Hinokami's Blessing Chapter 6, a kimetsu no yaiba/鬼滅の刃 fanfic

Hinokami's Blessing

Chapter 6

12Thirtypain03

WARNING: This story is rated M for mature rated content. If some acts of violence, blood, or anything easily triggering makes you uncomfortable, please leave and do not read. Any change to a character, when introduced, killed, changed into demon/human, or more will be labelled in the chapter of occurrence. If a character has died in a chapter, that chapter will give a cause of death to that character.

Tanjirou's POV

The Hinokami Kagura has been performed for many generations prior to Tanjirou himself. He was taught by the dance by his own father.

Even when his father's body was weakening, Tanjurou was still able to perform the Hinkami Kagura. And as Tanjirou himself learned, he would practice a month from his father, so that hr was able to perform it properly in the New Years ritual.

He was thankful for his father's which as his body danced, he felt a sense of peace, and when he was 10 years old, he had learned it mostly.

He says mostly because there were some moments where he would prematurely collapse before the intended time. But for Tanjirou, it all was worth it.

His movements were fluid, and he felt the energy coursing through his veins. He felt the warm glow around his body as he performed the dance, colliding with the cold, natural wind that was blowing currently, and Tanjirou was protected from the coldest and cruelest of nature's element.

He roared in the fire, the yellow-orange flames surrounding him, much more than what he recognized, but it did not burn him. It did not harm him, it emboldened him.

The flames were flickering and dancing, casting its warm glow over Tanjirou's body, which Makomo was easily able to see. Whilst it was purely visual, the bodily motions Tanjirou had shown and performed was enough to let anyone know how complex it was.

Especially considering the sake of Nezuko, Tanjirou knew he had to perform to the best of his ability, especially when he was going to continue doing this until Nezuko would wake up.

One thing Tanjirou noticed as he danced, was his lack of tiredness. While this was something he expected when everything was going well. While before, Tanjirou would struggle a bit to get his breathing in tact, whilst dancing smoothly, he was noticing he was having a easier time for once,

"This is strange, Normally, I would have to take deeo breaths, but by using this particular breathing, I don't need to do that. It makes me performing my movements much easier…" Tanjirou analyzed, clearly surprised.

"Is perhaps the training for constant breathing actually helping me performing the Hinokami Kagura?" Tanjirou asked himself.

Regardless, he couldn't think too much, as he was focused on the dance. Regardless of the questions he had, it mattered very little to him, for all he cared about was bringing Nezuko back, to wake her up.

"I promised Nezuko and the Hinokami I would do this everyday, so I mustn't give up now!" Tanjirou mumbled to himself.

Unbeknost to them, Makomo was observing him carefully, noting the resemblance to some breathing techniques.

"Perhaps it's just what I assumed…" Makoma mumbled, but for now she decided to let Tanjirou do what he wanted to do.

Once Tanjirou finally finished, he took a sigh of relief. However, in spite of this, he did not find himself as tired as he usually was. While his body was sore, that was it.

Tanjirou sighed, as he gave a small smile, "I hope you wake up soon, Nezuko."

Once Tanjirou finished, he noticed Makomo staring at him.

"Well, that certainly is interesting." Makomo explained, "I did notice something, however."

"And what is that?" Tanjirou asked.

"I've noticed there's a small little error in your breathing technique, especially when you are trying to amplify your movements." Makomo revealed.

"What?" Tanjirou asked, not getting it.

"Well, usually when you are using a breathing style, you need to breathe a certain way. As I noticed you performing your dance, you were telling me how you have to breathe a certain way to properly be able to perform the move to the best of your abilities." Makomo explained, as the two remained seated.

"I see… So are you saying, my breathing is not perfectly adapted to the dance. Likewise, it may not be adapted to Water Breathing." Tanjirou asked.

"Yes. I'd say, perform the Hinokami Kagura more to strengthen and properly use your breathing constant. With time, you may be able to use Water Breathing without suffering the side effects. Who knows, maybe it'll be more powerful than Nezuko's." Makomo answered.

"Alright!" Tanjirou exclaimed, clearly happy about everything. He had a chance to properly perform the breathing style, and perhaps even beat Sabito finally.

