The sound of wooden sword hitting can be heard around the estate as two young bloods, stationed in the middle exchanging blow for blow. The individuals hold their bokkens tight as they weave their different skills to best one another.

A shiny golden hair with red tips boy continues on his relentless attacks. Trying different sort of tactics and maneuver to break his opponent's defense. His pulse raced with excitement with every clash of their sword. The momentum is clearly going in his favor as he took another step forward, applying more pressure to the already existing one.

He knew victory is in sight based on the way he attacks, forcing his opponents into his limits. He's winning and he sees it, but why does he feel flustered, like something is about to go wrong any moment.No matter, the end is nigh, he thought as he shakes the feeling back and focused on his fight. A misstep of his opponents due to his relentless attacks is all it takes for the golden hair kid to grab the chance to seal the deal. As his opponents tries to recover on his blunder, he positioned himself near his opponent to unleash one of the forms of their breathing style. The attack started once again as the golden-haired boy now up his tempo even more so as he unleashed a series of powerful slashes. As he continues his attack, he can now see the form of a tiger emerging, roaring for victory. Feeling the pride of his accomplishment, he announced his attack with absolute confidence that this would finish the fight.

"Flame Breathing: Fifth Form – Flame Tiger" he roared as the image of the tiger lunged at his adversary.

As his numerous attacks is barely avoided, he became impatient as he proceeded to make things faster in order for the final strike to arrive and arrive it did. All the beginning attacks may have been avoided but it serves its purpose of misdirecting attention to the final heavy attack. Just as the last attack reach its peak, it suddenly vanished and come to a halt. The tiger roaring died down like it never appeared in the first place. The boy felt pain to his dominant arms as he nearly dropped his bokken. All he saw on the midst of his attack is his opponent seemingly smiling and his sword suddenly sliding sideways, missing his opponent. Feeling that he needed to go onto defense lest he lose this match, the boy tried to raise his arm but couldn't. All he could feel is pain and fatigue in his body. Without any sort of defense, a bokken hit his arm once again and felt a foot swept his legs as he stumbles down on his bottom. He tries to stand up and recover but feel the tip of wood right in front of his face. A bokken pointed at him and his opponent standing right in front of him.

"Kyojuro, yield" his opponent ordered.

Taking the time to breath, Kyojuro looks back on what had happened. It seems that Ren had baited him on using his flame tiger. After avoiding the attacks, he waited for the heaviest attack before he parried it sideways and do a counterattack on his arm. Parrying, a technique that his friend seems to have a gift at. Though it focuses more on defense, which is the exact opposite of their breathing technique, works wonders. The style of sword will always leave enemies to feel exhausted after guiding their attack somewhere before being hit without realizing it. Kyojuro could only laugh at himself on how he was bested once again by his black-haired friend. In this situation he could only accept it as a man and accept defeat.

"I yield" he surrendered.

Satisfied at the result, his new friend Ren, offered his hand to which he accepted.

"It was a good match Kyojuro"

"A good match indeed my friend, though I had the feeling that today is the day I bested you in this spar" he laughed wholeheartedly.

"You nearly got me, if you had only been patient enough and not tried to finish it immediately" Ren responded.

Kyojuro laughed once again in realization. "It seems that I have learned another thing fighting you"

His friend only smiled in response to his laughter as they walked back inside their house.

As both of them grab their own sets of water bottles, Kyojuro can't help to look back on the first time he met the black-haired kid. It was just a normal morning when his father arrived with someone. Ren suddenly appeared alongside his father after his abrupt mission. When he came inside, Kyojuro was excited to see a new face, especially if his father brought him here but kept it inside. He may be glad on the prospect of having a new friend however the black-haired boy in his age may not be here to play friends. Kyojuro knew the work that their family does, and it is no secret that his father is one of the best there is. The situation of his father bringing home a kid in the estate is not a common occurrent, but not rare as well. In his age, he had seen at least 10 broken children that his father brought to the estate only to leave in the following few days. So, when another occurrence happens once again, he showed his friendly demeanor towards the newcomer in hopes that it will at least brighten up his supposedly dark day. Not too bright as it may feel insulting to others, but just right to give the intention that he is in a safe place. When their eyes meet, he smiled widely and waved his hands. Kyojuro smiled even further when he saw the kid widen his eyes in surprise before returning a soft smile and waving his hands in response. It is a first for him to be honest. Kyojuro anticipated to be met by a forced smile or being disregarded overall, so when that happened, he was glad that maybe this will be different and different he was.

Kitazawa Ren or as he asks them to call him Ren, told them on his plans to become a slayer and to join the corps in hopes of being strong enough to protect his family. His mother, Ruka smiled as he welcomed Ren in their family and said that he can stay for as long as he needed to.

After making himself more comfortable, he was put in with him in the training headed by his father. He was surprised that instead of lowering the intensity of the training, his father instead raised it which raised question on his father's actions. Kyojuro was worried for Ren as this is just his first-time training to become a slayer. Once the training began however, he found his worries to be cleared as the supposedly first timer managed to stay in course and finish the training that is prepared. Even though he was training since as a kid, Ren is much better than him. He's faster, more adept, and has more experience in battle. The only thing that Kyojuro surpasses Ren is through strength and technique. His new friend wields the sword with ease despite not being in someone's guidance. Kyojuro saw him use some sort of sword style that he couldn't recognize yet the flow and application is off by a lot. According to him, he never had someone to teach him the art of sword and is left with his own imagination. Which is commendable to be honest. He once asked his father about the new technique he uses, only for his father to shake his head. It seems that Ren really is full of surprises.

