Horitake's bear meat feast left Tanjirou and Urokodaki in awe.
The pièce de résistance, the Misty River Bear Paw, was nothing short of divine, earning gasps of admiration from both.
Sadly, while the three savored the meal, Nezuko remained deep in slumber, unable to partake in the culinary delight.
Horitake, his heart aching for Nezuko, did something no one expected.
"Nezuko-chan… look at this juicy, tender bear paw. Smells amazing, doesn't it? Tasty, right? Want a bite? Wake up soon, and I'll make it for you again."
With a mischievous glint, Horitake dangled a succulent piece of bear paw just above Nezuko's nose, teasing and tempting her relentlessly.
But Nezuko's eyes remained closed, her face serene in sleep.
Horitake gazed at her pale, adorable cheeks, hoping for the slightest reaction—a twitch, a frown, anything.
Tanjirou watched, cringing. "I thought Horitake-senpai was mature and dependable, but… he's got this unreliable side too."
Urokodaki, observing Horitake's childish antics, remarked dryly, "Extraordinary people have extraordinary quirks. It's not surprising."
"Huh? Master Urokodaki, you're saying Horitake-senpai isn't ordinary?" Tanjirou asked.
"Of course he isn't," Urokodaki replied matter-of-factly.
As Horitake continued his fishing-like teasing of Nezuko, Tanjirou couldn't take it anymore. He grabbed Horitake's arm, pulling him back. "Senpai, that's enough! Don't disturb Nezuko's sleep!"
"Aw, what a shame. Such a fine bear paw, and Nezuko misses out," Horitake said, popping the piece into his mouth. Savoring its rich flavor and texture, he nodded with satisfaction.
"Senpai, Nezuko's a demon now. Demons can't eat human food, right?" Tanjirou asked.
"Hm? You're probably right. I haven't tested it, though." Horitake pondered, then added, "But maybe Nezuko's different from other demons."
"Is that so, Senpai?"
And so, the bear feast came to an end.
After lunch, without prompting, Tanjirou swiftly cleared the table, his movements quick and precise.
Horitake felt a fleeting sense of déjà vu, as if they were back at Peach Mountain—Urokodaki like Jigoro, and Tanjirou like Zenitsu.
The illusion shattered quickly.
Soon after the meal, Tanjirou grabbed his Nichirin Blade and headed outside to train.
Unlike Zenitsu, who'd sooner die than train voluntarily, Tanjirou's discipline set him apart.
This afternoon, Tanjirou's focus was swordsmanship.
Beyond practicing basic swings, he engaged in combat drills, sparring with Urokodaki in the forest. The two clashed in a whirlwind of blades.
Naturally, Tanjirou was still green. Within a few exchanges, Urokodaki sent him flying with a kick, his blade tumbling from his grip.
Undeterred, Tanjirou snatched his sword and charged again.
A few moves later, Urokodaki's blade rested at his throat. Defeated.
He rushed forward once more.
In no time, Urokodaki's kick sent him sprawling face-first into the dirt.
Horitake watched, wincing in sympathy.
Yet, he was struck by Tanjirou's relentless tenacity. Not bad for a protagonist, he thought. Tanjirou's strength wasn't there yet, but his grit was unmatched. Given time, his potential was boundless.
Compared to Tanjirou, Zenitsu back at Peach Mountain was… well, a bit of a lost cause.
The thought of Zenitsu's whining during training made Horitake sigh in frustration. Why can't he be more like Tanjirou?
After being knocked down countless times, Tanjirou staggered to his feet, panting. Spotting Horitake, his eyes lit up. "Senpai, how about you train me for a bit?"
The air fell silent.
Urokodaki said nothing. Horitake stared, dumbfounded.
"Tanjirou, you want to… spar with me?" Horitake asked, incredulous.
"Exactly!" Tanjirou nodded firmly.
Horitake fell silent again, studying Tanjirou wordlessly.
This kid… does he think I'm an easy mark? He must figure Horitake, a recent Demon Slayer recruit, isn't too strong. Even if he can't win, he probably thinks he won't lose too badly. What, does he think I'm stronger than Master Urokodaki?
Beneath his tengu mask, Urokodaki's lips twitched.
Oh, Tanjirou, you naive boy. Even Urokodaki couldn't gauge Horitake's true strength, and here was Tanjirou, boldly challenging him. You brought this on yourself.
Unaware of the shift in mood, Tanjirou raised his Nichirin Blade, facing Horitake with a serious expression. "Horitake-senpai! Let's do this!"
No turning back now.
Urokodaki sighed softly and stepped aside. "Horitake, show this boy there are mountains beyond mountains."
Horitake nodded, his smile deceptively warm.
He unhooked the Blade of Weiguang from his waist, left hand on the scabbard, right hand on the hilt. Facing Tanjirou, he glanced at his sword, his grin widening. "Weiguang, haven't you been complaining I've kept you sheathed these past few months? Here's your chance to shine. This kid's my favorite little brother—let's show him your edge and my strength."
Good grief. Horitake had slain demons for months without drawing Weiguang. Now, against Tanjirou, he was unsheathing it!
Tanjirou, you're in trouble.
"Tanjirou, be careful. This blade is called Weiguang, named for…" Horitake's expression grew cold. "'There are always earthly beings daring to face the thunder's might!'"
Click…
Horitake slowly drew the Blade of Weiguang.
As the blade's dazzling purple surface emerged, a chilling aura enveloped the forest, an overwhelming presence rising from Horitake.
The moment Weiguang was unsheathed, a shiver ran down Tanjirou's spine, his back prickling with cold sweat.
He realized he'd made a terrible mistake.
Urokodaki watched the blade's gleam, his expression grave.
In the distance, the spirits of Sabito and Makomo, spectating from afar, flinched at the blade's icy flash. They ducked behind a tree for cover.
Sabito peeked out, stunned. "Why does it feel like… that blade could cut even spirits like us?"
Makomo's face paled. "I feel it too. But how's that possible?"
Finally, Horitake fully unsheathed the Blade of Weiguang, its tang-style form gleaming before Tanjirou.
Facing Horitake and his blade, Tanjirou felt an oppressive dread, his hands gripping his sword tightly, his body taut.
Horitake held the blade, smiling brightly at Tanjirou.
Inside Urokodaki's cabin, Nezuko's brow furrowed in her sleep.
She sensed her brother was about to meet disaster.
Should she intervene?
No, better not. She was at a critical moment in her transformation, and besides, Tanjirou was just in for a rough lesson—not real danger.
Facing Tanjirou, Horitake forwent Thunder Breathing, opting instead for a single technique: "Gale Swordsmanship: Tempest's Final Slash!"
In an instant, Horitake surged forward. Before Tanjirou could react, the Blade of Weiguang arced toward his head…
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