Eight years had passed in a flash, but the experience I gained during that time wasn't something I could forget easily. I wouldn't say it was entirely bitter—yes, there were difficult moments—but, most of all, it was quite fun.
I was fortunate enough not to get lost. I walked almost ten kilometers on foot to Tenryu Mountain. Thanks to the help of some people I met along the way, who gave me directions, I arrived safe and sound.
Luckily, I got here early in the morning, which gave me time to prepare. With the coins Ms. Ayuma gave me, I bought bags of wisteria incense, seeds, and a tent. I found a good spot, pitched my tent, and planted wisteria seeds in a five-meter circle around it.
During the day, I slept for about eight hours, woke up, and hunted for food—mostly meat, occasionally fish. After that, I prepared for the day's training. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, I lit the incense and left the tent.
My training was simple, not overly complicated: survive. Thanks to the stamina boost from the light guy, I could play—train with the demons for hours. I'd return to the tent, rest, and then go back for more. As soon as the sun set, I'd return to my tent, and the demons would retreat. We practically became friends—literally.
After a few months, closing in on a year, I realized running around wasn't getting me anywhere. Sure, it boosted my stats, but I couldn't run forever. I tried fighting my training partners—the demons but I nearly got myself killed. I went down to a nearby village to get treated and didn't come back to play—train. They probably missed me.
When I returned, we hit the famous Toji-Gojo line. They thought they'd killed me, but little did they know I was pulling off some serious reversal techniques. I used the last of my coins to buy a katana. The dagger was fine, but it felt too small for me.
After weeks without training with the demons, I finally made my first kill. I managed to slay my first demon. It cost me some injuries, but this time I didn't go to the village. I treated myself, learning how to handle minor cuts and severe wounds using herbs and mixtures.
Years passed, and I lost count after my fifteenth kill. It didn't feel like an achievement anymore. It became too easy. I grew bored of killing them, so I thought, instead of slaughtering them all, why not control them? After all, if I kept killing, I'd eventually end up alone in the mountains. I didn't want my friends to leave me.
"And that's how we became friends."
"Oh, I've forgotten some of the details myself, Master," said Ken, one of my friends. He looked old, very old—and he claimed he'd been here for two decades. So, I'm guessing he's around eighty.
"I remember when you were small, full of energy, running all over the place. We had to chase you. I miss your cute face. I miss the old days," said Ten, pressing her cheeks together. She's hot—really hot, in her twenties—and also one of my friends.
"I am so proud of training you, Master. If not for me, you wouldn't be as strong as you are," Ren chimed in. He's bulky and strong. I like him, but I got bored of him after nearly ending him with a punch.
"What do you mean by that, Ren!?" Ken barked.
"Ken is right! I was the one who trained Master," Ten added.
"You too, Ten? Both of you did nothing, remember? I was the one who gave Master that first scary injury."
Right... Ken was the one who injured me so badly. I'm grateful to him, and I'll repay him for his hard work today. After all, today is the day.
"Come on, guys. You shouldn't argue among yourselves. Remember, we're all one, we're friends. We grew up together, so show some love, will you?"
"Indeed, you're right, Master. We should love each other, just as you taught us," Ken said.
"Yeah, love each other because today will be the last day you see me—and your last day in this world."
They all looked at me, confused, like I'd said something odd. What did I say that was so bad?
"What do you mean by that, Master?" Ken asked.
"What do you mean, 'what do I mean'? I said you should all love yourselves."
"Yes, we get that part, but... you said today would be our last."
I stood up, dusting off my clothes, and looked into the early morning sky.
"Of course. I'm leaving the mountains today. I can't leave you guys wandering around—you'd get lonely."
Ken's face lit up with a bright smile. "So, you're taking us with you?"
"T-T-Taking you with me? Hell no! I'm killing all of you. I can't leave you alive."
Their jaws dropped, and I wondered why—wait a minute—did they really think a demon slayer would leave demons alive? Okay, I know I'm not an official demon slayer, but still...
"To hell with that," Ren, the bulky one, stood up. "You think I'll accept this? I've waited eight years for you to leave, for my freedom, only for you to say this? What do you take us for, what do you take our lives for, sport?"
Deja vu? I swear I've heard that line before, something similar.
"So, are you going against me, Ren?"
"I was never with you!"
He charged at me, and I smoothly ran my katana through his neck. His body kept moving, but his head was in my hand.
I looked into his eyes—terror filled them. A funny expression for a creature known for instilling fear.
"Don't panic. I used the katana so your death would be slower and more painful." I dropped his head where he'd been sitting and started pacing.
"Have you heard of Michikatsu?"
They shook their heads, eyes wide.
"I never understood him. His motive, his dream... No, I did understand him, rather he didn't understand himself. He wanted to be strong, stronger than his brother, so he turned into a demon. Then, after achieving that strength, when the time came to use it, he gave up and died. Odd, isn't it? I placed myself in his shoes and realized something. Michikatsu wasn't seeking strength. He was seeking acknowledgment, fueled by jealousy.Oh"
Ren's head had disappeared, and the other two stared at me blankly.
"Are you following?"
They nodded.
"So, then I asked myself: What is true strength? Is there a limit to it, or is it like time—endless, infinite? Okay, let's say my strength is infinite. Does that make me the strongest in the world? Surely, there are beings stronger than me. Does that mean they're stronger than infinite strength? So, what is strength? What is its limit?"
The sun began to rise on the horizon. I glanced at it, then back at the two, smirking.
"M-Master, please... We need to get to our hideout. We'll continue this later," Ken said, sweating.
"No, you'll die here."
"I-I'm sorry, Master, but I can't." He stood to leave, but his head hit the ground, followed by his body. Our eyes locked.
"Ten, come."
Ten walked over, and I wrapped my arm around her shoulder as we both looked at the horizon.
"Have you ever sunbathed in the last few decades?"
"No, Master."
"Good. Haven't you wondered what it's like? To feel the sun caressing your skin?"
"Master, why are you doing this?"
"Why am i…? I'm bored, and I'm leaving. I can't let you do as you please."
"Oh, I see the problem." Ten smiled as her hand moved to my rode, stroking it. "I didn't realize you've come of age. I can entertain you, Master."
Hmm, that wouldn't be bad... Nah, banging a demon doesn't seem safe, wait, Nezuko... I'd definitely bang her if need be. Hmm, but still...
I raised my index finger and drilled it into her skull. She let out a piercing scream.
"Sorry, but the only demon allowed to touch me is Nezuko."
Ten collapsed, trying to crawl away from the rising sun, but I pinned her down with my foot as the sunlight reduced her to ashes.
I took a deep breath, exhaled, and gazed at the sun.
"What a wonderful era to be reawakened."