Opening: Distortion by BABYMETAL

Shinobu was still pinned down by the Doom Slayer, simply waiting to be released after the crow gave the announcement. The Slayer decided to release the woman but still kept his eyes on her. The woman got up to stretch out the areas of her back that ached from being pressed on. As this happened, Tanjiro called out to the warrior to grab his attention. The Slayer turned around to hear whatever the boy had to say, "Excuse me, sir, could you bring me that box over there? It's for Nezuko, it's so she doesn't burn up from the sun.", the boy nervously chuckled. It was by then that the girl started to regain consciousness, revealing her bright pink pupils as she readjusted her senses.

She looks around before stopping at her brother, both siblings giving each other a cheerful expression. The Slayer wasn't sure how to react to that, this girl wasn't anything like the other demons he's seen before. She could easily lash out at her brother but chose not to. Perhaps Tanjiro was right about the girl after all. He never thought he'd see a passive demon. He grabbed the box that was obscured several meters away and brought it to the Kamado's. Tanjiro told his sister to go inside the box and she did so without hesitation. Nezuko closed the box, protecting herself from all the outside elements. With all of that settled, Tanjiro asks the Slayer out of embarrassment, "If it's not too much for you, could you carry Nezuko for me? I would if I could move."

The Slayer gave the boy a blank stare through his helmet, taking the strapped box and slinging it over his shoulder. Inosuke interrupted from behind the Slayer and demanded to be the one to carry Tanjiro. The man didn't object as he watched the boar boy carry his comrade with such a triumphant expression (despite the boar mask). It was during this time that a group of henchmen wearing black outfits that obscured everything but their eyes entered the scene. Three of them wielding ropes that were ready to be tied. One went up to the Slayer, bringing the rope forward and explaining to the man, "Please put your hands out, sir! You are to be apprehended and we'll escort you." He didn't budge, looking at the small person before him who was visibly intimidated by the Slayer's stature.

The Slayer ignored the person in front of him and followed after the henchmen who began leading them away while carrying Nezuko on his back. The only reason he's even willing to go through with this is because this will take him to more people who know about this world. The more information he can gather, the better chance he has at returning to his dimension and stopping the Dark Lord.

Another henchmen tried to apprehend Inosuke but was met with the same amount of luck. Inosuke's response being: "If you even think about putting those damn things around me, I'll kill you." This was enough to scare off the person. Inosuke trotted towards the Slayer, refusing to lose to him in his personal race. In the meantime, he exclaimed to Tanjiro, "Ha ha ha! This must be very embarrassing for you! To be carried like a weakling." Tanjiro thanked Inosuke for the help, irritating the boy as he let out a mild screech before complaining, "DAMN IT, You're so annoying!"

Tanjiro kept his eyes on the box Nezuko was hiding in, the fatigue was starting to get to him as he had immense difficulty keeping his eyes open. He calls out to his sister one last time before falling asleep.

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Inside of a large mansion surrounded by beautiful wisteria flowers, the father sat with his two daughters. Everyone else had left to perform their daily duties while the two children next to him remained as his escorts. He needed them because he has lost his vision due to a sickness which has slowly been killing ever since he was born. Though he still functions, he loses a tiny bit of himself each day. He held onto the girl's hands as they patiently waited for the semi-annual Hashira meeting that would take place at the headquarters of the demon slayers.

During his extended period of waiting, he remained in a meditative state with his eyes closed. It was then he started to see something play out in his mind. He wasn't sure what it was and he assumed it was a daydream but there was more to it than just that. He remembered his son's words from the previous night: "I like it when you tell me about the Hellwalker, father, it makes me feel safe." Following this, a violent series of flashing images surged through his mind as he witnessed a tall warrior clad in green armor wielding a crimson-red blade piercing the skull of an enormous titan-like demon.

The images made him snap back to reality, his eyes shooting open. His daughters looked up to him with concern on their face as they asked, "Is something the matter, father?" The young man smiles and tightens his grip on his children's hands. He explains to them, "It's nothing, my children, I was simply daydreaming."

"That's unlike you, father." The comment receiving a slight chuckle from the young man as he responds, "I suppose so. It might just be the sickness, don't worry." Or was it? He pondered on what it was he just saw and if it'll affect today's proceedings.

