The Dancing Star
Chapter 9
12Thirtypain03
WARNING: This story is rated M for mature-rated content. If some acts of violence, blood, or anything easily triggering make you uncomfortable, please leave and do not read. Any change to a character, when introduced, killed, changed into a demon/human, or more will be labeled in the chapter of occurrence. If a character has died in a chapter, that chapter will give a cause of death to that character.
Urokodaki's House
It had been a couple of days since Tanjirou and Nezuko had been given the task to swim against a river current.
And whilst the next day they were able to reach the completion line, having successfully swam against the current, Urokodaki had another plan for them.
*pant* *pant* *pant*…
Tanjirou wanted to collapse. It took him numerous tries, but he had finally managed to pass or at least make progress in this newer, more strenuous version of Urokodaki's training.
As if trying to swing against a river current to a complete line, Urokodaki had instead made it so that Tanjirou and Nezuko both had to continue onwards beyond the line. To make it as far as possible up the river.
It was quite an exercise, even for them. Considering Tanjirou and Nezuko had to gain their energy through sleeping or other non-traditional demonic means, it made it a bit more difficult for them.
In addition, since Tanjirou and Nezuko both were raised in the mountains, where there was no river, they never learned to swim. And for a mountain and village, neither of them knew anyone adept at swimming.
That meant that alongside training to build their overall body strength, they also had to properly learn how to swim.
Tanjirou did not even know what it was like jumping into a body of water, and the first thing he realized was how cold it was. It surprised him, considering he thought the snow on the mountain was colder than water.
"I mean, if water is ice melted, then I would have thought that water would be hotter than snow…" Tanjirou thought back then. Now he knew better.
But it took him and Nezuko a week before they were able to completely reach the point, and maneuver around the curves of the river.
Of course, because of the mountain, Urokodaki sometimes made them swim up the river, up the mountain.
That was the hardest part. Which took another two weeks. In total, Nezuko and Tanjirou spent around a whole month training their body for strength and endurance.
Even if they were demons because the fact they did not eat human flesh meant they had to build their strength through other conventional means.
Of course, Urokodaki was unsure if Tanjirou and Nezuko both were able to be trained humanly, however, considering their progress and the fact they were excelling quicker than many humans, Urokodaki seemed to think this was fine.
However, Urokodaki did realize that even then, Tanjirou was remarkably weak compared to many demons. At least by physical capabilities. He is seen that even Nezuko is stronger physically than her brother.
"Something different happened to Tanjirou compared to Nezuko… Or that Tanjirou needs to eat more demons to gain more strength…" Urokodaki thought. It was a conversation he had with Giyu multiple times.
"Well considering Tanjirou ate the demon that he and his sister fought, it could be a possibility that he gains more strength by consuming demonic flesh," Giyu told Urokodaki. "Again, sleeping and training could help, but it seems that this is more effective for Nezuko."
Urokodaki sighed. Despite this, Tanjirou was putting in a determined effort. And while Urokodaki appreciated this, it sometimes was not enough to get people far in their demon slayer journey.
In the meantime, as the month passed, Urokodaki decided to let Tanjirou and Nezuko complete the next phase, which they would have an easier time committing to, due to their previous experience, it seems.
Both he and Nezuko had taken quite the beating, as they both were trying to fight Urokodaki with wooden swords, only to be sliced down. However, Urokodaki could admit the two were giving him more of a challenge than he had expected.
"No doubt these two are trained… to a limited extent." Urokodaki thought to himself, as he steeled himself and eyed the two.
Tanjirou was panting, and so was Nezuko, showing it through their sweat.
"I didn't expect demons to be tired out of all things." Urokodaki commented, "But then again, the impressive ability to regenerate your stamina must be nice. Allows for quick, compact training methods."
"I know…" Tanjirou mumbled as he continued to strike back toward Urokodaki, only to be kicked down.
"Ow…"
Nezuko herself attempted to also strike Urokodaki, only to fall as well.
"Not good, both of you. But at least you are making progress." Urokodaki said at last before he went back into his home. "But you will need to make progress if you want to survive out there. Don't be useless."
At this, Tanjirou looked down, as if that word were being sent back to him.
Almost immediately, the words of his father began to come back to Tanjirou, haunting his thoughts once again.
"Trust me, that kid is worthless for everything he does. He could not perform any of the sword techniques, only falling in exhaustion. He's useless, not worth our time." The words of his father once again caused Tanjirou to grit his teeth.
Both Tanjirou and Nezuko sighed, clearly not content with the comment Urokodaki had given them.
They quickly got up and continued to train passively.
Before Tanjirou could talk to Nezuko, Urokodaki approached Tanjirou.
"Tanjirou." Urokodaki began.
"Y-Yes Urokodaki?" Tanjirou responded. He realized he was distracted, and so tried to calm himself down.
"How come you always flinch whenever I tell you, you performed something wrong with my training?" Urokodaki asked. Tanjirou sighed, wanting to keep it quiet. Unfortunately, since Urokodaki had an advanced sense of smell like him, he knew Urokodaki was smelling something troubling from the two of them, or at least Tanjirou himself.
Tanjirou flinched before he sighed. "It's a sensitive topic that neither of us want to talk about..."
Urokodaki, instead remained silent. However, Tanjirou could smell that Urokodaki was interrogating him with his nose. Tanjirou gulped.
"I see..." Urokodaki mumbled.