With, and making sure he was inside once he noticed the sun was rising, he began to properly plan everything, all the while maintaining his breathing constant.

And so, Tanjirou performed the Hinokami Kagura every day. He did not care how much it hurt him. He did not care how much it tired him. He did not care. He didn't even care if it helped him get up the ranks. All he did this for, was for his sister. To pray to the Sun God that his sister would wake up.

Some way see this as a violation of the family tradition, but Tanjirou didn't understand why he just didn't do it whenever. He was performing the dance much more for the Sun God.

And so, the next day he did the same thing.

And then the next day.

The next day.

The fifth day, he was tired, starving, and out of energy. He was surprised he had lasted this long, but he was abolsutely beat.

"It's no use… Without this, I'm not sleeping, and regaining any energy…" Tanjirou mumbled, clearly tried after he performed the Hinokami Kagura.

As he tiredly made his way around the Urokodaki house, he was breathing heavily.

"Tanjirou?" Urokodaki looked towards the tired boy, "Why haven't you been sleeping?"

Tanjirou looked down, "I want to make sure Nezuko wakes up."

"Eh?"

"I was performing my dance to the Sun God, to pray for Nezuko's recovery." Tanjirou explained.

"Ah, right, you mentioned this to me." Urokodaki responded, "But that doesn't mean you shouldn't sleep."

Tanjirou sighed, "To be honest…"

"I'm afraid I'll fall into a coma, like Nezuko. I worry that if I sleep, I may not wake up for a long time, or ever…" Tanjirou revealed.

Urokodaki sighed, "Well then. You have to understand something."

"What?"

"You and Nezuko are both demons." Urokodaki explained, "For a time, there was only one method known for demon's to regain their energy."

"What is it?" Tanjirou asked.

"Eating human flesh and blood are the usual ways demons survive and gain energy." Urokodaki explained.

Tanjirou gave a sound of oh, clearly saddened by this.

"However, that was, until both you and Nezuko showed up." Urokodaki revealed. "It appears some demons can regain their energy through sleeping."

"I see…"

"Yeah, in a sense, it is less sufficient for demons than that of human flesh, however what I've learned about both the human body, and for demons, are how adaptable they are." Urokodaki explained.

"Adaptible?" Tanjirou asked.

"Yes, the ability to change one's own body and lifestyle to manage and thrive in a different environment. Both you and Nezuko may have been able to adapt your body to gather energy through sleeping." Urokodaki explained.

Tanjirou was thinking hard about this. Perhaps he could find a way to adapt his body to find a better way to regain energy than just sleeping, or even…

Tanjirou was looking around, before he noticed the load of bread on the nearby counter.

"Can demon eat food?" Tanjirou asked.

Urokodaki shook his head, "No, they're digestive systems are only able to eat those of human flesh and blood. Regular foods will make them vomit it out."

Tanjirou looked at the loaf of bread, deciding against Urokodaki's statement, and chose to gulp the bread down.

Urokodaki looked at Tanjirou, a bit anxious about what Tanjirou was about to do.

Tanjirou, for his part, forced the break down his mouth, ignoring the feeling of wanting to vomit. Urokodaki was not joking. Tanjirou really wanted to throw up from the food. Despite this, Tanjirou continued to keep the food inside him.

Urokodaki looked a bit intrigued, but remained quite. "Very well, if this is what want to do, then I shall support you."

"Really? Why?" Tanjirou asked.

"Well, I certainly cannot let you eat other people to regain energy. If this is a possible way for you to regain your energy, then I and the rest of humanity will immensely rather that." Urokodaki explained

Tanjirou smiled, hugging Urokodaki, hugging him, before he belched. "Excuse me…"

And when Tanjirou went out, to throw up the loaf of bread he hate, they both knew a lot of work needed to be done for this to go well.

By the next week, Tanjirou's own body was at its most strained. He thought the side effects from water breathing was bad enough, but this was something else. His body felt depleted, almost to the point of exhaustion. It was getting to the point where his demonic instincts were coming into effect. He started salivating, whenever near Urokodaki, and Tanjirou knew this.

Still, he held back, holding his instincts and trying to retain everything about being a human, the most he could. Tanjirou was human. He was a human, and he would get through this.