"You idiot!" someone shouted at them.

At the sudden interruption, both individuals look behind to see Shinjuro, arms in his chest, leaning on the walls of the house. It seems that Kyojuro's father just returned home from his mission and judging on his reaction he may have saw the fight.

Glancing at each other, they decided to run towards to the man of the house to offer their greetings.

"Welcome Chichiue"

"Greeting Shinjuro-san"

Both of them greeted. The moment Ren entered the household he was confused on how to address each one of them. He wanted to be respectful, so he naturally called my father in his last name. The problem is that all of us answers when he calls since we have the same last name. To stop the confusion, we insisted to be called by our given names, to which the black-haired kid reluctantly declines. After a few mishaps and miscommunication, he was forced to accept the suggestion before he troubles everyone just because of him asking for food.

Shinjuro nodded at the greetings as he looks in front of him. He only arrived just in time to see his son Kyojuri executed the fifth form of their breathing technique. Doing it at 13 years old is praiseworthy. If his growth continues, Shinjuro knew that it is only a matter of time before his son hold on to the mantle and his title as Hashira. To which he was glad.

"I see that you manage to execute perfectly the Flame Tiger" he praised his son. Kyojuro responded by smiling brighter. "However, even though you'd performed the art, you needed to know on why it failed"

"Why I failed?"

"Do you know why?"

"I am sorry Chichiue, I do not know why I failed even if I used the form" Kyojuro shouted confidently, not an ounce of embarrassment can be heard. Only pure confusion.

"Ren is clearly waiting for you to unleash the move" Shinjuro said. Kyojuro only titled his head in confusion as he still doesn't understand on why waiting for someone move would result in failure.

The flame Hashira sigh as he ponders on how he could explain it to his child.

"The flame tiger is a strong move that unleashes stronger and heavier attacks" he explained. "Those attack are made to destroy the defenses of enemies with sheer strength. The problem however is that this kid does not simply defend, he parries. The moment you used the art, he defended and avoided the attacks. You would have won if not for your impatience. Your ability to not wait properly made you decide to unleash the final attack prematurely. As you unleashed the attack, Ren knew that he successfully succeeded in rattling you out. He parried the one big strike where you put most of your strength with ease, making all of the strength you used, wasted. You need to know that it is much more tiring missing your target compared to hitting one. With your last attack parried, he used some of the force of the attack to redirect it back to you, which struck your arm. Then as you flinched in his attack, he made use of it with his speed leading to your loss."

As he finished his explanation, Kyojuro absorbed the words, his hand just below his chin as he ponders. Shinjuro looked at the other kid present. An indifferent face can be seen as he waited on his friend to think over what had happened.

"Kyojuro, use your head not your strength, be patient, most of fights that supposed to be won, lost due to the inability to be patient. They rushed or relaxed which led to their defeat. Take this into heart and learn from it" Shinjuro advised.

"Yes Chichiue" Kyojuro replied enthusiastically.

Shinjuro is glad on his decision to invite the kid a month ago. He didn't miss on the feeling he felt when he saw the way he fought the demon back then and it is certainly showing once he had a proper training. Ren didn't miss on anything he asked, nor did he complain on it even if what he asked him to do something that his age couldn't do. He experienced discomfort and confusion at first, but he manages to adapt quickly and by the time he did, Kyojuro is finding himself not only a friend but a rival. Shinjuro was even surprised when he manages to defeat his son in a spar. The kid may not have any technique in his name, but he made it up by his experience, always leading his opponent into where he's more comfortable. Due to the experiences, he shown, Kyojuro's growth increases. Ren has been a huge help towards his son.

Shinjuro ponders onto himself upon his problems ever since he saw the kid in the city. He knew that the kid is different and knew that if Ren is left with him, he wouldn't grow into his full potential. The breathing style that the Rengoku family uses relies on strength and power, to which he isn't compatible with. Ren is clearly strong when he wants to, but he relies more on flexibility and speed, something that this household couldn't teach. The kid would be much better under the guidance of another and that is what he has done when he left the estate. He used his connection in search of a suitable teacher for the kid. He's been looking since he arrived back at the estate and thanfully someone manage to fit the requirements.

"Ren" Shinjuro called the boy. Ren stopped staring at Kyojuro's confused faced, clearly trying to comprehend his father's words, as he looked towards the flame Hashira.

"How are you doing, is everything alright?" Shinjuro asked

"Yes Shinjuro-san, your family has been a great help accommodating me and I am glad to say that under your tutelage, I have grown further compared before" Ren answered.

"And how about your parents? Are you making sure to send them letters every now and then?"

Ren nodded as he smiles fondly, reminiscing the past together with his family. "Yes, I have all thanks to you letting me borrow your crow to send letters. They have told me that all is well except for the fact that I was not there with them"

Shinjuro looked at the boy as he looked towards the ground, reminiscing familial affection. Shinjuro is sure that the kid is experiencing difficulties more emotionally. 13 years of age and he is already away from his family not because he wanted to, but because he needed to. The only consolation he has is that at least he still has a family to go back to.

"Do you… regret it?" he asked quietly.

After a few seconds, Ren looked up and shake his head as he smiled with determination "No".

