A Few Days Later..
Michikatsu's pov
"Tsk! You're doing it wrong!" I exclaimed as I scolded one of the Lower-ranked Demon Slayers, who were training under me..
It has been basically a week since Yoriichi and I brought Natsumi to the Demon Slayer Corps with us and a lot has changed over such a short period of time..
Yoriichi and I, have been taking turns in taking care of Natsumi during the night as well as training the Lower-ranked Demon Slayers during the day
The other Hashiras would occasionally drop by for a visit with a gift or two for Natsumi, yet I couldn't help but feel rather suspicious and cautious about their gifts, that were hardly ever received by Natsumi
Natsumi, on the other hand, has been quickly progressing in learning so many new things that a child of her age should know about..
Little by little, she was slowly growing stronger in terms of power, but as a demon her physical and mental growth had a faster progress than any ordinary human being would..
I huffed slightly as I glared stressfully at my underlings and scolded them once again for their incompetence
Honestly, even a samurai can train way harder than this and not complain or whine about it..
"Again! We're not stopping unless you're arms and legs are gonna fall off!" I exclaimed as I heard them groan and whine in displeasure
I trained those rookies to the bone and made sure to pummel each and every last bit of their training into their mind, body, and soul
By the time, we took a break it was already high noon and almost everyone of the rookies had already collapsed to the wooden floors in complete exhaustion
I sighed in a bit of relief, if Yoriichi hadn't had a Dojo right next to our mansion, we'd probably be burnt to crisp just by staying underneath the sun for too long
"Otou-san!" I heard as I turned to the side and found Natsumi coming towards me with a tray of refreshments at hand
"Huh? Who's that?" I heard the rookies whispered curiously as I glared towards them before turning my attention back towards Natsumi..
"Otou-san, Are you finish with training? Oji-san and I made some rice balls and mint tea.." I heard as Natsumi sat down right beside me at the wooden floor with a tray of refreshments at hand
"Thanks, Natsumi.." I thanked as she smiled and poured me a cup of tea while I ate a piece of the riceballs from the basket, before taking another to satisfy my hunger
Natsumi and I spent some time together for a couple of hours, that we barely even noticed the curious looks on everyone's faces at the background.
While Natsumi and Michikatsu were occupied with their conversations, the Lower-Ranked Demon Slayers were left staring at the father and daughter in utter shock and confusion
They could barely even focused with Yoriichi's training routine with Michikatsu behaving somewhat like a loving parent towards Natsumi when earlier before he acted so strict and ruthless in their training..
Yoriichi noticed their behavior and slowly began to grow strict in his methods of training, much like Michikatsu
Yoriichi didn't spared a single moment of his time to tolerate their complaints, he trained them to the bone like he was supposed to, at the very least, he would be able to finish their training before Suiren starts to wonder where the Lower-ranked Slayers went.
Yoriichi's pov
"You're free to go to Suiren.. You may leave now.." I stated as the Demon Slayers panted in exhaustion from their training
"Yes, Master Yoriichi!" They chorused as I turned my gaze towards Aniue, only to find him fast asleep with Natsumi snuggled up against his chest while she slumbers
I couldn't help but smile at the sight, yet knowing Aniue, he would only hurt his back if he continues to sleep upright in that sort of position..
"Aniue.." I called as I lightly shook him awake from his slumbers, only to hear him gave a small moan in response as his eyes slowly gazed up towards me in confusion
"Yoriichi?"
"Get some rest at your futon, Aniue.. You'll strain your back if you continue to sleep in this position" I stated as he gave a small groan and nodded
I assisted him to our chambers and let him rest on his futon with Natsumi slept beside him
"Yoriichi, Did you feed Natsumi earlier?" he asked as I shook my head in denial that I couldn't help but felt slightly ashamed for being unable to take care of Natsumi, but then again what can I do when there's hardly any meat left in the kitchen..
"Do we have any meat left for her to eat?"
"There's none left, Aniue.. I was hoping to pay Sumiyoshi a visit and take Natsumi with me, so she can have her fill"
"Sumiyoshi? Again?"
"It couldn't be helped.. I ask him for parenting advices considering he is a parent himself.. It would make sense since his child is a female like Natsumi"
"I see.."
"Is Aniue willing to let me bring Natsumi? Or should I leave her to rest and bring back her meal instead?"
"You can bring her but.. I'm coming along with you.." I heard as I looked at Aniue with a bit of eagerness in my eyes
"Really?"
"Yes.. Go get Natsumi's box while I get her changed" I smiled and nodded before going off to get Natsumi's wooden box from the storage room
I cleaned it a bit before taking it back to Aniue before going to the bathroom to freshen up before packing a small bag for Natsumi's needs and went to wait for Aniue at the front of the mansion
"Are you ready, Aniue?" I asked excitedly as Aniue nodded and adjusted the straps of Natsumi's box onto his back
We immediately took our leave and sprinted over towards the Eastern Mountains to visit Sumiyoshi and his family.