Instead, he rushed to the kitchen and stuffed his mouth with fruits and vegetables. A since watermelon peel, or even a small cracker, anything that was human food, he would eat. He just wouldn't eat the flesh of human.

He couldn't sleep much, because he needed to train his breathing. His breathing, with the help of Makomo, was undergoing huge stress. Considering the body depended on oxygen, the smallest change to someone breathing could cause a large strain on the body, and it seems for Tanjirou, he was no different.

Despite this, he was beginning to retain his constant breathing technique. Apparently, Giyu had been the one to tell him to perform this, and was something only the strongest demon slayers could use. Therefore, it explained why Tanjirou was having quite the difficult time in performing in.

In fact, the longest he could perform it was whenever he was performing the Hinokami Kagura. That was the time, his breathing felt the most at peace and at its peak. Even then, he was still getting a bit fatigued, and a bit of pain in his chest. Considering Makomo said he had to alter his breathing a bit to match and properly adapt to Hinokami Kagura to the best of his abilities, it made sense.

The next day, when Tanjirou performed a water breathing technique, he was shocked.

Water Breathing, Second Form: Water Wheel

Tanjirou spun his body, leaping it and performing a single, vertical slash in a circular motion. Once he completed, to his shock, the strain he usually felt after using a breathing form, was less.

Granted taken, it was still there, but it was bearable, and Tanjirou was excited. Even if the strain was there, Tanjirou was finally making some improvements as he was now able to perhaps perform a bit more without needing to recuperate.

If he continued this, he could maybe, and actually rise the ranks alongside his sister.

By the second week, Tanjirou had continued to dance the Hinokami Kagura, retaining his promise, that he would dance for twelve hours everyday until Nezuko woke up.

Makomo was always there to watch, observing the improvements Tanjirou was making. Whilst to the naked eye, if may seem nonexistent, to the demon slayers, she was able to notice how Tanjirou's breathing style had improved. She noticed he underwent less fatigue, and less strain.

The same could have been said with him performing water breathing.

Tanjirou, whilst still undergoing the training, and using water breathing underwent some small strain, it was bearable for him, and thus was able to use them a lot better.

The only problem was learning the other water breathing moves, but it was something he could manage. He was now elevating his training, and may be able to reach Nezuko's level when she hopefully wakes up.

As for his eating, Tanjirou, to Urokodaki's shock, Tanjirou was managing to maintain the food in his stomach. It was difficult for Tanjirou, and Urokodaki could smell the uncomfortable yet strong will Tanjirou had to maintaining and keeping the food under his stomach.

There were times when Tanjirou felt like throwing up, and times when he could manage and focus on something else.

For now, Tanjirou was making progress in his training, more than he made for the longest time.

And his brief tussles with Sabito proved it.

Even Sabito had given him some praise in his improvement, mainly in his ability to tie the moves together.

However, the main sign of improvement from Tanjirou, or rather interesting development came in the form of Tanjirou's breathing.

By the third week, Tanjirou was successful in his Hinokami Kagura, perhaps the three weeks Tanjirou had done with his training regimen was allowing him to adapt to the ruthless strain it put on his body, or that even his demonic body was helping his matter, he did not know.

All he did know, was that the breathing technique and form he was now using, was benefitting both his Hinokami Kagura, and water breathing.

Maybe Makomo was right, maybe he could create a sword technique with the Hinokami Kagura.

But then again, he was told of many stories of how people could use different aspects of their style and incorporate it into a breathing style.

As for Urokodaki and Tanjirou, they had made some progress in getting Tanjirou to eat proper human food. Regardless of how Tanjirou felt, the food was helping him regain energy, and even the times when he vomited, some of the contents were missing, indicating that his body was digesting the food, albeit slowly.

The hopeful idea, was that with time, Tanjirou's body would be able to adapt and eventually digest human food as well as any normal human. But it would take a while. No other demon has been confirmed to being able to eat human food before, and so they were trying something unthinkable. Not just to the nature of demons, but also to everyone's perceptions of them.

"It seems you are capable of digesting the food, Tanjirou." Urokodaki explained.

"I know, I may actually be able to live a mostly human life again…" Tanjirou smiled, glad at the progress he was rapidly making.

"I've also heard from your practicing that, you are able to perform water breathing better, without much strain, is that right?" Urokodaki asked.

