(NOTE: I might not update this book tomorrow as I have something to do, that is why I make this chapter today)
Night had arrived, and Nezuko and Takeo were sleeping while the three of them sat together, the atmosphere heavy.
"So, you want to travel and experience new things? Haven't you considered that you are too young for that?" Tanjuro asked sternly.
As a father, he couldn't bear the thought of his son traveling at the tender age of three. No parent in their right mind would allow their three-year-old to venture out into the world to experience independence.
At that age, most children are either playing with each other or getting scolded by their parents for even holding a knife. Yet here was Tanjiro, a three-year-old boy, proposing an absurd idea.
Unfortunately, they couldn't deny that Tanjiro was strong enough to travel on his own. However, as parents, it still didn't feel right to let him do as he wished. They wanted to see him grow into a fully-fledged young man before allowing him to venture out.
Tanjuro acknowledged that traveling could be beneficial for Tanjiro, but he believed it was not advisable at such a young age. As a parent, the thought filled him with worry.
"Yes, I want to explore the world, Mother, Father. Please, let me be selfish with my request. I want to see the world with my own eyes. I know I'm too young, but I hope you understand my selfishness.
You don't have to worry—I can protect myself. Even Nezuko can defend herself from anyone aside from us," Tanjiro said resolutely. He didn't want to be restricted to one place and instead wanted to explore the world at his own pace.
"Still, you are too young, Tanjiro. Can you at least give us a week to think it over? We know you are different from other children your age. You are smart and responsible, but as parents, we don't want you to grow up too fast," Kei said, her eyes filled with tears. For a parent, it was the hardest situation to let their child go.
"Alright, please think it over. Besides, I can return in just one day if I need to," Tanjiro said, then demonstrated his prowess, moving at a speed that surpassed even Kei and Tanjuro.
This shocked them both, as they had never seen Tanjiro use his full strength. Witnessing his incredible speed left them in awe.
They sighed in defeat, knowing full well that Tanjiro was different from any other child. While they only wanted to live peacefully, Tanjiro yearned for a thrilling and exciting life—a life full of challenges and adventure. They saw him as a child full of curiosity and kindness.
"If that is what you wish for, we, as your parents, will respect your choice. But on one condition: don't push yourself too hard. You have a home to return to," Tanjuro said, steeling himself to talk with his eldest child.
As the man of the house, he couldn't bring himself to show weakness in front of Tanjiro. It was like an innate behavior for any father, a model for his children.
A strong and responsible person who could lift the family to new heights.
Kei, already tearing up, hugged her son tightly. For three years, she had taken care of Tanjiro and knew him the best.
Tanjiro didn't bother to hide his personality from them, and they could instantly guess his intentions. Once he set his eyes on something, he would pursue it sooner or later.
"Don't worry, Mother. I am strong enough to handle most problems that come my way. And even if I can't handle them, I still have you all—my family to lean on," Tanjiro said. He didn't like this mood; sadness was something he hated the most, but this was something he could endure because it involved his parents.
'Just once, let me be selfish. I have to put an end to this farce between demons and humans. The future casualties haunt me the longer I live in this world, knowing that I can easily kill Muzan.' The thought of Muzan and the demons killing humans at night to satiate their hunger was something he couldn't wait to address.
Over the past two years, he had accumulated around 1,030 System Points.
(NOTE: SKILL POINTS WILL BE CHANGED TO UPGRADE POINTS(UP))
With these SP, he could buy some basic skills or techniques.
From what he discovered in the shop, all of the items were relatively cheap. The Sharingan cost around 1,000 SP, the Mangekyo cost ten times that amount, and the Rinnegan cost fifty times the price of the Mangekyo.
Considering the prices, it was cheap when thinking about the power they held, as the cost could easily be recouped by defeating stronger foes. Even basic skills like running, swimming, and crawling cost only 10 points each, which was quite affordable. While these might be useless at an early level, they provided a boost in their respective attributes.
The only reason the Primordial Origin Bloodline was so expensive was because it held power capable of ruling the multiverse. Thinking about it now, Tanjiro regretted not buying it, feeling it was a massive waste.
In his current situation, he needed something immediately useful, so he chose the Hyper Cognitive Mastery.
With this perk, he could easily pick up any techniques thrown at him and grow stronger with each fight. The longer the battle, the more experienced and powerful he would become.
Now came the main part: he still hadn't upgraded the Hyper Cognitive Mastery to its max level. He wondered what would happen if he did.
Would he instantly learn anything related to techniques? Would he immediately find ways to defeat any opponent? These were the questions that always occupied his mind when he thought about upgrading the Hyper Cognitive Mastery.
.
.
.
.
A week had passed since their conversation, and today was the day. Tanjiro packed his things and wore a kimono beautifully made by his mother. Though the design was a bit feminine for his taste, he didn't mind since it was made by her.
The kimono featured a beautiful flower design with a color combination of white and blue. He had a red cloth wrapped around his waist, secured with two shiny copper buttons. Over this, he wore a simple black haori with the Kamado family crest on its back, also crafted by Kei.
Lifting his bag, Tanjiro slowly walked out of the house and saw Tanjuro, Kei, Nezuko—who had been crying since yesterday—and Takeo, sleeping peacefully in Kei's embrace.
"Looks like you're ready to go. What will be your destination, and what's your plan while traveling, Son?" Tanjuro asked, observing his eldest with a bag strapped to his back.
"I'd like to start with Mount Sagiri. As for the plan, I'm not entirely sure yet. I'll figure it out when I get there," Tanjiro replied, thinking.
He couldn't reveal his intention to become a demon slayer, knowing it would make his journey more difficult. He was certain that Kei would reject the idea and try to stop him from leaving.
Tanjuro nodded, patting Tanjiro on the back. Kei looked at her son tenderly, sighed, and said, "It seems I can't change your mind about leaving. I hope you have everything you need in your bag." She smiled slightly, tears forming in her eyes, as she knelt down and kissed his forehead.
Nezuko then jumped up and hugged her brother, begging him not to go and to stay with them. Tanjiro felt helpless as he looked at his parents, who were avoiding his gaze. He sighed, resigned to the moment.
"Nezuko, we already talked about this yesterday. I will return, I promise. And when I come back, there will be lots and lots of candy. So, be a good girl and take care of Mother, Father, and Takeo for me, alright?" Tanjiro said gently while stroking Nezuko's hair.
"But I don't want you to leave, Brother. Can't you just stay here with us?" Nezuko cried, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her face and her snot filled her nostrils.
Tanjiro couldn't bear to see Nezuko so upset, guilt overwhelming him at the thought of leaving her. Over the past two years, he had doted on Nezuko the most—playing with her, telling her stories, making toys, and more. As a two-year-old, Nezuko had become deeply attached to him and couldn't bear to see him leave.
He could only look helplessly at his parents as he tried to soothe Nezuko's cries. Wiping her nose and tears with a cloth, Tanjiro sighed.
"Nezuko, I'll still be with you and watching over you even if I'm not here. You need to be brave and protect Takeo, okay? I know you can do it. You're my responsible and brave little sister."
This time, Nezuko finally relented and released Tanjiro, nodding despite her puffy eyes and reddened cheeks from crying so much.
"I can do it, Brother. We'll wait for your return," Nezuko said cutely, accepting that she couldn't stop her brother.
"That's my sister. I know you can do it," Tanjiro replied with a reassuring smile.
After hugging his family one last time, Tanjiro began his journey—one filled with unpredictable events and the creation of new memories along the way.