Tanjiro rushed toward the source of the sound with his Sunwheel Blade in hand, only to be met by an utterly horrifying sight.
A bloated demon covered in arms was tightly choking two boys taking part in the selection.
"Don't eat me! I don't taste good! Please, let me go!"
The boys caught by the demon struggled with all their strength to break free, but their strength was on a completely different level from the demon before them. Their resistance was practically nonexistent.
Tanjiro knew that if he did not act now, the two boys would surely die here. No matter the reason, he would not stand by and let the Hand Demon commit such evil.
"Water Breathing, First Form: Water Surface Slash!"
The demon, wholly focused on the two boys, did not notice Tanjiro's attack at all. Before he could react, the two arms holding the boys were cleanly severed!
Freed from the demon's grasp, the two boys finally escaped. They did not even have time to thank Tanjiro for saving them before hurrying down the mountain.
Tanjiro had not expected their gratitude in the first place. He had only acted in accordance with his heart. He simply could not bear to see another tragedy unfold. As for what others thought, that did not matter.
"Boy, you interrupted my meal. Prepare yourself to be devoured!" The demon glared at Tanjiro viciously, his entire body radiating intense killing intent.
Feeling the powerful killing intent emanating from the demon, Tanjiro's body stiffened slightly. Such overwhelming bloodlust—he had no idea how many humans this creature had killed. It was clearly dangerous.
The enraged demon suddenly noticed the fox mask on Tanjiro's head, and a savage smile appeared on his face.
"Oh~ You're that Sakonji Urokodaki's disciple, aren't you? At last, I've waited