"Hashira Training Camp"
The Demon Slayer Corps launched a large-scale training program called the "Hashira Training Camp." All Demon Slayers below the Hashira rank would undergo training by each Hashira in rotation.
The Hashira were usually busy with their duties: vast patrol areas, demon-related information gathering, self-improvement training, and various administrative tasks. Normally, they had no time for training beyond their own disciples.
However, after Nezuko overcame her sunlight weakness, demons had mysteriously vanished. This brief calm before the storm allowed the Hashira to focus entirely on nighttime patrols and daytime training.
"Wow, that's amazing!" Tanjiro, in the Butterfly Mansion infirmary, was incredibly excited after Zenitsu Agatsuma explained the Hashira Training Camp.
"Amazing my foot!" Zenitsu, beads of sweat trickling down his face, vehemently protested. "It's pure hell! Who came up with this stupid idea? They should die!"
While Zenitsu was despondent, Tanjiro remained enthusiastic. "Zenitsu, sparring with someone stronger is a shortcut to improvement! You can absorb their experience and get stronger quickly. Though I do have some bad memories of Aoki-senpai's training…"
Zenitsu snapped, "If you keep being so optimistic, our friendship ends today! You're just sitting here, comfy in your bed, your broken bones still healing! I have to start my hellish training today! Can you even imagine how I feel?!"
Zenitsu left the infirmary in tears.
Shortly after, a crow flew into the room, pecking Tanjiro's forehead, drawing blood. If Aoki were present, he might question the sanity of the world.
"Oof! What was that for?! That hurt! That's excessive," Tanjiro complained, clutching his wound.
Ignoring Tanjiro's protest, the crow handed him an envelope. "A letter from the Master! Please read it immediately!"
Tanjiro was surprised. He hadn't expected a personal letter from Kagaya Ubuyashiki. "A letter? For me? What could it be?"
Filled with curiosity, Tanjiro opened the envelope.
…
"Hurry up! Hurry up! What are you all dawdling for?! Unbelievable!" At one of the Hashira Training Camp locations, the retired Sound Hashira, Tengen Uzui, had been called back to serve as the first instructor.
"Your basic physical condition is appalling! You're slower than turtles! You want to defeat Upper Moons? You're dreaming! The ground is clean; no need to lick it! Who said you could rest?! Another lap!"
The Hashira Training Camp began with Uzui Tengen's rigorous physical training, followed by Mitsuri Kanroji's brutal flexibility training and Muichiro Tokito's high-speed movement training.
Next came Obanai Iguro's swordsmanship correction, Sanemi Shinazugawa's relentless beatdown, and Gyomei Himejima's muscle strengthening.
Then Giyu Tomioka's comprehensive training—defeating him using only 50% of his power.
Finally, Aoki's training, the most difficult of the camp.
Technically, completing Giyu Tomioka's training was sufficient to complete the camp. No one expected anyone to complete Aoki's, so it wasn't mandatory.
Kyōjurō Rengoku and Shinobu Kocho were absent due to other commitments.
Aoki's training was simple: a team of up to five trainees had to defeat him or gain his approval. He could use any level of power, even his full strength.
As the Hashira Training Camp progressed, Shinobu Kocho, the only Hashira not participating, paced restlessly in the Butterfly Mansion.
The demons' sudden disappearance filled her with unease. She knew the final battle was approaching, her chance for revenge.
Although Aoki had assured her he would handle everything, Shinobu had waited too long for revenge. She wouldn't miss this opportunity, even at the cost of her life.
"It's alright, stay calm," Shinobu muttered to herself. "Calm down, Onee-sama."
She forced a stiff smile onto her face.
"Only immature people can't control their emotions. Immature people…"
Despite telling herself to control her emotions, her anger was palpable. This had become frequent since her sister, Kanae Kocho, had died.
She gasped for breath, trying to calm herself.
She touched the Nichirin Blade at her hip—a blade with damage to both the scabbard and blade.
It was identical to her own, but she'd never used it to kill demons. She meticulously cleaned it daily, seemingly ignoring the damage.
Touching the blade, Shinobu's breathing gradually calmed, her anger subsiding.
A genuine smile, tinged with a blush, appeared on her face.
She hugged the blade to her chest, as if embracing someone.
"Why should I control my emotions? Why do I think I'm mature? No, because there's someone in this world who can change my emotions at will."
"And in front of him, I'll never truly grow up. Relying on him like a child… it's nice."
...
"Hey, you're all incredibly weak." Aoki, overseeing the training, sat in a tree, picking his nose, observing five exhausted Demon Slayers on the ground.
"Achoo!"
He suddenly sneezed without warning.
"Hm? Is someone thinking of me?"
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