Chapter 49: The Enraged Urokodaki Sakonji
The next morning, under the hopeful yet anxious gazes of the Takemotos and a watchful Kochou Shinobu, Kanzaki Akira and Kanae departed from the Butterfly Mansion. Their destination: Mt. Sagiri.
Akira's plan was simple. He intended to introduce Kanae to Urokodaki Sakonji, hoping the former Water Hashira would take her on as a student. His reasoning was twofold. Firstly, Urokodaki's mastery of the blade was legendary; he could provide Kanae with impeccable guidance and ensure her fundamentals were forged to perfection.
Secondly, Makomo was also on Mt. Sagiri. Over the past month, she had formed a strong bond with the Kochou family, especially with Kanae, whose gentle temperament mirrored her own. They had become close confidantes. With Makomo present, Akira knew Kanae would adapt to the new, rigorous environment far more quickly.
Although Kanae had expressed a desire to learn Thunder Breathing directly from him, Akira knew it was not the right path for her—at least not yet. The style placed immense strain on the body, and its explosive nature was, physiologically speaking, less suited for most women. In contrast, the fluid and adaptable forms of Water Breathing made for a much more suitable foundation.
The journey from the Butterfly Mansion to Mt. Sagiri was not a long one. A pre-arranged carriage had them at the foot of the mountain in less than half a day.
When Makomo, who had returned late from a mission the previous night and slept soundly until noon, groggily shuffled to the courtyard gate, she blinked. Standing there were Akira and Kanae, having just arrived. For a moment, she was convinced she was still dreaming.
'Didn't I just leave the Butterfly Mansion?' she thought, her mind still foggy with sleep. 'Why am I still seeing these two the moment I wake up?'
Akira and Kanae, who had been about to greet her, couldn't help but chuckle at her dazed expression. After a brief explanation of their purpose, Makomo's confusion melted away into excitement. She quickly ushered them into the house, calling for Urokodaki, who was guiding Sabito and Giyuu through their training on the back mountain.
When Urokodaki returned, his familiar red tengu mask hiding his expression, Akira stepped forward with a respectful bow. "Senior Urokodaki, it's been a while."
"It's only been a month, hardly a long time," Urokodaki's voice was clipped, lacking its usual gruff warmth. "State your purpose, Kanzaki. Or should I say, Sound Hashira?"
The unexpectedly aggressive tone caught Akira off guard, a flicker of confusion crossing his face. He glanced at Makomo, only to find her deep green eyes were just as puzzled. Standing slightly behind Akira, Kanae felt a knot of worry tighten in her stomach, her hopes for her future training suddenly feeling fragile.
'Didn't Akira-kun say this senior was easy to get along with?' she wondered silently.
Of course, Urokodaki held no genuine dislike for Akira. On the contrary, he felt a deep sense of relief that the Demon Slayer Corps had a junior of such exceptional talent.
The problem was not Akira. The problem was Kanae, the girl standing just behind him.
As a man nearing sixty, Urokodaki didn't need Makomo to spell it out for him. He could see that his cherished disciple had given her heart to someone. And since her return yesterday, he had noticed the tell-tale signs: Makomo was utterly smitten.
Ordinarily, Urokodaki would have no objections. With Akira's talent and strength, he was a worthy partner for Makomo. But now… now there was this other girl. The way she looked at Akira's back was filled with a budding affection that was impossible to miss. This simple fact made the old man, who loved Makomo like his own daughter, deeply uncomfortable.
He made a quick, silent assessment. Makomo and Kanae each had their own unique charm, but in terms of temperament, Kanae's gentle maturity was a clear step ahead of his student's. As for their figures… well, there was no comparison. At fifteen, Kanae's body already possessed graceful curves, while Makomo, despite being a few months older, was still as slender as a willow branch.
Comparing them like this, Urokodaki couldn't help but feel a pang of worry for his "foolish disciple."
Naturally, he couldn't direct his frustration at Kanae; his first impression of her was that of a kind and gentle soul. That left only one target.
'It's all this kid's fault!' Urokodaki fumed internally.
Akira, oblivious, simply felt a phantom chill. "?"
"Senior Urokodaki," Akira began, deciding to press on despite the strange atmosphere. "I came here today to ask if you would take on a new disciple. This is Kochou Kanae, from the Butterfly Mansion. Her talent for swordsmanship is remarkable; she learned the First Form of Water Breathing simply by observing my special training with Makomo."
He chose his words carefully, ending with a bit of well-placed flattery. "A talent like that can only be properly guided by you, the former Water Hashira."
"Oh?"
Urokodaki took a slow breath, forcing himself to compartmentalize his feelings. This was a matter between young people; they would have to resolve it themselves. He couldn't interfere.
On the other hand, if what Akira said about the girl—Kochou Kanae—was true, then she was indeed a rare gem. While not the monstrous prodigy Akira was, her potential might even surpass that of Sabito.
Sensing the shift, Kanae stepped forward and bowed deeply. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Senior Urokodaki. I am Kochou Kanae. I have heard that your swordsmanship is exquisite and your experience is vast. I have come to humbly request your guidance in my training."
"Master Urokodaki, Kanae is a very good person, you..." Makomo, surprised by the revelation of Kanae's talent but more concerned with the immediate situation, began to plead on her friend's behalf.
"Alright, alright," Urokodaki waved a weary hand, cutting her off. "I never said I wouldn't take her. A talent that has caught Kanzaki's eye is not one any cultivator would refuse."
He felt a headache coming on. 'Silly girl,' he thought, glancing at his student's beaming face. 'This young lady is very likely your future rival in love…'
still, he had agreed. It was his duty as a cultivator to train swordsmen for the Demon Slayer Corps. With the current Sound Hashira making a personal request, Urokodaki, a man who valued tradition and hierarchy, could not possibly refuse.
"Yay!" Before anyone else could react, Makomo let out a cheerful cry. She was overjoyed at the thought of getting to spend every day with her new best friend. The potential dangers Kanae would face as a Demon Slayer were a concern for another time, a private conversation to be had later.
The Demon Slayer Corps had no formal apprenticeship ceremonies. With Urokodaki's consent, Kochou Kanae was now officially his student.
Makomo excitedly pulled Kanae away, chattering about choosing a room, getting her settled, and all the "private girl talk" they had to catch up on. This left Akira and Urokodaki, one young and one old, in a silent, heavy confrontation in the courtyard.
"Follow me," Urokodaki said, his voice flat. He turned and walked out of the house.
Though bewildered, Akira obediently followed.
Urokodaki led him to a deserted clearing, the air still and quiet. He turned, and Akira felt the old man's gaze pierce through the tengu mask, sharp and unyielding. "What are your thoughts on those two girls?"
"What?" Akira's mind was still catching up.
"Don't play dumb," Urokodaki's voice was low, laced with a father's anger. "You can't tell me you haven't seen their feelings. Makomo's heart has already fallen for you. And that girl, Kanae, she holds a great deal of affection for you as well, though I cannot yet tell its depth."
He took a step closer, his presence immense. "Faced with this, what is your attitude? What is your choice?"
Only then did Akira finally understand the source of the hostility he'd felt since arriving. He was facing the man who was, for all intents and purposes, Makomo's father. The weight of the question settled upon him, and he let his casual demeanor fall away, his expression turning serious.
"My choice is..."
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