*Squeak, squeak.*
The soft sound of rabbits scurrying caught my attention as the bushes nearby rustled with their movement. They hopped by, oblivious to my presence, while I continued my leisurely trek. My hands rested lightly on the hilt of Urokodaki-sensei's Nichirin Blade, as I paused at the foot of Mt. Sagiri, taking in the tranquil scene before me.
I bent down to the level of the rabbits as I extended my finger. Though cautious at first, they hesitantly hopped towards my hand and started smelling it. I smiled softly as I placed my hand on their heads, softly rubbing their fur.
"Don't do that again" I told them as if they could understand human language "I almost killed you"
I pulled my hand back, rubbing it against my pants as I stood. The rabbits lost interest and hopped off, disappearing into the bush. The moment lingered in my mind, the stillness of the mountain a stark contrast to the rest of my life. Life here was simple. No battles, no expectations—just peace, for a fleeting second.
"I got faster," I murmured to myself, feeling the familiar weight of my thoughts as I continued the trek to Urokodaki-sensei's house. Each step I took felt a little lighter like the training was finally sinking in, piece by piece.
"HAH HAH"
I stopped in my tracks, my eyes narrowing as I took in the sight before me. Tanjiro was panting heavily, a wooden sword clenched tightly in his hand. His shoulders rose and fell with each labored breath, sweat dripping down his face as he steadied himself. Despite his exhaustion, there was a fierce determination burning in his eyes.
He straightened, planting his feet firmly on the ground, gripping his blade with renewed focus. With a deep inhale, his body seemed to reset—his movements calming, his breathing steadying. The shift was almost tangible like the air itself grew denser around him.
"Hinokami Kagura: First Form—Dance"
As he swung his blade, the air seemed to ignite around him. It was as if hot, golden flames burst forth from the wooden sword, swirling in a mesmerizing dance that illuminated the clearing. The bamboo shoots stood no chance. His strike was precise, cutting through them effortlessly, with smoke emanating from the cut-down bamboo shoots.
'Strong,' I thought, my mind racing as I analyzed his movements. His form was nowhere near perfect, yet his strikes were fluid and brimming with intensity. 'And fast too. Much faster than Water Breathing.'
It wasn't just the physical execution that struck me—it was the sheer presence he commanded with every swing. The way his body moved, seamlessly in tune with the rhythm of his breathing, as if he were one with the air and flames around him.
For a moment, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of envy. This wasn't just a skill born from training; it was something more—a connection to something deeper, almost primal. The Hinokami Kagura wasn't just a technique—it was a legacy, alive and burning within Tanjiro.
However, that power came at a cost. Tanjiro let out a large gasp, his sword slipping from his grip as he collapsed to his knees. His body trembled, and he hunched over, clutching his chest as if trying to relieve the pain in his aching lungs.
'Looks like he still can't control that power huh?' I thought as a sinister smile appeared on my face 'Still, looks like Muzan's fucked. this time isn't he?'
"You're determined huh" I called out from my position, erasing my smile as I started walking towards him. Tanjiro immediately lifted his head as his hand instinctively moved towards his sword, but stopped as he looked at me, a flash of recognition passing through his eyes.
"Ah, Senpai," Tanjiro greeted me with a strained, yet determined voice, immediately forcing himself upright and bowing deeply.
I winced as a sharp pop echoed in the air—a sound unmistakably coming from his chest.
His lungs were protesting the sudden movement, and as if on cue, Tanjiro's legs buckled. He crumpled back to his knees, clutching his chest in pain, his breaths shallow and uneven.
"Calm down," I said, approaching Tanjiro. Without hesitation, I flung his arm around my shoulder, steadying him as I helped him to his feet.
"You don't have to push yourself like this," I muttered, my voice softer this time.
Tanjiro's lips parted as if to reply, but before he could, a sudden rustling in the trees stole both our attention. My body tensed instinctively, my eyes darting toward the sound.
Within a fraction of a second, Urokodaki-sensei emerged from the shadows. To anyone else, it would have seemed as though he had simply appeared out of thin air, his presence sudden and commanding. But this time...
'I saw it' My eyes widened in recognition as I registered his movements. It wasn't much, just the briefest glimpse of his movement, but it was enough to make me pause. A few weeks ago, I wouldn't have stood a chance of noticing him.
The rustle of his robes, the almost imperceptible shift of air as he moved—it all felt more tangible, more real. It wasn't just sight, either. I could feel his movements, or more accurately, his intent to move. It was subtle, almost invisible, but it was there.
