Ice-Ice Fruit

Tanjiro's gaze hardened at Lin Guang's words. "I will never let that happen. If Nezuko ever hurts innocent people, I will kill her, then take my own life to atone."

Only then did Sakonji Urokodaki nod in satisfaction, though he still gave Tanjiro a lecture.

Afterward, Sakonji Urokodaki led the two of them in burying the civilians who had been killed.

Once everything was done, he spoke again. "Now, let me test whether you are suited to becoming a Demon Slayer! Carry your sister on your back and follow me..."

With that, Sakonji Urokodaki broke into a run.

Lin Guang smiled. "Tanjiro, make sure you don't fall behind. I believe your sister will become human again."

With that, Lin Guang started running too.

Encouraged by Lin Guang, Tanjiro's resolve grew even stronger. He hoisted Nezuko onto his back and ran after Lin Guang and Sakonji Urokodaki.

At dusk, Sakonji Urokodaki and Lin Guang stopped in front of a small house.

Drenched in sweat, Tanjiro sat on the ground. "D-does this mean... I've earned your approval?"

Urokodaki opened the door and removed his headscarf. "The test is only starting now. Let's head up the mountain."

"Huh?"

After settling Nezuko in a spot inside the room where sunlight could not reach her, Tanjiro followed Sakonji Urokodaki deeper into Mount Sagiri, leaving Lin Guang behind to look after her.

Lin Guang glanced at Nezuko beside him, smiled softly, and turned his attention to the system.

"Open the Novice Treasure Box."

At Lin Guang's command, the Novice Treasure Box vanished, and a blue fruit and a black ring appeared in his hands.

[Ice-Ice Fruit: Originates from the world of "Pirate King." The side effects of the devil fruit have been removed. Can freeze anything it touches and turn any part of the body into ice. The pale blue ice it produces can change shape at will, forming weapons of any shape to attack targets.]

[Spatial Ring: Contains ten cubic meters of space. Can store anything except living beings.]

"Marine Admiral Aokiji's devil fruit. This power is practically a cheat in this world."

Lin Guang took a bite and discovered that the devil fruit was not foul-tasting at all. Instead, it had a hint of sweetness and a cool, refreshing sensation. "As expected of something from the system. It really is top quality."

After he ate the Ice-Ice Fruit, a chilly aura gradually began to radiate from Lin Guang.

Lin Guang raised his hand and found that it had turned into pale blue ice.

"Turning my body into an element makes me immune to all physical attacks. So powerful!"

Suddenly, a soft whimper interrupted Lin Guang's thoughts.

Only then did Lin Guang notice that ice had formed in parts of the room. The biting chill had also made the sleeping Nezuko uncomfortable.

"Sorry, I got a little excited and didn't control it properly." After apologizing to Nezuko, Lin Guang made the ice dissipate into the air, and his body returned to normal.

Only then did the temperature in the room gradually return to normal.

Lin Guang slipped the Spatial Ring onto his finger. "I wonder if the Spatial Ring can hold demons. I'll try it when I get the chance."

Before long, the door opened, and Sakonji Urokodaki walked in.

"Grandpa Urokodaki, you're back."

Sakonji Urokodaki sat opposite Lin Guang and looked at him. "Lin Guang, you saved those two today. Have you made up your mind?"

"Yes, Grandpa Urokodaki. I've thought it through. I want to take part in the Final Selection." Lin Guang looked out the window at the sky. "Sabito, Makomo, and the others... I don't think they'd want to see me stay like this, wasting away forever."

In the dozen or so years since he had crossed into this world, Lin Guang had become very familiar with Urokodaki's disciples. He had warned them to avoid danger whenever they encountered it, but few had listened. In the end, they had met the same fates as before, leaving him feeling somewhat helpless.

But today, Lin Guang had activated the system and gained the power of the Ice-Ice Fruit. He refused to believe he still could not change their fate.

Sakonji Urokodaki remained silent.

Just then, the door opened, and a dirt-covered Tanjiro appeared in the doorway.

"I'm... back..."

With that, Tanjiro slumped against the doorframe and collapsed.

"Looks like he passed your test," Lin Guang said with a smile.

"Yes. He has earned my approval."

The next day.

Sakonji Urokodaki took Lin Guang and Tanjiro up Mount Sagiri.

After assigning Tanjiro his training tasks, Sakonji Urokodaki led Lin Guang to a spot behind a grove of trees.

A massive boulder sat in a clearing.

"Lin Guang, although you've decided to take part in the Final Selection, I still have the final say on whether you're qualified. I will only allow you to participate if you can cut through this boulder."

With that, Sakonji Urokodaki left.

Looking at the enormous boulder before him, nearly three meters tall, Lin Guang could not help giving a wry smile.

"Is he using Tanjiro's final test on me?"

Lin Guang did not rush to cut the boulder. Instead, he tried to see whether he could combine the Ice-Ice Fruit's power with a Breathing Style, creating one that suited him best.