Shinjuro cracked a smile at the kid's determination. The kid didn't regret his choice and he would make sure that he never will.

"As much as I would like to guide you and teach you in your path as a slayer, I regret that doing so will harm your potential in the long run" Shinjuro uttered.

Kyojuro, despite his earlier passive listening, voiced out his surprise. "What do you mean Chichiue? Ren has been learning a lot under your guidance, surely it is proof that what you are doing is effective no?"

Under the question of his friend, Ren contemplated the idea. He knew already what his teacher is talking about. He had experienced the different application of the techniques that they practice but he only felt it to be lacking and sometimes hindering him. Like a wolf under a human protection, living yet not thriving. A wolf is better living with its peers rather than be shackled by an owner. With that in mind he made his decision.

"I understand Shinjuro-san" he said to which the Hashira only nodded with confirmation.

Shinjuro quieted his son, despite his obvious confusion and unwillingness to comply, Kyojuro could only follow and shut himself up.


Shinjuro invited Ren to walk with him as they both exited the estate. Both of them continue on their way without an exchange of words and only focusing on the road up ahead. It is only through a half an hour of walking did they found themselves in the front of an estate. A larger estate compared to what Ren has lived in the Rengoku estate. Much larger and more defended with numerous slayers patrolling the mansion.

As he was enjoying the view of the mansion, a group of what he believes to be slayers exited the mansion. They exchange their congratulations based on the way it looked to Ren before they go on their merry way. As the group dispersed, Shinjuro walk forward and make himself known. Ren on the other hand only followed.

As they get closer, Ren could now clearly see the man that is left behind. A blue haori with white clouds as its design coupled with a goblin mask hiding his face. Ren knew who this man is and he's sure that everyone who watched the show knew it as well. For he is the one who paved the way for the protagonist, some sort of father figure.

"A pleasant morning Urokodaki-san" Shinjuro greeted.

Oh my God, Rent screamed inside. His inner fanboy waking up more than ever. He already knew who he was, but he needed confirmation, so when he heard his name Ren couldn't help but tremble with excitement.

Being suddenly greeted the goblin-faced mask elder turned towards them. "Ah, Rengoku-san. A pleasant morning to you as well.

As both of them stopped, Ren can now see more clearly and observe the man who trained slayers. Urokodaki looks the same as ever when he was portrayed in the show, with white hair indicating his age. The only difference is that he may be a little younger.

Noticing the hard stare, Urokodaki can't help but look at the child accompanying his fellow slayer. With the look of surprise spread in the kid's face, the trainer smiled as he smiled in return and greeted the young fellow. "Hello there young one, a pleasant morning to you as well".

Loss in the feeling of admiration, Ren was startled that Urokodaki greeted him. Before confusion took hold and make him blunder more, Ren fixed himself before he greeted back. "A-a pleasant morning as well".

In the show of embarrassment, Shinjuro smirked while Urokodaki laughed softly at his nervousness. As blood rises on his cheeks, Ren can only look at his side.Great now I embarrass myself, he cried.

As the commotion died down, both adults straightened themselves before they speak.

To start the conversation, Shinjuro coughed twice to gather attention before he spoke. "Urokodaki-san, this young lad is Kitazawa Ren an aspiring swordsman"

Ren lowered his head at the introduction to which the goblin masked slayer nodded in acceptance.

"We have both been acquainted by chance during my mission as he himself seems to be in search of the demon I was tasked to hunt. With his help, I was able to finish my job and with his blessing I invited him to join the corps. He was lucky that his entire family survived but the fear of it happening again has pushed him to join the corps and even gain the blessing of his family." Shinjuro said.

Urokodaki looked at the kid with curiosity before he looks back at Shinjuro, sensing that he was not yet finished.

"In the month that I had taught him, he showed nothing less of amazement. Hardworking and mature at his age. He has the potential to become something special under the proper guidance and teachings…" Shinjuro said before he paused. "… something that I cannot give"

"Rengoku-san, I may be a teacher but that does not downgrade your worth in teaching someone. You have a child you have been teaching, yes? In the time that I saw him, I am amazed by his growth. Be confident in yourself Rengoku-san" Urokodaki comforted.

"Ah no Urokodaki-san you misinterpret" Shinjuro raised his hands. "It is not more of the quality of teaching but more of the type and teaching taught. The Flame breathing technique that my family has specialized in has not been compatible with the way Ren moved. The kid already has a built-in set of play and style before he come under my tutelage. So, when he tried to use our technique, it was well… awkward at best and chaotic at worst."

Urokodaki raised his hands under his chin as he contemplates the information given to him. "I see. So, you decided that the water breathing technique is compatible with him more than yours"

"Yes" Shinjuro nodded. "Well, not exactly" he corrected.

Ren is following the conversation so when Shinjuro said those confusing words, he looked at the teacher. Same as the former water Hashira, even with his mask on, he can be sure that the man had raised his eyebrow in confusion.

Sensing another confusion he created, Shinjuro sighed as he held his head with his hand.

"I apologize" Shinjuro said with a tired tone. "Let me explain. The kid's style revolves more on free-flowing and adapting, something that our technique wouldn't match due to the large difference in style. The water-breathing technique however revolves around the said style hence why I answered yes. However, there is a hint of difference between his style and yours. Though the changes are hardly noticeable, it greatly impacts the end results. Now while the water-breathing technique may not be specifically for him, it may be more compatible than mine or any other known breathing technique".

