Faced with the expectant looks of the three people, Adam didn't immediately agree. Instead, he secretly activated his skill, having just heard a faint sound.
〔Enemy Detection〕is an exploration-type skill that can search for enemies through ordinary terrain. It grants the divine ability to judge enemy positions in advance, scouting terrain and sensing foes.
This extremely useful skill is a must-learn for the 「Thief」 profession.
'Just as I thought...'
The hall where Adam stood had a simple layout, seemingly without hiding places. However, an extremely well-concealed private space existed in the corner.
Hidden there were the Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps.
'No wonder it's ... An unnecessary misunderstanding has occurred.' He thought to himself.
He must have spoken ambiguously, making the Hashira believe he was leaving. Worried he wouldn't return, they asked Kagaya to come out and persuade him to stay.
Over the past week, Adam had sensed an inexplicable hope and expectation from everyone in the Demon Slayer Corps. He could guess their intentions.
Yet he hadn't expected Kagaya to pay such a high price — even risking the entire Demon Slayer Corps — just to ask him to stay!
"I'm sorry, please forgive my refusal." Adam said softly after a moment's consideration, "I lack the ability to lead the Demon Slayer Corps, and I'm not the most suitable person to become its leader."
Adam was self-aware. He understood that leading the Demon Slayer Corps required more than just strength and strategy — it demanded prestige and the hearts of the people. These latter qualities were, in fact, the most crucial.
Clearly, he lacked these two essential elements that command respect and loyalty. Without them, his strength alone wouldn't be enough to lead the members of the Demon Slayer Corps effectively.
"Suoh-kun, everyone in the Demon Slayer Corps hopes you can become the head of the organization. I also hope—"
"No, there's no need to say more." Adam interjected before Kagaya could finish, "I'm certainly not suitable to be the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps. Moreover, there's a more fitting candidate for this role..."
With these words, he turned his gaze towards the young boy sitting next to Kagaya.
Faced with Adam's direct gaze and the pressure it carried, Kiriya showed no fear. He met his eyes calmly and directly. Such composure at such a young age proved him worthy of being the successor raised by a great family.
Adam nodded in satisfaction.
"Compared to me, isn't Kiriya more qualified?"
Kiriya was the heir to the Ubuyashiki Household and the predetermined next leader of the Demon Slayer Corps before his arrival. He possessed the necessary bearing, prestige, and Continue reading more chapters on NovelHub for the best experience.
It was Adam's sudden appearance that had prompted Kagaya to reconsider his decision.
To reassure the Hashira and prevent misunderstandings, he made a promise, "Please be at ease. I will do my utmost to help the Demon Slayer Corps defeat Muzan Kibutsuji."
As an honorable young man, Adam wouldn't simply take advantage of the Corps' generosity without giving back. Having received such great benefits, he felt obligated to contribute.
"Since you've put it that way, Suoh-kun..." Kagaya nodded slightly, "No... Takeshi, I believe in you."
The shift in address was his attempt to forge a closer connection with Adam.
In truth, Kagaya agreed with the proposal. It was the best choice for everyone involved — a mutually beneficial outcome.
"Then, I'll take my leave, Master Ubuyashiki... sir." Adam bowed slightly, preparing to stand.
"Wait a moment, Takeshi." Kagaya motioned for him to stay, then turned to his wife, "Bring the item."
Amane rose and retrieved an object from the cabinet.
"This is..." Adam's eyes widened slightly.
Before him lay none other than a Nichirin Blade!
"This is a Nichirin Blade." Kagaya said, taking the weapon and personally handing it to him, "Since Takeshi has joined the Demon Slayer Corps, how could he not have one?"
The Nichirin Blade is standard equipment for every Demon Slayer Corps member and their primary weapon for slaying demons.
Despite the scarcity and difficulty in mining the scarlet crimson iron sand ore used to forge these blades, the wealthy Ubuyashiki family has managed to provide one for each Corps member.
"The Nichirin Blade in your hand was forged by the best swordsmith in the village." Kagaya added.
"The best swordsmith..."
He pondered the implications. Surely, a sword forged by the village's best swordsmith would be the finest blade available. Yet, a nagging doubt made him fear it might snap with a mere crack.
Pushing these thoughts aside, Adam eagerly unsheathed the blade while using his breathing technique, curious to see what color it would take on.
As the blade changed color, he was stunned.
He had expected it to be water blue, given his instinctive use of the Water Breathing technique. Instead, the Nichirin Blade in his hand was pure black.
Disbelieving, Adam tried using Sun, Flame, Wind, Thunder, and other breathing techniques. Yet, without exception, the blade remained pure black.
'Is it because I learned the Sun Breathing technique?' He wondered, unable to comprehend the phenomenon.
"Amane." Kagaya asked, "What color is Takeshi's Nichirin Blade?"
Aware that Adam had mastered all breathing techniques, he was keenly interested in the color of his Nichirin Blade. He turned to his wife for confirmation.
"Black." Amane replied after careful observation, "Suoh-kun's Nichirin Blade is pure black."
"Is that so? Pure black..." Kagaya mused, his voice laden with meaning, "The same color as Tanjiro's Nichirin Blade."
Sensing his hidden knowledge, Adam engaged him in further discussion.
As their conversation deepened, so did the night.
Some time later, Adam was the first to express his intention to leave.
"It's getting late, and the Master is in poor health. I shall not disturb you further and will take my leave now."
Kagaya was a person who understood etiquette and knew when to advance and retreat. Although Adam had been enjoying their conversation, he suggested that Kagaya rest early for the sake of his weak health.
"Very well." He nodded slightly, a smile gracing his face.
From beginning to end, he had shown no intention of driving Adam away. Even though he was already unable to sit still — his body slightly trembling and his forehead beading with sweat — he showed no impatience.
Kagaya was truly an admirable leader.
For such a person, Adam didn't mind offering some help to alleviate his physical burden.
"Master, please allow me to treat you." He said, moving to Kagaya's side.
Pale blue and pale green light successively enveloped Kagaya's entire body, greatly alleviating his increasingly tired and unbearably heavy body and mind.
"Thank you, Takeshi. I feel much better." He said with sincere gratitude.
"I'm sorry, at present I can only provide relief."
Adam's purification ability wasn't strong; at most, it could delay the onset of his curse. It couldn't achieve the level of complete purification that only deities like Aqua could perform.
"It's fine. I'm already very satisfied with just this." Kagaya said, his open-mindedness evident. He had never cared much about his own life or death.
To kill Muzan, he was willing to use himself as bait to lure that Demon into a trap. Being able to live a bit longer now was already the greatest blessing.
"Well then, I'll take my leave now."
Adam bowed slightly and turned to leave.
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