"W-What?" Tanjirou responded, hoping Urokodaki would not push it.
"I can smell the hurt and pain you and your sister felt whenever I inform you of some failures. However, I will let you two know. I do not harm my students if they fail at one simple thing. I merely tell them to do it again until they get it right. So, do not worry about being punished physically." Urokodaki explained.
Tanjirou nodded, "Sorry... It's probably just a reflex considering how much it's happened."
"Poor kids... I can tell they have a bad reaction to failing a task... Are they scared of failure because they anticipate a beating?" Urokodaki sighed and left the two to relax, as they were successful in their improvements.
"Nezuko?" Tanjirou asked. "Do you think we should spar with each other?"
Nezuko nodded her head, and thus the two, with their wooden blades began to spar each other.
Tanjirou was once again being light on Nezuko, as he worried, he would end up hurting Nezuko badly. Grunting as they went back and forth on each other, they continued until they noticed the orange glint of the sun rising. It was here did Tanjirou realized that Nezuko's fight was stronger than him.
Therefore, he did not have to worry about her health in the meantime. Though, he still worried about the fact she still could not talk.
As quick as they could, they quickly ran back into Urokodaki's house, clearly not wanting to be burned to death.
Sighing, Tanjirou bid Nezuko a good sleep, and they slept.
This was the daily routine of the bunch. They would wake up during the night and begin training by swinging their swords, and then spar with Urokodaki. They would continue this until the sun came up, where they then went to sleep.
This was the process for around a week until Urokodaki noticed something.
Urokodaki was looking over them when he noticed the boy, Tanjirou had managed to do something that made him second-guess the potential of the two of them.
When Tanjirou was going towards Urokodaki, he finally noticed what Giyu was talking about. The breathing technique Tanjirou was doing, judging by the breathing he was performing now. It did lower his battle spirit, as Giyu stated.
It radiated power, but it was so foreign and unknown. Like it was something that needed to be dug up.
Tanjirou merely continued to think how he had, just like how he felt when he was about to lose Nezuko. This was during a spar between him and Nezuko.
Once again, Nezuko, with her physical capabilities, was overpowering Tanjirou, who still was unsure why he still felt so weak by comparison. Regardless, he put his all to be on an even footing with Nezuko. And this involved the breathing technique in question. The very one Urokodaki saw.
It mildly surprised Urokodaki, that he did not realize Tanjirou had managed to strike Nezuko, by swinging his body low to strike her leg. The sound caused the two of them to realize the spar was over, as Tanjirou had won a best out of three.
"So Giyu was telling the truth, the boy did have a breathing technique, almost like he knows a breathing style." Urokodaki thought, "But that breathing technique is not compatible with any other breathing style I know… Not to mention if this breathing technique is compatible with demon slaying…"
That was quite a conundrum. The boy knows a breathing technique, but it did not match with any other breathing technique Urokodaki knew. Neither did it match with a breathing style with which he was familiar.
"I did it!" Tanjirou smiled, as Urokodaki could only stare at the two.
Nezuko smiled and hugged Tanjirou.
"Seems like the siblings are happy, very well I'll give them this time for now." Urokodaki gave the two a nod as if to congratulate them on their progress.
"Well, seems you both have made remarkable progress. Now, we will start with the breathing techniques." Urodaki started.
"Might as well tell them now."
"For the both of you to use a breathing style, you will need to breathe a certain way," Urokodaki explained. "To first use a breathing style, you will need to breathe properly."
Both Tanjirou and Nezuko nodded, however, for the two siblings, the whole idea of what Urokodaki said felt familiar.
"Breathe like…" Tanjirou shook his head. Could that work? "I should follow the teachings of Urokodaki… I don't want to be a failure like my father…"
"Now, I'll take a look at both of your breathing," Urokodaki said at last.
Immediately, both Nezuko and Tanjirou tried breathing like normal, only to be punched in the abdomen by Urokodaki.
"You left your abdomen open!" Urokodaki exclaimed.
"KF!" Tanjirou immediately covered his head because of the punch by Urokodaki.
Almost immediately, Urokodaki stopped and remained silent. "Well, that's an unexpected reaction..." Urokodaki sighed.
"My apologies, Tanjirou..." Urokodaki sighed, as he helped the boy up. "I'm only doing this particularly to prepare you in the event you get hit by a demon, an inevitable event. All right?" Urokodaki asked.
"Y-Yeah... Alright..." Tanjirou mumbled as he got back up, albeit much more aware due to the sudden attack he faced.
He looked specifically to Tanjirou, "It's time you began to breathe like that more often."
While Nezuko had made less progress by the end of the day, it was above average for the average demon slayer progress usually made.
Tanjirou had made remarkable progress, and Urokodaki was trying to figure out the enigma that was Tanjirou Kamado.
He seemed to have gotten the message, as when he was breathing how his father taught him, he rarely felt the pain.
When Urokodaki punched Tanjirou in areas he thought would be weak, he was mildly surprised to see that Tanjirou had continued breathing.
"Seems I managed to make him do it," Urokodaki stated.
That is until they went to sleep.
At this, Urokodaki shook his head.
Not only were they supposed to breathe a certain way, but they also needed to swing the sword properly.
Urokodaki looked a bit dumbfounded at everything they were doing, before he sighed, leaving. "Progress is progress, regardless. They have some things they must improve on, however. They are still far from ready."
