"Tanjiro's Training (Part 2)"
Night fell. In a two-story house somewhere in Japan…
This was Tamayo and Yushiro's new base. Since parting ways with Tanjiro in Asakusa, she had resided here, working as an unnamed doctor, running a clinic, providing medical care to humans while discreetly obtaining the small amount of blood she needed.
Tamayo was working on paperwork when she noticed a crow flying past her window.
The crow landed on her windowsill, instantly putting her on guard.
However, the crow displayed no hostility. "Good evening, Miss Tamayo. Working with your window open at night is quite dangerous."
"But tonight's moon is truly beautiful. It's our first meeting. I'm a messenger from Kagaya Ubuyashiki. You're remarkably skilled at concealing your whereabouts. During our search for you, Master Ubuyashiki's condition deteriorated to the point of immobility."
Hearing no malice in the crow's tone, Tamayo lowered her guard.
"Then, how did you find this place?" Tamayo asked.
The crow replied, "Through human connections. I managed to locate the previous owner of this mansion and discreetly observed Yushiro during the day. Despite my rigorous training, I am still just a crow, easily overlooked. Rest assured, I have absolutely no intention of harming you."
"Then, what is the purpose of your visit?" Tamayo asked, remaining slightly wary. As a demon, she naturally maintained a degree of caution towards a messenger from the Demon Slayer Corps.
The crow sighed, a hint of frustration in its voice. "Well, it's no wonder you're so cautious. I certainly can't gain your trust as easily as Tanjiro."
Tamayo felt a mix of confusion and apprehension at the crow's sudden appearance.
"What is his plan? Could Ubuyashiki be deceiving me?" she mused, turning to the crow. "Where is Yushiro?"
Hearing hurried footsteps from upstairs, the crow answered, "Don't worry. Judging by the sound, he's on his way."
"Then let's proceed with the matter at hand. The Demon Slayer Corps has individuals who are experts in demon physiology and pharmacology. I wish to request your cooperation with her to investigate Nezuko's changes. Would you be willing to assist us in eliminating Muzan Kibutsuji? If so, please proceed to the Master's mansion."
Tamayo was taken aback.
"Inviting me, a demon, to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters?"
…
Soon after, Tanjiro, fully recovered from his injuries, finally began his long-awaited Hashira Training Camp.
Uzui Tengen's Stage:
Uzui Tengen: "Yo yo yo! Long time no see! I hear you've battled an Upper Moon again? Amazingly unscathed, I must say! And I hear Aoki-san took down another Upper Moon; you two are quite the formidable pair. Now then, let's get that body moving after all that bed rest!"
Tanjiro: "Yes! I will give it my all!"
After approximately ten days of intense training, Tanjiro earned permission to proceed to the next Hashira.
Muichiro Tokito's Stage:
Inside the mansion, Tanjiro and Muichiro Tokito engaged in a rapid-fire spar, their movements so swift that only fleeting afterimages were visible.
Muichiro Tokito: "Tanjiro, you've become even faster! Focus on rapidly switching between muscle tension and relaxation! This will significantly improve your stamina."
"Your lower body coordination in combat is already quite refined. You may proceed to the next Hashira, Tanjiro." Since the Swordsmith Village battle, Muichiro Tokito had opened up considerably, frequently displaying a smile previously unseen, though this only occurred when he was with Tanjiro.
Tanjiro: "Eh? So soon? It hasn't even been five days."
Muichiro Tokito: "Naturally. You've already grasped the essence of what I've taught you."
From a corner of the mansion, other trainees watched in astonishment. Since their arrival, Muichiro Tokito had maintained a stoic expression, yet his demeanor had completely changed around Tanjiro.
Hoping to take advantage of this, they attempted to cut corners.
"Then… can we move on to the next Hashira? We've been here for two weeks."
Muichiro Tokito turned his gaze upon them, his smile instantly vanishing, replaced by his usual impassive expression. "Don't even dream of it. You're far from ready. Finish today's practice swings, then hit those wooden posts until they're splinters!"
The trainees: "…"
Mitsuri Kanroji's Stage:
Mitsuri Kanroji: "Tanjiro-kun! Long time no see! Welcome to my home!"
Tanjiro: "Long time no see! It's wonderful to see you in such good spirits!"
Mitsuri Kanroji: "Likewise!"
Tanjiro then began his third training session with Mitsuri Kanroji, focusing on flexibility and stretching exercises. The other trainees couldn't withstand the intense regimen, but Tanjiro, accustomed to rehabilitation at the Butterfly Mansion, felt no strain and quickly passed, moving on to the next Hashira.
Obanai Iguro's Stage:
Obanai Iguro: "Tanjiro Kamado, I've been expecting you."
Tanjiro: "Pleased to meet you!"
Obanai Iguro abruptly flew into a rage. "Silence! I'm going to kill you! I heard from Kanroji about your… enjoyable training session. My training won't be as gentle. Be prepared."
Tanjiro: "Eh? He hates me already?"
Tanjiro was then led to a room where numerous trainees were bound by ropes, lying haphazardly on the floor, their mouths covered, each one looking utterly despondent.
Obanai Iguro explained the next exercise. "You must attack me while dodging these obstacles."
Tanjiro's first impression was that this was an execution chamber, his face a mask of confusion and fear.
He looked at Obanai Iguro. "Excuse me, what crimes have these people committed?"
Obanai Iguro: "Hmm, let's see… weakness, forgetfulness, wasting my time, and generally annoying me. Something like that."
____________________
for more advance chapters visit my p@treon
[email protected]/kane45
Casual Reader - 20 Advance Chapters
Intermediate Reader - 40 Advance Chapters
Expert Reader - 60 Advance Chapters