Urokodaki took on a moment to process the information. For him it certainly is possible to have a distinct comparison from one of the known breathing techniques, but for someone so young to create one speaks volume. Though he was not yet sure since the man hasn't seen it yet, the credibility of his former-fellow Hashira is enough for him to test the kid out. And if what he said becomes the truth, then they are looking at someone on his way to become special.

"So, he may be one of 'those'" he asked to which the flame Hashira nodded.

The nod will serve as a confirmation for the teacher now he needs the kid's approval.

"What about you?" Urokodaki asked Ren as he turns towards the child.

Ren looked at the man before he spoke "If it makes me stronger then so be it"

Urokodaki nodded, satisfied by the answer.


It was a good hour as they now return back into the flame estate, the only difference now is that they have the former water Hashira in tow. It was quickly decided that Ren would immediately leave the estate to go to Urokodaki's home to train. The man is seldom seen and only visits in utmost important matters so if they missed him now, it may take at least half a year before he descends to where he lived. Even if they know the location, Shinjuro couldn't escort him there due to his job and Ren couldn't go there himself because of the distance and the time it will take for him to travel. It certainly far away and the outskirts of the area of the headquarters are quite confusing especially to new recruits. With nothing better to do as he is currently stuck in his own growth, Ren agreed. Though the problems come in the form of Kyojuro's younger brother, Senjuro's relutancy for him to leave. The poor kid grabbed Ren's shoulder begging not to go as he cried. Kyojuro didn't help as it was apparent that he wanted Ren to stay despite his words giving him blessing. Ren is feeling guilty in this predicament. He unexpectedly entered their lives and just unexpectedly will leave as well. However, he himself choose this. So, with his promise to once again meet as slayers to Kyojuro and Ruka herself cuddling Senjuro to sleep, he manages to leave the house after he bid his farewells.


Ren is weirded in the occurrence of his life as of now. It was 3 months ago when he first encountered a demon. A month after that when he met Shinjuro and the Rengoku family. He was still coming into terms on the fact that he basically trained with Kyojuro when he was young and boy it did not disappoint. Kyojuro is exactly how he was when the show introduced him. Bright, unwavering, and optimistic as it gets. He was in utopia and Ren wanted no more to just enjoy being friends with him. If demons don't exist, they would probably be. He experiences firsthand on how Kyojuro inherited his parents' traits and characteristics. While his physical characteristics is identical to his father, his mental fortitude and personality matches her mother. Strong mind and responsible, knew his calling the moment he held his sword. It really is true that parents shape their child. Speaking of Kyojuro's mother Ruka, Ren was worried for her. She may hide things proficiently with his children, but Ren knew that she was subjected to a disease. The very same disease that may be the cause of her death in the show. Ren wanted to help Ruka, after all she become a pseudo mom for him during his stay. She always made sure that he was comfortable in the family and wouldn't be left out and even though he was tight lipped and often keep things to himself, when he spoke Ruka always listen whole-heartedly. With her in the house, Ren never felt out of place and was always accepted as one of the Rengokus. Her disease is currently unknown. If Ren wanted to cure her, he must first know her sickness. An opportunity that may be gone when he left the estate. Ren just hope that the next time he visited she would still be there and a good thing that Ren just had an idea.

Shaking his thoughts away and focusing on the road he's running he looked forward and still saw Urokodaki in front of him. When they left the estate, the man just said to follow him and proceeded to run. Ren manage to catch up and maintain his pace after recovering from the earlier confusion. It is also may be due to his light baggage that he was able to follow. He only brought what he had when he left with his family back then. A bag with 5 pair of clothes, a bamboo bottle of water, his winter themed haori, and a basketball sized chunk of ice, which is the nevermelt ice packed with all sort layers. The only thing that changed is that his supposed bokken is now replaced with a real katana given to him by Shinjuro, though not a Nichirin sword. It was a good 3-hour continuous run when his new mentor stopped and his tracks. He is feeling the soreness of his legs. Normally a 3-hour run can be manageable but due to his earlier training with Kyojuro, the fatigue accumulated.

"Are… we… there yet?" Ren asked, huffing and puffing in exhaustion. Both of his hand place on top of his knees as he bends, gathering air as he tries to calm his breathing.

Urokodaki turns toward him and examine him. Urokodaki nodded, satisfied on what he seen before he speaks. "No, we are still far from Mt. Sagiri but we covered a lot of ground. I am impressed with your stamina. I predicted another day of running and we would reach our destination early morning".

Ren just opened his mouth from the information before he collapsed on the ground exhausted. A whole day of running? He never done that, and he is sure he never done it in his past life either. He just hoped that he managed to stay running for a whole day and not make a fool of himself by tripping in his own legs.

Feeling tired and demoralized he only nodded as a response to which the elder nodded in return.

"Do you know how to create a fire?" Urokodaki asked to which Ren nodded once again. "Good, create one while I hunt us our food".

With that the old man vanished into the foods as Ren stood up and proceeded to gather some firewood and dry leaves to create a fire.

After a good 30 minutes both of them are eating meat under the warmth of the fire Ren created. Ren eat sloppily, all teaching of his mother thrown out the window. His hunger overcome his values as he finishes his meal and asked for another one to which Urokodaki allowed.