For Urokodaki, he hated how he was beginning to feel guilty for being harsh on them. He was getting too close to them, just like his other students. But even then, he had to remain rough on them, so that they could improve.
Just like his other students, he was going to be hurt if they eventually died, like his other students.
"Sigh… and of all the things, they're demons…" Urokodaki mumbled. Nobody would have expected him to train demons, especially ones like Tanjirou and Nezuko, but they were so human-like, and so had made the stick in performing his training.
They were even performing well, it was remarkable, even if they were demons, they were still performing well.
No doubt if they were human, they would be able to perform just as well proportional to the rest of their other students.
Urokodaki sighed. This was going to be quite an experience, as these siblings were different from the other students, he had prior.
Once Urokodaki looked on, he noted the swords both siblings were using. The breathing technique the boy was using was different from the rest of the others he knew. On the one hand, it was unique, but Urokodaki was worried Tanjirou might struggle to learn water breathing.
Unfortunately for Urokodaki, his worries would come to life, at least in unique ways.
During training, two weeks after he started training them, Tanjirou surprised him, yet again.
It was around the time when Urokodaki had managed to teach them how to train for water breathing.
Little did the demon siblings realize, both were familiar with this…
"Nezuko?" Tanjirou asked, clearly looking at his younger sister. He was around 6 years old at the time, and both he, she, and Takeo were all focused on the training that their father was making them perform.
It has been around a year since they started the training.
Tanjirou, Nezuko, Takeo, and now Hanako were all trying their best. Even if Hanako was younger, she was smiling and lifting a leaf, trying to imitate her elder siblings' movements.
This made Tanjirou and Nezuko smile, as the two were smiling sadly at the smiling face Hanako gave off to the world.
Another individual would lose their smile after seeing the brutal reality of the world.
"Nezuko, do you think we'll be able to please Father?" Tanjirou asked.
Nezuko looked down, unsure of how to answer her elder brother, "I can't say for certain, brother…"
"I know… I just wish he were like the father we had before he started forcing us to swing these swords around…" Tanjirou sadly explained.
"It's alright brother, I'm sure with time we can do it, and maybe he'll come back." Nezuko smiled.
"How can you be so sure?" Tanjirou asked.
"Because we are his children. He must love us." Nezuko explained.
Tanjirou looked down at this. He had a differing opinion.
"How can you be so sure?" Tanjirou asked.
Nezuko smiled, "Because he did show us, love, before… He must still be there…"
Tanjirou sighed, "Perhaps, but until we can achieve those affinities, then we probably will never see it ever again…"
Takeo rolled his eyes, "If you stay like that brother, then that can never happen!"
Tanjirou sighed, "Perhaps you are right, but regardless, I can't be certain we'll be seeing that version of our father again…"
"And why is that?" Nezuko and Takeo both asked their eldest sibling.
Tanjirou sighed, "I do not know… I just have a sense that our father won't be happy even if we find it out…"
"Is it because he hurts you more than us?" Nezuko asked.
Tanjirou nodded.
"Well maybe if you weren't so weak, then you could perform better." Takeo merely grunted.
This resulted in him being smacked in the head by Nezuko.
"Takeo! Do not be rude to your brother! I know you are mad that you got hurt because he did not show progress like you, but that gives you no right to blame him for everything!" Nezuko yelled at her younger brother for being apathetic and blaming Tanjirou for their last beating.
In the end, they have gotten through the day, with only Tanjirou being hurt.
As for Nezuko herself, she had managed to be praised by her father.
And the reason for this was that Nezuko had managed to find her affinity since she was able to see her elemental illusionary strikes.
Water Breathing, First Form: Water Surface Slash
Before they all knew it, Nezuko had managed to strike across, managing to let loose a small amount of water to protrude out of her blade. Of course, it had nothing to do with actual water, but the sheer fact they were able to see it made Nezuko the star of the day.
Tanjurou had managed to spot his daughter successfully activating her affinity. It was clearly in the form of water.
Her father was impressed beyond excitement that he ignored Tanjirou's lack of progress.
But instead of his father hurting him, it was Takeo's hurtful comments that caused him to look down in shame.
And the reason he felt guilty was that his father had hurt his other children because he was so disappointed in Tanjirou.
From what Tanjirou knew, his father saw him as a disappointment…
Water breathing, Third Form: Flowing Dance
In an amazing display of technique, Nezuko successfully managed to activate a water-breathing technique. The more the two siblings progressed, the more Urokodaki feared.
Tanjirou eyed this, and shortly afterward, he too managed to perform it.
Water Breathing, First Form: Water Surface Slash
As Tanjirou crossed his arm, he released a horizontal slash, which too was concentrated into a slash.
Tanjirou's eyes, which were widened, because of the water particles that were emitted from the blade he was holding.
"I… I did it…" Tanjirou thought in his head. Almost immediately, he began to ponder about everything.
The truth for Tanjirou was that when Urokodaki started to train them, the breathing technique Urokodaki used was different from the one his father had told him to use.
That confused Tanjirou. If his father was telling him to do something that caused him to be unable to perform water breathing, then why was his father doing that?
It was as if his father didn't want him to learn his affinity.
"But why?" Tanjirou thought. "Why did he beat me then if he was teaching me wrong the entire time?" Tanjirou asked himself.
He was so confused. Even if he was finally able to perform and do an outstanding performance and progress, he was only filled with more confusion and hurt.
