Opening: Distortion by BABYMETAL
Urokodaki woke up from his slumber, quickly getting up from his bed to put on his mask. He wasted no time in getting prepared. Once he was ready, he opened the door to the Slayer's room to find the man absent. He was shocked upon seeing this but was left with no time to ponder as he heard something crash outside his shed. He looked through his window to see the sun was starting to rise from the horizon. He leaves the building and looks to find a tree laying against the ground. The Slayer was at it again. It's been nearly two weeks since their training began yet the Hellwalker refused to sleep. It was as if he was allergic to the idea of it.
The Slayer swung from one tree branch to the next, calculated and efficient with his movements. All the while, he was maintaining a regular breathing pattern to enhance his physical prowess. With nothing to actually attack, he was using his imagination to envision himself in a battle. The trees were the obstacles of his arena, and he would interrupt his own movements to evade an imaginary attack. He would bounce from one tree to the next, taking quick hops between the trees to advance around the forest.
He leaps from the tree he's on into the open area. Before, he would've aimed his Super Shotgun and used his meathook to latch onto the nearest target. However, he doesn't quite need it considering his current capacity. He attempts to reach a tree that was very far from him to see if he could. However, he began to descend by the time he got close. Left with no other choice: he extends his arm blade and uses it to slice the tree in half. It was like a hot knife through butter as the Slayer made his cut, passing by where the tree was and avoiding collision. Once he landed on the floor, the tree he sliced had crashed to the ground. He had noticed Urokodaki left his shed and was observing his training. The Hellwalker turns to the older man and retracts his blade.
Urokodaki was baffled to say the least by the Slayer's improvement. The Slayer had been training non-stop, working to hone his capacity for the breathing techniques and his skills with the blade. There was a difference to the sound the trees made when they were cut. Before, it was loud when the Slayer forced his blade through the wood. Now, the noise was brief and faded as quickly as the cut was made. It wasn't perfect, but it was a tremendous upgrade compared to what the Slayer was capable of before.
The old man approached the Hellwalker and asked, "How long were you practicing this time? Don't tell me you were staying up again. You need to rest, my friend. Rest is just as important as training, itself." The Slayer crossed his arms out of disapproval toward the sentiment he heard. Urokodaki didn't understand what was at stake. The longer the Slayer remains away from his dimension, the more corrupted it becomes due to the Dark Lord. He has no time to waste, the sooner he can complete his training: the stronger he will become and get the information needed from Urokodaki to get his next checkpoint.
Urokodaki sighed when coming to terms with the fact that the Slayer won't rest. He then remarks, "I believe it's time we move onto learning some techniques, what do you say?" The warrior nodded his head in approval, uncrossing his arms as he waited for Urokodaki to show him what to do. "Well, you've unkowlingly dipped your feet in the techniques already. That slash you did just now is basically the first breathing form. I don't need to worry about the movements, simply the breathing technique used in this situation. We'll try something else as a result."
Stepping into the part of the area devoid of trees, Urokodaki gives his instructions to the Slayer, "I'm going to teach you the second breathing form: Water Wheel. To nail this motion, I want you to leap forward while doing a forward somersault. While doing so, make sure to swing your blade. Most importantly, take a deep, continuous breath as you perform the maneuver." The Slayer acknowledged what the man said, doing as told and managing to spin several times before landing on his feet. It was a simple task for the Slayer, turning to look at the older man who made a "hmm" sound. The warrior shrugs his shoulders, wondering what was supposed to happen.
Urokodaki had a problem with how the Slayer did the maneuver. The technique was there, the spinning attack was nearly flawless. Unfortunately, his concentration isn't. If done properly while possessing the focus and spirit necessary to perform the maneuver: water would've burst from his blade and traced his movements. However, there was nothing. The Slayer walks up to the old man, awaiting further instruction. Urokodaki explains to the Slayer, "There's something off with your handling of the maneuver. When you get your breathing under control, it releases an internal energy that flows through your body. This energy is entirely based on whatever spirit the user possesses. When performing these breathing techniques, the user must move and breathe in a specific way to unleash that energy from within their body. It's difficult for most people to perform their maneuvers without their blade because it's difficult to visualize. That's why the saying, 'become one with the blade, let it be an extension of yourself,' is relevant to the demon slayers. The blade becomes a tangible object for them to visualize, and because they can better visualize the flow of their energy: it's easier for them to unleash their built-up power."
The Slayer tilted his head out of confusion. Not because he didn't understand what he was hearing, but because he wasn't sure what the point was. Where was Urokodaki getting at? The old man walked away and motioned for the Slayer to follow. He explains, "How about we forego the technique training for now. There is something I'd like to check." With no objections, the Slayer followed.