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The demon slayers travelled by foot for several hours before arriving at the headquarters by daytime. Upon arriving, Shinobu requested that Inosuke remain at the infirmary to recover his strength. By that point, he was feeling weak and had no other choice. However, Tanjiro wasn't let off the hook and was still needed. Fortunately, they were allowed to drop off Nezuko so they can deal with what happens next. The Slayer proceeds to carry Tanjiro by his haori like some sort of suitcase as the boy was suspended in the air by his clothing.

After following the two Hashiras, he was taken to a massive garden in front of a mansion. The garden had a gravel pathway leading across the entire area. There were several trees sprawled throughout with a large pool of water occupying the center of the garden. There were five other individuals patiently waiting in a line next to one another. Another one was laying in the trees with a bird's eye view of the whole area. All of these individuals were Hashira, the highest ranking swordsmen in the Demon Slayer Corps.

Tanjiro began to wake up, wincing in pain as he noticed he was being held by his haori. Despite this, he adjusts to the sunlight and looks around. He asks, "Where are we?"

Shinobu answers, "We're at the Demon Slayers' headquarters, and you'll both be facing trial."

Nope, that's where the Slayer crosses the line. He's here to get information, not to get interrogated. He turns the opposite direction and begins to walk away. Tanjiro felt embarrassed as he felt so rude completely dismissing other people like that. He has no control right now as he's being carried like a suitcase by the Slayer.

The individual resting on the tree drops down in front of the Slayer, getting in his way as he coldy states, "Just where do you think you're going?" It was a young man with straight, shoulder-length black hair with his right eye being yellow and the other, green. He wears a mask over his mouth and wears a black & white-striped haori similar to his peers. Lastly, he has a small, white snake loosely wrapped around his neck.

The Slayer used his free hand to shove the man aside while continuing forward. This act surprised all of the individuals there, the man who was just pushed taking offense to this as he zoomed towards the Slayer. However, the warrior's reflexes were much quicker as he spun around to face the Hashira. Both individuals stopped when the Slayer's fist was mere inches away from making contact. This quick maneuver caused Tanjiro to be flung from his haori and crash into the gravel.

The Hashira had to do a double take when he noticed the fist in front of him. He couldn't see it coming, it was near-instantaneous that his mind couldn't fully comprehend what he just witnessed. Shinobu stepped in between, placing her hand on both the Slayer's fist and her comrade's shoulder while she explained, "Now now, there's no need to fight. How about we hear your story? I, for one, am very curious about you both. So please, if you don't mind, save the fighting for when the demons show up, okay?"

Tanjiro coughed from trying to move before calling out to his friend, "It's okay, Mister Slayer. I want to know what's going on as well, I think it's better if we stay."

The Hashira backed off, remarking, "This is ridiculous, why aren't they apprehended?"

"They came with us voluntarily, so there was no need." The Hashira turned around, shrugging his shoulders as he strolled back to the tree he left. Tanjiro managed to sit up before being dragged across the floor by the Slayer. The boy didn't even argue at this point, he's been in worse situations. They positioned themselves in front of all eight members of the Hashira. Tanjiro was trying to get comfortable as he got some gravel in his pants thanks to the Slayer.

Shinobu began the proceedings, stating to the two Slayers, "Now, I'd like to begin with you, Tanjiro Kamado. Please explain to us why you've been travelling with a demon. I hope you know that's against the rules."

Tanjiro protested right away, exclaiming to the Hashira, "That demon's my younger sister! While I was away, my family was attacked by a demon, and when I got home, they were all dead! My sister got turned into a demon, but she's never devoured anyone! She never has and never will! She'll never hurt humans no matter what!"

Obanai Iguro, the Hashira resting atop a tree branch retorted, "Spare us your insane ramblings. Of course you're defending her because she's family, as if completely disregarding the fact that she's a demon. I'm not going to believe anything you say, I can barely trust you as is." This statement was met by approval amongst most of the other members of the Hashira.

Tanjiro defended, "Listen to me, please! I became a swordsman to help cure Nezuko! It's been two years since she became a demon and she hasn't devoured a single soul in that time!"

The Hashira were still in disbelief, stating their doubts for the boy. The Slayer listened to everything being said and he could understand the Hashira. Not too long ago, he used to think just like them until he saw Nezuko. Although it was brief, Nezuko had any opportunity to go on the attack but she simply smiled seeing her sibling. It was a bitter pill to swallow but the Slayer has to admit to the truth and come to terms with the fact that not all demons are without a heart.