He should be happy that he was at least able to perform a breathing style, but he was now conflicted…
All the while Urokodaki looked at the two in shock and worry.
He feared that he cared for them, he feared that they would turn into demons. He was being paranoid, but the fact that he was training demons to kill other demons, was something he found redundant and risky.
But alas, nobody had a reason to kill them. They have done everything right so far and even killed a demon without using a blade. Therefore, Tanjirou and Nezuko were still doing fine regarding their humanity. Tanjirou was able to eat other demons, like he was reversing the cycle demons had on humans entirely.
"Good job, Tanjirou, Nezuko." Urokodaki looked at the two. "With enough time, you may be able to finish this within the year."
In the meantime, this made Tanjirou and Nezuko determined. However, as the two continued, Urokodaki noticed something happening with Tanjirou.
While Tanjirou was able to activate the water breathing technique around the same time as Nezuko, he also suffered more of a feedback side effect from the breathing style.
The reason for this was the exact thing Urokodaki knew would happen. Because Tanjirou's breathing technique was different, it was going to hurt, as that was not the breathing technique needed to use water breathing.
Urokodaki had hoped that being a demon would help alleviate the side effect, however, that was not the case, at least for Tanjirou. Urokodaki looked on, clearly wondering if this would hamper Tanjirou's progression.
Around three days later, Nezuko was able to use water breathing, and unlike Tanjirou, she did not suffer the feedback side effects, likely because she was taught to breathe to adapt to water breathing.
"No doubt in my mind that Nezuko's breathing technique is closely tied to this breathing style… However, this is not the case for Tanjirou…" Urokodaki thought to himself, clearly observing with clear intrigue at what Tanjirou was going through.
While this made Tanjirou impressed and content with his sister, it also made Tanjirou feel sad. Urokodaki could smell a deep sense of sadness, and insecurity within Tanjirou, as he was continuing to suffer from the side effects of his breathing forms.
It may also be because Tanjirou's body may not be well adept at water breathing, but Urokodaki digressed. He was a teacher of water breathing, and therefore he would teach them water breathing however he could.
Tanjirou was reminded of the time back when his father would force them to swing swords. For Nezuko, learning water breathing was something with which she was familiar. This means Nezuko would find herself progressing faster than Tanjirou.
"So useless… So worthless… You have no value…" Tanjirou shook the thoughts outside of his head, clearly not liking the thoughts he was receiving yet again.
This made Tanjirou feel more insecure about his talents.
Whilst Nezuko was progressing through the new breathing forms that Urokodaki was teaching her, Tanjirou was now sitting down, resting his body from the strain he was feeling.
All the while he looked down in shame.
His father would always downplay him, and it over the years, made Tanjirou feel inferior.
Once he noticed the sun was rising, he decided to let them get an early rest. The two had continued to practice their water-breathing training now, and this was the part where Urokodaki found the easier within his training regimen.
Usually, once the trainee can perform the proper breathing and breathing style, the rest was due to their imagination, as they could perform how they want.
It has now been two months, and throughout this time, Nezuko has progressed well in her water-breathing techniques. It was so phenomenal that even Urokodaki was surprised by how fast Nezuko was learning.
"She's reminding me of Sabito… and Makomo…" Urokodaki was reminiscing about the two. Two of his most remarkable students. But whilst Urokodaki saw Nezuko progressing in the form of water breathing, Tanjirou was a different story.
Urokodaki was finding an issue that was unique to Tanjirou.
Tanjirou continued to suffer from the side effects of water breathing.
It was something even he was unsure about. Many of his students, including his sister were able to use water breathing simply fine once they learned it.
"Why was Tanjirou unable to do it?" Urokodaki asked himself.
He theorized it was due to the breathing technique Tanjirou had known previously to meet them. The one Giyu had mentioned. It made sense.
And so, when Nezuko had gone to sleep, Urokodaki had talked to Tanjirou.
"If you want to use water breathing, you'll need to fix your breathing technique," Urokodaki explained.
Tanjirou looked down in shame, and Urokodaki could smell the fear of failure coming from Tanjirou.
"I don't know how…" Tanjirou explained, "I've been doing it since I was like, 6 or 7 years old."
"I see, well it seems that the breathing technique you are using does not work with water breathing for you," Urokodaki responded, clearly a bit displeased with Tanjirou's sudden lack of progress.
"Listen, your sister is making nice progress, and she doesn't suffer from the same side effects as you do."
Tanjirou shrugged, "Nezuko was never taught the breathing technique like I was."
"Oh…" Urokodaki mumbled, "That may explain it then. Can you explain to me what you previously were taught?"
Tanjirou sighed, "Well, all our father did was make us swing a blade until we developed our breathing style…"
"I see… So, you have done this since you were six?" Urokodaki asked.
"When I was five." Tanjirou corrected, whilst Urokodaki pondered.
"Is there any way to fix this side effect without messing with my breathing?" Tanjirou asked.
Urokodaki sighed, "Not that I am aware of, sadly. Usually, you need to adapt your breathing to use the breathing style."
"I understand, I'll keep trying," Tanjirou responded.
"Very well, I will see your progress eventually. With, changing a breathing technique that you have done since childhood is an incredibly taxing process. I am saying, however, if you cannot use water breathing, you may not be able to fight demons."
This had a profound effect on Tanjirou, as he began to stress about it.
"Am I once again going to be useless? Am I once again going to be a worthless person? Am I once again, going to be a failure?" Tanjirou gritted his teeth at the thought of yet again being useless and of no value.
