[Third Person Perspective]
As Hiroto and Nezuko approached Tanjiro, they saw how the head seemed to have fallen unconscious.
"What happened? Why did it stop moving?" Asked Hiroto towards Tanjiro.
"I'm not sure, I was just fighting the head trying to keep it from running by making the wooden door fall over it and all of a sudden it just stopped moving! It screamed for a second then passed out." Tanjiro said, waving his hands and pointing to the door that's on top of the still-intact head.
Hiroto nods and looks at the knife in Tanjiro's hands. "Are you going to do it? Or should I?"
"No, no I'll do it," Tanjiro said, taking the knife out of the wooden sheath. As he slowly creeps over to the head he thinks to himself, 'How many demons are there? He smells different than the one that was at my house. A different Demon. But… if I don't kill him, he'll attack more people. *hff hff* so I HAVE to do this. *hff hff*'
Hiroto sees Tanjiro struggling to kill the Demon who wants to help him, but knows that for Tanjiro to grow and help Nezuko in the future that he has to do this on his own. 'I'm sorry Tanjiro, but you have to do this one.'
Hiroto then sees out of the corner of his eye, an arm stretched out towards Tanjiro's shoulder and grasped it. 'Who is this, I didn't even hear or see him approaching.'
"Huh?" Tanjiro, surprised, thought that it was his brother who was behind him, but when he turned around he could see a taller man with a blue-colored kimono with clouds on it. What was most surprising was that his face was covered with a red tengu mask. "Ah!" Tanjiro exclaims in surprise.
Before Hiroto started moving towards Tanjiro the man spoke, "You can't kill it with that." sounded out the man's gruff voice from behind the mask.
Hiroto, hearing this figured out the man doesn't have any ill feelings towards Tanjiro.
'A tengu mask? I didn't even hear him come up behind me!" Tanjiro thought to himself, staring at the masked man
"H-How can I finish him off?" Tanjiro asks him.
"Don't trust what others say. Can't you solve this riddle yourself?" The masked man said.
Meanwhile, Nezuko is just staring blankly towards no particular direction while holding Hiroto's hand.
'If stabbing him won't work…' Tanjiro thought, as his eyes wander over to some rocks. 'I'll have to crush the head.'
"Nngh" Tanjiro grunted, as he lifted a rock from the side and brought it over.
'To completely crush the head, I'll have to smash him with a rock repeatedly. He will surely suffer. Isn't there any way to kill it with one blow?' Tanjiro thought, having a mental dilemma inside of his head.
Hiroto looked over to Tanjiro and thought to himself, 'If stabbing it doesn't work, then why did that man Giyu carry a katana with him?'
*Sniff* The man sniffed the air, (Hiroto saw this and thought, does he have a cold?), he thought to himself. 'Damn… This kid is no good. His kindness prevents him from taking decisive action. When facing a Demon, he still reeks of sympathy and consideration. He even feels sympathy for a Demon.'
'But… this boy…' The masked man thought as he smelled the other scent besides him, Hiroto's. 'This boy's scent is different from that kid. From Giyu's letter, I can only assume he's the kid's older brother. How can the brother of that scent be so different? He's looking at his brother facing the Demon himself, but his will doesn't shake. He's a good sapling, his conviction won't waver in front of other Demons…'
After the man's internal monologue finished, the Demons head woke up. 'WHA-? I was unconscious. Is my body dead? I feel sick.' The Demon thought to itself.
"Oh!" Tanjiro exclaimed.
"!!" The demon's eyes bulged looking at the boy carrying the rock.
While this happened Hiroto already noticed that the sun was quickly rising so he took Nezuko and put her back inside the temple before coming out again.
"While I was wasting time, the sun came up!" Tanjiro said, looking anxiously towards the rising sun.
As the sun eclipses over the horizon, the rays land upon the group and unto the Demon.
"GYAAAAHH!!* The Demon cried out as it was being burnt alive. Trying to roll it's head away but stuck under the door.
"AGGHHHH" *SZZL KRAKL* "AGGHhhhh" The sounds of the Demons and it's skin burning dies off.
Hiroto, seeing the scene thought to himself. 'Just a touch of sunlight did that?! No wonder Nezuko fears it so much. Good thing brought her back inside.
"Wait, Nezuko!" Tanjiro yelled out, but as he turned around all he saw was Hiroto raising his hands.
"Calm down Tanjiro, I put her back in the basket inside, she's fine," Hiroto reassured him.
*phew* Tanjiro breathes out a sigh of relief.
"Where's that man?" Tanjiro asked.