"Yes actually! And I found the reason! You and Giyu were both right, my breathing technique has some small errors in them that was making it very difficult to perform water breathing with!" Tanjirou explained.

"Well, I'm glad you are able to use it better and flow it together." Urokodaki commented afterwards.

"I know, and I think the Hinokami Kagura is helping me with my breathing!" Tanjirou explained, happly.

"This Hinokami Kagura, why exactly is it significant, in helping you breathe?" Urokodaki asked.

Tanjirou smiled, "Well, I've learned it since I was 6, and father always used to say that you need to properly breathe a certain way to be able to dance until sunrise. It's just when I was being taught to learn Water Breathing, it reminded me of that, and so I started incorporating both to help the other."

On the end of the mask, it seemed Urokodaki remained the same. However, Urokodaki was pondering.

"Perhaps I should look at you dance tomorrow." Urokodaki responded.

Tanjirou looked rather shocked that Urokodaki was willing to watch the Hinokami Kagura, but considering everything, he guess he could allow it.

After all, he has miraculously been doing it for over three weeks now.

"Uh, Tanjirou you can't do it now, though." Urokodaki pulled Tanjirou away preventing him from going outside.

"Oh right, I forgot…" Tanjirou mumbled, very sad that he was unable to go out.

After waiting for the sun to set, Tanjirou began to dance, this time with another audience, being Urokodaki.

As what he said, he wanted to watch and observe the dance Tanjirou was going to do.

To say he was shocked was exactly what could be said.

It seemed like a breathing style, and considering Urokodaki himself was a former pillar, it held a lot of weight.

"This kid. Is this what Giyu meant by seeing the breathing technique?" Urokodaki asked himself, clearly observing some notable sword-like movements incorporated in the dance.

And so, while Tanjirou danced, Urokodaki decided to do some planning. After seeing the dance, Urokodaki knew that what Tanjirou was doing the entire time was some form of a breathing style. Perhaps a long lost one that perhaps was sent down from his ancestors, he was unsure.

What he did know however, was that this was the breathing style Tanjirou was more adapted to use. If he had been dancing like this since he was 6 years old, no doubt would it just be a matter of properly adapting the movements to incorporate them into sword strikes, would he finally be able to perform a breathing style.

"So, he's been doing this since he was six, and those flames surrounding him. No doubt are those the flames of a breathing technique. Perhaps it's similar to flame breathing?" Urokodaki thought.

But alas, he didn't know. What he did know instead, was instead to switch the breathing style Tanjirou would use.

Once Tanjirou finally finished, he went inside, as the sun was rising. To Urokodaki's surprise, he was mostly strained and a bit exhausted, but not on the ground. It seems that dance still gave him some strain. For now, Urokodaki knew what to do.

"Tanjirou." Urokodaki called out to him.

"Yes?" Tanjirou answered back.

"It seems that this dance of yours, it has quite the sword techniques you could use to help you slay demons." Urokodaki explained.

"I guess… I've kind of had a nagging thought about it. I mean, why would I use a dancing ritual to help me slay demons?" Tanjirou asked.

"That's the thing, I can see some sword techniques within the dance, and I think with some small improvements, we can incorporate your dance into the breathing style." Urokodaki revealed.

At that, Tanjirou's eyes widened, "You want me to use the Hinokami Kagura as a sword style?"

"Yes, perhaps this is more meant for your body." Urokodaki explained.

"But, I now can do the Water Breathing just fine, I've gotten my breathing style under control, why would I learn a new breathing style now?" Tanjirou asked.

"You may be able to do it, but I feel that this Hinokami Kagura would be more suited is all. It is your choice if you want, but I think try and use the Hinokami into your sword moves." Urokodaki explained.

"Alright, I'll think about it…" Tanjirou mumbled, as he then noticed Urokodaki was bringing back some small foods for him to eat.

Tanjirou gulped. Even if it's been almost a month, he still struggled to eat a bit. It was quite a struggle, but it was something he would do.

"How is it?" Urokodaki asked.

"Mostly fine, I feel a bit nauseous when I eat it, but I can keep it down." Tanjirou explained.

"Once again, that is progress. But keep in mind everything, alright?" Urokodaki responded, and Tanjirou nodded before he went to sleep, a reward for everything he has done for almost a month.