Urokodaki stared and assesses the kid in front of him. He was surprised that the kid managed to keep up with him with his baggage for 3 hours. He was not running as fast as he can, but he knew that many young ones would collapse from fatigue. Urokodaki was supposed to stop in an hour and a half of running but seeing that Ren managed to not only stay with him, but also looking like he could run another hour, he wanted to test how long can he last. Surprisingly he lasted this long, and he was sure that he can last another hour but as the sun is starting to set, Urokodaki needed to prepare food and a place to stay.

Rengoku said that Ren maybe one of them, a genius to say the least. A being that created their own breathing technique that is derived from the original techniques. Urokodaki was looking forward to seeing a birth of a protegee himself and even more so under his tutelage but even if the kid doesn't, he knew that Ren have the potential to go far, he only needed to prepare him in his journey.

"How old are you" Urokodaki asked.

Being suddenly asked while eating, Ren chew down the food in his mouth before he replies. "13, sir"

"I see" Urokodaki replied.

After the initial question, the conversation died down once again as only the crackling sound of wood burning and the chirps of crickets in the forest can be heard.

Wanting to continue the conversation, Ren asks his new mentor after he finished his last stick of meat. "I heard from your earlier conversation from Shinjuro-san that you specifically mentors' slayers"

"Indeed" Urokodaki replied.

"How long have you been teaching sir?" Ren asked.

"You may drop the formalities Ren" he suggested. "Regarding your question, I have been teaching for 3 years right now".

Ren nodded as he paused before he asked his question. There is something that is bothering him right now and he wanted to ask the man himself about it, the only problem is that Ren is a little shy. He is probably feeling starstruck, like when a fan suddenly had the chance to be with their long-time idol. Well, the conversation wouldn't be moving and even if he's tired, sleeping would be counterproductive. Readying himself as he gulped, Ren asks "Do you have any pupils as of now, sensei?"

.

"Yes. I have three students at the moment" Urokodaki answered. "2 boys and 1 girl. You may find yourselves be close friends as your ages are close to one another".

Oh dear, Ren is grinning mad right now. This certainly raises the possibility that these 2 boys maybe Giyu, Sabito, and Makomo altogether. Noticing on how he was the same age as Kyojuro and knowing that the Hashiras have their ages close to one another, he had hoped that he would be on the same batch as them and boy it did. His fanboy instinct awakens once again, and it must have been fairly obvious if Urokodaki laughed softly at his predicament.

"You must be looking forward to new friends by the large, controlled smile you have there" Urokodaki laughed softly.

Friends? Oh yes friends! Ren forgot that being in the same age and under the same teacher has the possibility that they can be friends. He was looking forward to meeting them that he forgot that he was living reality as of now and not fiction. Ren does not see it, but he can feel himself smiling even further that his cheeks are starting to hurt.

"Well, tomorrow will be the day you meet them, so I suggest resting now" Urokodaki suggested as he stood up and walk away from the campfire.

Ren grabbed his bag for him to use as his pillow while making himself comfortable. He was excited and would be more if a day of running didn't cross his mind.Well, I guess a price to pay to meet them, he thought as he fell deep in his sleep.


Morning came and soon after both individuals continue on their way. Ren was able to last much longer, 5 hours of running in fact, as he stopped his morning routine in exchange for more rest and energy down the road since he knew he may not last without one. He was expecting to arrive at the location before dawn only to find themselves stranded when they saw the mountain due to rain. The rain was not heavy but there is still a risk of sickness to which the elder clearly emphasize. Acknowledging the risk, Ren decided to sleep it off, a much easier feat since his body is exhausted as it ran the whole day. The moment he lies down on the ground, he immediately blacks out, falling into deep sleep.


It is early morning when they arrive at the foot of the mountain and this time, Ren knew that they would reach the location this day. Though the distance is relatively small compared to former run, the whole hiking business will be tiring, good thing that he rested early last night.

"Any tips that I need to not make a fool out of myself?" Ren asked tiredly as he pushed his bag upward to make himself more comfortable.

This 2 and a half day of travel is taxing. Ren is no weak to stamina however, the continuous whole day exercises, something that he likes to call it, has been accumulating and no real rest and food does not help relieve the fatigue.

"I don't think you needed any tips. Just being yourself would be enough. They are good children after all" Urokodaki said. "Well, you could see for yourself"

The elder paused as the view of a wooden house emerged and voices of what appears to be heavy breathing can be heard. The view is simply satisfying. As a lover of nature, seeing leaves in falling from its branches with a wooden house at the bottom, and children practicing in the middle calm Ren's mind. One advantage of this world is that it is much cleaner compared to his world. This is a world where nature takes charge, environment and people living in harmony. It is such a beautiful world, perfect even, shame that demons exist. Taking his eyes on the scenic view, Ren focused on the kids practicing, three kids in fact, swinging their swords repeatedly.

When the peach-colored hair kid saw Urokodaki, he stopped what he was doing and run up to the elder. As his companions noticed the sudden stop of their friend, they saw their mentor and soon follow the kid. Ren saw the widened expressions in their eyes, which is followed by a joyful smile as they stopped what they are doing and run towards their mentor. Ren smiles as he could clearly see how these kids love Urokodaki.

As the kid who first noticed both of them stopped, the black-haired girl run up closely to Ren's soon to be mentor.

"Urokodaki-san welcome back" she smiled beamingly.

"Makomo, let him rest. He just arrived" the peach hair kid reprimand.