"Tanjiro," Urokodaki-sensei said, his gaze sharp as he took Tanjiro's arm off my shoulders and picked him up "You need to know your limits."
"Yo Sensei"
Urokodaki-Sensei placed Tanjiro at his back as he turned to look at me. Moments passed as he just stared at my face as I shifted awkwardly. Then, without warning, he pulled me into a firm, almost overwhelming hug. I jolted at the sudden gesture, my body instinctively tensing.
"Welcome back," Urokodaki-sensei said softly, his voice betraying the faintest waver. I hesitated for a moment before awkwardly patting his back, unsure of how to respond. On his back, Tanjiro let out a small smile as he saw this scene.
Urokodaki-Sensei then pulled back as he got up and motioned for me to follow him. I remained silent and trailed behind him my thoughts swirling. 'When was the last time someone had hugged me like that? When was the last time anyone had shown me this kind of care?'
...
"...And that was that"
I then took a breath as I finished explaining what happened in the final selections. Urokodaki-Sensei sat down as he listened attentively, not moving a muscle. Tanjiro sat next to Sensei, listening as he nodded at several parts of the story.
"Um..." Tanjiro began, rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish chuckle. "I get that the Hand Demon killed a lot of Urokodaki-Sensei's students but... did you really have to curse it out so much?"
I let out a small laugh, shaking my head as I addressed Tanjiro. "We're different, "You're kind, Tanjiro. You see the good in everyone, no matter how hideous they might be and you forgive them. Me? I can't. I only see the bad in someone, no matter how good they may seem."
I paused, choosing my words carefully. "I get it—most demons are just victims of Muzan Kibutsuji who preyed on when them when they were at the lowest point of their life with no escape, but a tragic backstory doesn't erase the lives they've taken or the innocent people they've destroyed."
"I see..."
Tanjiro's face fell slightly, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of his haori as if searching for reassurance in the fabric. He kept his gaze downcast, his usual resolve wavering just a little. Seeing that, I couldn't help but soften my tone, letting my features relax as I offered him a gentle smile.
"You have a rare quality, Tanjiro," I began, my voice quiet but steady. "You have the ability to forgive someone, no matter how cruel they are, no matter how much they've done. It's not something everyone can do. Most people—me included—would rather hold on to anger or grief than try to understand someone who's caused us pain."
I paused, searching his eyes as they slowly rose to meet mine. "It's not a bad thing, having empathy for others. In fact, it's one of your greatest strengths. You see the humanity in even the most twisted souls, and that's something not many can claim. It's what makes you... you."
For a moment, I let that sink in before continuing, my expression growing more serious. "But, Tanjiro, you need to understand something important. While empathy is a strength, it can also be a weakness if you're not careful. Not everyone deserves your forgiveness. Not everyone will respect your kindness. There are demons—and humans—who will take advantage of it, who'll use it against you if you let them."
I placed a hand on his shoulder, anchoring him with the weight of my words. "So don't lose that part of yourself, Tanjiro. Hold on to it. Cherish it. But don't let it blind you to the reality of the world we live in. There's kindness out there, yes, but there's also cruelty. Balance your empathy with caution, and you'll be stronger than any blade could ever make you."
Tanjiro held his head, as he closed his eyes in contemplation. I let out an amused huff as I watched him analyze all the words I said. Taking pity on him so his brain didn't overwork itself, I shortened everything I told him to one sentence.
"Don't mistake kindness for naivety"
...
...
...
"So you're giving speeches now?" Urokodaki-Sensei said as he stood in front of me. the moon hung high in the sky as large gusts of winds blew past us. Tanjiro was fast asleep along with Nezuko who hadn't woken up for a while.
"I'm surprised too," I admitted, recalling the words I had spoken earlier. "I didn't know I had it in me to deliver something so... motivational." I then grinned as I turned to Urokodaki-Sensei "Think I should quit and become a motivational speaker instead?"
"Hmph," Urokodaki-sensei let out a quiet snort, his arms crossing over his chest. "Don't let one heartfelt speech go to your head, brat. Besides, your talents would be wasted on that. Your body and mind were made for fighting, not grandstanding."
"Relax," I said waving him off as I looked at the moon "The whole reason I became a Demon Slayer was so I could become stronger, I'm not going to run off and join some band or something"
"Sounds to me like you already have," Urokodaki-sensei countered with a huff, his sharp eyes watching me carefully. "That group of Slayers from the Final Selection—you've already made yourself a part of them, haven't you?"
