Chapter 22: The Corps Entrance Exam

### Chapter 22: The Corps Entrance Exam

The wooden sword of Kintaro shattered into splinters as Muichiro attacked skillfully, demonstrating the vast difference between a Hashira and a beginner swordsman, even one as talented as Kintaro. The fragments of the broken wood fell to the snowy ground, and Kintaro's hand released the remnants of the sword. A look of frustration crossed his face as he stared down at the snow-covered earth, the cold seeping into his boots and biting at his toes.

Muichiro watched Kintaro quietly, his eyes calm. Then a smile appeared on his face, and he placed a hand on Kintaro's shoulder. "What's with that look? You've done exceptionally well. You're extraordinary. You made me fight seriously. When you go to the Corps entrance exam, you'll see that you are more than good enough."

Kintaro raised his gaze to meet Muichiro's, understanding that this was their last training session together. A smile spread across his face as well, though he said nothing.

Muichiro lifted his head to the sky, watching the slowly falling snowflakes, savoring the moment. "I guess this is the end. Three weeks have passed in the blink of an eye. I would have liked to train you for another week, but you need a week of travel to reach the place where the entrance exam will be held, so you must be content with this. Kintaro, from now on, you are a Tsuguko. A Tsuguko is a Hashira's apprentice, which means you have trained under a Hashira. You are the first person I've trained, and I usually have no interest in training anyone. You were just lost and needed a guide, just as I did. Fight and keep fighting, stay alive, and we will meet again. If you want to see me quickly, become a Hashira as soon as possible."

Kintaro looked calmly at Muichiro, then smiled and said with deep gratitude, "Muichiro-san, thank you very much for everything. From the bottom of my heart, I am grateful to you."

Muichiro did not add any more words. He dropped the wooden sword they had crafted by hand onto the snowy ground, picked up his real sword, and sheathed it at his side, then left the scene with quiet steps. The snow crunched softly under his feet as he walked away, the sound gradually fading into the stillness of the forest.

Kintaro also picked up his real sword and sheathed it at his waist, then began to walk in the opposite direction from Muichiro, thinking, 'He said to head north, through these mountains and valleys, and beyond the forest, to reach the wisteria flowers. That's where the entrance exam is held...'

Kintaro's journey began, alone, towards the location of the entrance exam. The landscape around him was a winter wonderland, with snow blanketing the ground, turning the forest into a scene from a fairy tale. The trees were covered in a thick layer of snow, their branches drooping under the weight. The air was crisp and cold, each breath a visible puff of mist. The sky was a pale gray, the sun hidden behind a thick layer of clouds, casting a diffused light over the landscape.

As he traveled through the snow-covered mountains, Kintaro saw various animals, their tracks crisscrossing the snow. A family of deer watched him from a distance, their breath visible in the cold air, while a fox darted through the underbrush, its red fur a stark contrast to the white snow. Birds flitted from tree to tree, their feathers ruffled against the cold, singing songs that echoed through the silent forest.

The journey through the snowy mountains was arduous. The cold bit into his skin, and the snow made each step heavy and slow. Kintaro's breath came in short, visible puffs as he made his way through the dense forest. The trees, their branches weighed down by snow, stood like silent sentinels, their presence both comforting and eerie. The silence of the forest was profound, broken only by the occasional rustle of an animal or the soft crunch of his footsteps in the snow.

When he descended from the snowy mountains into the valleys, the landscape began to change. The air grew warmer, and the snow gave way to patches of green grass and budding flowers, heralding the arrival of spring. The sun peeked through the clouds, casting a gentle light on the world below. Birds sang cheerfully, and the sound of a nearby river filled the air, the water rushing over rocks in a soothing melody.

In these valleys, Kintaro found moments of rest. He would sit by the river, listening to the soothing sound of the water and watching the birds as they flitted about. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. At night, he would set up a small campfire, the flames crackling and casting a warm glow. He would lie on his back, staring up at the star-filled sky, the constellations twinkling like diamonds on a velvet backdrop. The air was cool but not as biting as in the mountains, and he found a sense of peace in the rhythmic sounds of the night.

Kintaro traveled light, carrying only his sword. For food, he relied on his skills as a hunter. He would hunt deer, using his speed and agility to catch them quickly and humanely. He would cook his meals over a campfire, the smell of roasting meat filling the air. He ate with a sense of gratitude, thankful for the sustenance that allowed him to continue his journey.

For six days, Kintaro continued his journey through forests, across rivers, and over hills. Each day brought new challenges, but also new wonders. He encountered wild animals, from rabbits to bears, all going about their lives in the untouched wilderness. The weather varied, from bright, sunny days to cloudy, rainy ones, each adding a different flavor to his travels. The rain would patter softly on the leaves, creating a soothing symphony, while the sun would warm his back as he walked.

Finally, on the seventh day, Kintaro reached the mountain surrounded by wisteria flowers. The sight took his breath away. The mountain was a cascade of purple and white, the wisteria flowers hanging in long, delicate strands from the trees. The air was filled with their sweet fragrance, and the flowers swayed gently in the breeze, creating a mesmerizing dance of colors and scents. The sunlight filtered through the wisteria canopy, casting a soft, ethereal light over the scene.

Kintaro walked through the wisteria grove, his purple cloak billowing slightly in the breeze. He wore his sword at his waist, its presence a comforting weight. The other candidates for the exam were already gathering, all wearing similar cloaks and carrying their swords. The atmosphere was tense with anticipation, but also filled with a sense of camaraderie. These were all warriors who had trained and fought to be here, and they shared a mutual respect.

Among the candidates, Kintaro spotted Kamado Tanjiro. Tanjiro's calm demeanor stood out, his blue and white clothing contrasting with the wisteria around him. He wore a mask on top of his head, and his presence exuded a quiet confidence. Nearby was Zenitsu, who looked visibly nervous, his yellow and orange outfit making him stand out. He trembled slightly, his eyes darting around as if expecting danger at any moment.

Kanao stood quietly, her calm demeanor almost serene amidst the gathering crowd. She wore a simple but elegant outfit, her eyes focused and determined. Inosuke, with his boar mask and muscular build, exuded an air of raw power, ready to face any challenge head-on. Genya, with his stern expression and battle-worn clothes, stood silently, his eyes scanning the crowd.

The arrival of the two girls who announced the rules of the exam brought a hush over the crowd. They stood with an air of authority, their voices clear and commanding as they explained the criteria for success. The exam would be a test of not just their strength, but also their endurance, intelligence, and willpower. Only those who could survive and overcome the challenges ahead would be admitted to the Demon Slayer Corps.