"Urokodaki-san w-welcome home" the last of the three greeted as he tries to catch his breath.

Urokodaki ruffles all of their hair, to which they enjoyed, before returning the greeting. "Mhm. It nice to be back"

Just as he finished saying those words, the kid in charge noticed him just behind their mentor. "Urokodaki-san, who's this?"

The other two soon looked towards Ren as they realize the presence of another human. The girl called Makomo immediately ran forward as she analyzes the new kid.

"Everyone, he is a newcomer and your new companion during the training" Urokodaki said.

"A pleasant morning everyone. I am Kitazawa Ren, please just call me Ren. I look forward to your guidance" Ren introduce himself as he slightly lowered his head.

"Sabito" the peach haired boy said.

"Mou, Sabito!" Makomo complained. "You should introduce yourself better".

Sabito backed down from Makomo as he scratched the back of his head.

"Fine, my name is Sabito, only Sabito. I look forward training with you" he said reluctantly as he offered his hand to which Ren accepted.

Sabito looked just as the same as he was when he was introduced as a ghost. Fair skin with large scar running from his right mouth all the way to his right ear. A grayish lavender-colored eyes that like a storm preparing to brew. He always had those spiky peach colored hair that reaches just below his shoulder and his iconic hexagon patterned green and yellow kimono, black hakama, and a plain white haori. The only difference is that he doesn't have the fox mask that was gifted to him by Urokodaki since he was just starting his training.

"That's better!" Makomo beamed. "My name is Makomo, just Makomo. Hehe. I look forward to training with as well. If you have any question, you can ask me"

Compared to Sabito's passive attitude, Makomo is more open. After her initial introduction, the girl jumps close to Ren as she looked up and show him her wide smile.Cute, Ren thought.

There was a noticeable difference in size between the two. Ren grew up to 162cm during his stay in the Rengoku estate and if he would have to guess on her height it would be around 150cm. She wears a red yukata with a flower pattern that is inside a sleeveless dark purple haori. She has deep cyan colored eyes that looks well with her black hair that reaches just beneath her shoulder. All of these things just overly contribute to her innocent demeanor and gentle soul.

"And lastly this is Tomioka Giyu, the former latest addition to the squad" she introduces the boy behind her enthusiastically with wide arms. "He's a bit shy but a good person, so don't take it to heart"

"H-hi, I'm Tomioka Giyu. J-just call me Giyu. I look forward to being with you" Giyu said shyly.

Well, this is something new, a shy Giyu,Ren thought happily.

Giyu is more passive as always yet much more open and freer of emotions compared to his stoic attitude back then. Gladly that he is more open than what he knows in the show, Ren can still feel the sorrow that he is trying to hide, and he had inkling that all of these people know his story or had an idea. In the story, both Sabito and Makomo are orphans adopted by Urokodaki however, it is not stated that they are orphans due to a demon attack or just because of circumstances, Giyu on the other hand has been an orphan ever since her sister's death on the hands of the demon... Ren can already feel the passiveness on being happy that Giyu felt. He is still young after all; the guilt and pain would not heal that easily or never at all.

Ren stared at Giyu, eyed him up and down. The boy looks different than he was in the anime both appearance wise and attitude wise. Instead of his half and half haori, he wore something a little different. Ren was expecting him to wear a normal white kimono with her late sister's deep red haori. But instead, Giyu wore the supposed to be haori now turned into a kimono with a white inner shirt and a black hakama.

Ren nodded while staring at him.A fresh look, he thought satisfied.

The sudden staring that Ren did add by his impromptu nodding made Sabito jump between them and put his arm in front of Giyu shielding him. A sudden fit of giggles can be heard right behind Ren as Makomo tries hard to control his leaking giggles.

Ren is confused by what's happening to him right now.

"Oy!" Sabito bellowed. "Stop checking him out! Are you gay?"

"Eh?" Giyu said in surprise as Makomo's controlled giggles soon to turned to controlled laughter as she puts both of her hands in front of her mouth.

"No!" Ren cried out. "I was just…"

Just what?Ren thought. He was definitely caught staring for too long which they misinterpret that he's checking him out, but not on how Sabito made it out to be. Giyu just look fresh and more alive than what he known so he can't help but enjoy the moment. The problem is on how he would explain it.

"Well..." Ren tries to formulate some words in his head, no doubt thinking that saying something wrong would be remembered and added by the fact that it may be his first impression towards them. "… he seems different, I suppose. Like compared to the two of you he's a bit… I don't know"

"What?" Sabito calmy said with a tone of annoyance.

"A little bit reserved Ren-san?" Makomo said to which Ren nodded. "Well, it's only right since he's in a different situation than us. Don't worry though"

Ren was thankful to Makomo's interference. To be honest he just trailed on his words with no idea on how to proceed even further but due to her, he was able to at least make it out of the situation.

Ren looked once again at Giyu as Makomo explain on what Ren words meant to Sabito who tries to tell her that somethings wrong. Giyu stared back moving his head to the side, thinking on how Ren thought he looked different than both of his colleagues.

Ren only sigh and closed his eyes.I'm not used to this Giyu, he thought.

Seeing on the misunderstanding that occurred, and Sabito's annoyance on how Ren made his first impression, an idea formed in Urokodaki's head.

Before the situation blows out, Urokodaki cough to gather attention before he speaks his mind.