What confuses the Slayer the most is that Shinobu should've seen this already. He can understand the other Hashira because they JUST met, but this woman had several hours to actually come to terms with that fact. Did she not pay attention? Was she too focused on killing the demon that she couldn't face reality? The Slayer found it funny how ignorance can really shape a person's opinion on a subject.

Whatever the case is, if these Hashira's don't start making sense, he's going to leave. It's better use of his time than wasting away at a group of brain-dead individuals. Tanjiro continued to cry out in objection to the accusations made his way, but everyone was silenced once another person entered the scene.

It was a young man with spiky, white hair and distorted pupils. His body was covered in scars from the top down. He wears a white shirt over his uniform which is unzipped to reveal his upper torso. He grabs everyone's attention with his words, "Well well, looks like you're having some fun here." The Slayer and Tanjiro noticed Nezuko's box being lifted above his head like some sort of trophy. "Are those the two slayers causing all the ruckus? Who the hell do they think they are to defend a demon."

Both the mentioned Slayers faced the man as they focused on him. One of the Kakushi (the henchmen) rushes behind the Hashira and nervously asks, "Master Shinazugawa, This won't do! Please, would you mind putting down that box?"

The man simply ignored the servant behind him as he continued on. "Really, how stupid do you have to be to think that a demon would fight as one of us? You know what I call that? Being delusional as hell!" Before stabbing his sword into the box, going through Nezuko.

The Slayer grew tired of this, stomping towards the young man. Shinazugawa maniacally chuckled before calling out to the approaching man, "You, you're a demon slayer like us, aren't you? Don't you feel any satisfaction in killing these things? Then why do you bother defending one?"

He does, maybe too much, but not this demon. Nezuko has already proven her innocence and to ignore her actions up till now would be foolish.

Tanjiro was nowhere near as composed as the Slayer in this situation, springing to his feet as he declares, "I don't care who you are! Nobody can hurt my sister!" before charing towards the Hashira with little fear. Shinazugawa pulled his blade out and prepared himself for the incoming attack from the boy.

Giyu Tomioka, one of the Hashira, finally broke his silence as he raised his voice to the individuals, "Enough! The master will arrive any minute now!" However, his attempt at breaking the conflict ended in failure once more. The Hashira swung his blade towards the two slayers without any remorse. However, the warrior stopped the attack to pull the man closer. As he was brought in, the Hashira was struck across the face by Tanjiro who made a quick attempt to snatch the box away from him. Shinazugawa tries to break away from the Slayer's grip but is unsuccessful. He attempted to hop onto the Slayer and push off of him to break free. However, the moment he planted his feet upon the Slayer, the man let go, making the Hashira fall to the floor.

The young man was quick to roll back, wiping the blood from his mouth as he threatened them both, "You bastards, I'll kill you both."

The sound of two girls interrupted as they announced: "The master has arrived."

Everyone stops what they're doing to look inside the mansion. Emerging from the building is the father along with his two daughters. He speaks to everyone, "I'm glad you are all able to come, my beloved children." The two girls accompanying him guided him into the light. He felt the warm rays of the sun bathe him, it was a shame he couldn't see its majesty. He had to take a minute to inhale the fresh air of the garden and admire the chirping of the nearby birds.

After absorbing the outside world, he greets everyone and wishes them a good morning. The Slayer and Tanjiro faced the man, observing his odd complexion. The strains on his forehead is what caught their attention the most as it was unusual to look at. Shinazugawa ran up and forced Tanjiro's head to the ground in a bow and attempted to do the same for the Slayer but didn't have enough time to try. The warrior looked around to notice everyone had bowed down to the man before them. The Slayer found this odd as the man looked disabled in some way, but has enough authority to make these swordsmen bow like servants.

Shinazugawa's demeanor changed instantly as he politely greeted the owner, "I am pleased to see you in good health, Master. I will keep praying for your continued good fortune." The master replied with a soft voice, "Thank you, Sanemi." With the tension now removed, the aforementioned Hashira raished his head and began to ask the young man, "Before we start our meeting, Master, could you enlighten us as to who this man is and why Tanjiro Kamado, here, is travelling with a demon?"

