The Fujikasane Mountain had never seen a precedent of demons escaping its bounds. Yet, the Ubuyashiki family harbored a lingering fear that the captive man-eating demons within might one day escape, wreaking havoc upon innocent lives. To address this concern, a patrol team was always stationed to monitor the dense wisteria forest, ensuring there were no signs of wilting or unusual activity.
Generations of this responsibility had passed, and these patrol members had never actually encountered a man-eating demon. Their duties left them both curious and cautious.
"Three days have passed. Do you think that big guy is still alive?"
A man dressed in a blue-striped kimono asked his companion, half curious and half fearful. The other sighed, shaking his head.
"In the past, dozens would enter the mountain, but only a handful would make it out alive. That mountain… it's terrifying."
The man in the striped kimono felt a pang of disappointment. He recalled the towering figure he had seen from afar, exuding an aura of strength. Yet, hearing his companion's words, he was reminded of the grim nature of the Final Selection trial. Save for the one rare year when only one person died, the trial always came with devastating losses.
"Why did they send him in alone this time? Isn't that just sending him to his death?"
He sighed, pitying the robust figure he had witnessed earlier.
Lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice his companion stopping abruptly and bumped into him.
"Ow! What are you—"
His companion said nothing, merely pointing ahead.
He looked up and froze. There, at the edge of the wisteria forest, stood a towering man, a massive sword strapped to his back. The figure radiated a subdued but intense presence.
The patrol members exchanged nervous glances before cautiously approaching.
"Swordsman, sir, it hasn't been seven days yet. Are you—"
They hesitated. Could this be someone escaping the trial? Giving up? Yet he appeared unscathed, his clothes untouched, not even a scratch.
The towering man, Tong Gu, looked at them calmly. He understood their confusion; his early exit was indeed unusual. Smiling gently, he said,
"Please notify the Demon Slayer Corps. Let them know that I've completed the Final Selection."
The patrol members exchanged bewildered glances, unsure what to make of the situation. Nevertheless, they dared not contradict this imposing swordsman and hurried off to report.
---
"You claim you've completed the trial?"
A white-haired swordsman with a fierce expression questioned coldly. He despised those who relied on deceit.
Behind him, two young children from the Ubuyashiki family, Hinaki and Kiriya, stood stoically.
"Tong Gu-san, Father decreed that the Final Selection requires participants to endure seven days within the mountain. Since you've left early, your trial is deemed a failure," Hinaki stated evenly.
Tong Gu glanced at the group and smiled apologetically. "I thought there was no need to remain there any longer."
The white-haired swordsman, Sanemi Shinazugawa, scowled, about to lash out, when Tong Gu calmly added,
"After all, there's not a single demon left in that mountain."
Sanemi's fierce expression faltered briefly before he scoffed and darted toward the mountain to investigate.
---
Back at the Ubuyashiki estate, the head of the family, Kagaya Ubuyashiki, met Tong Gu. Supported by his wife, he listened to the reports of his subordinates, a rare smile breaking across his face.
"Remarkable, truly remarkable," Kagaya said with a warm chuckle. "In all our years of conducting the Final Selection, we've never encountered such a case."
Behind him stood the Stone Hashira Gyomei Himejima, Wind Hashira Sanemi Shinazugawa, and former Water Hashira Sakonji Urokodaki. Their expressions varied, some solemn, others perplexed.
"Sanemi, is it true that no demons remain in the mountain?" Kagaya asked.
Sanemi, despite his usual blunt demeanor, replied honestly, "I scoured every corner and even used my blood to lure them out. There's no sign of any remaining demons."
Kagaya's smile deepened. "What an extraordinary feat."
Tong Gu remained composed. "My unique constitution gives me a significant advantage. Combined with my training, it wasn't particularly difficult to eliminate the demons. I hope this hasn't caused any trouble."
Sanemi clicked his tongue in irritation, unimpressed by Tong Gu's modesty. Gyomei, on the other hand, wept tears of relief, murmuring prayers of gratitude.
[System Notification]
[You have completed the subquest: Final Selection of the Demon Slayer Corps.]
[You completed the trial in an unconventional manner. Your deeds will circulate within the Demon Slayer Corps.]
[Reputation increased: Current status – Well-Respected.]
As recognition of his achievement, Kagaya presented Tong Gu with rare crafting materials for his own Nichirin Blade. Two sizeable chunks of Scarlet Ore and Scarlet Crimson Iron were handed over, signaling the beginning of his official journey as a Demon Slayer.
---
Afterward, walking alongside Gyomei, Tong Gu voiced his concerns.
"Master, I feel as though these sword techniques don't suit me."
Gyomei nodded, having sensed this long ago. "You and the Stone Breathing aren't entirely compatible. It's only your extraordinary physique that allows you to wield it effectively."
Tong Gu was taken aback, prompting Gyomei to continue, "You need a new path, one that truly aligns with your strengths."
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