Chapter 6

{4 years later}

In the span of four years, Rengoku and I poured our hearts and souls into mastering the art of flame breathing, all in preparation for this year's crucial final selection. Those initial two years were devoted to the rigorous practice of the foundational eight forms of flame breathing, while also engaging in spirited sparring sessions against one another.

During the third year, Rengoku unearthed a hidden gem in his family's extensive library: the technique of [Total Concentration Breathing Constant]. This method enabled us to maintain Total Concentration Breathing indefinitely, and we honed this skill by blowing into specially prepared, super-durable dried gourds. The aim was to exert enough force to shatter the gourd. As our training advanced, we transitioned to larger and more robust gourds. Remarkably, within just eight months, we managed to break a gourd approximately the size of a chair.

As the fourth year drew to a close, Rengoku delved into mastering the elusive ninth form of flame breathing, a technique that required the unrelenting use of Total Concentration Breathing Constant. Meanwhile, I harnessed the strength accumulated from relentless practice with this technique to attempt the replication of the constellation forms. To my astonishment, I succeeded. Each form presented its own unique challenges, and my progress was confined to the night and by memory, yet I triumphed in mastering four constellation breathing forms over the past year.

In tandem with our rigorous training, Rengoku and I embarked on hunting expeditions to refine our combat skills. My inaugural kill, a fox, unfolded with a calmness that surprised me, devoid of the anticipated trauma or fear. Rengoku, however, bore a compassionate heart, and his first kill weighed heavily on him. It took a solid ten days of solace and understanding to help him reconcile with the necessity of this practice, essential for facing the demons in the impending final selection.

Rengoku POV

Hoshi had always been a mystery to me. From the very first day we met, his way of speaking exuded a sense of formality and deep-rooted tradition. He displayed a remarkable proficiency in all that he attempted, a trait that resonated with me, the individual destined to assume the mantle of the next Flame Hashira. Ah, the thought always brings a smirk to my face.

As the years drifted by, a genuine friendship blossomed between us. His once formal demeanor and speech gradually transitioned into a more relaxed and informal tone. I found myself genuinely pleased that I had responded to that fateful letter all those years ago. Still, there was one aspect of Hoshi that I held in the highest regard.

One particular night, I awoke earlier than usual to a commotion emanating from the backyard. Knowing Hoshi's penchant for stargazing, I surmised that he was engrossed in his favorite pastime. I ventured out to check on him, fully expecting to find him gazing up at the heavens. However, what I witnessed left me utterly dumbfounded.

Hoshi was engaged in a display of swordsmanship that surpassed anything I had ever seen before. His movements were a breathtaking fusion of speed and grace. It was then that I focused on his countenance. What I beheld was a sight to behold—a wide, genuine smile, one not intended for comedic effect, but a manifestation of pure, unbridled joy. And then, it happened.

I gazed into his eyes and was met with a whirlpool of stars, a fleeting moment of cosmic wonder. It vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Opting to keep my observations to myself, I silently retreated to my dorm, my thoughts consumed by the mystery of why Hoshi had chosen to conceal this extraordinary facet of himself from me.

Kusakabe Aki POV

I missed my son a lot, these past four years had been torture. Even though we received letters monthly through our crows, I still felt a gaping hole in my heart. The pressure from grandpa Hajime, mom, and dad to have another child wasn't really helping. Luckily, in the second year since Hoshi's departure, I gave birth to another little boy. Since we named Hoshi "star," it was only natural that we would name him Tsukiko, meaning "moon." The entire family poured all the love and attention we could into little Tsukiko.

As Tsukiko grew, his presence began to fill the void left by Hoshi's absence. His bright eyes and contagious laughter brought a renewed sense of joy to our household. Grandpa Hajime took a special liking to Tsukiko, often spending hours with him, telling stories and teaching him about the family's history.

Despite the happiness Tsukiko brought, there were still moments when I longed for Hoshi's return. I wondered how he was faring in his training, if he missed us as much as we missed him. The letters provided some comfort, but they were a poor substitute for having him home.

As the years passed, our family grew stronger, bound by the love we had for each other. Tsukiko and Hoshi, though miles apart, remained connected in our hearts. We eagerly awaited the day when our family would be reunited, complete once again.

Omniscient POV

As the wisteria flowers bloomed, marking the beginning of a new season, they also heralded the start of the Final Selection on Mount Fujikasane. It was a rigorous test to determine who was worthy of becoming part of the demon slayer corps, entrusted with the duty of protecting humanity against the relentless minions of Muzan.

Two young boys, both around the age of twelve, emerged on the horizon. One was dressed in a striking kimono, adorned with a fiery, flame-like pattern. His attire was complemented by black pants, and he carried a katana with a sleek black sheath. His eyes gleamed with a golden hue, their irises tinged with a fiery red. His hair, a radiant yellow, was streaked with bold red accents.

Walking alongside him was another boy, clad in a kimono of vibrant red hues, with darker shades accentuating certain areas. He also bore a black katana and sheath, its presence adding a sense of gravitas to his ensemble. His shoulder-length brown hair bore tips kissed by a vivid red. His eyes, a brilliant gold, shone with determination. A red mask concealed his mouth and nose, adding an air of mystery to his countenance. The two of them stood ready, their presence exuding a palpable sense of purpose and resolve.

MC POV

As Rengoku and I gathered at the base of Mount Fijukasane with nine other participants, I couldn't help but find solace in the fact that we still radiated a certain level of coolness. Childish, perhaps, but it served to ease some of my nerves. The beauty of the wisteria flowers that surrounded us was captivating. It was a stark reminder that these blossoms, while enchanting, were also the very thing that imprisoned demons at the mountaintop, their essence proving poisonous to them.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, more participants arrived, swelling our group to a total of 26 individuals. We were then instructed to ascend the stairs leading to the mountaintop shrine and await the commencement of the event. Two figures, both strikingly beautiful and bearing an uncanny resemblance, stepped forward to introduce themselves.

"I am Kiriya Ubuyashiki," declared the man with black hair. The woman with white hair then added, "And I am Kanata Ubuyashiki."

"You will venture to the mountaintop of Mount Fujikasane and remain there for seven days. Should you survive, you will be inducted into the ranks of the demon slayer corps. You won't be permitted to leave, and you must rely solely on your own resources, without external assistance," they both stated in unison. The weight of their words settled over us, a solemn reminder of the challenges that lay ahead.

"Let the Final Selection begin," the siblings announced in unison. With their words echoing through the air, we scattered in different directions, each seeking our own path on the mountaintop. Rengoku and I, having planned ahead, went our separate ways to avoid hindering each other in our quest to vanquish demons. I headed south, sprinting at full tilt, maintaining my

Total Concentration Breathing Constant to continuously bolster my physical capabilities, even if by only a small margin.

In the midst of the dense forest, where demons could stealthily maneuver at any hour, I made it my priority to locate a water source. As I hurried through the woods, a rushing sound reached my ears, beckoning me to investigate. Upon arrival, I was met with a mixed sight. The fortunate part was the discovery of a small stream, ensuring a steady supply of water. On the flip side, there stood a demon. An electric thrill coursed through me. With practiced ease, I drew my katana in silence and silently I said Flame Breathing First Form: Unknowing Fire. Swiftly, I lunged toward the demon and beheaded it with a clean horizontal strike.

"Phew, that was easier than I thought," I remarked aloud. With this newfound water source, I resolved to establish my camp here. It offered not only ample water but also a safe haven, protected from any potential demon threat. The foundation of my base was underway.