Tanjiro was amazed by the sudden shift in behavior. That Hashira was nearly insane a minute ago but became extremely formal in a fraction of a second. The Master explains to the Hashira, "Yes, I apologize for startling all of you with this. To answer your question, I can explain Tanjiro but like you, I am also curious as to who this mysterious Slayer is. To get things out of the way, with Tanjiro and Nezuko, I've sanctioned their situation. I would like you all to accept it."

This news was met with outcry from amongst his followers as they each had their own way to display their disapproval of the situation. To calm them down, his daughter pulls out a letter written by a former Hashira who is an acquaintance of Tanjiro's. They read it, and in it: Sakonji Urodaki compliments Nezuko for her mental strength and her heart. Defending the girl as he explains that she has not eaten a single soul for the duration of two years. Giyu Tomioka also stands by this sentiment and can vouch for Nezuko's actions. However, in the events that things turn for the worst, Giyu and Urodaki will commit seppuku to atone for their sins.

Sanemi grit his teeth as he spoke with frustration fueling his voice, "How about this guy, huh?! How are you going to explain his actions? He also defended this kid's sister just now. Is he in that letter too?!"

The Father made a "hmm" sound, processing the Hashira's words before continuing, "How peculiar. I believe this is a matter we must resort all at once, I believe tackling these situations individually will do us no good. So, let's start on a different note. What do you go by, stranger?"

The Slayer didn't say anything, staring at the man who had no idea he was being stared at. All the Hashira angrily looked towards the Slayer, expecting him to say something. The Master replied, "A man of few words? I understand. If you do not wish to speak, I will do the talking."

One of the Hashira spoke in outrage, exclaiming to the Master, "This is ridiculous, master! He should be bowing and begging for your generosity! Don't let his antics get to you."

"It's quite alright, there is no trouble. So tell me, how do you feel about this situation?"

Tanjiro tried his best to look at his friend who was as still as a statue. He didn't want an awkward silence to develop so he tried to speak up but was silenced by Sanemi who pushed him even further. The father requested that the boy be unhanded so he can speak. Then, Tanjiro explains, "Mister Slayer doesn't talk, at least not that I know of, but he speaks with his actions instead. I've only known him for about a day now but within that time, Mister Slayer has done a great many things. He led the charge into Mount Natagumo, inspiring myself and my friends to rush in when we were scared. It's because of him that many lives were saved and no one else had to die! He is, without a doubt, the strongest person I've ever met. I've never seen someone with so much speed, strength, and precision as he does!"

The last statement caused everyone's heads to perk up in surprise, they were trying to process what they just heard. Tanjiro then turns to Shinbu and explains, "That's why, when you tried to convince the Slayer to kill my sister, I was scared. I had never been that scared of anything in my life because I know there is absolutely nothing I could do to get in his way. He has an intense hatred for demons unlike anything I've ever seen, that's why it terrified me to think of saving my sister from him. However, he chose to save my sister and stood in her defense when you tried to kill her earlier. He proved it then and he just proved it now. He is, without a doubt, on our side."

Sanemi stood up angrily as he shouts to everyone, losing his composure, "If you hate demons so much, then how can you defend this?! She's no different than the rest and I can prove it to you all!" He proceeded to cut his forearm and spill the blood onto Nezuko's box. It leaked through the hole created by him earlier as the drops splashed onto the girl inside. "Come on, aren't you feeling hungry?!"

Obanai cut in and informed Sanemi, "It's useless in the sun, you'll need to do it in the dark, where the demons reside." The young man was quick to grab the box and hop into the darkness behind his master. Tanjiro attempted to chase after the Hashira but tripped due to vertigo. The Slayer thought the Hashira was going to bait Nezuko out of the box but was sadly mistaken. Sanemi proceeded to stab the box several times while laughing psychotically.

As the box was stabbed, he could hear Nezuko's cries of pain despite her being gagged. Time slowed for the Slayer as he became blinded by static once more as he could see the same little girl from earlier. This time, she spoke as she called out, "Dad…". He doesn't know what it was, but something snapped within him. Like a thread finally breaking after applying enough force.

