Takeshi's brain wasn't enough to process this.
The person in front of him was undoubtedly the Former Water Hashira, Urokodaki Sakonji.
But why did he know his name?
And why did he add "Kochō" before his name?
It's weird, okay?!
While Takeshi was thinking, Kanae's voice rang out: "Heehee, sorry, Takeshi-kun, but it couldn't be helped. I just told a little white lie."
"Huh?"
Kanae covered her mouth, a cute expression like a mischievous young girl appearing on her beautiful face: "Actually, just now—"
After hearing Kanae's explanation, Takeshi was completely bewildered!
It turned out that after he was knocked unconscious by the Head Hashira, his consciousness briefly fell into darkness, and he was taken over by another Soul in his body—Kochō Kanae.
In other words, Kanae was in control of his body just now, and the one talking to Urokodaki Sakonji was 'Kanae'!
Kanae continued to explain in his mind: "It couldn't be helped. Mr. Urokodaki didn't intend to take on any more Disciples, so I had to use the excuse that you are the younger brother of the Former Flower Hashira."
Takeshi's mouth twitched. So his name was now Kochō Takeshi?
Although it might be a bit... feminine, it sounded decent.
Besides, since he had come to this world, having a new name wasn't bad either.
Takeshi took a deep breath and climbed out of bed.
"I'm ready now, Mr. Urokodaki!"
"Eh? Are you really not dizzy? Why don't you rest a bit more?"
Tanjiro couldn't help but worry.
After all, he was the one who knocked Takeshi unconscious. If an accident happened during Master Urokodaki's assessment, he would feel terrible!
"Don't worry, I'm much better now!"
Takeshi found himself really liking this warm-hearted young man, Tanjiro.
Among the trio, he was always meticulously caring for those around him.
Takeshi couldn't help but reach out and pat his head. "If I become Mr. Urokodaki's Disciple, I'll have to call you Senior Brother!"
"Please do your best, Takeshi-san!" Tanjiro encouraged Takeshi with a smile.
Takeshi nodded and quickly threw his coat over his shoulders.
Due to traveling for over half a month and fighting demons, his clothes were actually quite worn out.
After following Urokodaki Sakonji out, Tanjiro also whispered softly into Nezuko's ear: "Nezuko-chan, be good. Big brother is going outside to take a look!"
After saying that, Tanjiro tucked Nezuko in and immediately walked out of the wooden hut.
It was almost evening now, the sky was gradually darkening, and visibility wasn't high.
He had been here with Master Urokodaki for nearly a year.
During this year, his sister Nezuko had been sleeping, and Master Urokodaki only spoke with him for a bit during breaks and meals.
To be honest, Tanjiro was a bit lonely.
So he really hoped that Takeshi could pass Master Urokodaki's test!
Takeshi and Urokodaki stood in an open space.
"Catch!"
Urokodaki casually tossed a sword over.
Takeshi caught it steadily; it was a wooden sword.
"I heard you've already mastered Flower Breathing?"
Facing Urokodaki Sakonji's question, Takeshi didn't evade and nodded. "Yes."
Urokodaki Sakonji said nothing, but beckoned with his hand. "Then, come at me."
"You're not using a sword?"
"Don't worry, I won't need one to deal with you."
Although it might sound like Urokodaki Sakonji was being arrogant.
But as a former Hashira facing someone who wasn't even a swordsman yet, he certainly had the right to be.
"Then, I won't hold back!"
Takeshi spun the wooden sword around his wrist, performing a flourish before it landed firmly in his hand.
The tip of the sword pointed at Urokodaki.
Takeshi wasn't just showing off; this fluid series of movements allowed his wrist to get into the right state.
He himself took a deep breath, cold air flooding into his lungs as his blood began to flow faster.
The snow beneath Takeshi's feet suddenly exploded, and he shot forward like an arrow from a bow, closing the distance to Urokodaki in the blink of an eye.
"So fast! My eyes can't keep up at all!" Tanjiro's mouth hung open in shock at the sight.
The wooden sword in Takeshi's hand sliced through the air, sweeping upward from below in a tricky trajectory.
Urokodaki clearly hadn't expected the youth's speed to be so great.
But what concerned him even more was the flourish Takeshi had made at the start.
It was exactly the same as the former, deceased Flower Hashira... "Flower Breathing Style: First Form: Hanging Cherry Blossoms!"
"Ssh—" The wooden sword swept across Urokodaki Sakonji's chest.
Even though Urokodaki Sakonji dodged very quickly, this strike still managed to slice through his clothes!
To think that with just a wooden sword, the Sword Energy could be unleashed with such power!
As expected of a former Hashira!
Takeshi couldn't help but marvel.
He didn't dare be careless. The moment he turned, he gripped the wooden sword with a backhand. "Fourth Form: Crimson Higanbana Robe!"
Takeshi spun continuously, turning the attack into an arc.
Takeshi was confident that even Urokodaki wouldn't be able to dodge this strike.
"Master Urokodaki!"
Tanjiro instinctively threw the wooden sword in his hand, and Urokodaki instantly reached out to catch it.
"Water Breathing, Second Form: Water Wheel!"
The moment Urokodaki Sakonji gripped the sword, he unleashed a powerful Water Breathing Move.
The two wooden swords collided, and Takeshi and Urokodaki retreated almost simultaneously.
After watching for a moment, Urokodaki Sakonji dropped his combat stance and put the wood away. "Indeed, you weren't lying, successor of Flower Breathing."
Takeshi raised his hand. "I yield!"
"However, although you passed the test, I cannot take you as my Disciple."
"Eh?" Tanjiro grew anxious. "Master Urokodaki, Takeshi is clearly very strong!"
Urokodaki Sakonji explained: "I'm not taking you as a Disciple because I have nothing left to teach you. By now, you've already mastered all the Moves of Flower Breathing, haven't you?"
Takeshi wasn't overly humble and nodded. "Yes, though there might still be some issues with my power delivery techniques."
Urokodaki Sakonji said: "I didn't believe you when you said you were the Flower Hashira's younger brother, but now I do..."
Urokodaki looked up at the stars in the sky. "That girl... your movements are practically identical to hers. Kochō Takeshi, if you want to join the Demon Slayer Corps and participate in the Final Selection, I can recommend you, but as for becoming my Disciple, let's forget about it..."
Urokodaki waved his hand. "Inherit Flower Breathing well and do not tarnish the reputation of the Flower Hashira."
Takeshi didn't push further; as long as he could participate in the Final Selection, it was fine. "Alright, thank you, Mr. Urokodaki!"
"Hmm. This year's Final Selection has already ended. The day of the selection will be next April when spring begins. Prepare yourself as soon as possible."
Takeshi replied, "Okay!"
Urokodaki Sakonji kept Takeshi there. After learning he had no fixed residence, he invited Takeshi to stay until the day of the selection next year.
Tanjiro was the happiest of all.
He finally had a companion he could talk to.
And what made him happiest was that Nezuko finally stopped sleeping!
And it even seemed to be thanks to Takeshi.
It's just that... occasionally, when Nezuko looked at Takeshi, she would unconsciously drool...