In the eerie silence of the mansion's vast corridors, Tanjiro and Zenitsu proceeded carefully, their senses on high alert. The faintest creak of the floorboards and the slightest shuffle of shadows warned them that demons were lurking everywhere in the house, watching, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
The air was thick with hostility, each corner hiding a new threat. Tanjiro led the way, his grip steady on his sword as he moved with precision, his senses honed to detect even the slightest hint of demonic presence. He was determined to make this a swift endeavor, and his resolve seemed to radiate from him, grounding Zenitsu in a surprising calm.
It wasn't long before the first demon lunged at them, emerging from the darkness with sharp claws and a menacing snarl. Tanjiro parried the attack with ease, his blade flashing through the dimly lit hallway. Water Breathing, Fourth Form: Striking Tide — with a swift, precise strike, he brought down the demon, its body disintegrating to ash before it could even touch the ground.
The demons appeared in greater numbers as they pressed forward, each one testing their limits. Yet, with each foe, Tanjiro's movements only grew more fluid, each technique blending seamlessly into the next. His skill with Water Breathing and the supplementary Thunder and Stone Breathing techniques rendered him almost unstoppable, and he moved like a force of nature. Demons fell one after another, his mastery over each style in perfect harmony as he dispatched each enemy in quick succession.
Zenitsu, on the other hand, was an erratic bundle of nerves, jumping at every shadow and whimpering with each creak of the floorboards. But when a demon suddenly appeared before him, his fear forced him to an abrupt stop. Overwhelmed, Zenitsu collapsed to the floor and, without warning, fell unconscious. For a moment, all was quiet until a faint crackle of electricity filled the air.
In his sleep, Zenitsu's body steadied as he gripped his sword, his form exuding an unexpected strength. Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash. In a burst of speed, Zenitsu sliced through the demon with a single stroke, the precision and ferocity of the attack almost shocking Tanjiro. The demon's ashes scattered, and Zenitsu fell back to the ground, still unconscious but victorious.
After clearing out the remaining demons in the mansion, Tanjiro and Zenitsu proceeded deeper into the building, where they encountered a final demon — the most resilient yet. After a tense battle, Tanjiro managed to bring the demon down, ensuring the safety of the terrified children waiting outside. The two brothers were freed, and Tanjiro took a moment to check on each of them, reassured by their safety.
It was then they noticed another presence — wild, fierce, and oddly bare-chested. A boy with a boar's head strapped onto his own bounded into the room with unrestrained energy, brandishing two jagged blades.
"What's the big idea, leaving all the fighting to yourselves?" the newcomer shouted, his tone both challenging and thrilled. "I'm Inosuke Hashibira, and I don't need any fancy techniques to cut down some demons!"
Tanjiro smiled at Inosuke's enthusiasm, though he could sense the boy's reckless energy. "It's good to meet you, Inosuke. I'm Tanjiro. And I have to say, I'm impressed with how quickly you sensed the demons' presence here."
Inosuke grunted, clearly unimpressed with niceties. "Just don't get in my way!"
With the demons defeated and the children safe, the trio moved on, carrying out their duty by burying the bodies of those who'd perished within the mansion, ensuring they were given a respectful farewell. As dusk approached, Tanjiro led the group toward a Wisteria Mansion for rest.
The Wisteria Mansion provided a warm, much-needed respite. Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke each took time to recuperate from the long day, but Tanjiro's resolve didn't allow him to rest for long. He decided it was time to challenge one of his most formidable trials yet. Focusing on the system, he activated the Raiden Kuroiwa Test.
As he materialized in a mist-shrouded arena, a tall, muscular figure stood before him, his presence as imposing as a storm. Raiden, the legendary Wind Hashira of the Sengoku era, grinned with anticipation.
"I can see the strength in your eyes," Raiden remarked, drawing his blade. "But let's see if you have the skill to match it."
The battle began with a fierce exchange, Raiden's Wind Breathing techniques lashing through the air like blades of a hurricane. But Tanjiro countered with his own, mixing Water Breathing to deflect and evade, Thunder Breathing to gain speed, and Stone Breathing for grounding stability. The fierce back-and-forth continued, neither fighter giving an inch.
After an intense and grueling battle, Tanjiro managed to break through Raiden's defense with a final strike, ending the duel. As a reward, Tanjiro felt a surge of clarity in his vision, his senses sharpening as if the world had become clearer, every movement and detail now illuminated. His surroundings became sharper, and he found himself better able to analyze and anticipate outcomes.
Next, he activated the William Marshal Test. He found himself facing the legendary knight, his opponent's steely gaze and calm stance revealing the power of his technique. The clash was one of pure skill; Tanjiro had to rely on his instincts and his breathing techniques as William pushed him to his limits with a combination of disciplined swordplay and overwhelming presence.
In the end, Tanjiro's relentless determination and newfound clarity won out, and he emerged victorious. His reward was a powerful boost in both muscle density and stamina, his body now able to sustain peak performance for far longer than before.
Later, as he considered taking on the Musashi challenge, he was interrupted by a knock at the door. It was one of the mansion's attendants with a new mission request.
"Tanjiro, your presence is needed at Natagumo Mountain. Reports suggest a lower moon demon may be lurking there. The mission will require a team, and Zenitsu and Inosuke are being sent as well."
Tanjiro's expression hardened with purpose. "Understood. I'll prepare immediately."
As dawn broke, the trio gathered at the edge of the mansion's grounds, ready for the mission ahead. Zenitsu was still visibly shaking, though Tanjiro's calm confidence seemed to give him strength. Inosuke was practically vibrating with excitement at the prospect of a formidable opponent.
"Lower Moon demon, huh?" Inosuke said with a fierce grin, flexing his arms. "Sounds like a perfect warm-up!"
Tanjiro looked at his friends with a quiet resolve. "This mission will be challenging, but we'll face it together. No matter what we find on that mountain, let's be sure we make it back."
As they set off toward Natagumo Mountain, Tanjiro felt a familiar fire ignite within him. He had grown stronger, sharper, and more resilient. His skills had been honed by intense training, and now he was about to face his next great test alongside his newfound companions. And with every step, he reminded himself of his promise—to protect, to fight, and ultimately, to defeat Muzan.