"Zhenshen, you did a good job."
Nobuhiko patted Masaaki's back gently. He didn't expect Masaru to be able to respond flexibly despite his anger.
Even if he didn't take action, Zhen Shi's last sword strike should be able to cut off the hand ghost's head.
He didn't mean to be a gimmick, but the hand ghost brought him too many potential points.
He had killed dozens of ghosts before, which only added up to 95 potential points, but one hand ghost added 120 potential points to him.
Now that it is confirmed that Masaki can win, Nobuhiko is not polite.
Now it seems that Masaki's anger is real, but at the same time it also makes the hand ghost paralyzed and careless.
"Woo~"
"You've really grown up, let's go." Nobuhiko led Masaki away.
At this time, the hand ghost's body was gradually dissipating.
Seeing Nobuhiko and Masaki leaving hand in hand, he couldn't help but burst into tears, remembering the memories of when they were still humans.
When he was a child, he was afraid of the dark, and his brother would always hold his hand.
After becoming a ghost, his memory disappeared completely, but he always felt insecure. Until his arms grew all over his body, he found a familiar yet unfamiliar feeling.
When the first ray of sunlight shone into the forest at dawn, Hand Ghost saw his brother waving to him in a trance.
The moment before his body completely dissipated, the hand ghost raised one hand high and faced the sun.
"elder brother..."
Nobuhiko quietly looked at the hand held up by the demon in the sunlight. He was not Tanjiro. He could not feel pity for the demon and at the same time swing his sword at the evil demon without hesitation.
Next, what he wants to hunt are the ghosts of the lower strings, the ghosts of the upper strings, and even the ghost king Wuhan.
...
There are two ways to end the trial early. One is to stay near the entrance. Once the seven days are up, return directly to the mountainside.
Almost no one will adopt this method, and even if they become a member of the team, they will be ridiculed.
The other way is to go directly to the center of the mountain top, where there is also a small cluster of wisteria flowers. Arriving there early can be regarded as passing the test.
Similarly, traveling quickly will consume a lot of physical strength, and you will encounter more ghosts, which is extremely dangerous.
This method is rarely used.
Most people went through the trial step by step, hiding their tracks at night and traveling and resting during the day.
Only this time, most of the swordsmen who participated in the trial arrived at the central area on the top of the mountain before noon on the sixth day.
A total of 32 swordsmen participated in this trial, of which 4 have abstained and 25 have passed.
Ubuyashiki Amane had a look of surprise on her face.
The same goes for the swordsmen who guard her.
"25 people actually passed the test?! How is this possible?"
"In the past, it was considered good if four or five people passed the test. The uniforms we prepared were completely insufficient..."
The two swordsmen looked at the swordsmen below in confusion.
According to the previous death rate, there should be 25 people killed.
Of course, the more people who survive, the better.
But in the past five or six trials combined, there were not as many surviving team members as this one. They didn't know what happened.
'The quality of the swordsmen this year is so high? ! '
The same thought came to both of them.
Most of the swordsmen standing in the field were covered in dirt and listless. Many of them were injured, and the medical staff of the Demon Slayer Corps were treating them.
At this time, two more swordsmen came out.
"Look at that boy!" The two swordsmen looked at the man and woman approaching and were stunned.
The girl's clothes were relatively clean overall, but they were still a little messy, and she looked unsteady.
And the young man in the white kimono was spotless, his breath was stable, and his expression was calm, as if he was out for an outing.
'It's not even stained with dust. '
The two swordsmen were shocked.
"I remember him! He was the one who saved me! He helped me kill the ghost!"
"Me too!"
"me too."
"you all are?!"
"I saw him kill three evil spirits with one sword!"
Nobuhiko's appearance also attracted the attention of the swordsmen.
It caused a commotion in the crowd, and the swordsmen who were rescued by Nobuhiko were talking about it.
Some people came forward to express their thanks. After all, at that critical moment of life and death, many people were so frightened that they could not even speak.
"This child is...Kanae's stepson."
Ubuyashiki Amane recognized Nobuhiko and knew that he was Hanashira's 'stepson'. Her husband often mentioned Nobuhiko's name in private, saying that he would be the backbone of the Demon Slayer Corps in the future, and that the Demon Slayer Corps might be able to complete the extermination in this generation. The great cause of ghosts is also uncertain.
Nobuhiko noticed Ubuyashiki Amane's gaze and bowed slightly.
Ubuyashiki Amane returned the gift with a smile.
"Including these two brothers and sisters, 27 people have passed. Including the 4 people who abstained, there is still one person left, named Shimura Hideto."