Urokodaki looked on, seeing the constant breathing he had told Tanjirou to do, he was now performing in his sleep.

Urokodaki silently congratulated Tanjirou, before he went on his way.

When Tanjirou got up for the multitude of time, he was thankful yet again it was only a couple of hours, and not weeks or months. He looked at the sleeping figure of Nezuko, and rubbed her face gently, making sure to clean her up.

Even if his sister was sleeping, he would do everything to take care of her.

Once he finished, he then went up. It was a bit early, but because of the winter time, the sun would set much earlier this time.

Tanjirou took the time to properly think as he was contemplating everything.

After managing to properly figure everything out in his thoughts, he began to ponder everything. In particular, the dance and incorporating it into a sword style.

"Should I actually do that?" Tanjirou asked himself, "I already am making progress on water breathing…"

Tanjirou sighed, as he decided to once eventually he completed the ten forms of water breathing, he would then start training the Hinokami Kagura. The main problem with that, however, was Urokodaki would be unable to teach him that. That was something Tanjirou had to do self-made, on his own.

So, if there was an existing breathing style that used this, he would probably be doing it wrong, or be making up his own moves.

In the meantime, Tanjirou looked on. By his desk remained a scroll and book that he had been keeping there. It remained alongside the contents of his father's belongings that he took with him. Therefore, he was looking into it.

Once he opened the book, his mind was shocked.

"Wait. What?!" Tanjirou mumbled to himself as he read the contents of the book.

Our ancestors, having met with someone whom described themselves as a sword practitioner became friends with a member of our family back then. Through tragic means, both lost their wives, and were forced to raise their children alone. Eventually, both children grew up, and married, interconnecting our bloods together. Our ancestor wanted to retain their sword style in the population, and so the tradition was that the eldest brother would dance, a ritual incorporated from a sword style, to help protect from the bad and threats the world had to offer. To give the strength to protect our family, and the strength of wisdom, and calamity.

Tanjirou continued to read the script, as he was learning some new things. His father had prohibited him from reading the book until he died, and now Tanjirou felt it was right to look at the book.

It was a mere coincidence, somewhat that it held significance to the dance Tanjirou committed to. He had a gnawing feeling about it, and with the book being labeled the origins of the Hinokami Kagura, it gave Tanjirou a better understanding.

Apparently, this was relating back to the story that his father had told him about.

"So the demon attack, they probably defended themselves by using the Hinokami Kagura…" Tanjirou hypothesized. It wasn't necessarily mentioned in the book, but considering everything he was learning, he was confident about that statement.

"Wait… There!" Tanjirou looked near the end of the book to find some description of what appears to be some breathing styles.

"So these are the sword techniques?" Tanjirou thought, as he read through all 13 forms possible.

Immediately, Tanjirou could remember himself performing some of these moves during the dance, as they were all used to contribute in the dance.

"Perhaps using the dance may make it easier for me to perform the techniques! Maybe there is a purpose for using it…" Tanjirou mumbled to himself, as he was thinking about the possibilities.

Before he could think however, he had to focus on the Hinokami Kagura, as what he was to do this until Nezuko woke up. He would.

Perhaps after, if he had a bit of time, he would try to learn it.

And that's what he did. He focused on everything. Once he finished the Hinokami Kagura, he continued, trying to incorporate it into his sword style.

It was more difficult than he anticipated, however, he was able to make improvements.

He sighed, as he quickly went to get some food. He was able to keep it down, but he would have to rest immediately after to avoid throwing up. Tanjiou was a bit upset he had to do this, but it was what he expected. He was making progress, and that's all that mattered.

Urokodaki, for his part looked pleased, behind his mask, as Tanjirou was telling him the progress me was making.

Once a month passed by, he was able to consume and eat the food, albeit needing half an hour of rest to make sure he didn't throw up.

He was finalizing the ten forms of Water Breathing properly, was able to use total concentration constant most of the time, and by using the Hinokami Kagura, he was now training to use it in sword fighting.

It was the most improvements and progress he had made within the whole time he was here, and he was glad he was catching up. He did feel a bit guilty that Nezuko would wake up and maybe see her brother having made so many improvements. However, he himself needed to do this if he wanted to be able to protect her.