"I don't know," I admitted, shaking my head. "Truth be told, I'm terrible at social interactions. I grew up... distant, without friends or the warmth of a family. You, Tanjiro, and Nezuko are the closest things I've ever had to that."
Urokodaki-sensei's expression softened, his stern demeanor shifting just slightly as he placed a firm hand on my shoulder. "That explains it," he said, his voice quieter now. "I've noticed how quickly you grow attached to people. While that might seem like a good thing, it's not always a strength. In our line of work, attachment can be a curse."
I frowned, but I let him continue.
"Demon Slayers die often," he said bluntly, though there was no malice in his tone. "It's a harsh truth, but you need to hear it. Forming bonds too quickly in a profession this dangerous will only destroy you mentally when those bonds are inevitably severed. You need to prepare yourself for that reality."
"I..." My voice faltered as I stared at the ground, unsure how to continue. I shifted my shoulders slightly, just enough to shrug Urokodaki-sensei's hands off them. "I don't know what to do in this regard, Sensei." I clenched my fists tightly, the weight of his words pressing down on me. "I can't stop forming these bonds. I don't think I even want to."
"I didn't say you needed to stop forming bonds," he said evenly, his voice steady but gentler than before. "What I'm saying is that you need to understand the cost of those bonds. Every person you care about, every connection you make—they will become weights you carry. And when you lose them, because in this world, loss is inevitable, those weights will try to crush you."
I bit the inside of my cheek, the truth of his words slicing through me like a blade. "So what am I supposed to do? Pretend I don't care? Push people away?" I shook my head. "That's not me, Sensei. It never will be."
"Good," he said simply, surprising me.
"It shouldn't be you," he continued. "Pushing people away isn't strength. It's cowardice. But you need to strike a balance. You can care for people, form bonds and even love them. But you must also learn to carry their loss when the time comes without letting it destroy you. That is the burden of the strong."
The wind blew again, colder this time, biting at my skin. I shivered but stood my ground.
"Carry their loss…" I murmured, testing the words on my tongue. They felt heavy, yet oddly right.
Urokodaki-sensei nodded. "You have a kind heart, even if you don't believe it yourself. That kindness is your strength. Just be sure it doesn't become your weakness."
I exhaled slowly, the tension in my chest easing just a fraction. "I'll try," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
"That's all you can do," he replied, turning away. "Now, get some rest AYD. I've found someone willing to teach you Martial Arts. Tomorrow, I'm taking you to someone who can help you train your body better than I can."
"Aoyama Yuito Daichi"
Urokodaki-Sensei passed as he turned towards me.
"What?"
"My name," I explained, meeting his gaze. "It's Aoyama Yuito Daichi. AYD is just the first three letters of my name."
Urokodaki-sensei stood silently for a moment, processing the words. Then, without another word, he gave a small, almost imperceptible nod before turning back toward the house.
"Good to know," he said simply, his voice carrying softly over his shoulder.
As he walked away, I felt a strange sense of relief. For the first time in what felt like ages, someone knew my full name—a name I had long felt disconnected from. A name I was beginning to reclaim.
I looked up at the moon, letting its silver light bathe my face. Tomorrow was a new day, with new challenges and new faces. And this time, I'd face them not just as "AYD," but as Aoyama Yuito Daichi.
...
...
...
Urokodaki-sensei woke me up painfully early this morning, his voice cutting through the haze of sleep like a blade. He stood in the doorway, arms crossed, his face as unreadable as ever. "Your Kasugai crow has the location of your new trainer," he said, his tone firm. "Follow it. Don't waste any time."
I groaned internally, trying to rub the sleep from my eyes as I swung my legs out of bed. Mornings with him were always like this—abrupt and unrelenting. No pleasantries, no warm goodbyes. Just orders. I shuffled around the room, grabbing my things, still half-asleep but moving as fast as I could.
As I hoisted my bag over my shoulder, he added, almost casually but with a weight that hit me hard, "Your sword will meet you there. I'll be there too—to see the color of your Nichirin blade."
"Wouldn't expect anything less from you, Sensei."
He didn't respond, just gave a small nod before turning away. That was all I needed to know it was time to go.
