Chapter 63: The Mugen Train |
In the middle of a secluded courtyard.
Kagaya gazed up at the sky. His eyes were nearly blind now, capable of perceiving only the faint, flickering glimmers of sunlight.
After a moment, the rhythmic sound of footsteps echoed from the corridor, followed by a respectful voice: "Tanjiro Kamado has arrived, Oyakata-sama..."
Following those words, the Stone Hashira entered the courtyard side by side with Tanjiro.
Gyomei was the first to bow deeply and respectfully toward the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps.
The young boy did not hesitate and quickly followed his example.
"There is no need for formalities," Kagaya said, offering a gentle wave of his hand.
It was clear that Tanjiro had not yet fully recovered; fresh bandages peeked out from beneath his clothing, and he seemed visibly nervous before his meeting with the leader of the Demon Slayers.
"You have done well, Tanjiro," Kagaya said.
The leader of the Demon Slayers met his question with a serene silence.
"Oyakata-sama knows each and every one of us," the Stone Hashira whispered.
"Could I ask... about turning my sister back into a human..." Tanjiro hesitated for a moment, unable to hold back the question burning in his heart.
"I am sorry, but no. It is still too early for you to know such things," Kagaya replied after a short pause, shaking his head slightly.
"I understand. I must become a Hashira," Tanjiro said, clenching his fists and nodding with sudden resolve.
The boy had only recently begun to grasp the true extent of a Hashira's power and how difficult it would be to join their ranks. However, for the sake of his younger sister's recovery, he was prepared to do whatever was required of him.
"The truth is that becoming a Hashira does not guarantee help for your sister, but doing so may allow you to catch His attention," the leader of the Demon Slayers explained softly. He then added, "You will become a candidate for the Hashira if you kill a Lower Rank on your own, or if you make a significant enough contribution to the death of an Upper Rank. So, strive forward... for your sister and for all of humanity."
Tanjiro's expression did not waver at those words. His face remained a mask of sheer determination and a readiness to act.
"Go now, focus on your recovery. You will be sent on another mission soon," Kagaya said, after which the servants politely escorted Tanjiro from the courtyard.
"Not long ago, Mitsuri stopped by the Butterfly Mansion herself. It seemed to me that she is very worried about those two..." Gyomei said, stepping closer shortly after Tanjiro’s departure.
"I would not be surprised if Tanjiro grows into a new Hashira, but until then, we must not place too heavy a burden upon his shoulders," Kagaya whispered after a thoughtful silence.
"Yes," the Stone Hashira replied with a humble nod.
*
Several days later.
Once his health had improved, Tanjiro resumed his training.
He first mastered the core principles of his drills under the guidance of the Insect Hashira, and then, in just a couple of weeks of independent practice, he achieved Total Concentration: Constant. This was a monumental step forward on his journey, yet reaching the actual level of a Hashira would still require much more time.
In Shinobu’s experience, it typically took at least two years after mastering Total Concentration: Constant to bring one's physical attributes and skills to the level of a Hashira.
Occasionally, geniuses like Muichiro Tokito appeared, needing only a few months instead of years.
However, Tanjiro did not quite measure up to the Mist Hashira, even with the legacy of Yoriichi Tsugikuni backing him. He still had to fully unlock his potential, unlike Muichiro, in whose veins the blood of Kokushibo flowed.
After achieving Total Concentration: Constant, Tanjiro began studying swordsmanship under Makomo. Thanks to her tutelage, his offensive capabilities improved by leaps and bounds.
About a month passed in this manner.
Tanjiro grew stronger with every passing day.
Shinobu even remarked that at this rate, he might reach the level of a Hashira in just a year or so.
But no one was permitted to linger indefinitely at the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters.
Exactly one month later, Kyojuro arrived to summon Tanjiro for a hunt on behalf of the Flame Hashira.
And as fate would have it, their team boarded the Mugen Train.
However, they were not just facing the First Lower Rank; the Second and Fourth Lower Ranks were also lying in wait, along with the Upper Rank Three himself—Akaza...
A trap!
An ambush for the Demon Slayers!
Even a pair of Hashira would find it incredibly difficult to deal with three Lower Ranks led by Akaza himself.
"So, they were waiting for us? It is lucky that I brought the best people with me, otherwise this would have been quite the ordeal..." Kyojuro exclaimed as he unsheathed his Nichirin Sword, glaring at the gathered demons of the Twelve Kizuki.
"You are strong, there is no denying that... but if I were you, I would not pin my hopes on these weaklings," Akaza said, addressing him.
This was certainly not the first time the Flame Hashira had faced the Upper Rank Three, but during that previous massive battle, he had been supported by the Stone Hashira. Now, Kyojuro stood against Akaza alone.
"Well then, it is time to reap the rewards of my training!" Inosuke declared for all to hear, pointing his serrated blades at one of the Twelve Kizuki. "I’ll take on the strongest one!"
"Ugh... then I’ll take the weakest. But why are there so many of them gathered here? Please, if I don't make it back alive, tell Nezuko-chan that I love her more than life itself..." Zenitsu blubbered, practically on the verge of tears.
Tanjiro felt a nervous tic starting at Zenitsu’s words, but he refused to let the boy’s rambling distract him. He focused all his attention on the Fourth Lower Rank, who stood closest to him.
Without any further preamble, he lunged forward.
"First Form: Water Surface Slash!" Tanjiro cried out as his Water Breathing took hold.
"I will gladly feast upon your flesh," the Fourth Lower Rank sneered, looking down with contempt at the approaching slayer.
Boom!
A moment later, a thunderous crash erupted from their violent collision, and the walls of the train car on both sides were instantly shredded to pieces.
Meanwhile, Kyojuro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and the others joined the fray one after another, nearly obliterating the fragile structure of the train car in an instant.