After recovering from the last mission, Aokime was ready to set off and continue his mission as a slayer. However, before he left, Kanae appeared behind him as she wanted to see him off.
"You've been doing pretty well in training, but you still have much to learn. Hopefully, you can meet Gyomei and the other Hashira to train with them."
"Thank you for the hospitality Kanae. I'm grateful that I got this opportunity to meet you."
"I'm honored you feel that way. It's the least I can do to help. Remember, when you get a chance, try to meet with Ubuyashiki. Let him know how you feel and want to join the Hashiras; that will let you get more training."
"Do you think he will be ok with that?"
"I am certain of it. So now I'll see you around, Aoki!"

That made Aokime blush at the sudden nickname, but he smiled at her and headed off. As Aokime was going out of sight, Shinobu appeared behind her sister.
"You don't have to baby him every day, Kanae. He is your age."
"I know, but I'm in debt to Master Nishikawa for all he did for us."
"I am grateful for Sensei, but his son can care for himself. You should also focus on helping the other patients in the mansion."
"Oh? Is my sister perhaps jealous that I am with Aokime a lot of the time?"
Kanae said, chuckling to herself, as Shinobu responded without a hint of emotions.
"I'd rather drink poison than be jealous of you two."
"Oh, don't be so harsh. I'm just messing with you."
As Kanae kept laughing to herself, Shinobu brushed it off as her usual antics.

Aokime rushed off and made his way south to meet with his family. It had been several months since he last saw his family, and it would be good for Aokime to talk to his father about his progress. However, he was worried about how his mother would react to that event in the village. It wouldn't be long until Aokime reached the town close to his home. It wasn't surprising that it would be so peaceful during the day. No warnings from the crows, no worries about demon attacks... just peace. It would be a while before reaching his home that he decided to take a break at a nearby town to see if there was something to eat before continuing his journey.

Stopping by a familiar town to rest up and find food before continuing his journey felt odd to him. He usually roamed these streets with his Father when he was younger, as they would shop for materials to help her sew. Now it was just him alone as he stopped in front of a ramen shop which caught his attention with the incredible smell. As he entered the building, he was greeted by an older gentleman.
"Welcome! You seem to have come from far! Would you like to try our famous Ramen Bowl?"
Aokime was a bit surprised by the sudden question, but he nodded.
"Yes sir!"
As he was guided to his table, Aokime sat patiently waiting for the food to be served. He couldn't help by noticed the peace that was in the atmosphere of the shop. The day is really the safest time of the day for people unlike at night and it was odd because he hasn't felt like this in a while. As the bowl was placed in front of him, he thanked the man before giving thanks for the food. Just as he was about to take the first bite, he noticed a very tall man walking into the shop. He was wearing a lot of flashy jewelry and a pair of blades on his back.
"Oye! I'll have some of your good Ramen once more!"
"Oh welcome back again! We will bring it out shortly."
Aokime was perplexed to see a man of this size with so much muscles on him, and had quite a childish looking face. It was quite shocking especially when he turned around and noticed Aokime.

"What brings you around here Slayer?"
Aokime was surprised that the large man noticed him and his uniform.
"Oh I'm just getting some food before visiting my parents."
"Hmm. What district are you in charge of patrolling."
"I'm sorry... district?"
"Yes. You're usually assigned a specific district to take care and patrol. How the hell can you be so irresponsible to leave something unguarded."
Aokime got irritated.
"I don't know who you are, but the last thing I am is irresponsible."
The towering individual leaned forward with a pissed look on his face.
"Who I am? I'm your superior. Unless you're ready to hold your ground against me... then I recommend you shut your trap."
Aokime was already ready to throw down against this large individual, but was he even ready to take on this beast? That was when their attention was diverted away when they heard a voice.

"Aokime! Uzui! What are you both doing?"
Both turned to a man that was standing at the door with a very serious look on his face.

