The next day, a despairing Zenitsu and Raiden set off from Peach Mountain under the watchful eye of Jigoro.
"Raiden, are we really going to participate in the selection?" Zenitsu muttered, trailing behind him.
Neither of them had fully mastered Thunder Breathing. What if they encountered a powerful demon? What then?
"Otherwise? Sneak off somewhere else?" Raiden asked lightly.
Zenitsu hesitated. He might run during regular training, but never for something like this. Participating in the selection was Grandfather's expectation, and he wouldn't let him down.
After a day's journey, they finally arrived at Mount Fujikasane.
The plaza was already crowded with swordsmen, all keeping a careful distance and eyeing one another warily. Zenitsu froze, anticipating the ordeal ahead, while Raiden casually scanned the crowd.
For him, the selection was secondary. The real purpose was twofold: first, to obtain a Nichirin blade and join the Demon Slayer Corps; second, to make strategic friends.
His current blade was sufficient against lower-ranked demons, but against a high-ranking one, it would be inadequate. A specially crafted blade would be safer.
As for allies, there were four humans and one demon worth noting: Tanjiro Kamado, Inosuke Hashibira, Kanao Tsuyuri, Genya Shinazugawa, and the Hand Demon.
Tanjiro, with his gentle nature, would be easy to befriend, and Raiden was curious about what he could learn from him. Inosuke had yet to appear, and Kanao and Genya were nearby. Kanao seemed distracted by the butterfly on her finger, while Genya's gaze was fierce and intimidating. Neither seemed approachable, but Raiden was more interested in evaluating attributes than friendship.
He scanned their stats:
Kanao Tsuyuri
Race: Human
Realm: Jin
Comprehension: Superior
Aptitude: Superior
Talent: Flexibility
Skills: Flower Breathing Second Form: Mikage Ume (Mastered), Fourth Form: Kurenai Hanagoromo (Mastered), Fifth Form: Peony of Futility (Mastered), Sixth Form: Uzumaki Momochidori (Mastered), Final Form: Equinoctial Vermilion Eye (Beginner)
Genya Shinazugawa
Race: Human
Realm: Gui
Comprehension: Inferior
Aptitude: Inferior
Talent: Demon Transformation
Skills: Shotgun (Mastered)
Genya was like many others in the selection, average in aptitude and comprehension—but his Demon Transformation talent was extraordinary. By devouring demons, he gained their regenerative abilities and Blood Demon Arts. Raiden wasn't tempted. Consuming demons was not something he could tolerate, and he only needed to befriend demons if he wanted to learn Blood Demon Arts.
Speaking of demons, Raiden's attention shifted to the Hand Demon, another potential ally for observation and experimentation.
Footsteps approached from the stairs behind him. Raiden turned.
It was Tanjiro Kamado, walking calmly and observing the other swordsmen.
Tanjiro Kamado
Race: Human
Realm: Gui
Comprehension: Superior
Aptitude: Superior
Talent: Line of Seizing, Headbutt
Skills: Water Breathing First Form: Water Surface Slash (Mastered), Second Form: Water Wheel (Mastered), Third Form: Flowing Dance (Mastered), Fourth Form: Striking Tide (Mastered), Fifth Form: Blessed Rain After the Drought (Mastered), Sixth Form: Whirlpool (Mastered), Seventh Form: Drop Ripple Thrust (Mastered), Eighth Form: Waterfall Basin (Mastered), Ninth Form: Splashing Water Flow (Mastered), Tenth Form: Constant Flux (Beginner), Transparent World (Incomplete) (Beginner)
Raiden noted that Tanjiro had learned all ten Water Breathing forms. Transparent World? Wasn't that only fully revealed during his fight with Upper Moon Three, Akaza? Perhaps he had begun studying it early.
Noticing Raiden's gaze, Tanjiro looked at him curiously. Raiden smiled lightly. With this panel, making Tanjiro a friend was guaranteed.
Tanjiro's smile returned, genuine and warm.
At that moment, Ubuyashiki Hinaki and Ubuyashiki Nichika appeared beneath the wisteria tree. In unison, they addressed the group:
"Thank you all for coming to the Demon Slayer Corps' Final Selection tonight."
They explained the rules: survive seven days on Mount Fujikasane, inhabited by demons. After finishing, they bowed and quietly retreated.
The swordsmen moved toward the mountain, Tanjiro included. Raiden followed, leaving Zenitsu momentarily dazed.
Raiden caught up to Tanjiro and stopped him. Tanjiro froze in surprise.
"My name is Raiden. Can we be friends?"
Tanjiro blinked. Friends? Raiden's smile was genuine, directed solely at him. Reassured, Tanjiro clasped Raiden's outstretched hand.
"I'm Tanjiro Kamado. Please take care of me."
System:
Successfully added Tanjiro Kamado as a friend
Detected Tanjiro Kamado's intimacy with the host is 'Initial Acquaintance'
Random reward obtained: Talent – Line of Seizing
Raiden's grin widened. One of his objectives for the selection was already complete. If the others were as easy to charm, he could easily dominate this game.
"Tanjiro, you'll do great! You'll pass the selection for sure!" Raiden cheered.
Tanjiro nodded, impressed by Raiden's confidence.
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