Chapter 4

"Mr. Rengoku, are you ready to be tested?" Tanjiro asked as he slid open the door to Kyojuro's room.

"Yes young Kamado. I am ready." Kyojuro said.

Soon the Hashiras are on their knees, their eyes trained on Kyojuro and Sanemi. Kyojuro was standing in the shade, in front of Sanemi. He went down on his knees and looked up at Sanemi.

"I am ready Shinazugawa." Kyojuro said.

Sanemi looked up at Kagaya, who was standing a foot from the two.

"Begin Sanemi." Kagaya said.

Sanemi pulled out his katana and he sliced his arm, letting his blood drop between him and Kyojuro.

Kyojuro felt himself freeze. Something inside him awakened. The demon instinct. The demon instinct for blood. His hands clenched into fists. He continued to stare at the blood of Sanemi, restraining himself from attacking.

Sanemi's Thoughts: So far he's doing well though I can tell he wants my blood badly.

Shinobu's Thoughts: I can see his slight shaking. Wonder if he'll snap soon.

Mitsuri's Thoughts: I really hope Rengoku passes. I really wouldn't want to kill him.

Muichiro's Thoughts: Was Rengoku always like that? I don't remember.

Gyomei's Thoughts: Bless this fiery soul from turning into a raging soul.

Obanai's Thoughts: He'll never make it. I can see him trembling.

Tengen's Thoughts: So far he's not attacking Sanemi. Maybe he can still be a Hashira.

Giyu had no thoughts. He just continued watching the scene before him.

Tanjiro's Thoughts: If Nezuko can do it, so can Mr. Rengoku.

Then taking a deep breath, Kyojuro closed his eyes and turned his head away. All the Hashiras breathed in relief. Tanjiro also breathed in relief.

Kagaya walked over to Kyojuro. "You have done well Kyojuro. You proved that you will not hurt a human. You will remain as a Hashira."

Kyojuro bowed. "Thank you Master."

As the Hashiras went their separate ways, Tanjiro walked up to Kyojuro.

"Mr. Rengoku, you passed." Tanjiro said.

"Indeed young Kamado." Kyojuro replied.

"Even if you did attack the other Hashiras, I would've protected you either way." Tanjiro said.

Kyojuro placed his hand on Tanjiro's shoulder. "Thank you, young Kamado. Thank you for believing in me. Like you said, even if I did attack the Hashiras, you would have set your heart ablaze on protecting a demon Hashira."

Tanjiro smiled.

"There is one other thing I need to do. I would like for you to join me on visiting my younger brother, Senjuro. I would need to tell him what has happened."

Tanjiro bowed. "I would gladly come with you, Mr. Rengoku."