"M-master Nishikawa?"
The tall threatening man went on the floor on one knee as his head was bowed down. Aokime was surprised, but he was sudden yoinked down to the ground to be bowing towards the Master.
"You can stand Uzui, It's good to see you again. I see you met my son."
Uzui looked up in shock and turned to Aokime.
"Wait that's your son? Wait you're his father?"
Mr. Nishikawa started chuckling.
"That is my boy. I hope he wasn't causing you much trouble."
Aokime was about to say something, but his father spoke up again.
"I see you came by around the area. Have you been given some time off from your duties?"
"Yes Father. I had just left the butterfly mansion and wanted to visit our family."
Uzui looked at Aokime with a surprised look on his face.
"Wait you were at the butterfly mansion? Were you injured on a mission or something?"
Aokime's father looked his son with some concern. The only reason why one would be ever at the butterfly mansion would be to recover from fighting demons.
"Yes. I was on a mission with some other demon slayers to assist in a village, but luckily was saved by Gyomei."
Uzui started thinking as he heard about the mission Gyomei went on and that's when he realized that Aokime was the one that survived the attack. Uzui wanted to say something but he looked back at Nishikawa and noticed his expression. Aokime spoke up once more.
"However I am doing well Father. I had the opportunity to train with Kanae so I shall continue to get stronger to help protect the weak from the demons."

Nishikawa was surprised to hear this as well as Uzui. He wasn't expecting to hear his son to say those words, but it gave him reassurance that he will do just fine.
"Well if you ever need more training, Tengen here can assist you with that. He is working his way up to becoming a Hashira as well."
Tengen was shocked to hear those words.
"W-wait me?! With all do respect Master... I am currently on missions, and I might have difficulties finding time to teach your son."
"Oh that is right. You're a Shinobi after all, but if you do have the time to help my son. I will truly be in your debt."
Tengen was shocked to hear that, but he held Mr. Nishikawa to high regards. He looked at Aokime who was looking up at him.
"I'll see what I can do Sir. Well allow me to cover your meal. It will be my treat, and I'll cover yours as well, Aokime."
This took him by surprise but he nevertheless accepted it.

After the meal, Tengen was giving his farewells to Aokime and Nishikawa before heading off.
"Father. You knew who this man was?"
"Yes. Tengan Uzui is a shinobi who joined the Corp after some... difficult circumstances. However as of right now, he has been training nonstop to keep the name of his clan strong."
Aokime looked at Uzui who vanished into thin air. Leaving her shocked at the insane speed.
"Aokime. I think it's time I talk to you about something very important."
"What is it, Father?"
Nishikawa looked at his son and smiled.
"It is time you become my Tsuguko."
"You're what?"

Tsuguko

A Tsuguko is a title for very talented Demon Slayers that has been designated as the successor to one of the Hashira, should that Hashira retire or die. In order to become a Tsuguko, a Demon Slayer can either apply and get accepted, or get scouted by one of the current Hashira. The requirements of becoming a Hashira still stands for those who are Tsugukos.

"I do plan on retiring soon, Aokime. However, seeing as how you have been training out here and with the goal of wanting to protect the weak. I can entrust the title of Ice Hashira to you as I know you can continue doing everything in your power to keep the peace that plagues this country."
Aokime was shocked.
"Father... I... I am grateful really, but I don't know if I'm ready to take on that title. I wasn't even able to protect those slayers in the village against that demon. He nearly killed me if it wasn't for Gyomei saving me."
Nishikawa looked at his son with a serious look on his face.
"That is why I'm going to help you. I also know many who can assist in training you for the time being. However, I'd like for you to meet someone very important. He will be the one to help us gather all the assistance we need."
"Who?"
"You'll find out soon. Now let's go home so you can see your mother and sister. I know they would be very happy to see you. Just don't mention the Tsuguko thing or your visit to the butterfly mansion to your mother, ok? I know she was already worried as it is of you being a Demon Slayer, but I always tried to reassure her that you'd be fine."
"Right. Let's get going then, Father."

The day was slowly starting to set as the two were walking closer home. Aokime was thinking along the way about the Tsuguko position and how his father was planning to retire. The encounter with Uzui was peculiar as he was already thinking he would have to fight another demon slayer for petty reasons, but hopefully things will be different the next time they meet. It would be nice to enjoy the rest of the day with the family as after that event, the last thing he would want was to not at least see his family one last time. In any case, Aokime was just happy to live another day, but the sadness that was looming over him after the deaths of the other slayers still bothered him. However, he knew now that he would make sure to never let that happen again. All he wanted to focus now was enjoy his night with his family as he will have to be ready for the next step of his journey to become the successor of his father. What would come next on his path and who is the important person that his Father wanted him to meet?

Only time will tell...

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