More weeks passed, and Nezuko continued to master the rest of the water-breathing techniques.
Tanjirou… Not so much.
"Ack!" Tanjirou fell to the ground as he felt his lungs being attacked.
"Ow…"
"I can't do it... I am just a failure... This is something Nezuko should do alone... I should live alone and find something I can do..." Tanjirou looked down, as he contemplated everything.
Tanjirou lay in a feral position as he tried to get air steadily into his lungs. Those water-breathing techniques were messing with his body, and he did not know why.
As Tanjirou lay on the ground, he was beginning to think about the past…
Not only was this breathing style hurting him, as his lungs felt like they were reaching their capacity, but he was also remembering the abuse and injuries he would sustain from his parents whenever he failed.
The position he laid down in was like the one he usually laid in, after an episode of abuse and a beating… Tanjirou shivered at this, as he was remembering the pain he sustained, not just in his chest, but also across his body.
The burning, searing pain that he felt when the burnt coal was pressed across his torso hissed as Tanjirou remembered it so well… The whips to the back, and the kicks he would sustain when he was kicked out of the house, made Tanjirou remember some bad memories. Some bad experiences that caused him to relive it.
"It hurts… It hurts so bad… The burning feeling, I feel outside, and inside me hurts… I feel like my body is being burned alive… Even though I feel my body shivering from the cold outside… Only the snow comforted me temporarily…
But the burning pain in my stomach…" Tanjirou shivered as he remained on the ground, very still, clearly not wanting to get up.
He felt like a failure… His father was correct all along… He was a failure.
"You are a failure… Such wasted potential…" Tanjirou's father told him once, and the memories of his father spewing hateful injuries and words towards him.
Tanjirou forced his body more inwards, not wanting to get up.
"You alright?" Urokodaki asked. Tanjirou remained still, not wanting to get up at all.
He only gave a nod and a small noise to confirm this.
Tanjirou's body was panting quite a lot, as he continued to lay down and remain still. Urokodaki could smell a deep amount of pain and sadness.
"Poor child… I hope whatever is hurting him, I hope he finds peace… No kid should be hurt as much as they were…" Urokodaki sighed.
While Nezuko was able to learn all the current forms of water breathing, Tanjirou could only do two: the third form, and the fifth form.
It was tragic how Tanjirou had fallen behind in progress when compared to Nezuko.
"This isn't going so well…" Urokodaki mumbled.
"I know… I'm just not meant for demon slaying…" Tanjirou sighed. He was very tempted to give up. He did not think he had the strength to become one.
His resolve for finding the man responsible for hurting and torturing him and his family was replaced with a sense of worthlessness…
Again, the memories of that man were impacting Tanjirou.
"So weak... So hideous... So useless... Why did I ever feel threatened by you..."
Before Tanjirou knew it, his whole perception of his world, and of the people he knew, changed.
"I wouldn't say that." Urokodaki responded, "Sometimes it takes everyone a while to master breathing styles and techniques. Just because someone is doing it quicker than you do not mean you are not any worse at learning."
"What makes you say that?" Tanjirou asked in a monotone voice. His eyes showed a faded black hue, and his eyes showed a pained, tired face, as the neutral expression on Tanjirou's face turned to one of a frown.
Urokodaki's spine shook at this face, for it reminded him of Giyu…
"I've always been useless and a failure... I could not even complete your training when my younger sister can. She has always been better at this than me... Even father admitted..." Urokodaki could smell a bit of jealousy coming from Tanjirou. It made Urokodaki worried. What if this jealousy causes Tanjirou to go down a dark path?
"Father? You did inform me both you and your sister were trained by your father to use breathing forms?" Urokodaki confirmed.
Tanjirou sighed, "I was conflicted, but after learning, it is... Nezuko has always been deemed the prize and most potential of the family because she was able to perform some breathing styles... Me, however..." Tanjirou gritted his teeth, as he was brought back to the memories of his failures, and the physical punishment he got...
"What about you?" Urokodaki asked.
"I was deemed a failure, and worthless because I couldn't do any forms. Let us just say he punished me extensively…" Tanjirou punched the ground in anger, while Urokodaki took in everything.
"This is quite the development... So, these two do have experience with breathing styles but were not aware of demons... Not to mention the boy claims to have never been able to perform a single breathing style... if that is the case, then why did Giyu and myself detect such an advanced breathing pattern from him?" Urokodaki asked himself. He knew now that he had to get Tanjirou to train to find out.
Tanjirou showed something, something hopeful for learning a breathing style. He just needed to find out what it was.
"You swing your sword well, and your form is strong, it's just difficult for you because of the feedback side effect." Urokodaki explained, "So it's not an issue with your body and form, but rather, it's specifically you're breathing."
"What happened with trying to change it?" Urokodaki asked.
"I don't know, I've tried, but I haven't gotten any luck," Tanjirou mumbled.
"Perhaps it's not a matter of that your breathing technique is wrong, but rather it's unpolished." Urokodaki theorized.
"What?" Tanjirou asked.
"Where did you learn the breathing technique exactly?" Urokodaki asked. Immediately, Tanjirou held onto the one thing that gave him a sense of empowerment and purity. It was the only thing that gave him a sense of peace after everything.
"From a dance. The dance requires us to go from sunset to sunrise without break, and it is said that if he breathes properly, we can dance nonstop." Tanjirou revealed.