Sanemi was not given a second to react as the Slayer lunged at him. The swordsmen was grabbed by the throat and shoved into the wall with enough force to destroy it. A gust of dust and debris blew everywhere, obscuring everyone's vision. Once it cleared, it revealed the Slayer slowly choking the Hashira while growling. His other hand being used to hold the young man's sword arm as he squeezed aggressively into the wrist. Sanemi lost feeling in his right hand as he felt it get dislocated and he dropped his sword.

All of the Hashira slightly dropped their jaws when they saw this, bewildered by the warrior's raw strength. Blood trickled across Sanemi's head from having his head smashed into the wall. He tried to fight back against the Slayer but his efforts were useless. While the Slayer continued to choke him, Nezuko emerged from the box with her blood-stained clothing as she drooled from the taste of blood nearby. The Slayer noticed and turned his head towards Nezuko. She was just a little girl who should probably be in middle school. Upon seeing this, the same voice echoed in his mind once more as she cried out:

"Dad…?"

With that, he softened up and let go of the man he was choking. He zoned out, processing what he just heard and why he heard it. Sanemi noticed the girl standing up from her box and raised his bleeding arm. He baits the girl as he exclaims, "You're hungry, aren't you?! Chow down, bitch, the meal's right here!" Nezuko's eyes were locked on the blood but she noticed the large man next to her turn to face her. She was surprised by the tall warrior until she looked at her own reflection through his visor and was disgusted by what she saw. She saw herself drooling like some sort of animal. No, she couldn't stoop this low, she refused to. Rejecting everything put forth before her, she turns her head away from Sanemi, denying the blood he was offering.

Everyone was surprised by this reaction except for the Master who was unable to witness it. Relying on his daughters, he asked them to describe what just happened. They did as told and once the man was caught up, he turned towards the rest of the individuals in the sunlight and explained, "As you see here, Nezuko won't attack humans. I'm aware that not all of you will find this acceptable, but you can't deny what you're seeing. Tanjiro, I allow your sister to fight alongside you as a demon slayer. You must prove Nezuko to everyone to gain their trust and acceptance. By defeating one of the twelve kizuki, you will accomplish this."

Tanjiro felt teary-eyed as he willingly bowed before the master, thanking him for his generosity. However, The Slayer felt odd, he's never been like this before. He doesn't know what got into him but something within him snapped. Like a primal anger he hasn't summoned upon in a very long time. He felt his helmet with one of his hands, holding it in place as he turned around to face the master.

The master does the same as they face one another, he then asks his daughters to describe what the man looks like so he can have a better picture of what he's supposed to be looking at. They describe: "He is a man with a very large and intimidating stature, he is wearing a very strange green armor unlike anything we've ever seen before. In all honesty, it reminds me of the depictions of the Hellwalker you would always read to us, father." That description felt like the final piece of the puzzle the master needed. He's had this nagging feeling for the last day now and he understood why he had that vision from earlier. He doesn't understand how this is possible or how this could be. Everything that has been described to him, from his appearance to his actions to his strength just now, all pointed to one reality. Tanjiro's words were the biggest piece of evidence he needed to justify this.

He felt tears welling up from the amount of sheer emotion. All of the suffering everyone has been through, all of the hope that the younger generation placed in a legend. The visions, everything has led to this moment. The man bowed before the Slayer out of impulse, their salvation has arrived.

The man begged the Slayer, "Great Hellwalker, I beg you to be our salvation. Please aid us in our conquest to destroy Muzan and end our suffering! I beg you!" Every single person there was flabbergasted by what they just witnessed.

All of the Hashira's rose in protest as they cried out to their superior, "Master! This is insane, don't bow your head to a barbarian! He should be bowing his head to you! Raise your head master, he does not deserve this!"

They don't understand, the man before them is THE Hellwalker of legend. He doesn't understand how any of this is possible but it's happening. He could care less about his pride or his dignity, all he wants is for everyone to be happy. He doesn't want any more children to suffer at the hands of the demons. For this, he will happily sacrifice his authority for the Hellwalker to aid them in their crusade to destroy Muzan.

Sanemi got up, screaming to the Slayer, "Motherfucker, you better accept! The master doesn't bow to anyone. You should be bowing to him, thanking him for this offer! Get on the floor before I fucking make you!" The Slayer stood in place, watching the Master in such a weak and compromised position before disgusted the Slayer. All of the Hashiras were visibly furious and waiting for whatever happens next. Tanjiro observed in awe, he couldn't believe what was happening and was eager to see what the Slayer would do.

