Why aren’t you answering? Haven’t thought of an excuse yet?’

Kiyokawa Izumi, who had exerted too much force earlier, found himself at a loss for an explanation now—could he say Piggy did it?

’Mr. Kiyokawa Izumi, why aren’t you speaking?’

’The moon is really round tonight!’

After staying silent for so long, that’s all he managed to come up with.

Facing Kochou Shinobu’s intense stare, feeling guilty but refusing to admit fault, he retorted righteously.

’Do you have any proof it was me who broke it? If not, why are you slandering me?’