"Now that the introductions have been exchanged, I would like to make use of this time to test Ren's capabilities right now?"

"Capabilities?" Makomo asked.

Urokodaki lightly laughed "One of my friends had told me about his expectations of Ren and his current prowess as a future slayer"

"Slayer? So, you've encountered one" Giyu asked with a voice of sadness as he, no doubt remembered his own circumstances.

"Yes" Ren replied shortly, not giving any additional information about the attack.

Sabito now crossed his arms while holding his bokken, judging Ren's physique, as he tries to see on what his teacher said. Looking and examining Ren, Sabito can certainly see him as someone who's fit. The way he walked towards them before oozes confidence and he's mix with the right amount of muscle needed, probably the same built as him.

"That being said, I would like for Ren and Sabito to take up in a spar between one another" Urokodaki interrupted Sabito. "This would do well for me to get an idea on how I would train Ren and how Sabito had improved during his stay here"

Sabito smiled at the suggestion as he eye out Ren to which the boy just stood there and nodded in acceptance.

"Sensei, how about us?" Giyu asked the elder.

"The two of you will also get our turns in the following day"


With Urokodaki's final words, Sabito throw his bokken as Ren catches it with ease. Both of them walk in the opposite sides of the yard. Ren started stretching himself as he gets ready for the incoming spar with Sabito. He knows Sabito is strong, well at least base on how the show portrays him to be, however Ren was keen to see how strong he really is and hopefully be a great opponent he could spar with.

As two opponents face each other with wooden swords in their hands, excitement and expectations on both sides as well as those who watches can be felt. Sabito feels intrigue about the praise that is given to Ren by other slayers, and by the tone of his sensei's voice, Sabito can feel the admittance to the compliment.

"Begin" Urokodaki said as the match started between the two.

Sabito wanted to first see what Ren's first move will be, so he opted to a more defensive shape of his form, sword in front lowered that its tip lines up to his head. He eyes the newcomer as he tries to gauge on how he would attack.

And attack Ren did. Ren suddenly launch at him with speed. The speed took Sabito off guard as Ren reached him, just an arm away in a low stance the same level as Sabito's thighs. As he was surprised by the sudden speed that the snowflake design haori kid had shown, he tries to clumsily counter it by swinging his sword downwards, hoping to hit Ren as he was about to strike upward with his bokken, or at least create a space to gather his bearings.

As the sword falls downwards in a below average swing of the peach haired boy, Ren suddenly stopped his attack as he sidesteps immediately, making use of Sabito's weak strike. Then with the force of his sudden switch, Ren spins, creating a stronger force before he smashes Sabito with double the force he has.

Sabito couldn't see the attack but the way that Ren move, he instinctively swayed his upper left shoulder out of the path of the sword.

Swoosh!

Pang!

Two sounds are heard from the exchange as Sabito jumps backward and crouches as he tries to create space between. Sabito clutches his shoulder as he can feel the pain.If that sword hit me completely, I'll probably out,he moaned in discomfort. Sabito checked his shoulder and tries to move it only to feel pain in every try.I survive but loss my left arm, he thought as he slightly laughed at himself. This wouldn't happen if he didn't underestimate Ren.

However, despite the pain he felt on the fight, Sabito looked up and saw Ren's face looking on his left. The peach haired boy focused on the spot on where a bruise can be seen on the newcomer's face. Sabito snickered to himself as he manages to at least deal some sort of damage to his opposition. Sabito made a last-ditch attempt before he receives the strong blow from Ren. As he swayed his left side to avoid the blow, Sabito raised his right arm with his bokken. He swings it sideways as the same time as he jumps backward, surprisingly hitting Ren in the face in the process.

Though he manages to deal some damage, anyone can see that he had the short end of the stick. With his unusable left arm, he can no longer defend properly. His only option is to attack which is also risky as he could no longer apply a strong force as well as the breathing forms mostly rely on using two hands. The correct assessment would be to surrender and yield this fight, but Sabito is not the type to surrender easily. He is shown a valuable lesson today and he certainly sees more opportunity to learn if the match continued. Besides, what if this was a real demon. Will he run and abandon other people just because of a damaged arm?

Sabito swayed his head as he softly laughed before he stood up, holding his bokken in his only usable arm.

"Ren-san, please accept my apologies" Sabito said to Ren.

Ren turns his face back to Sabito as he feels his cheeks. "Apology?"

Sabito laughed as he raises his head in the sky. "Yes, I have underestimate you which proved to be fatal" he said as he looked back at Ren with a smile creeping on his lips. "However, let us continue this fight"

Sabito raise his bokken right in his face as he tugged his arm backward sword in hand, before he leapt towards Ren.

Ren only nodded to the declaration before he lunges forward himself, meeting Sabito right in between.

Sabito met Ren faster than he was. Therefore, he started his attack as gather momentum to his tugged arm.

"Water Breathing 7thform, Drop Ripple Thrust" Sabito murmured as he thrust his bokken forward with a stab, hoping to hit Ren's thigh.

Seeing the sword reaching for his thighs, Ren pulled his leg backward as he suddenly jumps backwards, leaving the bokken only to hit the air. Then as his leg is pulled backward, he procced to swing it forward in a kicking motion.

Sabito saw foot coming fast. In response, he stood up and bend his upper body backwards just avoiding the kick in a small margin. As he looked forward, he can see Ren dropped his kicking foot downwards as he made a strong drop of foot before using the downward momentum to swing his sword down.