Hiroto pointed behind the house, "Over there when I brought Nezuko back in the house was already empty."
The two turned to where the man was and saw him kneeling with his palms facing each other in prayer in front of 3 graves.
'He buried the family who was killed.' Hiroto thought.
The two boys walked up to the man.
"Um…" Hiroto said first.
The man stands up, dusting the dirt from his knees, and turns to face us. "I am Sakonji Urokodaki. You two must be the ones Giyu told me about."
Shocked at what the man said, Hiroto responded, "Y… Yes. I'm Hiroto Kamado, this is my little brother Tanjiro and," Hiroto points back towards the temple, "in there is my little sister Nezuko."
The man looks towards Tanjiro and asks him, "Tell me, Tanjiro… What will you do when your sister eats someone?"
Tanjiro, shocked by the question, was left stumped as his eyes widened. Thinking of what he would do. But, as Tanjiro was thinking the man swung his hand towards Tanjiro's face.
Hiroto noticed before the man raised his arms from the little movements he made and managed to react fast enough. He reached out and grabbed Sakonji's arm mid-swing.
"HEY! What do you think you're trying to do?!" Hiroto yells as the man yanks his arm free while pulling Hiroto over his shoulder and dumping him over the ground.
*Thump*
"Ack!" Hiroto sounded out as he was thrown.
"He-" Before Tanjiro could respond he was slapped by Sakonji's free arm.
"Your brother thinks too slowly!" Sakonji shouts, looking at Hiroto's figure on the ground.
Hiroto slowly got back up massaging his back and looked towards Sakonji.
Sakonji looks back towards Tanjiro who cups his right cheek which was struck by. "You struggle over the simplest decisions. You could never finish off a demon before the morning light. Why couldn't you answer that question immediately? You are too soft!" The man berates Tanjiro.
Hiroto looks on to the side, he knows that what the man said is true, but Tanjiro's nature is like this. He has a kind soul, just the thought of having him kill something was a far dream in Hiroto's mind.
The man continues, "When your sister eats someone, there are two things you have to do… Kill your sister… then slit your belly and die! That is what it means to travel with your sister who has become a Demon! "
"But it is both of your sacred duty to ensure that this never happens. Your sister must never take the life… of an innocent person! Do you understand what I am saying?!" He shouts towards Tanjiro.
"YES!" Tanjiro shouts with his resolve.
"... And you." Sakonji points towards Hiroto. "You can't keep coddling your brother. I know what you did before, making your brother do the deed instead of yourself. But your brother is far too softhearted. You need to stop coddling him" Hiroto looks straight at the man not wavering one bit.
"I know this, but me and my brother are going to look after each other. We are going to protect Nezuko and look after her. We won't let anyone get in our way or separate us." Hiroto responds eyeing the man's tengu mask.
'... at least they both have the resolve.' Sakonji thought to himself.
"Very well… I will test you two to see if you have what it takes to be a Demon Slayer Swordsman. Shoulder your sister and follow me."
And so shall begin the training arc in the next chapter! I'll do a time skip similar to how it's done in the anime. I'll think of new training for Hiroto, since Tanjiro has the one where he has to cut the boulder in half.
Can't be having the same training now, that would be boring. Here's a hint of what I might have in store. *their breathing style is related to water*
Once again, hope you enjoyed the chapter and tell me your thoughts below! *psst remember to vote and review*
Peace out! ヾ| ̄ー ̄|ノ
[Third Person Perspective]
In the early mornings, above a farm of rice paddies, the figure of three people could be seen running at a face pace. At the front was a man wearing a light blue colored kimono with cloud patterns over it. On his face was a red Tengu mask. This was Sakonji Urokodaki, and behind him were two young boys trying to keep up with the man by running at full force.
*hff hff*'H-he's so fast! Just how old is he anyway? He's not making any sounds when he runs' *hff hff* Hiroto thought to himself, trying to run as fast as he can to keep up with the man while also carrying Nezuko on his back adding on to the wait.
'Crap, I hope Nezuko won't mind all of the shaking when I run, just hold on Nezuko.' Looking behind him, Hiroto could see Tanjiro struggling to keep up, but still pushing himself to stay as close as he can to the group.
[Very brief Flashback]
Looking back, Hiroto can remember a time when he came back from town, Tanjiro was talking to Nezuko who seems to be stitching up her pink kimono with some spare threads. Hiding behind a corner, Hiroto eavesdropped on how Nezuko responded when Tanjiro told her that she should buy a new one.
"No, no… I'm fine!" She responded with what Hiroto could only assume as her trademark smile. "I like this Kimono! It's my favorite one. Instead, I use that money to give the younger kids plenty to eat."