This intrigued Urokodaki. "A dance with a breathing technique to help them go from sunset to sunrise. That is interesting…"
"Maybe the way you breathe right now is unpolished, and it's causing issues with you using breathing techniques." Urokodaki theorized.
"I don't know…" Tanjirou mumbled, "I am happy Nezuko is making progress, but for myself, I feel ashamed of myself for not being able to thrive in this water-breathing technique. She has always been the one to be seen as full of potential, whilst I was labeled a failure..."
Urokdaki patted Tanjirou's head, "You are not a failure, Tanjirou. Just try to fix the issues you observed, and it will work. Else, you may have to retry the mountain climb."
At this, Tanjirou paled, "Please no, not that…"
Urokodaki merely responded, "Unless you don't learn a new breathing form of water breathing, then I'll make you do it."
"AH!" Tanjirou panicked as he quickly grabbed his sword and began to practice more. Urokodaki sighed. He had to do this. Perhaps making Tanjiro abandon the life of a demon slayer would help.
All the while, Urokodaki was thinking, a bit shocked. "Is Tanjirou retaining total concentration breathing constantly through a dance…? That could be a possibility… If he dances for 12 hours, he is halfway towards mastering it…"
"Perhaps teaching Tanjirou total concentration breathing constant would make it easier for him to change his breathing technique so that it wouldn't strain his body as much?" Urokodaki thought to himself.
"What was all that yelling about?" Urokodaki turned around and noticed Giyu was behind him.
"Ah, so you decided to finally check up on your demon students?"
Giyu nodded, "How are they doing?"
Urokodaki sighed, "The girl is doing fine, she almost learned all ten forms of water breathing. However, the boy…"
"What about the boy?" Giyu asked, clearly confused.
That was until he saw Tanjirou himself.
Water Breathing, First Form: Water Surface Slash
Both Giyu and Urokodaki had watched just in time to see Tanjirou managing to perform the first form of water breathing. With this alongside the third and fifth forms, Tanjirou was now able to use three different forms of water breathing.
However, just as Giyu was about to ask what was wrong with Tanjirou, said boy immediately clutched his chest, breathing heavily to stabilize his lungs.
"What the…" Giyu mumbled.
"Yeah." Urokodaki responded, "I had the same reaction."
"That's…" Giyu could not think, until he sighed, "This may be due to the breathing technique he showed back then."
"What do you think then?" Urokodaki asked.
"I'm starting to think it may be the breathing technique for a different breathing style," Giyu explained. "I can try to go back and explore the Hashira and their own experiences for their breathing styles, but I cannot guarantee I will find the correct breathing style."
Urokodaki sighed, "At the very least, the sister is progressing very well, and I may even allow her to become your Tsuguko"
"I don't want a Tsuguko." Giyu mumbled, "But I guess I can teach her a personal move of mine if she's able to use all water forms."
"I'll take a look at their progress." Urokodaki explained, "However, at this rate, the boy will never be able to become a proper demon slayer."
At this, Giyu looked down, "I see, perhaps for now, let him focus on his breathing technique."
"His breathing technique? It may be unpolished, but what do you mean?" Urokodaki asked.
"My apologies for not being specific, maybe teach him total concentration breathing," Giyu explained. "The more I think about it, it is remarkably close to matching total concentration breathing. I am not necessarily sure if he can perform it whilst he sleeps, but get him to do that." Giyu explained. "His breathing pattern is very advanced, so perhaps getting him to alter it to that may help him."
"The boy did mention he learned to use that breathing technique for twelve hours while using a dance," Urokodaki explained to Giyu.
"But even then, that's odd, normally demon slayers must learn their breathing style before they learn total concentration breathing…" Urokodaki remarked. "But I can see why you are getting at it, perhaps it's a circular pattern. Assisting on one part may help with the rest."
"I guess people can learn breathing techniques that are meant for other reasons, such as to dance for extraordinarily long times…" Giyu thought out loud, with Urokodaki nodding.
"It may be odd but giving him the ability to use total concentration breathing may allow him to use water breathing. Who knows, the breathing technique is generalized to most of the other breathing styles. If his body adjusts to using the breathing technique, then changing it should be a bit easier on his body." Giyu explained.
"That may be true," Urokodaki mumbled. "But the outcome for Tanjirou is very poor right now."
Giyu nodded, "I'll train Nezuko for Dead Calm, which is if she can perform the remaining water forms. As for Tanjirou, I would recommend teaching him total concentration breathing constant."
"Understood," Urokodaki responded.
"Whatever happened to make your training regimen hard?" Giyu asked, "Didn't you want them to succeed?"
"I did, but I also am doing the thing I don't want to do." Urokodaki revealed, "Caring for them, even if they're demons."
"I understand that…" Giyu mumbled, "I talked to Oyakata-sama about this, and he was willing to oversee this."
"That's good." Urokodaki explained, "Now, our main worry is Tanjirou's struggling to perform the water breathing."
Giyu nodded, "His breathing technique is without a doubt playing a role, but the breathing technique is not bad. The breathing technique seems like that of those the Hashira learn. But if it's specialized for dancing, then we must alter it to be specialized for demon slaying."
"Very well, albeit it is rather unconventional to teach someone so new to demon-slaying something as complex as total concentration breathing, I will do what you recommend," Urokodaki responded.
"Perhaps when he can master the breathing technique, it'll help him deal with the side effects," Giyu explained.
