Training on Mount Sagiri

"What are you hesitating for?"

Urokodaki's voice suddenly rose, his anger almost a roar. "You're actually hesitating over a question like this?!"

He pointed at Nezuko, his tone icy. "When your sister really does eat someone, are you going to hesitate like this too?!"

"By the time you make up your mind, how many innocent people will she have torn apart?!"

"No... that's not it!" Tanjiro shook his head urgently, tears welling in his eyes. "Nezuko wouldn't! She would never eat anyone! She's different from those evil demons!"

"Different?" Urokodaki sneered, his gaze beneath the Tengu Mask seeming to pierce straight into a person's heart.

"A demon is a demon! No matter how docile they look now, their instinct is to devour human flesh and blood!"

"That desire is carved into their bones! It's a fact that will never change!"

He stepped closer, roaring almost directly into Tanjiro's ear. "Listen to me, Tanjiro Kamado!"

"If one day your sister really crosses that line and eats her first human..."

"The first thing you must do is cut off her head with your own hands!"

"Then," Urokodaki's voice sounded as though it came from the deepest depths of hell, carrying a suffocating weight.

"Find somewhere to slit your belly and take your own life in atonement!"

"Atone to the people she hurt! Atone to yourself for failing to protect her!"

"This! Is the responsibility you must bear as her older brother!"

Those final words exploded like thunder in Tanjiro's ears.

His whole body shuddered, his face instantly turning deathly pale. His lips trembled, but he could not utter a single word.

Kill Nezuko with my own hands? Then kill myself?

Those words hurt more than being killed himself.

Yet Sakonji Urokodaki's gaze was so firm, his tone so resolute, as though he were stating an unquestionable truth.

Tanjiro looked at Nezuko, who stood quietly beside him. His sister's face was still expressionless.

But he could feel the fingers clutching the hem of his clothes trembling slightly.

"I..." Tanjiro took a deep breath, tears finally spilling down his face. "I understand."

His voice was quiet, yet carried a do-or-die resolve. "If... if Nezuko really becomes like that... I'll do it."

Although saying those words felt like gouging out his own heart, he knew Sakonji Urokodaki was right.

This was his responsibility as her older brother, and a reality he had to face.

Sakonji Urokodaki stared at him for a long time.

Only after confirming that the pain in Tanjiro's eyes was not feigned, and that he truly understood the weight of those words.

Did he slowly step back in satisfaction, his tone softening a little. "Remember what you said today."

He turned and looked toward the distant mountains shrouded in darkness. "Come with me."

"Where?" Tanjiro hurriedly asked.

"Mount Sagiri," came Urokodaki's reply. "I'll train you there."

"If you want to become a Demon Slayer, protect your sister, and find a way to turn her back into a human, you must grow stronger."

"At the same time," he paused before adding, "this will also be a test for your sister."

"If she can't even maintain the most basic self-control in the days ahead, then..."

He left the rest unsaid, but everyone understood what he meant.

Tanjiro gritted his teeth and nodded firmly. "I'll work hard! Please teach me!" He carefully picked up the still-sleeping Nezuko and followed closely behind Sakonji Urokodaki.

Just then, a languid voice came from beside them.

"Oh? Training? Sounds a little interesting."

Urokodaki and Tanjiro turned at the same time to see Kirishima Bupai strolling after them, both hands tucked into his trench coat pockets.

His slicked-back silver-white hair gleamed faintly in the moonlight, and a trace of nonchalance rested on his face.

"Why are you following us?"

Urokodaki frowned, his tone wary.

He truly could not see through this young man. His strength was unfathomable, and his behavior was strange, forcing Urokodaki to remain on guard.

Kirishima Bupai raised an eyebrow and answered as though it were obvious. "I'm bored."

"That demon earlier couldn't take a beating, and even the temple collapsing was boring. Now there's finally something halfway worth watching, so of course I'm coming along to have a look."

He stretched, his joints giving a series of crisp pops. "I've got nowhere to go anyway. I'll just treat it as a way to pass the time."

Tanjiro stared at him, dumbfounded.

Pass the time?

By coming along for Demon Slayer training?

Wasn't the way this man thought far too strange?

Sakonji Urokodaki fell silent for a moment.

He could sense that Kirishima Bupai bore them no ill will.

Besides, the man was so powerful that even if he really followed them to Mount Sagiri, it would not necessarily be a bad thing.

At least, with someone like him around, they might be able to handle some unexpected situations.

"Suit yourself."

In the end, Urokodaki did not refuse. He turned and continued into the mountains. "But the training on Mount Sagiri may be child's play to you. If you get bored, you can leave whenever you like."

"Good, then." Kirishima Bupai shrugged indifferently and followed, falling in a few paces behind Tanjiro.

The night deepened, and moonlight filtered through the clouds, spilling over the rugged mountain path.

Four figures traveled through the silent mountain forest. Apart from their footsteps and the occasional chirping of insects, there was no other sound.

With Nezuko on his back, Tanjiro followed carefully behind Sakonji Urokodaki.

He could feel a faint, intermittent gaze behind him, coming from Kirishima Bupai.

Unable to help sneaking a glance back, he saw the man looking up at the moon, his eyes deep and unreadable. There was no telling what he was thinking.

This man really is mysterious.

Tanjiro thought to himself.

He could sense that Kirishima Bupai's strength far exceeded his imagination, and might even surpass Mr. Urokodaki's.

Why would someone like him suddenly appear here? And why would he be interested in their training?

A string of questions circled through his mind, but he knew now was not the time to think about them.

He had to grow stronger as soon as possible, not just to take revenge, but more importantly to protect Nezuko and find a way to turn her back into a human.

At that thought, Tanjiro clenched his fists, and his steps grew firmer.

Kirishima Bupai followed behind, seemingly nonchalant, while in fact taking in everything around him.

He could sense the steady presence emanating from Sakonji Urokodaki.

It was the experience and killing intent accumulated over years of battling demons.

He touched the Nichirin Blade at his waist, an amused smile curling his lips.

After walking through the mountain forest for roughly four hours, the group finally reached the foot of Mount Sagiri.

The mist here was much thicker than elsewhere. Even in the moonlight, they could only see a few meters ahead.

Sakonji Urokodaki stopped and turned to Tanjiro. "Mount Sagiri begins here."

"The training ahead will be extremely grueling. Be prepared."

Tanjiro nodded firmly. "I understand! Please tell me what to do!"

Urokodaki nodded and glanced at Kirishima Bupai beside them. Seeing no particular reaction from him, he said nothing more and led the way into the thick mist.