[End Flashback] (told ya it was brief)
*sigh* Hiroto thought to himself, 'looking back, all Nezuko thought about was how she could take better care of her siblings. She could've at least acted more spoiled for her age.
'Don't worry Nezuko, once we turn you back I'll make sure to let you live the rest of your life as a normal girl again. I promise you that.' Hiroto made a promise to himself as they passed by some curious onlookers.
[Dusk]
After running the whole day, the pair of brothers knelt down on the ground, breathing hard trying to recover as best as they could from the arduous task.
*hff pff* *hff hff* Heavy breathing was heard from the two, as Hiroto opened his mouth to say something, "S-So… *wheeze wheeze* Did we… pass the test? *hff hff*" Shaking with sweat dripping down their faces.
Sakonji opens the door to his house and takes off the cloth covering his head, exposing his aged white hairs. "The test begins now. We're going to be climbing the mountain.
*high pitched gasp* was heard from the two kids as they heard this, eyes almost popping out of their sockets. 'Then what was all that running for' Hiroto and Tanjiro thought to themselves, as they begin to feel like dying.
Walking inside and tucking Nezuko into a futon, Hiroto covers her with a blanket and strokes her head before standing up.
"I'll make sure to take care of your sister for you two, don't worry." Sakonji's rough voice sounds from behind the two.
"Thank you/Thank you," The two boys said as at the same time, bowing a bit.
[Several hours later]
As they two followed Sakonji up the hill, where it is now almost pitch black with only the moon as their source of light, they walked for what seemed to be several hours up the mountain.
The mountain climb took them up higher than they have ever been before, causing trouble in the two's breathing as the air is so thin. Coupled with having run the whole day before, their legs begin to shake from the pain their muscles had to endure.
[Leg Muscles POV]
"IF WE HAVE TO MOVE ANY FURTHER IM KILLING MYSELF!!"
[Hiroto POV]
*shivers* 'why did I just get an ominous feeling?' Hiroto thought to himself, as he tried to level his breathing.
Sakonji stops moving before turning to face the two. "Now, you two must descend to the house at the foot of the mountain." He says as the heavy fog starts to roll into view, obscuring his figure.
"This time, I will not wait until sunrise…" With those last words, Sakonji disappears from their sight.
"Huh/Huh?" Both me and Tanjiro responded questioningly.
'Is that all?' *hff hff* I thought to myself, wiping the sweat off my face.
"He thinks we'll get lost in this thick fog," I said looking towards Tanjiro next to me.
"Well *hff hff* We just have to get back before sunrise then. That's easy! I have a sharp nose! I've already memorized Urokodaki's scent." Tanjiro said.
"Let's go then," I said, as we pushed through the fog running towards the direction that Urokodaki left.
*snag*
Just as we started moving, Tanjiro seemed to have tripped over something, I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings as the fog was too thick.
*rattle* 'What was that' I thought looking around. Concentrating my eyes to the fullest, I try to see where the source of the sound came from. Looking down I immediately cut down the bamboo tree underneath Tanjiro's feet.
"Tanjiro move!" I yelled out towards him, but it was too late *FWOOSH* as the bamboo moved with a powerful ark, carrying Tanjiro with it and flinging him to another part of the forest.
"Tanjiro!" 'Dammit, I was too slow' I thought, at least he knows the path back down the mountain with his nose. This is going to be hard for me.
I look around carefully, trying to see the slightest of footprints or any indication to where Sakonji might have run off to.
'There!' I thought in joy, as I started following the faint path back towards the foot of the mountain.
*Foom* the sounds of something being hurled towards my direction sounds out, I quickly look towards the source of it and can see arrows flying towards me.
*Swish* *Swish* Swish* I quickly predict the trajectory of it and move out of the way. *Thunk thunk thunk* The arrows lodge into the trees behind me. "Is that old man trying to kill me?!" I shouted out loud.
[At the foot of the mountain]
*Achoo* *sniff* Sakonji looks up from Nezuko and thought 'Which Demon is plotting against me?'
[Hiroto POV]
'This must be a challenge Urokodaki set for us.' I thought, spotting the ropes on the ground and dodging them all while running down the mountain.
'This will be harder for Tanjiro, he has to rely on his nose to get out of the traps.'
As I jump over the dead tree log, my foot unluckily lands on a piece of rope, 'crap' I quickly move out of the way and can hear a noise from behind.
*whish* I look back to see a tree long attached to some ropes flying towards me, quickly rolling out of the way the log grazed past my face.
