end of selection, start training

After several days filled with tests and challenges, the final selection to become a member of the Demon Slayer Corps came to an end. At the foot of a mountain surrounded by wisteria flowers, Haru waited calmly, accompanied by Tanjirou, who had fought alongside him over the past few days. The sun shone brightly, bringing new hope for those who had passed the selection.

Even though Haru did not master breathing techniques and had no trainer recommending him, the fact remained that he had passed the final selection of the Demon Slayer Corps. He wasn't worried that he wouldn't be accepted once the corps found out he couldn't perform breathing techniques and had no trainer recommending him. After all, in the original work, Inosuke, who stumbled upon Fujikasane Mountain by chance and survived for seven days, was also considered to have graduated.

Around them, several other participants were also waiting for the final results. One of them was Tsuyuri Kanao, a girl with black hair who appeared graceful despite her smile looking forced. Wearing a butterfly-patterned haori and a hairpin shaped like a butterfly, she enhanced her beauty.

Beside her was Zenitsu Agatsuma, a boy with striking yellow hair. Zenitsu looked terrified, constantly mumbling pessimistic words and doubting himself.

The last was Genya Shinazugawa, a young man with a body full of scars and messy black hair. His buzz cut seemed to reflect a rough and reckless personality.

Haru chatted with Tanjirou, who enthusiastically shared stories about his younger sister, Nezuko.

"She is the only family I have," Tanjirou said, his eyes shining with affection. Haru could feel the strong bond between them.

As they talked, a monotonous voice without emotional inflection interrupted their conversation.

"Congratulations on passing the final selection." Everyone turned to see two twin children with pale skin and short bobbed hair. They wore beautiful kimonos, their appearance reminiscent of dolls.

Haru immediately recognized them as members of the Ubuyashiki family, children of Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps. Although they looked like beautiful little girls, one of them was a boy. Both appeared calm, as if they were accustomed to situations like this.

The two children presented a Kasugai crow trained by the Ubuyashiki family as a means of communication. It was unclear whether it was due to training or if it was a special type of crow, but the Kasugai crow could speak like a human and possessed a high level of intelligence, perhaps akin to that of a small child.

Impatient for his Nichirin sword, Genya stepped forward, intending to use violence against the Ubuyashiki twins, but Tanjirou and Haru quickly stopped him without hesitation.

Facing Genya's rude behavior, the Ubuyashiki twins merely glanced at him with vacant expressions, unfazed. They continued to provide basic information about the Demon Slayer Corps and asked the new members to choose a mineral called Scarlet Ore, which would be used as material for their Nichirin swords. Scarlet Ore could only be found in high mountains like Sunlight Mountain, which was continually bathed in sunlight throughout the year at Yoko Mountain.

While Tanjirou sniffed each stone to make his selection, Haru scratched his head in confusion, unsure how to choose. Eventually, he randomly picked one.

After the ore selection was finished, the Ubuyashiki twins dismissed them and officially welcomed them to join the Demon Slayer Corps.

Once dismissed, Haru, who had no place to stay, followed Tanjirou to Sagiri Mountain. There was another reason Haru followed Tanjirou: he wanted to learn breathing techniques from Urokodaki Sakonji. The reason Haru chose Urokodaki Sakonji was that he only knew Tanjirou, and with Tanjirou's help, it would be easier to ask Urokodaki Sakonji to teach him.

Since Haru had not learned any breathing techniques, the Demon Slayer Corps did not assign him tasks to hunt demons for now. Although Haru felt disappointed about not participating in the upcoming plots, he also wasn't too upset because he knew that with his current strength, he wouldn't be able to influence the plot significantly. So it was better to train and increase his strength for more important battles in the future.

Haru and Tanjirou ran through the mountains and forests for a full day before reaching Sagiri Mountain, where the former Water Breathing Hashira, Urokodaki Sakonji, resided.

Upon reaching the mountaintop, they were greeted by a serene and cool atmosphere. Urokodaki, with his distinctive mask, was seen sitting in front of a small house surrounded by lush trees. Haru could feel an aura of tranquility emanating from him.

Tanjirou respectfully approached Urokodaki and introduced Haru.

"This is my friend, Haru. He wants to learn breathing techniques from you," he said, his voice full of hope.

Urokodaki looked at Haru with sharp eyes. "You want to become a Demon Slayer, huh?" he asked.