They returned to the waterfall where the Slayer had to repeat the process of resting under the stream. He did as told, removing his helmet and Urokodaki watched. However, the Slayer's patience was running thin as he sat under the waterfall. The old man noticed the warrior's fingers tapping out of annoyance. An impatient habit he noticed within the Slayer. The man remained composed but it was like watching a balloon be filled with more air than it should be holding. At any moment now, it was going to burst. The Hellwalker's been rushing his training, working day in and day out. When Urokodaki goes to bed, the Slayer gets out to practice his swings and breathing. As impressive as his skill increase is, his mental state has not changed. If anything, it has worsened. He's remained cooperative but it's like it's against his will. This is very problematic. If the Slayer can't adapt to the mindset needed for Water Breathing: they're wasting their time at that point. It takes a long time for people to just adopt new behaviors. It's not instantaneous. That requires mental training and lots of understanding. If only the man would quit being stubborn and open up. If he was able to talk about what was bothering him, maybe they could sort all this out. Unfortunately, the Hellwalker hasn't spoken since the night Urokodaki got caught crying.
However, it could ultimately boil down to the fact that the Slayer's spirit is not cut out for Water Breathing whatsoever. Regardless, he can't just give up on the Slayer like that. He has to try his best, no matter what, to teach the warrior of legend. He gets up to inform the Slayer he's good to move now. The Slayer excitedly puts his helmet back on and walks towards the old man, waiting for the next thing to do. Urokodaki felt he better be honest with the Slayer to hopefully put the warrior at ease. "I won't lie to you, Hellwalker, I don't think you have the spirit necessary for Water Breathing. There's nothing wrong with that, but it means you'll have to find what works best for you. I would give you a recommendation of my own but I don't know off the top of my head what form would work best for you. Don't fret, I won't give up. I will make sure I teach you everything I know. At the very least, having a basic understanding of the breathing techniques will go a long way for you."
The Slayer growled out of irritation, it felt like all the hard work he put in for the last two weeks was for nothing. Urokodaki placed his hand out gesturing for a handshake as he finished his statement: "That is: if you're still willing." The Slayer took a moment to close his eyes and take in a deep breathe before slowly exhaling to calm himself down. He nods before taking the man's hand and shaking it. Urokodaki comments, "We'll work through this, together, I promise."
Elsewhere, in a place removed from plain sight, inside of a distorted dimension that defies all logic: Muzan remained in front of a group of subordinates. Standing in his usual spot, he had five other demons prostrated before him. These were the lower six ranks of the twelve kizuki he had summoned. Each of them with their own unique abilities, one more powerful than the last. At the moment, the only one missing from the bunch was Lower Moon Five (Aka, Rank 11).
Each of the Twelve Kizuki cowered in fear before their master. It was an unusual event to gather all of the lower ranks in one place. This created a lot of confusion and curiosity amongst the demons as they attempted to sort out what was going on. Muzan had remained quiet thus far, trying to wring out as much suspense as possible as he enjoyed watching others cower in fear of him. As soon as he feels he's had enough he speaks up to his underlings, "I have brought you here for one reason. Listen and listen well, I will not repeat myself. If you even question what I say: you will cease to exist." This got the attention of the demons who were on their best behavior now. They were covered in sweat from the amount of fear consuming them.
"I have but one assignment for you: eliminate the Hellwalker. I have been considering dismantling the lower ranks of the Twelve Kizuki because of how imcompetent you all have been. However, I offer you one last chance to prove your usefulness to me. You all pledged your existence to me, you will do anything in your power for me without question. Therefore, I expect results from each of you. In the events you return with the Hellwalker's head, I will share with you an ample share of my blood. However, if I see you return with no evidence of the Hellwalker's demise, I will kill you myself. That is all I expect of you, you either die by my hands or the Hellwalker's; The choice is yours. I expect unyielding loyalty towards me, do I make myself clear?"
All of the lower ranks responded in unison, "Yes, Master Muzan.", they purposefully kept their minds blank and devoid of questions to avoid catching their master's attention. It was working as it was the only thing keeping them alive.
"As a little bonus: If you manage to kill a boy wearing Hanafuda Earrings: I will give you an extra amount of my blood as a reward. Dismissed." The floor collapsed underneath the Lower Moons, causing them to fall through; It was the work of another demon they couldn't see. They were dropped off at a quiet alley inside of a district area. They each got up and looked at one another.
Lower Rank 6, Kamanue, was the first to speak up. "What the shit?! The Hellwalker's real?!" He is a pale demon with a green tattoo on his face. He has dark, spiky hair tied up in four ponytails with orange tips. He wears a white haori with a button-up shirt underneath, along with dark pants. "Isn't he supposed to be a nothing but a children's fairy tale?!"