*hff hff* 'I need to slow down my breathing, I'm panicking. The air is a lot thinner here than back home.'
Closing my eyes, I concentrate to steady my breathing to a pattern, increasing my lung capacity. Thinking back to what he saw his father doing once, he tries to mimic it.
[Brief flashback]
Back in their old home up in the mountains, on a path back up their home was a tall man who appears to be a bit sickly, as his skin is dull and pale. His appearance is similar to that of Hiroto and Tanjiro.
A small child was walking behind him, trying to keep up with the man. This was his father Tanjuro, who is currently wearing the earrings that he passed down to Tanjiro, with the black bracelet on his right wrist.
"Ahhhh fatherrrr." The small boy, who is a mini version of Hiroto, complained. "How can you keep doing this every day when you're so sick? Mother keeps complaining you know." The small boy pouts.
"Hahaha." His father laughs, "I'm alright Hiroto, I'm not that sick I just get tired sometimes." his father says looking back at his son before picking him up.
"People can use a specific and concentrated breathing pattern, to increase their lung capacity and the amount of oxygen in their blood. This can increase their physical and mental concentration. Remember this well Hiroto. Relax and…" Hiroto's father's voice trailed off as he starts to fall asleep in his arms while being carried, tired from the journey down.
[End of Flashback]
[Hiroto POV]
'Just like father said, I need to concentrate my breathing into a set pattern.' I thought as I began to regulate my breaths. Putting strength into my abdomen, I flex my muscles and breathe out.
*wheeze* "hooooo" A very small, yet noticeable, stream of steam comes out from behind my teeth.
Being able to breathe properly again, I open my eyes and look around. I can feel my senses being heightened as everything seems clearer to me. Looking back to the path I was following, I can see finer details that Urokodaki left behind compared to before.
'Alright, I need to hurry up.' Running back down the path, I realize that I can move faster now and start dodging all of the traps. Some still get me as I wasn't accustomed to the changes in my body yet, making my movement feel stiff and clunky.
[A few hours later]
[Third Person Perspective.]
Back at the foot of the hill inside of this house, Sakonji Urokodaki was kneeling beside Nezuko who is currently asleep inside of a futon. Watching over her, the man was lost in thoughts.
*sniff* A scent rolls into his nose as he sniffs the air, he recognizes it and looks towards the door as hurried footsteps and be heard faintly from outside getting louder.
Sliding the door open, the figure of Hiroto covered in mud, leaves, and grass was seen. One thing that surprised Urokodaki the most, was the lack of wounds on the boy. 'He managed to avoid the majority of the traps I laid out. He made it back before his younger brother too, who has the same ability to smell scents like me.'
*wheeze* "hffff* The boy breathes out as he relaxes his breathing. Hiroto, after making it back doesn't have to maintain that method of breathing anymore as he can now relax and lose focus.
"I… I made it back… *hff hff* before dawn...." Hiroto says groggily, the strain could be heard in his voice.
Walking up and kneeling beside Nezuko, Hiroto realized Tanjiro is not back yet and looks back out. 'You can do it Tanjiro, we're waiting for you'
Urokodaki waits silently seeing the scene ahead of him. 'Giyu brought me a good seedling…'
[Several minutes later]
Hiroto relaxes and waits patiently besides Nezuko's sleeping body, as Urokodaki looks up towards the door again. Seeing this Hiroto shifts his attention back to the door and finally sees the figure of Tanjiro opening up the door.
Hiroto's eyes widen as he sees all the wounds on Tanjiro's body. 'What the hell happened to him…' Hiroto thought to himself.
*pant pant pant pant* "I… hff am… back…" Tanjiro struggles to say as his muddied and wound covered body collapses down onto his knees by the entrance.
Hiroto moves to support Tanjiro back up. "I… did it… big bro…" Tanjiro said, smiling up towards Hiroto.
Smiling back, Hiroto responds, "Yea, you did."
Urokodaki seeing this finally made a move. "I've recognized your abilities, Hiroto and Tanjiro Kamado." Before standing up.
"I accept you two, as my students"
Oof, longer chapter for you all!
I mixed things up with Hiroto here during the test. I might get hate for it but I wanted to experiment a bit, regarding Hiroto and his past relationship with his father. I want to explore that a bit more in the coming future. Let me know if you think it was out of place for what Hiroto did.
Also, let me know if you find the flashbacks bothersome and just want things to be in the present. I know some people dislike it, but I'll see how you guys react.
Let me know what you thought of this chapter so far! *psst, don't forget to do the voting thing, it motivates me to write more.*
Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Peace out! <(‘o’<)
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