Really, Tanjiro truly couldn't imagine how much pain another version of himself would have been in.
So...
For the sake of that other self, he decided to walk the path of slaying Demons.
Not only because he possessed the talent, but also because he felt it was necessary.
With his inherently kind nature, his sense of justice was purer than anyone else's!
"Good, Tanjiro, you've truly impressed me. Actually, there's something else you should know. The reason I mentioned this is also because of the Hanafuda Earrings you're wearing."
"These were passed down from your ancestor, Kamado Sumiyoshi, right?"
"The origin of these Hanafuda Earrings is not only connected to your ancestor but also to the founder of the Demon Slayer Corps."
After briefly explaining the story of Tsugikuni Yoriichi, Kie was speechless.
Thinking about it now, it seemed completely predestined.
Because Tanjiro had learned the "Hinokami Kagura" passed down through generations from his father, he might be able to recreate the original Sun Breathing and use it to kill the Demon King, Kibutsuji Muzan.
Furthermore, because his ancestor was connected to Tsugikuni Yoriichi and passed down the "Hinokami Kagura", his family was bound to be targeted again, leading to another massacre.
The only reason it hadn't happened yet was that their family had lived in the mountains for generations, primarily making charcoal and farming.
Now that winter was approaching, the Demon King, Muzan, would find them just like in the original work.
So, no matter what choice Tanjiro made, he would eventually face Muzan!
"So the 'Hinokami Kagura' that Father passed down to me is actually an adaptation of Sun Breathing..."
"It's fortunate that I can still remember some of it, I just don't know how to use it..."
Feeling more and more that his choice was correct, Tanjiro began to move his body in the empty space of the tea room, trying to recall the "Hinokami Kagura" dance.
Unfortunately, no matter what he did, he couldn't connect it to Sun Breathing.
However, he understood the term "Breathing". His father had often mentioned when Tanjiro was young that to master the "Hinokami Kagura", one had to master "Breathing."
"It's okay. In a few days, I'll personally take you to apprentice under a master. He will teach you!"
Who would the master be?
Urokodaki Sakonji?
No.
Perhaps he was indeed an excellent teacher, but!
He had seen the movie.
Yes, those who know, know.
He chose the eldest son, Rengoku Kyojuro, to be Tanjiro's master!
Of course, with Tanjiro's talent, he could also learn Water Breathing, which would benefit him.
Anyway, learning both Flame Breathing and Water Breathing would be fine.
"Thank you, Kaito-nii!"
This time, Tanjiro's gratitude came from the bottom of his heart.
Nezuko and the others had their mouths open, unsure how to persuade him. Kie unconsciously moved closer to Kaito, leaning her head against his back to hide her reluctance and worry.
"Alright, don't worry about him. Have you forgotten that you came to me for help first?"
"Huh? Th-That's right... Kaito, can you help Tanjiro? I really don't want him to get hurt..."
"Of course."
Reaching out to gently stroke Kie's hair, Kaito then gently pulled away from her and walked to stand before Tanjiro.
[Stone Steadfast]
[Gathering All Things]
[Secure as a Rock]
He applied 15 shields in one go.
And set activation conditions.
Ordinary attack damage wouldn't trigger the shields, but any attack that would cause Tanjiro severe injury or death would activate them for protection.
Based on the amount of magical power Kaito infused, a single shield, if constantly under attack, could hold for an hour.
And that hour was based on attacks from an Upper Rank Demon; Lower Ranks would take a day and a night just to have a chance at breaking the shield.
Even then, the shield might not break from damage but from the magical power being depleted.
After all, deploying and maintaining shields consumed magical power.
For a more user-friendly shield, it could only be applied to oneself; this was the only way for others.
"Here are for you too."
Kaito didn't forget Nezuko, Hanako, and Takeo.
However, the trigger conditions for them were more lenient.
Soon, a pattern of the Geo Archon's heart appeared on the back of each of their right hands, marked with numbers indicating how many shield layers remained.
After applying the shields to them, Kie finally felt relieved.
For her, no one brought more security than Kaito.
Since Kaito had shielded her children, their lives would be safe; nothing could happen to them.
Even if something did happen, Kaito would sense it immediately and come to help.
"Kaito, thank you."
"No problem, Mrs. Kamado."
Kaito smiled and shook his head at Kie, then pulled a Nichirin Blade from his Gate of Babylon.
This blade was something he got from a gacha pull, a D-class weapon.
Its name was the Original Nichirin Blade, and its original owner was Yoriichi.
That meant the blade Kaito had pulled was the one Yoriichi once used to wound Muzan, now in his possession.
"This blade is my second gift to you, Tanjiro. This is the weapon Tsugikuni Yoriichi used back then. Use it well and fulfill the wish he couldn't realize."
"Yes! I understand!!"
Tanjiro didn't refuse. After receiving the Nichirin Blade, he didn't rush to draw it but carefully put it away.
"What? Don't you want to draw it and take a look?"
"No... I'm not yet capable of using it right now. I will draw it when I am strong enough!"
"Good. Just do as you wish."
With that, Kaito took out the final gift.
It was a pill that would not only cleanse Tanjiro's marrow and reshape his bones but also enhance his physical foundation!
This would allow him to use Sun Breathing with less strain on his body.
"Alright, take this pill and go eat it. Oh, make sure you do it in the bathroom. It might be a bit painful? Afterwards, impurities will be pushed out of your body, so just wash them off!"
"Yes! Thank you, Kaito-nii!"
Tanjiro thanked him again, respectfully took the pill, and eagerly rushed off to the bathroom.
That left...
Nezuko.
Hehehe...