But then again, this is, if Nezuko manages to wake up.

As Tanjirou continued in his journey, he was developing a sense of dread. He was nervous for his future, considering he was a demon.

While he had not really thought about it now, he was beginning to take into an account that he was in fact a demon. Despite being able to eat human food, and retain his thoughts, he was unfortunately unable to stand out in the sun. He was unable to do a human thing and that was explore.

Because he was a demon, he was stuck in one place.

It sucked, but it was something he had to live with.

In the meantime, Tanjirou had to focus on living, and hoping Nezuko would wake up.

By the time the next month rolled around, Tanjirou had managed to perform a breathing style, a new one.

Hinokami Kagura, Twelfth Form, Flame Dance

Tanjirou, with a deep breathe began to vertically slash a wooden doll, before following it up with a horizontal slash, slicing the small wooden cylinder cleanly.

Tanjirou smiled, happy at his progress.

The next month flew by, and he continued everything.

He practiced water breathing, able to do the ten forms finally. He practiced eating human foods, being able to mostly digest it, and he was now practicing the Hinokami Kagura with a sword.

And as for the dance, he continued. Nezuko still had not woken up yet, and so he continued.

For Tanjirou, the sun was beginning to annoy him, and he began to wish for days of rain or cloudy days, as it prevented Tanjirou from burning up.

He had unfortunately received the first bout of burns from the sun after overextending himself in his training. He really had to be careful when the sun was near.

Tanjirou continued regardless.

Hinokami Kagura, First Form, Dance

Tanjirou merely performed a downward vertical slash by arcing, yet again slicing a small wooden frame he had built. Tanjirou was smiling. He was so close, and he knew it.

"Seems you are willing to fight again, huh?" Tanjirou turned around and faced Sabito.

"Yes." Was all Tanjirou responded.

"Don't act like you can surprise me. Makomo and I have witnessed everything you've done. The progress, the breathing, I've also heard you've been practicing another breathing style?" Sabito causally asked.

"Yes." Tanjirou responded in kind, "And while I may be using the Hinokami Kagura to train right now, with the plan to gain another breathing style to use, that is currently third to my main priorities."

"And what are they?" Sabito asked, sword raised.

"The first is to dance to the fire god in hopes my sister awakens. And the second." Tanjirou looked at Sabito right in the eyes of his mask, "Is to defeat you."

Sabito looked a bit amused, "Couldn't even make me your first priority huh? Guess family is close for a reason."

"Sorry Sabito, but my sister comes before you all." Tanjirou explained, "But that doesn't mean I'll neglect you compared to that." Tanjirou eyed Sabito, "I will beat you, today."

Sabito merely looked unimpressed. Regardless, he did knew Tanjirou was improving, and so their fight would be more fair.

Almost immediately, Tanjirou charged towards Sabito, taking the charge.

Water Breathing, Sixth Form: Whirlpool

Tanjirou swung his body as fast as he could to strike Sabito to his side. However Sabito back stepped. Tanjirou continued to swing beyond a 360 angle, adjusting his own orientation to strike in a more vertical fashion.

Water Breathing, Second Form: Water Wheel

Striking downward, Tanjirou sent his sword down towards Sabito, who dodged raising his blade to block any residue from Tanjirou's strikes.

Sabito eyed Tanjirou, and noticed he did not show the same signs of strains as last time.

"Seems he's managed to eliminate the issue of strain, respectable." Sabito commented as he observed, before he too charged alongside Tanjirou to get in the fray.

Water Beathing, Seventh Form: Drop Ripple Thrust

Aiming directly for Tanjirou's eye, Sabito charged forward as fast as he could to stab Tanjirou in the eye. Tanjirou saw this coming, and quickly adapted. Twitching his head to the left, he gripped his sword.

Water Breathing, Ninth Form: Splashing Water Flow, Turbulent

Tanjirou lashed out, running out the distance, with each footwork making a splashing sound as he made the distance. Once far, he gathered the strength, and went for his own strike towards Sabito.

Sabito did his best to dodge, but noticed the sword was a mere centimeter away from his arm.

"That speed…" Sabito mumbled as he quickly used the close distance to make use of it.