"Do you want to continue waiting for him?"
The two swordsmen discussed the list. According to the regulations, they should wait until the seventh day, but the current situation is obviously special.
"You two, there's no need to wait. There's no one alive in the mountain."
After hearing the conversation between the two swordsmen, Nobuhiko stepped forward and explained.
According to the number of people present and those who abstained, only one person died in this trial. This Shimura Hideto should be the one who lured the ghost to him and then escaped.
"Nobuhiko-sama, how do you know?" One of the swordsmen said respectfully.
Although Nobuhiko is now considered an official member of the team, it is marked on the list that he is Hanashira's stepson, so his status is above them.
Especially through the explanations of other swordsmen, Nobuhiko probably killed no less than twenty ghosts in these six days, and his strength definitely exceeded the two of them.
The mere act of rescuing a companion is worthy of respect.
At first, they had to face many dangers to pass the trial, and it took them seven or eight years to become 'Class B' swordsmen.
According to Nobuhiko's strength, it is only a matter of time before he becomes a pillar.
"I have searched the entire Fujirai Mountain and killed all the evil ghosts I encountered. I killed 43 ghosts in total. One of the ghosts said that he had just eaten a swordsman, and it should be Shimura."
Nobuhiko said calmly, because killing ghosts increases potential points, so he remembers the number of ghosts killed very clearly.
"What?"
"You killed all the ghosts in the mountain?"
The two swordsmen looked at Nobuhiko dumbfounded.
Although the ghosts in the mountain are not strong, the total number is between 40 and 50. Even a Grade A swordsman can't say that he can kill all these ghosts in six days. This is only the 'Pillar' can do it.
Currently, the Demon Slayer Squad doesn't even have nine pillars, only seven pillar-level swordsmen.
If you kill 50 ghosts, or kill a twelve-month ghost, you can be promoted to a 'pillar'.
Doesn't this mean that Nobuhiko had a strength close to pillar level when he participated in the trial?
No one doubted the authenticity of what Nobuhiko said.
Because members of the Demon Slayer Corps would never lie about the number of demons they killed.
The more ghosts you kill, the faster you will advance in level, the higher your status will be, and your voice in the team will also increase.
But as a result, the tasks to be performed will become more and more difficult.
Pillar-level combat power can either deal with a large number of ghosts or deal with the twelve ghost moons.
If ordinary team members lied about the number of ghosts they killed, they would probably die in the mission within a month.
"Welcome everyone to come back safely..." Ubuyashiki Amane finally spoke after the discussion in the venue gradually died down.
She greeted the team members.
Then the team rules of the Demon Slayer Corps and the ranks of the Demon Slayer Corps members were explained.
In addition to the highest level of 'pillars', swordsmen are divided into ten classes - A, B, B, D, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren and Gui.
When distributing team uniforms, only a dozen sets were prepared in advance, because according to the results of previous trials, more than a dozen sets of team uniforms were tried on by the four or five people who passed the trial, which directly omitted the measurement process, because the team uniforms were The quality is very good and will not be damaged even after being stored for decades, so there will be no waste.
This time, a total of 27 people passed the trial.
Ubuyashiki Amane's voice paused before he continued: "According to the team's rules, the team uniforms must be engraved with their rank. The swordsmen who just join the team are the lowest Kuai-rank.
Kitahara Nobuhiko was promoted to 'A' class due to special circumstances. "
It didn't make any sense to anyone.
After all, Nobuhiko is obviously not on the same level as them.
They wouldn't find it strange if he was promoted to a pillar on the spot.
It’s great to have such a strong person in the same class!
If swordsmen who pass the trial think their swordsmanship is not good enough or do not want to fight, they can apply to join the logistics department.
Then, someone began to measure the players' bodies and prepare to customize the team uniforms.
As for Nobuhiko's physical data, Kanae had already measured it, so he reported it directly to the staff in the logistics department.
After the measurement was completed and all the data were recorded, Ubuyashiki Amane clapped his hands, and a flock of crows suddenly flew in the sky and landed on everyone at the same time.
"This is the Thunder Crow, and I will follow you from now on. The Thunder Crow is mainly used for communication. When you are out, the headquarters will transmit information and issue orders through the Thunder Crow."
Following Ubuyashiki Amane's explanation, some of the swordsmen who were preparing to attack the rook loosened their grip on the sword.
"Quack quack~"
No less than ten crows circled around Nobuhiko, and a fight ensued.
Just as the crows were fighting, a palm-sized yellow bird quickly swooped down from above and landed on Nobuhiko's shoulder.
Compared with other crows, this bird is significantly smaller and has yellow feathers.
