Guǐ-rank Swordsman

The seven-day survival period passed, and the Final Selection on Mt. Fujikasane concluded, with only a handful of people emerging from the mountain.

Of the nearly fifty participants who started, only about twenty remained, and that was only thanks to the rescues performed by Sabito and Suzuki Mufeng.

These survivors all carried a chilling aura of killing intent, their eyes burning with resolve. Like divine weapons forged through thousands of hammer blows, they finally revealed their edge; only at this moment could they truly be called warriors.

Everyone gained something from this Final Selection, but ever since Suzuki Mufeng killed the Hand Demon, he felt his mental power surge several times over in a single night, as if it were a gift from the souls of his fallen brothers.

This allowed him to clearly perceive the flow of the air; if he focused his attention, he could even see the movements of everyone around him slowed down countless times, allowing for precise strikes.

During this time, he returned to the Trans-Dimensional Space once. JoJo Mufeng and Hokage Mufeng examined him and felt no side effects; they even asserted that this might be the precursor to unlocking the Transparent World, essentially acting as a key.

As for Suzuki Mufeng's desire to learn other Breathing Styles, the three of them each offered their own suggestions.

"The Second Pillar is a stubborn mule. He can't seem to master Water Breathing and intends to bash his head against a wall trying; it's a waste of his talent. I suggest he learns Thunder Breathing first so I, his big brother, can teach him and resolve his inner conflict."

"Thunder Breathing is great. If I ever mess up while fighting Yoshikage Kira, I can use the speed to escape, ensuring he won't even see my taillights."

"I agree. In all the world's martial arts, only speed is unbreakable. That way, when they start carpet-bombing during the Summit War, I'll be able to run away."

After their collective discussion, Suzuki Mufeng decided to learn Thunder Breathing first, and during this process, they discovered something else.

The flow of time in their different worlds was inconsistent. Only seven days had passed in the Demon Slayer Corps world, while several months had passed in the Hokage world, and a week or two in the JoJo world. As for the One Piece world, the time remained uncertain because One Piece Mufeng had gone offline early.

It seemed they had yet to fully explore the Trans-Dimensional Space, but since the Final Selection had ended and they needed to select Tamahagane for their swords, they logged off in a hurry.

After the group chatted for a while, the Ubuyashiki Sisters walked out and stood before a table covered in purple cloth.

"Congratulations to you all for passing the selection."

"First, we will distribute the uniforms."

"We will measure your sizes and then engrave your rank: Kinoe, Kinoto, Hinoe, Hinoto, Tsuchinoe, Tsuchinoto, Kanoe, Kanoto, Mizunoe, or Mizunoto. You are currently at the lowest rank, Mizunoto."

"Next, you will select the Tamahagane to forge your own Nichirin Sword."

"Forging will take about ten to fifteen days, and a swordsmith will deliver them to you."

The Ubuyashiki Sisters clapped their hands, and over twenty Kasugai Crows landed on their shoulders.

"From now on, these Kasugai Crows will accompany you, primarily for communication."

"Please begin selecting your Tamahagane."

The Ubuyashiki Sisters pulled away the purple cloth, revealing over twenty pieces of Tamahagane.

"The Nichirin Sword will be your weapon for slaying demons in the future, and it is tied to your very lives. Please choose carefully."

As soon as the words fell, no one on the field stepped forward to choose. Instead, everyone's gaze was fixed on Suzuki Mufeng, who had four Nichirin Swords strapped to his waist.

"It seems it is the consensus; everyone wants you to choose your Tamahagane first. Go ahead, Mufeng."

Two-thirds of the demons on Mt. Fujikasane had been wiped out by Suzuki Mufeng alone, while the remaining third were killed by Sabito and the others working together.

Everyone had witnessed Mufeng's strength with their own eyes. They respected a powerhouse like Mufeng from the bottom of their hearts, and he deserved to be the first to choose his ore.

"Please come up and select your Tamahagane, Lord Suzuki Mufeng." x2

The Ubuyashiki Sisters invited him with smiles, their eyes revealing a hint of curiosity. After all, a swordsman who had just walked out from under a trainer and almost single-handedly wiped out the demons of Mt. Fujikasane was an unprecedented case since the founding of the Demon Slayer Corps, and it was hard not to be curious.

"I shall not decline, then. I will take this one."

Suzuki Mufeng did not stand on ceremony and took the piece of Tamahagane that felt the best to his senses. Sabito followed to make his selection, and soon, all twenty-plus pieces were claimed.

Next, they only needed to return to Mt. Sagiri to wait for their Demon Slayer Corps uniforms and their forged Nichirin Swords.

As they prepared to return to Mt. Sagiri together to report their safety, Suzuki Mufeng stopped and spoke up.

"Sabito, please report my safety to the old master for me. I want to go learn Thunder Breathing first to improve my strength as quickly as possible."

"In such a hurry? Very well, I wish you success in your studies."

Sabito didn't say much, simply offering his blessings.

"This wreath is for you, Mufeng. May you have good fortune in battle and wipe out all the demons in the world."

Makomo stood on her tiptoes and placed the freshly woven Wisteria wreath on top of Suzuki Mufeng's head.

Giyu Tomioka simply punched Mufeng on the shoulder. "Come back soon. Next time we meet, you won't be my match."

"Are you saying you'll surpass me by then? I look forward to that day. Until we meet again, everyone."

Suzuki Mufeng turned and left, leaving the three of them watching his back. A thought rose in their hearts: they wanted to become stronger than they were now, strong enough to stand by Suzuki Mufeng's side.

Meanwhile, in a secluded and quiet courtyard cottage, Kagaya Ubuyashiki sat quietly on the tatami. A Kasugai Crow flew into the room and landed on his finger; he leaned over, pressing his ear close to the crow's beak.

"Twenty-seven children passed the Final Selection this time? Suzuki Mufeng almost single-handedly wiped out the demons on Mt. Fujikasane... another child of extraordinary talent has emerged."

"This child intends to learn other Breathing Styles as well? Talented and diligent—perhaps this child is the turning point. Muzan Kibutsuji, in my generation, I will surely destroy you completely!"

Under the surge of emotion, his already frail body exhausted its remaining strength. His eyelids began to flutter; he had to sleep for a while.

Suzuki Mufeng, who was preparing to head toward the Thunder Hashira, Jigoro Kuwajima, suddenly realized a serious problem: he didn't seem to know the way!

"I was so focused on saying goodbye that I completely forgot to ask for directions."

Just then, a Kasugai Crow landed on Suzuki Mufeng's shoulder and spoke respectfully.

"Lord Mufeng, I know the location of the former Thunder Hashira. Let me serve as your navigator for the time being."

After saying this, he bowed solemnly to Mufeng, looking every bit the gentleman among crows.

"If I may interject, Lord Mufeng, news has arrived from headquarters that a large number of young girls have gone missing in the town ahead to the left. They hope that Lord Mufeng, at the Gui rank, will go to provide support."

"The location for this mission happens to be on our way to our destination, so there is no need to worry about delaying the journey, Lord Mufeng."

Eliminating the evil spirits of the world was the duty of them all; even if it meant taking a detour and losing time, now that he knew, it was impossible for him to stand idly by.

"Let us depart at once."