With that, Giyu went off, as Urokodaki ignored Tanjirou hyperventilating yet again, having tried to push himself with his breathing style.
Tanjirou heard everything, and once again, felt himself going into a pool of failure.
"Am I destined to always be a failure? Why is Nezuko so gifted to be given praise by Urokodaki?" Tanjirou looked to the side.
"Perhaps I should abandon my training, and live a normal life alone... After everything, I failed to protect my family. I deserve to live a lonely, sad life." Tanjirou looked down, as he could not find himself motivated to try again.
Urokodaki approached Nezuko, where Giyu was already talking to her.
"So, I have heard that you have been progressing well in the art of water breathing. Therefore, I will offer you the chance to perform a new form, a personal one I have made up. If you can show me properly, the prior ten forms of water breathing consecutively, I will show you the 11th form of water breathing." Giyu told Nezuko.
Nezuko, for her part, nodded, still not being able to speak at all.
It was around this time Tanjirou came back, having stabilized his lungs. "Oh, hey Giyu."
"You." Giyu pointed straight at Tanjirou.
"Uhh… Yes?" Tanjirou looked nervous as Giyu seemed serious. To Giyu's surprise, Tanjirou began to tense up, clearly looking at Giyu with wide eyes. Tanjirou knew what Giyu was going to talk to him about.
Once again, Tanjirou was going to be seen as a failure and hindrance to everyone.
"You will be learning something different from Nezuko from now on, at least until you stop suffering from the side effects of water breathing," Giyu explained. "If you can't even do this, then you will be unable to perform any breathing forms."
"G-Got it…" Tanjirou mumbled as he was now incredibly nervous. For him, it brought back the bad memories of his father beating him for being unable to breathe right.
"Why am I so difficult? So weak? So… dumb in being able to properly do this!" Tanjirou sighed. He was trying to maintain a simple brotherly figure, but it was difficult…
Just like Urokodaki, Giyu could tell that Tanjirou was waiting, his whole body tense, almost like he was waiting for some form of physical punishment. Urokodaki himself could smell it. But even a good sense of smell was not needed for Urokodaki and Giyu to realize what Tanjirou was thinking.
"Does this boy think I'm going to beat him as punishment?!" Giyu alarmingly thought as he forced the boy onto his feet. He felt more guilty when the boy instinctively covered his head with his own hands, dropping his wooden sword in the process.
"This may become a problem..." Giyu thought to himself. He was shocked to see Tanjirou mumble something, as his breathing was hiking.
"I'm sorry for being such a failure..." It was a mumble, but Giyu could understand what Tanjirou was getting at.
"You are not a failure, Tanjirou. Listen, I think the way you are breathing right now is interfering with your breathing style. As a result, either you will need to find a new breathing technique altogether or learn total concentration breathing constant."
"Total concentration breathing constant?" Tanjirou asked. He was still trying to calm himself from his fear and thoughts of being hurt because of failure.
Giyu nodded, "Yes. This is a breathing technique where we maintain the trained breathing technique for 24 hours, and beyond. Once you can perform it, it almost becomes involuntary, allowing us to gain a boost in our physical capabilities. No matter the activities, you will try and retain the very breathing technique you did." Giyu explained, which made Tanjirou a bit nervous.
"E-Even when you sleep?!" Tanjirou asked incredulously.
"Yes." Giyu nodded.
"Ahhhh…." Tanjirou mumbled, clearly knowing he would not be having an enjoyable time for the next couple of weeks or months. "I mean, our families notoriously have large and strong lungs..."
"Is that so?" Giyu asked, clearly intrigued. "Why is that?"
"Oh! Well, you see, our ancestors lived in the mountains, where it is harder for people to breathe. Plus, our ancestors also burned coal, and I always used to run up and down the mountain daily to sell the coal we burn." Tanjirou explained.
At this, both Urokodaki and Giyu looked impressed. "Having stronger lungs will help you with breathing styles and techniques, but you still have to learn like everyone else. As you've seen before, your lungs were still strained with water breathing."
"Yeah…" Tanjirou looked down.
"I've heard from Urokodaki that you know your breathing technique from a dance that you do for around 12 hours?" Giyu asked.
Tanjirou nodded, "Yes. We have to maintain that breathing technique from sunset to sun-" It was almost as if Tanjrou was now beginning to understand the similarities. "Wait, so you want me to keep that breathing technique, even when I sleep?"
Giyu nodded, "Yes. You are in the progress of already performing it. Just complete the remaining time, and you will have mastered total concentration breathing constant within the month."
And Giyu was proven right, Tanjirou saw.
After week after Giyu's visit, while Nezuko was able to perform the breathing styles well, Tanjirou, unfortunately, could not make the progress, so Urokodaki was instead told to teach him how to use total concentration always breathing.
While Tanjirou at first thought it would be easy since he had the form down, he found himself struggling again.
"Damnit, am I really this useless?!" Tanjirou asked himself, a bit frustrated, but also wanting to cry. "I can't afford to lose this. If I cannot, Nezuko will always be alone, and I'll be the failure father saw me as..."
As Tanjirou thought about his father, something came back to Tanjirou.
"Just remember your father's Hinokami dance, just remember that Tanjirou…" He kept telling himself, as he managed to get a way to perform it while he was awake.
The same could not be said when he was sleeping.
