"Huu—"
Takeshi stood before a massive tree that would take several people to encircle, his eyes closed.
At some unknown moment, a short blade appeared in his hand; a flash of light followed as it sliced across his palm.
Before the blood could even drip, it suddenly condensed and extended—a crimson katana formed instantly, held firmly in his hand.
"Flower Breathing Style: First Form: Hanging Cherry Blossoms!"
Takeshi's center of gravity dropped instantly as he dashed forward in a straight line, swinging his blade from a diagonal upward angle before immediately switching to a downward diagonal slash.
The trajectory of the blade was elegant and fluid. Scattered blood-red petals drifted down during his charge, like weeping cherry blossoms swaying and falling in a spring breeze.
"Second Form: Double Petals—"
At an extremely close range, almost pressed against the tree trunk, the blade made a light stroke, using the momentum to spin as a second slash swept out at an even faster and sharper angle.
Like two red leaves fluttering in the wind, they crossed lightly, concealing a hidden killing intent.
"Huu—"
Takeshi slowly withdrew his stance. The blood blade dissipated, and the wound on his palm healed quietly within a single breath.
"Ara ara, Takeshi-kun is truly impressive, being able to perform all the forms so fluently to this extent."
Kanae couldn't help but praise from within Takeshi's body.
"I feel like I'm still a long way off."
"Ara, you're quite strict with yourself," Kanae chuckled. "I've never seen anyone master all the forms of Flower Breathing in just two months."
One must realize that, generally, it takes a normal member of the Demon Slayer Corps at least five years to become a Hashira, or two years for the fastest.
Furthermore, the conditions are extremely rigorous.
One must either defeat a member of the Twelve Kizuki or eliminate fifty demons single-handedly.
As the Former Flower Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps, Kochō Kanae had seen many Demon Slayers, but she had yet to encounter anyone with more talent than Takeshi.
Takeshi smiled but didn't respond. He turned to gather the remaining firewood from last night, preparing to make some food. Before his Transmigration, he had dabbled in wilderness survival for video content; he hadn't expected it to come in handy here.
For the past two months, he had mostly lived in the forest, occasionally going to Wilderness Town to do odd jobs in exchange for salt and fabric. The townspeople, remembering his kindness, always tried to give him more than he asked for, but he usually took only what he needed.
It was mid-November; the late autumn wind carried a chill, and fallen leaves piled up in the forest.
Winter was approaching; sleeping outdoors would soon be impossible.
"By the way, Kanae," Takeshi said suddenly while poking the campfire, "how exactly... does one join the Demon Slayer Corps?"
"Generally speaking, you need guidance from a Trainer, learn a Breathing Technique and basic swordsmanship, and then pass the Final Selection test," Kanae said without much thought.
Takeshi nodded. Just like in the original story, he hadn't remembered it wrong.
"Then how should I find a Trainer? Speaking of which, who was yours?"
Hearing Takeshi's question, Kanae looked dazed for a moment, her tone filled with bitterness.
Kanae fell silent for a moment.
"...He was a Senior proficient in Water Breathing, a fellow disciple of the Previous Water Hashira." Her voice grew softer, like wind brushing over grass. "He trained me and my younger sister, and later..."
Kanae didn't continue, but Takeshi already understood what had happened.
"I'm sorry."
"It's alright," Kanae's voice softened again. "Speaking of Trainers, I do have someone in mind."
"Who?"
"The Former Water Hashira: Urokodaki Sakonji."
Takeshi paused.
He was all too familiar with that name. Not only did he train the current Water Hashira, Tomioka Giyu, but also Kamado Tanjiro, who would change the course of the future war!
"He now lives in seclusion on Mount Sagiri. Although he is no longer a Hashira, he is still training successors," Kanae continued. "And the current Water Hashira was also trained by him."
"Mount Sagiri..."
Takeshi gazed at the dancing flames, remaining silent for a long time.
Going to Mount Sagiri and finding Urokodaki Sakonji... meant he would have to face the true horrors of this world.
He admitted that when he saw the tragic state of Wilderness Town, he had made the decision to join the Demon Slayer Corps in a fit of passion.
"Since I've already decided, there's no turning back," Takeshi murmured, adding a piece of wood to the fire.
With a crackle, sparks flew upward.
"How do I get to Mount Sagiri?"
—
The next morning, Takeshi packed a simple bag and left the forest where he had cultivated for two months.
He first went to Wilderness Town to say goodbye to the old man and Shizuko.
The grandfather and granddaughter were very reluctant to see Takeshi leave.
However, life has its partings; as they said their goodbyes, the old man prepared money and food for Takeshi.
Shizuko, on the other hand, had woven new clothes.
"Mr. Takeshi, please be sure to stay safe," Shizuko said, her eyes filled with worry.
"I will. You two stay safe as well."
After bidding them farewell, Takeshi left the area.
According to Kanae's guidance, Mount Sagiri was located to the northeast. Traveling from here would take about half a month of continuous walking.
The autumn wilderness was vast and lonely. Takeshi stepped along the hard-packed dirt road, the surrounding air somewhat dry.
"Speaking of which, you haven't told me about your younger sister yet," Takeshi chatted with Kanae along the way.
"Hmm? My sister?" Mentioning her sister made Kanae's voice much more cheerful. "Shinobu is a very cute girl. She's serious about her work, though... ah, sometimes she's a bit too stern."
Kanae seemed to enjoy chatting. When she spoke of Shinobu Kocho, her tone was light and vivid; one could tell the two sisters had a very good relationship.
"Ah, sorry, is it annoying to keep listening to me?" Realizing she had been rambling for nearly half an hour, Kanae playfully stuck out her tongue in embarrassment.
This cute and playful scene was one only Takeshi could witness.
"It's fine. I enjoy listening to your stories," Takeshi said with a smile.
"That's not fair! I want to know about Takeshi-kun too. By the way, Takeshi-kun, does your world have demons too?"
Takeshi shook his head. "There are no demons. However, even without demons, terrifying things still exist."
"What are they?"
"Human hearts."
On the afternoon of the third day, the sky turned overcast, and snowflakes actually began to drift down.
"It's actually snowing? It's going to get cold soon; I need to get to a nearby town quickly." Takeshi pulled his clothes tighter as the chill began to set in.
"It's snowing so soon," Kanae couldn't help but remark. "Shinobu loves snow too. I wonder what she and Kanao are doing right now?"
Takeshi quickened his pace. According to Kanae's instructions, there was a small village nearby inhabited mostly by elderly people.
They were gentle-natured and very willing to welcome passing travelers.
Before long, a path covered in light snow appeared before him. Beside the path stood a sign with a few crookedly written characters.
"Luyu Village"
"This is the place," Kanae said. "This is where I was during my last mission."
Takeshi entered the path, but before long, he caught a strong, pungent, and thick scent.
He was all too familiar with this smell!
"The scent of blood!"