As dusk fell, the lingering glow of the sunset bathed the earth in golden-red hues, even the endless sea of wisteria flowers at the foot of Fujikasane Mountain was cloaked in this radiant light.
Beneath the torii gate resembling a shrine, dozens of swordsmen in varied attire but all carrying long swords at their waists had gathered on the relatively spacious ground.
Each face bore varying degrees of tension, many appearing quite young and inexperienced.
They were all here to participate in the Demon Slayer Corps' Final Selection.
Some of these swordsmen had lost loved ones to demons, while others came from demon-slaying families.
Regardless of their backgrounds, they shared one purpose today—to join the Demon Slayer Corps!
Among the crowd, the most striking were undoubtedly the quiet twin brothers sitting apart.
Nearly identical in appearance, both had long black hair with blue tips and strikingly vivid mist-blue eyes.
Yet their attire couldn't have been more different.
One wore streamlined black clothing with cloth bindings around his wrists and calves, sturdy-looking deerskin boots, and his long hair tied back simply—his entire demeanor exuding sharp intensity.
His brother presented a complete contrast—flowing black hair neatly cascading down, wide robes concealing his limbs, his presence carrying a misty vagueness.
Yet his gaze remained gentle.
Needless to say, these were none other than the Tokito brothers attending the Final Selection.
Having trained under different mentors and mastered different Breathing Styles, coupled with their inherent personality differences, they'd developed strikingly distinct auras.
What truly set them apart from the other nervous, restless candidates was their composed tranquility—a stark contrast that drew all eyes.
This wasn't surprising.
Both Yuichiro and Muichiro had already accompanied Shinichi and Shinobu on demon-hunting missions, even facing extremely powerful demons firsthand.
As for the demons on Fujikasane Mountain? The brothers could only scoff.
As the candidates anxiously awaited the selection's start, Shinichi—the Forest Hashira and overseer of this event—leaned against the torii pillar, observing the participants.
Shinichi's gaze shifted from a nervous young swordswoman with twin braids to several candidates wearing fox-faced warding masks.
Undoubtedly, these were disciples of the former Water Hashira, Urokodaki Sakonji.
Since two of his students had attained Hashira status, the veteran had entered an intense teaching phase, taking on numerous pupils.
Thus, Urokodaki's students became fixtures at every Final Selection.
These Water Breathing practitioners were exceptional, most idolizing their two Hashira seniors.
Both the current Water Hashira Tomioka Giyu and the Wave Hashira Sabito took active roles in mentoring these junior disciples.
"Water Breathing users make up almost two-thirds of the Demon Slayer Corps. It's such an inclusive breathing style, isn't it? Come to think of it, maybe I should consult with Tomioka or Sabito about it?" Shinichi stroked his chin, lost in thought.
In fact, Shinichi had recently realized that his strength seemed to have hit a plateau.
Whether it was Forest Breathing or his demon-enhanced abilities, he couldn't seem to break through to the next level—there was always this feeling of being constrained.
Especially with Forest Breathing. Whenever Shinichi gathered vast amounts of life energy, that tantalizing new sensation would always dissipate the moment he executed his sword techniques.
The limits of Forest Breathing definitely went beyond this.
Shinichi was certain.
The records left by the ancestors of the Moriki Clan were sparse—did the Tenth Form even exist?
Having made up his mind somewhat, Shinichi decided to consult with other Hashira when the opportunity arose, hoping to gain insights from other breathing styles.
Just as Shinichi was watching the young swordsmen in the training ground and pondering these thoughts, someone suddenly clapped him hard on the shoulder.
"Enjoying the view?"
"Huh?"
Shinichi turned around in surprise to see Shinobu wearing a resentful expression.
Though her lips were still curved in a smile, her slightly narrowed eyes, faintly furrowed brows and the barely visible vein on her forehead didn't exactly radiate friendliness.
"What view? What's with that look Shinobu? It's kind of creepy," Shinichi said, baffled.
But Shinobu merely turned her head away with an almost imperceptible huff.
From her perspective just moments ago, Shinichi had been staring blankly at the young female swordsmen, which had displeased her greatly.
The master's mood quickly affected the disciple.
Soon, Shinobu called over Yuichiro and placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Muichiro-kun, you said you'd listen to your master's words, didn't you?" Shinobu said gently, her violet eyes fixed on Yuichiro's face.
For some reason, Muichiro found this version of his master slightly terrifying.
Her tone was gentle, her face smiling, yet there was something undeniably intimidating about her.
"Y-yes, Master. What is it?"
"I want you to far surpass your brother Yuichiro during the Final Selection. Can you do that?"
"Uh... huh? But Master, why—" The last word died in Muichiro's throat under Shinobu's calm gaze.
"Understood, Master! I'll do my absolute best!"
Not far away, Yuichiro and Shinichi simultaneously sensed a faint trace of malice.
Master and disciple both glanced around warily.
"Master, why do I feel like someone's targeting me?"
"Uh, probably just your imagination. Also, Yuichiro, let me remind you—you and Muichiro are on a different level compared to the other swordsmen. Once you enter Fujikasane Mountain, take it easy. Don't get too carried away. In other words, your main objective this time isn't to slay Demons and pass the selection, but to avoid fighting as much as possible while protecting any comrades who find themselves in danger."
Hearing this, Yuichiro looked puzzled.
"But isn't the requirement to pass the Final Selection to slay Demons?"
Shinichi sighed and said gloomily, "But your strength is disproportionate to the demons on the mountain. Previously, there was an unnamed Hashira-level swordsman who killed so many demons that not only did it lead to a shortage of demons on Fujikasane Mountain, but it also allowed many unqualified swordsmen to pass the selection.
This caused a lot of trouble for the other Hashira... So, Yuichiro, do you want to become someone like that?"
Seeing the gloomy look in his master Shinichi's eyes, Yuichiro was certain that his master must have been one of the Hashira troubled by this.
"I... I understand."
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