As I stepped out the door, Kasai, my Kasugai crow, flapped down from a tree and let out a sharp squawk before taking off into the pale morning sky. I followed him, the crisp air biting at my face, the weight of my bag heavy on my shoulder. The world was still quiet, the faint glow of dawn spilling over the horizon.
I didn't have time to think about where I was headed or who I'd meet. All I knew was that this was just another step forward, another test, and I couldn't afford to fall short. Not now.
...
...
...
"Caw Caw, we're arrived, we've arrived, CAWW"
Kasai, my Kasugai crow squawked from above prompting me to stop. I put my hands on my knees as I panted for breath. A while later I wiped off the sweat from my forehead as I looked back up to see a giant brown hut.
"Not too shabby" I muttered, tracing the huge estate "Not shabby at all"
I brushed off the dirt and leaves clinging to my clothes, adjusting my bag as I stood tall. First impressions mattered, after all. With a deep breath, I stepped forward, lifting my hand to knock on the thick wooden door.
*creakk*
Only for the door to open on it's own.
"...Huh." I blinked, lowering my hand as the door swung inward, revealing a dimly lit entryway. A gust of cool air slipped out, carrying the faint scent of cedar and incense.
Kasai flapped his wings noisily above me, but for once, I paid him no mind. I hesitated for just a moment before stepping through the open gate, the wooden floorboards creaking under my weight.
The door closed softly behind me as if the house itself had decided I was meant to enter.
I looked around the estate, taking in its simplicity. The path leading further in was lined with smooth white stones, crunching softly underfoot as I moved. To the side, a small pond reflected the soft glow of the morning light, its surface dotted with water lilies swaying gently. The walls bore Buddhist scriptures etched in intricate patterns, while statues of deities sat solemnly in quiet corners, their gazes serene yet commanding.
"Interesting," I murmured, my voice barely audible over the faint rustle of the wind. My eyes swept over the estate again. "Looks like a typical martial artist's place, doesn't it?"
"I agree."
The deep, resonant voice came from nowhere and everywhere all at once. Before I could process it, a crushing pressure slammed into me, forcing me down to my knees.
"Urgh!" I gasped as my hands shot to the ground, trembling under the sudden weight pressing down on me. My breath hitched as I fought the instinct to panic. My balance wavered, but I steadied myself, muscles tensing against the overwhelming force.
'This pressure's intense' I thought as I slowly let out breaths of air, dissipating the pressure 'But this is nothing compared to the immense Reiatsu I faced before'
I exhaled sharply, channeling my focus to dissipate the crushing aura. Slowly, inch by inch, the weight lifted enough for me to raise my head.
"Impressive," the voice rumbled again, this time accompanied by the faint sound of approaching footsteps.
I turned my head toward the sound, and there he stood—a towering figure, his sheer presence almost as overwhelming as the pressure I had just endured.
This man loomed above me like a mountain brought to life. His height alone was striking, easily dwarfing me, but it was the quiet intensity he exuded that stole my breath. His broad shoulders seemed to carry the weight of the world itself, and his muscular frame, covered in the black and white uniform of the Demon Slayer Corps, radiated power. Beads hung loosely around his neck, clinking softly as he moved, and his scarred hands gripped a large, studded metal flail and axe that seemed almost comically large—until you realized they suited him perfectly.
But what caught me off guard the most were his eyes—clouded and unseeing, yet filled with wisdom and calm that made it clear he saw far beyond what any of us could. His expression was serene, almost reverent, as if every breath he took was a prayer in itself.
"You have strong resolve," He said, his voice soft yet carrying the weight of a bell tolling in the distance. "But strength alone will not be enough."
"I am the Stone Hashira, Gyomei Himejima," he declared, his voice deep and deliberate, resonating like the toll of a temple bell. Each word carried a gravity that seemed to fill the space around us, making even the air feel heavier.
"By the request of the previous Water Hashira, Sakonji Urokodaki—your teacher—I shall take on the role of your mentor for the foreseeable future."
I straightened my posture, meeting his unseeing gaze with resolve. "I won't disappoint you," I said, the words steady despite the nervous flutter in my chest.
Gyomei's head tilted slightly as if he were listening not just to my voice but to the truth behind it. After a moment, he nodded solemnly. "We shall see."
...
...
...
Hello readers.
Ok good news, figured out a way that does not involve traveling to another world to learn martial arts soo yippee for that.
Demon Slayer isn't a very strong world, traveling to another world while still not having cleared this world would make Demon Slayer a breeze to go by, so I ended up dropping that idea.
Ight, Cya then