"Tanjirou!"
Kanroji waved enthusiastically at Tanjirou, who had just arrived at the training grounds. Tanjirou smiled and waved back.
"I knew you'd be called here! Did you pass Master Himejima's training?"
"Thanks to you, Miss Kanroji, I completed everything!"
Unlike in the original timeline, Tanjirou had undergone significant changes. The scar on his forehead had evolved into a permanent flame-shaped Mark—his Madara pattern. He had completed the training with all the Pillars well ahead of schedule.
Zenitsu and Inosuke soon joined them. Zenitsu's face was eerily calm, while Inosuke looked as wild and energized as ever.
Because of James's presence, it was expected that Kibutsuji Muzan would delay his appearance. But if Muzan dared to come now, James would gladly welcome him with open arms—and a drawn sword.
Once everyone had gathered, James scanned the group with his piercing ice-blue eyes.
There stood the Pillars, led by the towering Rock Pillar. There were the three young prodigies—Tanjirou, Zenitsu, and Inosuke. And finally, the stepchildren led by Kanao.
Satisfied, James began to speak.
---
"Everyone," he said calmly, "I'm glad to see you all here today. It means that this group standing before me represents the most elite force the Demon Slayer Corps has to offer. You are the people with the greatest hope of defeating Kibutsuji Muzan."
He paused and looked at each face in turn.
"Among you, there are Pillars, rising stars, and apprentices. But in my eyes, all of you are the same here. I won't go easy on anyone because of status or rank. To do so would be irresponsible—and it would dishonor the threat we're about to face."
A sudden breeze swept through the courtyard, yet James's hair stirred despite there being no wind. His clothing rustled ominously as a strange energy radiated from him.
"Starting today, I will conduct a five-day training program," he continued. "The focus will be: Madara Pattern, Red Sword, and Transparent World."
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the group.
"You already know the power of the Madara pattern—and its dangerous side effects. It burns your life force. It's ominous. I understand that all of you bear deep grudges against demons and are willing to die in battle…"
He paused again, his voice quieter now.
"But I don't want you to die before facing Muzan."
"So—" James declared, his voice resolute, "I won't run special training just to awaken the Madara pattern. That power must come naturally. Instead, we'll train in ways that give you the chance to awaken it. If it's meant to be, it'll happen."
---
He took a deep breath and then gave the first command.
"Phase One: Stress Test. Begin."
Suddenly, the sky felt like it was collapsing.
Dust in the air slammed to the ground. The sheer pressure James released made it impossible for most to even move. The ground cracked and dented beneath their feet, as though an invisible weight pressed down on all of them.
This was nothing like the training they'd experienced before.
Tanjirou's joints popped. His face flushed bright red. So strong... James is unreal!
Indeed, this was the pressure of a Demon King—or perhaps even stronger. James was now releasing his full spiritual might.
If a normal human stood there, they would've died instantly.
The first to show signs of collapse were Shinobu and Kanao, followed by Genya, Zenitsu, Tanjirou, Muichirou, and Iguro. Later came Inosuke, Tomioka, Sanemi, Kanroji, and Uzui.
Only the Rock Pillar stood tall—just a few drops of sweat on his brow.
This wasn't a measure of strength, just physical resistance and raw endurance. James couldn't help but admire him. He's probably reached the E8 physique level already... Remarkable.
---
"Draw your swords."
Tanjirou pulled out his Nichirin Blade with trembling hands. The others did the same, though Shinobu struggled the most, barely able to unsheathe her blade. Only Himejima looked calm, his giant weapon resting in his steady grip like a part of his body.
"Focus your mind on your sword."
Everyone did as instructed.
James began to explain.
> "The Red Sword is a state in which your blade becomes so hot that it glows red.
It carries the raw, purifying power of the sun and significantly weakens a demon's ability to regenerate.
It also enhances your cutting force and penetrative power."
"There are three known ways to ignite a Red Blade," James said, pacing slowly in front of them.
> "First: Through pure strength—gripping the sword tightly and channeling pressure into it.
Second: By raising your body temperature, a method unique to Madara users.
Third: Through friction—rubbing two Nichirin Blades together."
"Today, we'll practice the first method—strength alone."
Everyone nodded, straining to grip their blades tighter.
James walked over to Himejima.
"Wrong form," he said calmly, and then placed his own hands over Himejima's. The massive warrior felt a precise vibration pass through his weapon.
"Try adding vibration like this. Gently. Controlled."
"Na...mo..." Himejima muttered, adjusting his technique.
His giant weapon began to heat up—slowly at first, then rapidly.
"You've got natural strength beyond the norm, Himejima. Keep at it."
---
Soon, Zenitsu, Uzui, and Sanemi had subtle red glows shining on their blades.
"Good. That's enough for now."
The pressure lifted instantly.
Everyone gasped for breath, their bodies relaxing in unison as if they had just been lifted from underwater.
Shinobu collapsed to one knee, her breathing ragged. Kanao caught her just in time. James walked over silently and offered her a handkerchief, his face calm.
> "You were able to focus under pressure. That's why you progressed.
But remember—this state won't come easily again.
Without my help, it'll take deeper exploration to re-enter that mental space."
---
"From now on," James continued, "I'll repeat this process every morning. We'll keep using strength to generate the Red Blade—because unlike other methods, this one doesn't require the Madara pattern."
"Next, we'll demonstrate the Madara-specific method. Tanjirou, step forward."
Tanjirou obeyed and stood in front of James.
"Everyone watch carefully. This technique is for those who awaken the Madara pattern during battle. If strength alone fails, use this method instead."
James took Tanjirou's hand and guided it firmly on the hilt.
"Focus on your Madara mark. Feel your temperature rising."
Tanjirou inhaled deeply. The flame mark on his forehead began to glow. His temperature surged, heat radiating from his skin.
"Good. Push just a bit more... and—there it is."
The Nichirin Blade glowed red, gradually darkening until it reached a deep crimson hue.
Muichirou and Kanroji, inspired, began their own attempts. Soon, their blades began to glow faintly as well.
"Remember—this method's enhancement is limited. It curbs regeneration, but won't increase attack power as much as strength-based ignition."
James nodded and stepped back.
"Alright—split into pairs."
> "Shinobu, Kanao, and Inosuke.
Tanjirou with Tomioka.
Sanemi with Muichirou and Genya.
Iguro and Kanroji.
Himejima and Zenitsu."
"These aren't fixed groups—just for now. If you meet other teams later, you can train with them too. The sword-rubbing technique requires a partner anyway."
Everyone nodded.
"Due to my presence," James added, "the enemy's movements will likely be different this time. I don't know if Nakime will still be the core of Muzan's strategy."
He stepped forward once more and raised his voice.
"Now begins the third training: Transparent World!"
Øóffer going on for diamond tier
pàtreøn (Gk31)