Without saying a word, the Slayer began to walk away, leaving the scene all together. The Hashira were quick to draw their blades, ready to kill the Slayer then and there. The Master heard the ruckus as he raised his voice for the first time, "All of you, stand down! I will not let you lay a finger on him!"

One of the Hashiras questioned, "But why?! He rejected your wonderful offer, and for that: He needs to die!"

"He is on the side of good but he is not with us. It's completely understandable, it's safe to say he is not of our world. We have to earn his trust in order for him to fight alongside us. From now on, I want all of you to treat the Hellwalker as a high-priority guest, do you understand?"

All of the Hashira collectively grumbled in annoyance, bowing their heads down in defeat as they couldn't object to their master's wishes. However, accepting these terms went against every fiber in their body. They wanted to make the Slayer pay for his insolence yet the Master wants to let him live. One of the other Hashira spoke up, "Master, I don't mean to be rude but surely, you find it ludicrous to believe in a legend as old as the Hellwalker. It's nothing more than a children's fairy tale."

The Master lifted his head to look towards everyone, explaining, "It was my family who wrote of the Hellwalker's tales hundreds of years ago. He is an important part of my family and their history. I won't deny the ridiculous situation we find ourselves in, but we can't deny everything we've seen. So when I see the Hellwalker, the hero my children look up to, I can't help but be overwhelmed. I hope you all can understand…"

The master looks to Shinobu and says, "Shinobu, if you will." The woman understood the master's requests and clapped her hands to signal for the Kakushi. She understood what the Master wanted and asked the henchmen to take both of the Kamado's to her household for treatment. Tanjiro bows one last time, thanking the master for his generosity and that he will not fail. As the Kamado's are being taken away, the Master had one last thing to add to the matter: "I would like you to spread the word of the Hellwalker's arrival. It's time we revive the legend. Word of his return will reach Muzan one way or another, and when that happens: He'll have something to fear."

Tanjiro was being carried on the back of one of the Kakushi as they quickly escaped the scene, too overwhelmed by the presence of their higher-ups. The boy asks the henchmen for a favor, "If it's not too much trouble, could you take me to Mister Slayer?" The man carrying him asked to clarify if he meant the Hellwalker. Tanjiro nods, he was so used to calling him Mister Slayer at that point that it seemed odd to address him as anything else. The henchmen didn't see an issue with fulfilling this request and split up as a result. The one carrying Nezuko who was inside her box going to Shinobu's household while the one carrying Tanjiro went to look for the Slayer.

They managed to find the Slayer already outside the walls of the headquarters walking away. Tanjiro asked to be put down before calling out to the warrior. The Slayer stopped but he didn't turn around. The boy trudged towards the Slayer before falling to his knees due to how weak he'd gotten from his injuries. He cries out, "Mister Slayer, wait!" as he tries to get closer and fight against his body. The man slowly turns his head to look at the boy and says:

"What do you want?"

The Slayer's voice was gruff and uncleared, as if he had not spoken in quite some time. Tanjiro's expression widened upon hearing the man's voice but he had to ignore it because he had something important to say. Tanjiro got on all fours and pressed his forehead against the floor as he spoke, "Thank you, Mister Slayer, for everything! You don't understand how much your actions meant to me. Despite hating demons, you protected Nezuko even though you knew nothing about her. You protected Inosuke and everyone else in the forest, and even saved my life from that demon. For that, I cannot thank you enough! I'm in your debt." The tears flowed from his eyes as the droplets spilled onto the floor. The man continued forward, not batting an eye towards the boy behind him.

Tanjiro lifts his head, watching as the Hellwalker of legend continues to increase the distance between them. Tanjiro cries out his last words for the Slayer to hear, "I know you're not from here, you're lost and confused. I know I've wasted your time but despite that, you still chose to help! I would like to return the favor. Please! Go to the foot of Mount Sagiri, there, you will find the person who taught me everything. He'll be able to tell you more about this world than I could, I won't take no for an answer!"

The Slayer stopped once more to look at the pleading boy. They stared at one another for a brief moment before the Slayer nodded his head in approval. He continues his forward advance now with a new mission objective. He will admit, the last day wasn't a complete waste of his time, he's learned quite a lot about this world and something tells him he's only getting started.