But this is not Nobuhiko's focus.
"This is......"
The yellow bird looks like a miniature crow, with a thumb-sized red fleshy crest on its head.
The crow kept rubbing its head against Nobuhiko's cheek, looking very affectionate, as if it wanted Nobuhiko to choose it.
Nobuhiko, on the other hand, felt a weak flow of heat in the body of the turtle. In confusion, he said to Utsuya Shiki Amane:
"Lord Tianyin, I want it."
When the crows hovering in the sky saw this, they cursed and chose others.
"Is it because of chakra?" Nobuhiko thought while teasing the little guy on his shoulder.
In the world of Naruto, psychic beasts are also very close to him.
This little guy rushed over so eagerly. Even if he didn't have a special feeling, it was fate. Naturally, Nobuhiko would not refuse.
"Next, everyone can choose the jade steel used to forge the Nichirin sword."
Under Ubuyashiki Amane's order, the swordsmen brought up a wooden table with pieces of ore the size of a fist placed on it.
As soon as Ubuyashiki Amane finished speaking, everyone looked at Nobuhiko.
Obviously let him choose first.
Seeing this situation, he was not polite, walked forward, looked at the basically the same ore on the table, and used his perception ability.
But he couldn't feel any difference, so Nobuhiko chose a piece that looked larger.
"I want this..."
Before Nobuhiko finished speaking, the crow on his shoulder suddenly fell on the table, came to a piece of ore in the northeast corner of the table, and flapped its wings vigorously.
"Are you asking me to choose this?" Nobuhiko couldn't help but ask.
The eagle crow nodded immediately and started chirping.
Nobuhiko put down the stone in his hand and chose the one where the raven was standing.
As soon as he picked up the piece of jade steel, the bird immediately landed on another piece of jade steel.
Nobuhiko's expression froze and he looked at Ubuya Shiki Amane.
In principle, everyone can only choose one piece of jade steel.
Ubuyashiki Amane smiled and nodded, because as a dual-sword swordsman, Nobuhiko needed more jade steel and could choose from multiple options.
Nobuhiko received the approval and picked up another piece of ore.
However, the crow jumped twice more in a row and became more and more eager.
At this time, Nobuhiko felt a little embarrassed, coughed twice and said:
"Lord Tianyin, I have practiced four breathing methods in total, and I can use four different sun swords at the same time, but the team law does not seem to allow multiple selections.
I would like to apply to your lord to choose three more pieces of ore. Can I reserve these three pieces first? "
Upon hearing this, Utsuya Shiki Tianyin showed approval.
Then he looked at the people below.
"Nobuhiko-kun, you can choose whatever you want, even if you choose ten dollars, we have no objection!"
"that is!"
Even if Nobuhiko took it directly, they would not have any objection in their hearts. After all, it is his ability that others can use the four breathing techniques. Although the four sword styles are unheard of, Nobuhiko's strength gives credibility to what he said.
In particular, he did not violate the regulations and chose to apply in advance, which won everyone's favor.
"Thank you!"
Seeing this, Nobuhiko picked up the jade steel ore and wrapped it in cloth.
Then he poked Yan Ya's head with his finger and whispered: "If you choose randomly, just wait for me."
Hearing this, the crow couldn't help but chirp, as if he was aggrieved.
"Okay, just kidding, I believe you." Nobuhiko could only comfort him.
...
With the end of the selection of jade steel, this trial has come to an end.
However, the fact that 27 swordsmen passed through at one time still caused a sensation within the team.
The person at the center of the topic is naturally Nobuhiko.
After passing the trial, Nobuhiko left with Ubuyashiki Amane, and he wanted to return to the Demon Slayer Corps' headquarters.
As for ordinary team members, there is no need to go to the headquarters without orders.
For reasons of confidentiality, swordsmen who have just passed the trial are not yet qualified to go to the headquarters.
The loyalty of these low-level swordsmen has not yet been proven. If they were forced by ghosts or exposed the location of the headquarters under illusion, they would be in trouble.
The Demon Slayer Corps has been passed down for hundreds of years. During this period, it was almost extinct several times due to this situation, so the team members were required to strictly enforce team rules.
As for Nobuhiko, there are very few special circumstances.
Kanae also brought Nobuhiko and Masaki to the headquarters with the consent of Ubuyashiki Yōya.
After the trial, Masaki will return to the breeder Nintaki Sakonji's place, wait for the sword forger to forge the Nichirin sword, and then send it along with the team uniform.
Afterwards, the mission was carried out through the eagles.