Sabito with no choice left as the sword is coming in fast, raise his bokken in hopes of blocking the attack, to which prove useless as the force of the attack is definitely stronger than his one-armed defense.

As he felt his defense shattered and his arms vibrating in pain, Sabito can only close his eyes as he prepares himself to what he knows will be a world of pain.

Seconds past and he can still feel no pain. Sabito opened his eyes slowly as he saw the sharp edge of the blade paused in front of him.

"Yield" Ren said as he holds his bokken right in front Sabito's blade, stopping at mere inches.

Sabito widened his eyes in realization that he lost the fight. Although he lost, he could only feel satisfaction which was weird for him. Laughing at the thought he looked at Ren before he surrenders.

"I yield" he said.

As the fast yet satisfying match ended, Sabito could only looked down in shame. Though he feels satisfied by the power that Ren showed and the lesson he learned, Sabito feels bad that he may have displease his master on the way he presented himself. As he felt demoralized by the realization, he saw Ren's hand reaching for him. He looked at Ren smiling as he grabs hold of the offered hand before being pulled back up.

"It was a great match Sabito" Ren congratulated.

"Heh, it wasn't even a match on the way you move" Sabito sighed.

"Probably… but I'm sure the match would have ended in a different way in another day" Ren commented.

Sabito could only laugh once again at his situation. All he did was laugh at his foolhardy perspective on Ren. If its on another person Sabito wouldn't laugh at his predicament. He was confident in himself to the point that he became prideful. He was the best in his batch and his growth and strength are better compared to both Makomo and Giyu. This led him to believe that he was ready to save people and made his master proud. But due to a newcomer's interference, Sabito was humbled to which he was glad that it had happened.

"Both of you it was a great match!" Makomo shouted as she stopped in front of them.

"Yeah, that was so cool and so fast" Giyu said as he followed Makomo's lead.

"Ufufufu. That was a great match. It seems like the praises are indeed well founded." Urokodaki said as he holds his chin, walking towards the group.

Urokodaki faced Ren, to which the boy stood straight. "I can see on why Rengoku-san has high praises for you boy. The way you move and generate power is commendable."

"Though a question may I ask, why do you need stronger power when you can finish a common demon in your normal strength" Urokodaki asked. He knows that you need to be stronger to beat a certain group of demons and the way Ren psyche himself to be ready for stronger opponents is great mentality. But Urokodaki wanted to know on why the kid readies himself that way.

Ren took a moment to think of an answer, as the group looks at readily.

"It's because that there will be times that I will face a not so common demon" Ren answered as he looks in the eyes of his master, or well the eyes of the mask. "If that happened, I would be ready to slay and save people".

The answer is precisely what he heard from Shijuro before they departed. Urokodaki asked Shinjuro on his thoughts on the child. 'He is a strong child with an even stronger will, a will that is not destructive but more controlled, possibly due to still having a living family. He's an interesting child, often looking at things in the future and making sure that all things are accounted for' Shinjuro said during their talk back at the estate. Urokodaki certainly see the characteristic given certainly matches Ren's personality. A kid on a mission, he can certainly work with one.

"A fine answer, an answer I wanted each and every one of you to put into your hearts" Urokodaki reminded the others.

"Sabito" he spoke to which Sabito shuddered upon the fear and expectancy that his master would be disappointed in him. "Though you lost, I'm sure you have learned your lesson. With that in mind let us work even better in your trainings. And credit to where its due, good work on the match. I can see the improvement you have made during the course of your stay"

Sabito was surprised to hear praises instead of a lecture. He was glad that his master sees it that way.

Sensing the uplifting and excited mood of the children in front of him, Urokodaki can't help wanting to reward them in the hard work.

"Without any problems, I declare Ren as my student and under my tutelage" he spoke as both Makomo and Giyu cheered and Sabito smiled. "And as we have a new member of our group, lets us celebrate it by eating foods that I have brought"

To that an even bigger cheer has been made as the group laughed at each other and Urokodaki can see, although small, the bonds that are starting to form in them.


Hey guys, Im back! How was the story? New characters are introduced in this chapter. 5 of them to be exact. The short introduction of small Kyojuro, the new mentor for Ren, Urokodaki, and his new colleagues comprises of Sabito, Giyu, and Makomo. Since there are no deep information on the three kids, I decided to play them on how I thought them to be. Sabito is quite protective, Makomo a jolly girl, and Giyu being a shy one due to loss o confidence which resulted in his tragedy. I have plans on making Giyu's sister survive but it would be harder to execute it and it doesn't really go along my plans for the story.

I want to ask on how I put into words the fight scenes in the chapter. There are two of them, from Kyojuro and Sabito. Obviously, both of them are strong but Ren has his own quirks which makes him above for now. I was not confident on how I executed the fight scene, so some reviews are warranted on our thoughts.

Asides from the story, I want to apologize for the late upload. As you may know, it is the season for the FIFA World Cup and my family flew to Qatar to watch one. Added by the fact that the term is now ending so projects are pilling up and professors thought it would be funny to continue adding more, so I have my hands full at the moment. Another thing is that the next chapter would probably mid-January next year. I want to focus on my studies, World Cup (Go Argentina!), and enjoy Christmas for a while.

That is all to be honest. If you like the story, like and follow to get updates and to show support. Your support really does help me motivate the story. Thank you and God Bless!