"I became a member of the Demon Slayer Corps by chance, but I haven't learned any breathing techniques," Haru nodded and explained.

Urokodaki was surprised and glanced at Tanjirou for an explanation.

"It's like this..." Tanjirou briefly explained Haru's situation.

Urokodaki was momentarily shocked to learn that Haru had strength nearly comparable to Tanjirou despite not having trained in breathing techniques. But it was only a brief surprise, and he didn't find it unusual because, in this world, some individuals had unique physical attributes, such as Kanroji Mitsuri, who had eight times the muscle density of an ordinary person, and Kagaya Ubuyashiki, who had abilities like precognition.

"Since you are a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, I will teach you Water Breathing techniques," Urokodaki said calmly.

"Thank you, Urokodaki-sensei," Haru replied sincerely.

....

While Haru and Tanjirou were conversing with Urokodaki, inside the house, a tightly closed wicker basket began to tremble. A soft rustling sound was heard, and in an instant, the lid of the basket opened by itself. A small head of an adorable girl emerged from the basket. She was Nezuko, Tanjirou's younger sister, who had just woken up after sleeping for two years.

Perhaps sensing Tanjirou's presence outside the house, Nezuko immediately jumped out and ran with her little steps. Nezuko's appearance at that moment resembled that of a small child. Although she had the ability to control her body size, she chose to shrink to fit inside the bamboo basket.

Tanjirou, seeing his sister appear, was instantly taken aback. "Nezuko!" he exclaimed, his eyes shining with happiness. Without hesitation, he ran to Nezuko and hugged her tightly.

Haru watched Nezuko with admiration. The fact that Nezuko, as a demon, could suppress her instincts and urges to consume humans, as well as break free from Kibutsuji Muzan's control, spoke volumes about her determination and willpower. Haru was certain that he couldn't do the same as Nezuko if he were in her shoes.

"Nezuko, are you okay?!" Tanjirou asked, checking on her condition, his voice filled with concern.

Nezuko smiled and gently patted Tanjirou's head to show that she was fine, her face bright despite her inability to speak.

Urokodaki, who was also observing the moment, smiled warmly. "It's beautiful to see you both reunited. Family is an invaluable strength on this journey. I never expected there would be a demon who could survive for two years without consuming humans."

After that emotional moment, Urokodaki began to redirect his focus back to training. "Haru, we will start with the basics of Water Breathing techniques. This training will not only test your physical endurance but also your mental fortitude."

Haru nodded seriously; he would seize every opportunity available and strive to strengthen his background. As a solo reincarnator without guild support or other powers, he would grasp every strength he could attain. Coincidentally, in this world, Haru was the only reincarnator, allowing him to do whatever he wanted without fear of drawing attention from other reincarnators.

A reincarnator's performance in their first world would affect their path in the reincarnation tower. If they earned high rewards and benefits in their first world, it would be easier to pass through subsequent worlds. Of course, the story would be different if they were unfortunate enough to enter a world that was impossible to complete or encountered other genius reincarnators who maximized their performance in their first world.

Returning to the topic of training...

"Today, we will focus on breathing and body control," Urokodaki continued. "Proper breathing is key to utilizing breathing techniques, including Water Breathing."

Urokodaki explained in detail about breath control, how to regulate breathing to match a rhythm. Haru listened attentively; thanks to his absolute memory, he could clearly remember every word Urokodaki said.

"First, we will start with basic breathing exercises," Urokodaki instructed. "I want you to stand in a stable position and focus on deep breathing. Feel the energy flow through your body."

Haru carefully followed the instructions, standing tall and beginning to breathe. He felt a sense of calm envelop him as he concentrated on his breathing. Each time he inhaled, he sensed new strength entering his body.

"Good! Now we will transition to basic movements," Urokodaki continued after observing their progress. "Don't hesitate to feel the flow of water in every movement," he reminded them. "Remember, Water Breathing is about harmony with nature."

After several attempts, Haru began to sense progress. He could feel the rhythm and flow in each movement.

The following days on Sagiri Mountain were filled with exhausting training. Urokodaki taught the fundamentals of breathing techniques, guiding Haru to understand Water Breathing techniques as well as his swordsmanship. While Haru immersed himself in training, Tanjirou had already taken Nezuko on her first mission.