Raiden did not hesitate. Zenitsu was resting, unaware of the subtle changes unfolding, so there was no risk of his friend noticing the fusion taking place.
For the past two nights, Raiden had been training Zenitsu's abilities. Every time they encountered a demon, Raiden let Zenitsu handle it.
At first, Zenitsu reacted as usual, fainting and entering his "big mode." Then Raiden intentionally exposed a weakness, allowing a demon to attack, forcing Zenitsu to adapt. Gradually, the boy transformed from someone who could only swing his sword blindly into a lightning-fast fighter, striking down the demon that had ambushed Raiden.
Although Zenitsu still could not use the First Form afterward due to his evasive movements, Raiden was patient. Breaking Zenitsu free from his childhood trauma had to be gradual. Forcing it would only deepen the scars.
The fusion of Concealment was subtler than the Line of Seizing or Echoing Ears. Its effect was like water flowing into every muscle and vessel, merging seamlessly with Raiden's body. He felt his presence weaken—not in strength, but in perceptibility—as if his internal energy were blending with the surrounding air.
When the fusion ended, Raiden's breathing was light, and his heartbeat almost imperceptible. His body became like a hidden stone in the night; even a nearby passerby would be oblivious to him.
"Tsk, not perfect, but better than nothing," Raiden muttered. Concealment diluted his presence, but true invisibility remained beyond reach. Still, talents were treasures, and too many could never be a complaint.
Residence of the Ubuyashiki
A Kasugai Crow with a purple ribbon flew into the residence. Yaozai Ubuyashiki, her pale purple face mostly concealed, sat calmly on the platform. Seeing the crow, she reached out gently, embracing it.
"A child who reached the 'Xin' rank before even participating in the selection?" Yaozai murmured, intrigued by the crow's message.
Could this be another prodigy like Muichiro? Kagaya pondered briefly, then shook his head. Geniuses like Muichiro were extremely rare, yet this child was promising. With time, he might even become a Pillar.
"Recommended by Jigoro? Then he must be truly exceptional," Kagaya continued. A cough interrupted him, but despite his pain, his voice remained gentle, like the warmth of winter sunlight. The crow nestled against him, clearly content.
Seven days later, Raiden returned to the initial selection gathering point with Zenitsu. As expected, besides Raiden, the same five candidates remained. The others were permanently left on Mount Fujikasane.
"Oh, I finally made it out alive! I nearly died in there!" Zenitsu exclaimed, sighing in relief.
He had assumed that with Raiden as his protector, he could hide behind him. But Raiden had forced him to confront the hideous demons head-on. From trembling and fear to slowly handling ordinary demons, Zenitsu had suffered more on Mount Fujikasane than during his training at Peach Mountain.
"Welcome back," Hinaki and Nichika Ubuyashiki greeted them. After a brief exchange, they began explaining uniforms and ranks in the Demon Slayer Corps.
Before they finished, Genya interrupted impatiently. "My sword? Where's my sword? Hurry up!"
Ignoring him, the sisters clapped their hands. Several Kasugai Crows descended from the sky.
"From now on, Kasugai Crows will accompany everyone," they explained. "These crows are primarily used for communication."
Raiden examined the crow that landed on his shoulder. It was the size of a normal crow, its feathers a deeper black, eyes sharper and purer than ordinary crows.
"Don't be ridiculous! I want my sword now! Where is it?!" Genya shouted again. Pushing away the crow, he grabbed Nichika's hair, demanding, "Give it to me!"
Raiden and Tanjiro moved almost simultaneously. Kanao's gaze lifted briefly from the butterfly on her finger. She noted Raiden's movement—he was already beside Genya in an instant—and she couldn't help but observe thoughtfully. The speed was as astounding as when he had slain the crawling demon.
"Be polite, alright?" Raiden said smoothly, holding Genya's wrist with calm authority.
"Let go of her, or I'll break your hand!" Genya warned.
Tanjiro stepped forward, serious, ready to intervene. But Genya's attention was fixed on Raiden. Slowly, he released Nichika, swallowing nervously.
Tanjiro blinked, stunned. What had just happened? Was Genya afraid? Of Raiden?
Following Genya's gaze, he saw Raiden gently smoothing Nichika's disheveled white hair. The boy's reaction—a mix of awe and fear—made sense. Raiden's calm, commanding presence left a deep impression.
Raiden noticed Tanjiro staring and offered a slight, knowing smile.
During the past seven days, Raiden had let Zenitsu handle demons at night while he cultivated during the day. His previously weakened bottleneck in his realm broke through to Geng rank on the third day—three ranks above Genya. Even without using much force, Raiden's true power created a significant gap.
Yet Genya's reaction was extreme. Though he said little, his intuition screamed that Raiden's apparent strength was less than one-tenth of his actual capability.
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