The morning mist had not yet dispersed, and the air held a refreshing chill.
Kanao Tsuyuri's expression was as calm as ever.
Her purple eyes were cast down, like autumn waters, showing hardly a ripple.
She had already traveled some distance from the Butterfly Mansion.
Tap!
A very light landing sound, like a butterfly alighting.
Kanao's movements stopped, her eyelids twitched slightly, sensing a familiar scent—a mixture of wisteria and herbs.
"Leaving so early? I almost didn't catch up with you!"
Shinobu Kocho's voice rang out from behind Kanao, peaceful and gentle, yet seemingly carrying a trace of worry and reluctance.
Kanao slowly turned around.
Shinobu Kocho stood a few meters away, her white haori draped over her deep purple uniform, fluttering gently in the breeze.
A smile hung on her face, her purple eyes fixed on Kanao.
"Mission," Kanao said softly. Her voice had no ups or downs, devoid of any emotional fluctuation.
"To sign up for the Demon Slayer Corps selection without permission... child, don't you think to consult me when making decisions?" Shinobu Kocho walked forward with light steps; she was slightly taller than Kanao. She reached out and pinched a leaf from Kanao's hair. "However, I didn't expect you to take this path as well."
Kanao didn't answer, only a faint smile lingered at the corners of her lips.
"Right, take this." Shinobu Kocho took out a cloth-wrapped item from her haori. "There's sakura mochi inside; eat it when you're hungry on the road."
"Mm."
"Then, you must come back alive."
Kanao nodded, then turned around and continued down the pebble-paved path.
Shinobu Kocho watched Kanao disappear at the end of the misty path, murmuring, "Please come back safely..."
...Mount Fujikasane.
"Whoa, it's so beautiful here! Is it all wisteria flowers?" Tanjiro looked around curiously.
"Demons are trapped on Mount Fujikasane; as a test, the vast amount of wisteria acts like a prison," Takeshi-kun explained. "Tanjiro, you know the criteria for passing the test, right?"
Tanjiro nodded. "Mm! Survive for seven days, and I can officially become a member of the Demon Slayer Corps!"
"So, shall we move together?"
Tanjiro shook his head resolutely. "No, Takeshi, you're much stronger than me. If I'm with you, I might not truly face my own trial. I want to... pass this selection with my own strength!"
Takeshi knew Tanjiro would say that. "Alright, then it's a promise. See you in seven days!"
"See you in seven days!"
Just like in the anime plot, the two children of the Ubuyashiki family gave the explanation.
It wasn't much different from Takeshi's conjecture.
Many people participated in this Final Selection, and some had not even arrived yet.
Takeshi didn't want to wait; it was still early before nightfall, and demons wouldn't actively appear then. He planned to head in first to familiarize himself with the environment.
Swish!
After entering Mount Fujikasane, Takeshi found the air somewhat thinner than outside.
"It's still the same as before, no change." Revisiting the old haunt, Kanae couldn't help but sigh.
"Speaking of which, how did you feel when you first came here?"
"Hmm... it was okay. I only remember that I just had to keep walking forward."
As expected of the Former Flower Hashira, she made it sound so easy... Takeshi tightened his grip on the nichirin blade that Mr. Urokodaki had lent him.
The blade was indigo blue with very smooth lines, showing that the person who forged it was very dedicated.
Even though Takeshi said he didn't need a blade to slay demons.
Urokodaki had still stubbornly thrust the blade upon him.
"Takeshi-kun."
"Mm!"
Takeshi spun around abruptly, the nichirin blade carving a blue light through the air.
"How is this possible! I was actually discovered!"
A demon half the height of a man showed a shocked expression on its ugly face.
After the flash of the blade, the demon instantly turned into a puff of black smoke.
"Hiding in the shadows, what a cunning demon."
Takeshi sheathed his nichirin blade. "But not smart enough. Was it because of hunger? It made a sound before even getting close to me."
"Try to head east; that's where the sun rises. And it's best to occupy high ground for a better field of vision," Kanae instructed.
Takeshi teased, "It seems Young Miss Kanae is still very worried about me?"
"Ara ara, indeed, after all, Takeshi-kun is also my Tsuguko~"
Let's clarify first: a Tsuguko is not an adopted son!
Rather, Hashira-level Swordsmen take in apprentices with Aptitude to train as Tsuguko.
While Takeshi had some memories of Flower Breathing, they weren't enough for him to have grown this far.
The foundation was Kanae's guidance, so it wouldn't be wrong for Takeshi to call Kanae 'Master,' but she didn't like the title. She preferred they address each other by name.
Takeshi's speed was very fast, and he soon reached a higher elevation.
There were some wisteria flowers on Mount Fujikasane; Takeshi collected some, crushed them, and applied them to his body.
Night soon fell, and Takeshi immediately opened his eyes.
The atmosphere of Mount Fujikasane at night became eerie, with various rustling, low growls, and whimpering sounds spreading from the mountain forest.
The air emitted a foul stench.
"Takeshi-kun, although you're very strong now, I still have to remind you: do not underestimate Mount Fujikasane."
Kanae's tone was unusually serious.
"I know."
Takeshi took a deep breath, and his entire focus became concentrated.
Like a stone thrown into a calm lake, it stirred a circle of ripples.
The silence of the forest was instantly shattered.
"Damn—why is this demon so strong?!"
"No, don't kill me—"
"Ke-ke—food! Delicious food! It's been a whole year—a whole year—"
"Food delivered to the door, whoever grabs it gets it!"
Several swordsmen in black clothes fled in panic. They had the same idea as Takeshi, originally wanting to head east where the sun rises to spend the trial.
But their speed was too slow. Halfway there, night fell, and demons appeared from nowhere and attacked them.
"Help, help—"
One of the swordsmen's legs seemed to be injured. As he fled, he called for help from the swordsmen ahead.
However, the swordsmen in front ignored him.
In the face of death, survival becomes the only obsession. Comrades?
Takeshi saw this scene clearly.
Perhaps influenced by Tanjiro, or perhaps due to confidence in his own strength, he did not stand by.
Making a decision almost instantly, Takeshi leapt down from the tree, landing soundlessly.
The injured swordsman collapsed on the ground; severely wounded, he couldn't continue.
"Another piece of food... delivered itself to the door!"
"But it seems a bit smelly..."
"It probably tastes like stinky tofu. It's good enough to have something to eat. If I don't eat my fill now, I'll have to go back to eating those foul-tasting beasts."
Takeshi didn't waste any words. The moment the nichirin blade was unsheathed, his breathing had already adjusted to the proper rhythm.
"Flower Breathing Style: First Form: Hanging Cherry Blossoms!"
Pressing his body down, he suddenly lunged! The blade light was like hanging cherry branches, tracing a sharp arc.
Puchi! Puchi!
Two heads flew up almost simultaneously. The cruel smiles on the two demons' faces had not yet faded before they hit the ground, turning into black smoke in astonishment.
"Comparing me to stinky tofu?" Takeshi flicked his wrist, shaking the foul blood from the blade, his gaze coldly locking onto the last demon. "Your taste is truly nothing to be admired."