Lower Rank 2, Rokuro, responded, "There could be a possibility that he's a demon slayer using the alias of the Hellwalker to scare off the demons." He is an older man with pale skin and black veins going down his body. He has long, dark hair and a jagged beard. He wore simple dark-cyan karate gi.
Lower Rank 4, Mukago, rejected the idea with a shaky tone as she was still feeling the adrenaline flow through her because of Muzan, "If that were the case: why would Master Muzan bring attention to it?" She is a demon with pale, yellow skin and red stripes on her cheeks. She possessed a set of small horns on her head and chin-length white hair. Lastly, she wears a red kimono with a black and white fur collar.
Lower Rank 3, Wakuraba, is a demon with the same skin as the rest but with short, black hair and several scars covering his face. He has a pair of golden earrings and wears a bamboo-colored Yukata. He was listening to what each of them had to say and deduced: "Regardless if he's the real deal or not. This guy's got to be good enough to catch the Master's attention."
Lower Rank 1, Enmu, finally broke his silence, speaking up with a partially aroused tone, "Just imagine all the people he killed. Their screams as they're slaughtered one by one by the Hellwalker. What a privilege it would be to die by his hands." Enmu is a demon with a square pattern going down his cheeks. He has dark, chin-length hair slicked to the right which fades into a red-orange color at the end. His attire consisted of a simple black, button-up coat and pinstriped, gray pants.
Wakuraba looked disgusted at what he heard from Enmu and commented, "You're fucking sick, you know that?"
Rokuro grabbed everyone's attention as he explained, "Listen, if this guy's good enough to catch the Master's attention: We have no choice but to work with each other. I doubt we'll survive otherwise."
Mukago chimed in, expressing her fear, "I get so scared at the thought of facing one of the Hashira. Now we have to fight the Hellwalker?!"
Kamanue was optimistic, however, exclaiming his belief: "Well, guys, think about it like this: The Demon Slayers have only ever encountered one of us at a time. Think about what we could do, together! Alone? Yeah, we're screwed. But if we work together, I'm sure we stand a chance!" All the lower ranks nodded in agreement, heading off together to formulate their plan to defeat the Hellwalker.
Several weeks later…
The Slayer had finally completed his training. At least, everything he could learn. It was confirmed that the Slayer could not learn Water Breathing despite many trials. However, Urokodaki set out to teach him all the breathing forms and all the nuances when it comes to being a demon slayer of this dimension. It was bright in the day and they remained inside of the man's shed. Urokodaki informed the Slayer:
"Your training is complete, there is nothing left for me to teach you. You have done well." The warrior sat across from the old man, untensing his body as he felt a wave of relief wash over him. He was finally done, and he can relax. "A promise is a promise, so I will tell you everything I know when it comes to these demons. The demons of this world are all subordinates to Muzan, the king of all demons. He turns others into demons by pouring his blood into the open wounds of a human. As a result, their blood gets mixed with his and they become a demon. I'm sure you're well aware of what the demons are weak to, so I don't need to give a rundown of that. I will say this though: the more of Muzan's blood that a demon has: the stronger they are and are closer to his strength. If you want to return to your world: finding Muzan is your best shot."
The Slayer exhaled, processing all the information he was hearing. This Muzan probably doesn't hold a candle to the Dark Lord. After all, every demon in existence is a creation of his. How ironic, Muzan probably feels exceptionally egotistical, little does he know: He was created an even more powerful being. Urokodaki continued, "As for finding him: we have nothing. Muzan hasn't been seen for many centuries, but we know he's out there. You'll have to find him on your own." They were interrupted by the sound of a carriage approaching the shed. The Slayer looks to the old man excitedly as Urokodaki responds, "That must be your stuff." They both got up as the warrior rushed through the door to see what was on the other side.
Approaching the shed was a tall, yet skinny man with short, brown hair. His face was obscured with a stylized pink mask with the lips protruding outwards like a whistle. He wears a long, white robe with a black shirt underneath and sandals to go with his attire. He trudged forward one step at a time as he hauled a massive carriage behind him. He stopped once he was in front of the shed, exhaling greatly as he was very exhausted from dragging the cart along.
The Slayer and Urokodaki looked to one another before turning their attention back to the man. Sakonji tried to speak up but was cut off by the young man who exploded with life as he raised his finger to grab their attention. He reaches into the cart and pulls out a sheathed sword. He zooms in front of the Slayer and presents the blade, speaking with a voice full energy, "PLEASE TRY OUT MY SWORD, I WORKED VERY HARD ON IT! You see, I haven't been given the chance to work on a blade recently! So, when I got the call that I needed to craft a blade: I got to work!"