Water Breathing, Seventh Form, Drop Ripple Thrust

"Shit!" Tanjirou mumbled as he knew the sheer quickness of the move would make it difficult to dodge.

"Doesn't matter! I need to end this here!" Tanjirou exclaimed to himself. The remants of his previous breathing technique was still there, and so he flowed.

He did what he did best. He danced.

He danced across Sabito's attack, gracefully and doing his best to pinpoint the proper thread. He could smell the apprehension from Sabito, but he remained calm. He was breathing properly, and he felt powerful.

Sabito could tell the change in tone from Tanjirou, and even he was midly shocked.

"What's this? Why's his battle spirit dropping?" Sabito asked himself, as this was making it more difficult to tell what Tanjirou was doing.

Tanjirou took the time. "Now! While he's confused! Use your breathing to increase your speed! Push the limits!" Tanjirou yelled to himself.

Water Breathing, Third Form, Flowing Dance

Tanjirou closed the distance from Sabito, as he was using his breathing to go as fast as he could. He was managing to get closer to Sabito before he could dodge, and Tanjirou knew he had to take the chance now.

"This is it!" Tanjirou exclaimed to himself, as he swung his sword in a sideway motion.

Just before he swung his sword, he made sure to keep the sword a distance from hitting Sabito's face deeply. He was going to at least snap the mask off Sabito.

As he swung his sword, he noticed the thread. He coul smell the threads, and he used it.

"There's the thread!" Tanjirou exclaimed to himself as he made the motion.

Upon the motion being done, Tanjirou could see the results of his actions.

Looking straight at Sabito, his face was shocked at what he saw.

He saw the sad smile of Sabito. A smile filled with pain and agony, but also of worrisome.

"What…" Tanjirou mumbled, clearly confused.

Makomo, who was looking at the background also shared the same, sad smile.

"What's going on…" Tanjirou mumbled.

Sabito was a boy, with a noticeably large scare running from the right side of his face to the right side of his lip.

"Good job, Tanjirou." Sabito smiled after a bit. "You won against me."

Makomo, who ran to hug Tanjirou, then added onto Sabito's own statements. "Win against them too. For us."

"Win against who?" Tanjirou asked, clearly confused.

However, to his shock. He saw both Sabito and Makomo disappear.

"What the…" Tanjirou mumbled.

However, before he could ask more, he looked with his eyes.

What Tanjirou noticed, was that he did not cut through Sabito's mask, but rather, he broke through the boulder.

"I did it…" Tanjirou mumbled, clearly shocked at his finality. The true extent of what he was capable of, was now showing.

The boulder, he managed to cut through, finally.

After three and a half months of training, the same time Nezuko fell asleep, Tanjirou had finally managed to catch up to her.

"I did it!" Tanjirou exclaimed proudly.

However, before he could celebrate more, he heard and smelled something.

He heard a door form Urokodaki's house open, but the smell was different. Immediately, Tanjirou ran to make sure it wasn't a demon.

But when he got there.

There was a demon, awake, and alive.

And it was his sister, Nezuko Kamado.

Tanjirou couldn't believe it. After three and a half months of nonstop Hinokami Kagura dancing, training to perform water breathing, battling Sabito, trying to eat normal human food, and everything else.

Nezuko, was finally awake.

"Nezuko!" Tanjirou exclaimed in shock as he hugged his now awake sister tightly. It was a bittersweet moment, as Urokodaki, was already out, having observed Tanjirou's progress.

He saw the cut boulder on Tanjirou's end, and his face, with a mask, gave a smell of distress.

"He finally did it. They both finally did…" Urokodaki thought. "I guess it's time to tell Giyu to activate their next test."

However, he heard Tanjirou crying. Quickly running, he saw Tanjirou hugging his now awake sister, who was hugging back.

Urokodaki walked closely up to them, and brought the two of the close.

"Good job, Tanjjrou, you finally broke the boulder." Urokodaki praised Tanjirou.

"I did…" Tanjirou mumbled, smiling, "I did!"

However, that wasn't the only thing they had to celebrate about. Tanjirou had manage to compete and beat Sabito. He was able to do everything that his sister had done before she fell asleep.

"Why did you fall asleep for so long!" Tanjirou cried in Nezuko's shoulders as he was looking to make sure nothing was wrong with her.

