Rintaki Sakonji's Trial
Facing Uchiha Lihuo's silent approach, Sakonji didn't dare to be careless. He scrutinized the boy before him with sharp eyes.
In Giyu Tomioka's letter, he had briefly mentioned Tanjiro—a determined boy accompanied by his demon-turned sister—but most of the content focused on another youth, one with strange and powerful abilities.
Illusions weren't surprising in themselves—after all, demons often wielded unusual powers. Nor was fire-based ability uncommon; many demons were known to manipulate flames. Rintaki himself had slain such creatures with his Nichirin blade, forged from scarlet ore and tempered in sunlight.
But what truly troubled him was this: Uchiha Lihuo had demonstrated powerful abilities without utilizing any known Breathing Technique.
Demon Slayers rely on the breathing styles—swordsmanship honed through breathing control—to wield their sun-forged blades with lethal efficiency. But this young man did none of that. He fought without breathing forms, yet exuded a killing aura and spiritual strength.
That could only mean one thing—he drew strength from a different, unknown system. And such power, unchecked, might disrupt the balance of the country just as Muzan Kibutsuji once had.
The ninja weapons Uchiha Lihuo used—kunai and shuriken—were of no concern to Rintaki. If kunai denoted a ninja, then surely the sword he carried was more like that of a samurai.
Rintaki grew quiet again. Lihuo stepped toward a nearby tree, pulled an axe free from its trunk, and returned it to Tanjiro.
Then, he spoke.
"As you've seen, I possess the power of fire and illusions. But it's only effective against weak demons."
"What you lack is a Nichirin blade," Rintaki said flatly.
"No, Master Sakonji. I lack formal training in swordsmanship—and experience fighting demons," Lihuo replied, his voice calm but resolute. "If you're willing to teach me, I'll repay the favor by slaying ten demons."
His words were blunt—an exchange of benefit. Aid the Demon Slayer Corps by killing demons, and earn the right to return to the shinobi world.
"Ten demons? A naked deal, indeed." Rintaki's voice was unreadable.
He didn't mind passing on the Breathing Techniques. Their purpose was to destroy demons. This young man—though unfamiliar in origin—harbored a hatred for demons and a strong spirit. With the right guidance, he could even become a Hashira.
The Demon Slayer Corps' ultimate mission was to defeat Muzan Kibutsuji and his Twelve Kizuki. But their forces were thin, and finding Muzan had proved impossible for years. His subordinates alone rivaled Hashira in power, and ordinary demons flooded the land.
If Uchiha Lihuo joined, it might ease the burden placed on the current master.
Rintaki nodded.
He turned to Tanjiro.
"You're called Tanjiro, right? I heard you seek a way to turn your sister human again—and to avenge your family."
Tanjiro nodded.
"Your sister is still alive in this world—but as a demon. So I'll ask you this: if your sister devours a human… what will you do?"
He stepped forward with growing intensity, pressuring the boy. Tanjiro froze, unable to answer.
"Too slow," Rintaki snapped, striking him across the face. "If your sister eats someone, you have two options: kill her—or kill yourself. That's the burden of a demon slayer."
"If you can't understand that, you'll never make it."
"Now prove you're worthy of joining the Demon Slayer Corps."
With that, Sakonji sprinted toward the top of Mt. Sagiri.
Only those who matched a demon's strength could be demon slayers. Without that, death was certain.
Uchiha Lihuo understood. He immediately followed.
Tanjiro looked from Rintaki to his sister. He gently hoisted Nezuko onto his back and chased after the others with determination.
Lihuo had no trouble keeping up. Five years of training at the Ninja Academy had forged his body beyond the level of an average person. He moved gracefully, keeping pace with Sakonji.
Tanjiro, on the other hand, struggled. He was only a normal boy—not yet a fighter. But he gritted his teeth and ran with all his strength, chasing the sliver of hope that his sister could be saved.
Eventually, they arrived at a house on the mountain. Rintaki stopped and turned.
"Now go back down the mountain alone," he said. "Place your sister inside the house, then return. I'll wait until dawn. If you're not here by then—I'm leaving."
Tanjiro nodded solemnly. He set Nezuko gently inside, then rushed down the path.
Uchiha Lihuo made no effort to hide his abilities. He leapt into a tree and silently bounded between branches, descending with ease.
Within moments, he returned to the mountaintop.
The traps littered throughout the forest didn't bother him. He could sense and avoid them with his Sharingan—or simply endure them if necessary.
"You've been trained elsewhere," Rintaki said, watching him return. "You have power—real power. But no Breathing Technique."
Lihuo nodded but remained silent about the source of his strength.
"With your abilities, you already have the means to battle weaker demons. If you learn to use Breathing Techniques, you'll be able to defend yourself—even against a Lower Moon."
"You don't need to train your body like Tanjiro. You'll begin directly with swordsmanship and breathing."
"But before we start, you need to understand the enemy—the demons—and the mission of the Demon Slayer Corps."
"I'm listening," said Lihuo, eyes sharp.
His memory of the world was fragmented. He knew the Ghost King was Muzan Kibutsuji, and that demons could be destroyed by sunlight. But beyond that, his understanding was lacking.
The more he knew, the better prepared he would be.
Rintaki didn't answer just yet. He waited for Tanjiro to return to the mountaintop. Only then would he begin the full explanation.