Urokodaki asks the young man, "I don't recognize you, are you new?".
"Yes, I am! My name is Koto Sagetsu! Now enough about me, I want to see what you think of the blade! Come on! Open it, already! My excitement's been killing me! It's like waiting for a birthday present I'm not allowed to open!" The Slayer grabbed ahold of the handle and slowly removed the blade from its sheath. Once the blade was exposed to the elements: it changed in color. It's metallic gray color was replaced with a mahogany red.
Urokodaki was surprised to see the color, stating, "I've never seen that color for a sword before."
Sagetsu was very quick to chime in as he was borderline screaming, "IT'S SO COOL, ISN'T IT?!" The Slayer looks to the old man for an explanation. He understood right away and explains:
"The sword's color changes in correspondence to the spirit of its wielder. In this case, it changed to this shade of red in response to your spirit. That's strange though, I've never seen this color before so I don't have anything to say on it. Each color usually represents something but in this case: I got nothing, it's a mystery to me."
The Slayer extended his arm blade, pressing a switch to unhinged the blade from its socket. He removes the blade before giving it to Urokodaki. Both men watched in awe as the warrior used his fingers to measure out the Nichirin blade. Once he found his proper measurement: He snapped the sword in two. Upon seeing this, Sagestu exploded into a wild rage as he unleashed a powerful cry. He rushes to the nearest tree and proceeds to slam his head into it multiple times while shouting, "DAMN IT! MY BLADE WAS SO SHIT THAT HE BROKE IT! DAMN IT ALL! I'M SUCH A TERRIBLE SWORDSMITH!"
Urokodaki placed his hand on the man's shoulder and gestured for him to pay attention to the Slayer. Stopping momentarily, they watched as the Slayer inserted the Nichirin Blade into his arm blade socket and pressed the same switch. He retracted the blade back and forth several times to test if it works. Sagetsu still cried out furiously, "THAT DOESN'T CHANGE SHIT! MY BLADE WASN'T WORTH KEEPING AS A WHOLE. IT WAS SO BAD HE PREFERRED IT BROKEN!"
The Slayer walked up to them both, waiting for the skinny man to pipe down. Urokodaki points towards the carriage and says, "The other thing you requested should be in there." The warrior nods and makes his way over to the carriage. Inside it, he notices a very long, metal chain neatly wrapped in a circle. He reaches in for the long chain, grabbing it by its end and lifting it up. It was incredibly long, but it was exactly what he needed. He went to work as he wrapped the chain around his right forearm. It took a minute of wrapping around before he got to the other end which had a large hook.
Ancient Gods Opening by David Levy
Urokodaki requests, "I suggest you let this good man, here, have a good look at your blade. With any success, he may be able to fully sharpen it. It will be a beneficial experience for you both. What do you say?" The Slayer nods in approval, getting ready to leave before a medium-sized rock dropped in front of him, there was a letter attached to it. As the Slayer reaches for the letter, a bearded vulture lands in front of him, staring down the Slayer in an attempt to intimidate him. Urokodaki approached the man and took the letter, opting to read it for the Slayer.
It was a personal letter from the leader of the Demon Slayers, Kagaya Ubuyashiki. He explains that he wishes to aid the Hellwalker in his pursuit to kill demons. Therefore, he took the liberty of assigning the Slayer his own Kasugai Crow which is the primary source of relaying information for the Demon Slayers. Kagaya prepared a special bird for the Slayer. One he saw fit for the role as the Hellwalker's companion. He wanted a more aggressive bird to match the Slayer. However, he did warn that it may be too aggressive and it will take time for it to open up to other people, it usually attacks anyone that gets too close.
The Slayer looks to the vulture who remained on guard. He stomps over to the bird who spreads its wings in preparation to attack. Once he got close enough, the bird attempted to strike, but the Slayer got a firm grip on the creature, stopping it.. He forcibly perched the vulture on his arm and let go. This left the vulture wide-eyed as it just got man-handled by the Hellwalker. The vulture responds with a high-pitched squeak, "There are demons to the North. Eliminate them."
The Doom Slayer made his way out, leaving the old man and Sagetsu behind. Urokodaki raised his voice for the Slayer to hear, "Great Hellwalker, continue to hone your skills and discover your own breathing style. You know what you must do: Kill all the demons, and find Muzan."
The Slayer has remained dormant for far too long. He has gone a very lengthy amount of time without ripping and tearing. No more, the Slayer's time in this world was now, and they better be ready.
Doom x Demon Slayer