Urokodaki looked at the scene, clearly letting the siblings have their moment. He had no reason yet to annoy and interrupt them.

Considered, this gave him some time to think about the future of these two. No doubt were they now eligible, having completed Urokodaki's training, that he tried to make harder, in a matter of nine months.

And so, Urokodaki was a bit suspicious of letting them go. But regardless, seeing the two siblings, kind of looked human.

"We brought a doctor and they said they didn't know when you would wake up!" Tanjirou exclaimed, clearly letting everything out.

Urokodaki could see. The boy had worked so hard while his sister slept, just to make sure he was ready for her when she woke up.

Now, he was more than ready. They both were, and that was all that mattered right now. Nezuko was alive, Tanjirou had managed to learn the breathing styles, fixing his straining issue, and was now ready to undergo the next stage of their training.

But still, there were some obvious questions that needed to be answered, before the two were let off to fight demons. They were especially a risk due to them being demons, to both demon slayers and demons.

They would be hated and feared by both. Maybe they didn't care, but it would make their entire life difficult now.

Urokodaki looked a bit apprehensive, but he did tell them the truth/

"They did manage to complete their training, and so I will follow through with this."

Before Urokodaki and Tanjirou could move inside the house, something unexpected happened.

"What happened…?" That voice, very feminine, could not have come from Tanjirou nor Urokodaki. The two of them looked at each other in confusion, before turning their head to Nezuko, who was confused.

"Why are you worried for me, brother?" Nezuko asked.

Urokodaki and Tanjirou both were shocked, that Nezuko was talking again.

A.N / So much has happened in this chapter, and it was somewhat difficult writing everything. This was probably the most action packed I've made so far. There'll definitely be much more. As for Nezuko, she will retain everything she was capable of before she fell asleep for months, instead of the 2 years in the training.

As for Tanjirou, while he will know the Hinokami Kagura right now, he won't be using it now. For now, they both manage to cut the boulder, and thus will now be onto their next training part. It won't be anything major, and Tanjirou and Nezuko will eventually be on their way towards demon slaying.

Just right now, there's obviously some small problems due to the both of them being demons. This is final, but Makomo and Sabito are confirmed dead, whilst Kanae is confirmed to be alive. It's the overall plot and context of this story that'll make it different from the canonical manga. This story will eventually be branch out to its own unique plots, and arcs. Because there are parts of the canon story I don't like. Don't get me wrong, I like Demon Slayer.

Character Profile:

Tanjirou Kamado: Male, 15 years old.

- Status, Alive, Demon

- Height: 5'5" (165cm)

- Weight: 140 Ibs

Nezuko Kamado: Female, 13 years old.

- Status: Alive, Demon

- Height: 5'2" (157cm)

- Weight: 110 Ibs

Abilities: Breathing Styles

Tanjirou Kamado:

Water Breathing, First Form: Water Surface Slash

Water Breathing, Second Form: Water Wheel

Water Breathing, Third Form: Flowing Dance

Water Breathing, Fourth Form: Striking Tide

Water Breathing, Fifth Form: Blessed Rain After the Drought

Water Breathing, Sixth Form: Whirlpool

Water Breathing, Seventh Form: Drop Ripple Thrust

Water Breathing, Eighth Form: Waterfall Basin

Water Breathing, Ninth Form: Splashing Water Flow, Turbulent

Water Breathing, Tenth Form: Constant Flux

Hinokami Kagura, First Form: Dance

Hinokami Kagura, Second Form: Clear Blue Sky

Hinokami Kagura, Third Form: Raging Sun

Hinokami Kagura, Fourth Form: Burning Bones, Summer Sun

Hinokami Kagura, Fifth Form: Setting Sun Transformation

Hinokami Kagura, Sixth Form: Solar Heat Haze

Hinokami Kagura, Seventh Form: Beneficent Radiance

Hinokami Kagura, Eighth Form: Sunflower Thrust

Hinokami Kagura, Ninth Form: Dragon Sun Halo Head Dance

Hinokami Kagura, Tenth Form: Fire Wheel

Hinokami Kagura, Eleventh Form: Fake Rainbow

Hinohami Kagura, Twelfth Form: Flame Dance

Nezuko Kamado: