"Boom--!"
The violent air currents dispersed all the fog from the upper part of the mountainside.
After the dust settles...
The howling wind and swirling snow once again descended upon this devastated ruin.
In the middle of the venue.
The scene seemed to have been frozen in time.
Tanjiro Kamado exhaled a large puff of white steam, his right hand trembling violently.
The Nichirin Blade in his hand, which had been burning with flames, had now returned to its normal state. The tip of the blade rested steadily on Sakonji Urokodaki's waist, less than a centimeter from his clothes.
And in front of him.
The blade of the Nichirin Blade held by Sakonji Urokodaki stopped precisely above Tanjiro's forehead.
Both hit.
They both stopped.
"Thump."
And so, Tanjiro's taut nerves finally snapped.
He couldn't even hold his Nichirin Blade anymore, and it fell directly onto the snow. He tumbled into a cold snow pit and couldn't move anymore.
"Huff... huff... Grandpa Urokodaki... I... I tried my best..."
Tanjiro looked up at the gray sky, too weak to even speak.
Sakonji Urokodaki stood still, gazing at the boy lying in the snow.
Much later.
"Click--"
Urokodaki sheathed his sword.
He walked over and squatted down next to Tanjiro.
Those large, calloused hands slowly reached out and gently patted Tanjiro's still trembling shoulder.
"You did a great job, Tanjiro."
"The flames were so intense, they possessed a will that could cleave the abyss..."
The usually stern old man spoke with a tone of pride and satisfaction like that of a father.
"In this year, you not only overcame the curse within you, but also honed this legendary swordsmanship to such a level."
"From now on, I... have nothing more to teach you."
Urokodaki Tengu Mask, it seemed as if scalding liquid was sliding down.
"Take this flame that burns away all evil and head to Mount Fujikasane, where you will shine your own light in this world."
This is extremely high praise; it's an unreserved compliment.
Like a warm current, it directly touched the most sensitive part of Tanjiro's heart.
"Grandpa Urokodaki..."
Tanjiro's eyes immediately turned red, and large drops of tears mixed with sweat streamed down his dust-covered face.
All the pain, grievances, and exhaustion turned into tears of happiness at this moment.
In the wind and snow, he burst into tears like a child.
After dawn.
In the small wooden cabin halfway up the mountain in Mount Sagiri, the first such sumptuous and heartwarming breakfast of the year was served.
The orange flames crackled in the fireplace, making the whole room very warm. The cold and bleakness of winter were completely kept out by this cozy little world filled with the warmth of home cooking.
In front of a low table that wasn't too big.
The Kamado Family of six, along with Sakonji Urokodaki, sat together.
On the table lay a feast prepared before dawn by the Kie Kamado. There was fragrant white rice, and a tender, flavorful wild vegetable and pheasant soup...
"Tanjiro, eat more."
Kie knelt beside Tanjiro, her gentle eyes filled with love and reluctance for her son. She kept putting delicious food on Tanjiro's plate, tender fish and wild vegetables.
"You're about to go to that dangerous place. Only after eating will a person have the strength to fight."
Kie tried her best to keep her voice steady, but the slight tremor at the end of her voice betrayed her inner unease.
"Thank you, Mother! I will definitely finish all the food!"
Tanjiro held a bowl piled high with rice, shoveling mouthfuls of it into his mouth. The aroma of the rice, mixed with the love of his family, made this meal the most delicious he had ever eaten in his life.
A very warm and cozy breakfast ended amidst everyone's laughter and chatter.
At the entrance of the wooden house
Tanjiro changed into a new set of clothes for a trainee Demon Slayer Corps. Over the clothes, he wore a light blue haori with cloud patterns.
This was prepared for him personally by Sakonji Urokodaki.
Although Tanjiro learned the Sun Breathing, this haori, passed down from the Water Breathing lineage, represents that Mount Sagiri has always been his strongest support.
"Tanjiro-- "
Urokodaki stepped forward and took out a fox mask with strange patterns carved on it from his pocket.
"This is Warding Mask. I've cast a blessing spell on it. It will protect you from all calamities for seven days on Mount Fujikasane."
Urokodaki personally fastened the mask to one side of Tanjiro's head and said earnestly.
"Thank you Grandpa Urokodaki! I will definitely bring the things back safely!" Tanjiro nodded heavily.
Then came the time for family members to say goodbye.
"Elder brother..."
Nezuko, wearing a pink kimono, had red eyes. She walked over to Tanjiro and reached out her small, white hands to tidy up the mess on his clothes.
Then she opened her arms and hugged Tanjiro tightly around the waist.
"Come back soon, okay? We'll all be here waiting for you." Nezuko buried her face in her brother's chest, her voice soft and full of dependence.
"Don't worry, Nezuko. I promise you, nothing will happen." Tanjiro gently stroked his sister's hair.
"Hmph! Foolish elder brother!"
Takeo stood to one side, his face flushed, arms crossed, maintaining his signature arrogant posture. But his darting eyes betrayed his inner nervousness.
"Don't you dare get beaten up by some bastards outside! If you accidentally die, I will never forgive you!"
Takeo sniffed and roared loudly.
"You'd better come back alive, you hear me?!"
"Of course, Takeo. I still need to come back and chop the firewood at home." Tanjiro chuckled and patted his younger brother's shoulder.
"My brother is the best!"
"Brother will definitely drive all the bad guys away!"
Delia and Shigeru each held Tanjiro's hand, their eyes filled with admiration for their older brother.
At the end.
Kie walked over.
This strong mother no longer shed tears; she simply reached out and tightly grasped Tanjiro's calloused hands.
"Tanjiro, go."
Kie's gaze was gentle yet firm.
"You are the pride of our Kamado family. Carry everyone's love and expectations, and do what you need to do."
"But please always remember one thing: no matter what happens, no matter how great the danger..."
Kie's voice is a mother's most sincere call.
"The most important thing is to save your own life!"
"Yes, Mother!"
Tanjiro's eyes welled up with tears again.
He carried the wooden box containing daily necessities on his broad back.
Here are his beloved family members and his teachers.
Ahead lay a hellish path strewn with thorns, demons, and countless drops of blood.
But--
At this moment, Tanjiro Kamado felt neither confusion nor fear.
He carries the love and care from his family, as well as the determination to Muzan Kibutsuji!
After Tanjiro turned around, he was faced with a flurry of snowflakes.
He walked forward resolutely, his footsteps crunching on the thick snow.
Marching boldly towards Mount Fujikasane, the mountain that will determine our fate!