DSWS: Chapter 41

"The Butterfly Mansion, a Place that Terrifies Aoki"

"Senior Aoki?"

Aoki entered the ward. Having no missions for the past two weeks, he'd been enjoying a relaxed life.

"You'll be our captain? That's wonderful!" Tanjiro exclaimed.

Zenitsu looked at Aoki questioningly. Over the past two weeks, Aoki had visited Tanjiro several times, so Zenitsu and Inosuke knew about this senior brother.

"Aren't captains assigned by higher-ups?" Zenitsu asked.

"Yes," Tanjiro said, smiling. "But Senior Aoki is a Hashira, so he can choose his squad members."

Zenitsu fell silent for a moment, then shrieked. "Hashira?! He's a Hashira?! A Hashira is going to be our captain?! No! Absolutely not! We'll die! We'll definitely die!"

He rolled around on the bed, like a spoiled child.

Tanjiro looked at Zenitsu, then at Aoki, arms crossed. "Senior Aoki, having you as our captain and trainer would be amazing, but first, we need to finish our rehabilitation training at the Butterfly Mansion."

"I don't mind," Aoki said. "Let me just say this: you three have great potential. You each have weaknesses, but I believe you can overcome them. I look forward to your progress."

Aoki left the ward, leaving Zenitsu still shrieking.

As he left, he saw a familiar figure—not Shinobu Kocho, but her adopted sister, Kanao Tsuyuri.

Aoki often mistook them for each other due to their similar appearance and style.

Kanao Tsuyuri was watching a butterfly on her finger, completely engrossed, ignoring Aoki's presence. Normally, people would glance over, but she didn't.

Aoki's thoughts: Shinobu's adopted sister is so unlike her. She's withdrawn, quiet, only smiling when looking at others.

Shaking his head, Aoki left the Butterfly Mansion.

Some time later, Aoki returned to visit Tanjiro. As he entered, he heard shouts and grunts.

Zenitsu was pulling ropes attached to enormous stones. Tanjiro and Inosuke were encouraging him.

"Full of energy," Aoki chuckled, noticing a familiar figure that made him blush and avert his gaze—Shinobu Kocho.

Her soft voice reached him. "Oh, Aoki-kun, visiting Tanjiro again?"

He couldn't turn to face her, remembering their awkward rooftop encounter. He only turned when her scent reached him.

"Aoki-kun, are you alright? Your face is so red. Are you sick? Should I check?"

Aoki tried to avoid eye contact, wanting to prevent another conversation with Shinobu Kocho, despite wanting to talk to her. He was conflicted.

"Aoki-kun, why are you avoiding me? Think I didn't notice?" Shinobu Kocho asked, leaning closer.

Aoki stammered, "I'm sorry. I won't do it again."

Shinobu Kocho giggled. "Aoki-kun is so cute. Such a cute guy, yet no girls like him. What a shame."

She pinched his cheeks. I'll get you back for running away during our conversation.

"Senior Aoki!" Tanjiro called.

Aoki, seizing the opportunity, rushed to Tanjiro, putting on a serious face.

"Tanjiro, you three seem recovered. As my squad members, you should be prepared. Come with me."

Tanjiro smiled. "Zenitsu and Inosuke haven't mastered Total Concentration—Constant, but I have. If you're training us, train me alone."

Aoki was surprised. He'd mastered Total Concentration—Constant early on in his training at Mount Fujikasane, allowing him to maintain Total Concentration Breathing 24/7. It was a feat most beginners couldn't achieve.

He'd spent a month mastering it (mostly due to laziness), but it significantly boosted his strength.

Tanjiro's mastery meant individual training wouldn't improve him much. He needed to train their teamwork.

"No," Aoki said. "I'll wait until they master Total Concentration—Constant, then train all three of you together."

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