After saying goodbye to Masaki, Nobuhiko returned to the Demon Slayer Headquarters.
...
A month and a half later, a swordsmith wearing a fire man mask came to the headquarters of the Demon Slayer Corps and gave Nobuhiko a sword.
"Are you the one who wants to use a special fixed knife? Do you know how many nights I stayed up all night to forge the knife for you! If you get pregnant with the knife I forged, I will definitely stab you to death!"
Looking at Nobuhiko who looked confused, Butterfly Ninja twitched his lips, while Kanae smiled and explained to Nobuhiko:
"This is Mr. Steel Mound. The knives he forges are very easy to use. He is a very enthusiastic person!"
Looking at Steel Zuka Hotaru who kept poking his body muscles with his fingers, Nobuhiko's mouth twitched, this was too enthusiastic.
"Quickly see if the sword I forged for you is suitable for use! The materials you gave me after refining are only enough to forge two swords. I don't believe that anyone can really use the four-sword style!"
As soon as Iron Mound Hotaru mentioned the knife, his whole feeling changed, and he pulled out two rectangular boxes wrapped in cloth from his back.
Nobuhiko opened it and saw that both swords were the same as the Kusanagi sword he was used to.
No wonder it only takes fifteen days for the average team member to forge a sword, but it took one and a half months for Steel Mound Hotaru.
It was almost exactly what he asked for.
Slow work produces fine work.
"Quick! Try it! See if it can turn red!"
Steel Mound Firefly quickly urged.
Nobuhiko held a Nichirin sword in each hand, and the two swords were just enough.
He drew out two Nichirin swords at the same time, and the knives in his hands began to change color at the same time.
"It's turned red! Bright red! Great!" The knife in his right hand turned bright red amidst Steel Mound Hotaru's exclamation.
The knife in his left hand changed from white to silver-white, and a golden linear texture appeared in the middle of the blade.
"I really saw you right! Very good!" Hotaru Iron Mound patted Nobuhiko's shoulder hard, expressing great joy that one of the knives turned into the color he wanted to see.
Nobuhiko smiled and said: "I am very satisfied with these two knives. Thank you very much, Mr. Steel Tomb."
"If you are satisfied, then take good care of my sword." Steel Mound Hotaru snorted, and turned to leave. However, after taking a few steps, he suddenly returned quickly with a ghost-like pace, and the fire man's mask touched Nobuhiko's face. , said with extremely serious words: "If you break my knife, I will definitely kill you!"
"I understand!" Nobuhiko could only nod his head.
After Iron Mound Hotaru left, he looked at Kanae and smiled awkwardly, "Mr. Iron Mound is indeed very enthusiastic..."
Kanae pursed her lips and chuckled.
The Butterfly Ninja turned around, his shoulders shaking.
...
In the following time, Nobuhiko became familiar with the double swords.
He had already mastered the Thunder Breathing Technique, so he began to learn the Flame Breathing Technique from [Pillar of Flame] Purgatory Anjuro.
After seeing that Nobuhiko's swords had not turned green, [Wind Pillar] Immortal Kawa Saneya seemed to have some objections, and his attitude towards Nobuhiko became as bad as when they first met, but he still taught him the wind breathing method. .
In this way, another month passed, and Nobuhiko began to perform his mission.
Because he was directly promoted to Class A, he performed all difficult tasks.
This time the mission is to go to a small town in the south to hunt ghosts.
...
Ten days later, Nobuhiko returned to the Demon Slayer Headquarters.
This time, he added another 135 potential points.
Many of the ghosts encountered outside are stronger than hand ghosts, but there are also weak ones, and they are all ghosts who have eaten people.
After returning to Butterfly House, Nobuhiko found that Kanae had gone out on a mission.
After asking, I found out that a suspected ghost appeared near Osaka Prefecture, and Kanae was sent to investigate.
To deal with Xixian ghosts, one column-level combat power is enough, especially if this is just an investigation.
But Nobuhiko felt something was wrong.
He immediately went to Ubuyashiki Yoshiya and told him that he was going to support Kanae.
Although he couldn't find a clear reason, Ubuyashiki Yoya also agreed out of his concern for Kanae.
The day after Nobuhiko left the Demon Slayer Corps and headed to Osaka Prefecture.
Kanae's eagle returned to the headquarters and sent her the information that she had discovered the traces of the Second Wind, and requested support from the headquarters.
Butterfly, who was at the headquarters, couldn't bear the chaos, and went to support Kanae with [Pillar of Flame] Purgatory Anjurou and [Pillar of Wind] Immortal Kawakawa Saneya.
"Sister, be sure nothing happens to you!"
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