*Bonk*
"Ow!" Tanjirou exclaimed in pain, rubbing his head when Urokodaki hit his head. Almost immediately, Tanjirou tensed again, and Urokodaki could smell a dramatic rise in fear in Tanjirou.
"You lost your breathing," Urokodaki explained. However, it was also an opportunity for Urokodaki to get Tanjirou to get used to the physical touch of any proportion after Giyu warned him of the potential drawbacks it could have.
"Damnit…" Tanjirou mumbled, "It's so hard!"
Urokodaki slapped him in the face. "Keep doing it."
Tanjirou sighed in dejection as he tried to continue his total concentration breathing yet again. He then went back to sleep, as he tried to maintain his total concentration breathing.
Urokodaki eyed him with an anxious tone.
It was difficult, and Tanjirou did not get much sleep.
As he continued to try and maintain the breathing constant, he only managed to easily do it when thinking of the Hinokami Kagura.
The one thing that connected him to the good side of his father.
"Why was this the only thing you taught me, Father? Why did you always beat me? Why did you always see me as a failure? Why did you always pity me? Why... Why do I have to have this one thing you taught me, not even directly, so influential on my life!" Tanjirou growled to himself.
Whilst Nezuko continued to practice her breathing style, Tanjirou was sitting down, practicing making sure he maintained total concentration breathing.
He was able to properly do it after Giyu's visit, as all Tanjirou had to do was make some small adjustments to his breathing. That was fine. If he remembered the Hinokami Kagura dance, then perhaps that could help him breathe properly.
Considering it was the only thing Tanjirou was praised for doing, Tanjirou decided to try to go back to the dance. Managed to find himself in a state of peace when he thought about the Hinokami Kagura, it was the very thing that helped him maintain the breathing constant.
It also helped him mentally, as he was able to at least get rid of the thoughts of insecurity and failure he was feeling.
All he had to do was make sure he breathed in for much longer, but also hold it for longer. Once he did that, the rest was fine, until he went to sleep.
He knew he would eventually have to do the same thing whilst sword fighting, or slaying demons, and so, the times he would join to spar Nezuko was purely to maintain his breathing. He could not let it fall behind.
"Remember Tanjirou, remember to breathe like the Hinokami. Once you can breathe like him, he will bless you with unlimited stamina." Tanjirou could hear his father telling him to keep it going. He growled, punching his head to get rid of his father's consistent voice.
"Get out of my head…" Tanjirou grumbled in anger.
Still, Tanjirou did find it strange a bit. Why were his father's instructions about learning the Hinokami Kagura like this? Why was this coming up, when he desperately wanted to get his father and mother out of his mind?
And why did his father teach him the wrong breathing techniques when he wanted to learn what his sister was learning?
Tanjirou had so many questions that were not being answered. His short victory turned into confusion and shame once again.
For Tanjirou, it felt like a step forward, and three steps back.
To him, his parents were nothing but abusers, who hurt Tanjirou every time he failed to do a correct sword swing. How they mentally abused him, as the remnants of being a failure and useless ran into Tanjirou's mind.
Tanjirou shrugged with a scowl on his face. He did not think much about it, as it allowed him to accelerate with this. He was able to do it thanks to it, and that was that. As Tanjirou continued to breathe, he noticed Urokodaki watching him, but mostly eyeing and complimenting his sister. Before Tanjirou knew it, the image of his father came up in Urokodaki. He hated the fact his father was so influential regardless of where he went.
And before Tanjirou knew it, he began to see Urokodaki and his sister in a different light.
Ever since Tanjirou had begun his training for total concentration, Urokodaki was mostly helping Nezuko. He had left Tanjirou behind. But Urokodaki was watching him…
He could see that Tanjirou was progressing with the advanced breathing form very nicely. It was going by quickly, for Tanjirou spent a couple of weeks effectively managing it. Once again, because Tanjirou had a head start, with the breathing technique from his dance, he was able to finish it in half the time.
In truth, Tanjirou did find it easy so far, considering he just needed to extend it too beyond when he normally danced. Each change took around a day or two to adapt to, and with that Tanjirou was able to keep turning his breathing technique become involuntary.
It was impressive, Urokodaki thought, for it took even the most advanced demon slayers 2 years in total to properly master it. A month or two to at least be able to perform it involuntarily, but being able to utilize it is most potential, it took longer.
But there was another issue for Urokodaki as he noticed Tanjirou.
His personality was changing. It was drastic, but he noticed that Tanjirou was slowly becoming closed off. Even staying away from his sister, Urokodaki could even smell a sense of hatred and apprehension from Tanjirou whenever he was near the boy. Almost like the boy was trying to protect himself by being more closed off.
Before Tanjirou knew it, his whole perception of his world, and of the people he knew, changed.
Regardless, Tanjirou was progressing well with his training, and fortunately, Urokodaki had the correct tools to assist Tanjirou.
"This kid… He can properly perform a breathing technique, and even he advanced forms so quickly, and yet for some reason, his breathing styles and forms are unknown…" Urokodaki mumbled to himself.
It truly was strange, and it made Urokodaki look at Tanjirou as an enigma.
And so, as he noticed Tanjirou taking on a meditating position, Urokodaki began to bring out some weird materials and called Tanjirou over.
"Yes?" Tanjirou asked, eyeing the objects. Urokodaki could tell that Tanjirou's overall presence was different.
He was emitting a more closed-off version of himself. It was his mind going through some changes whilst he adjusted to the training and the likes, but even Urokodaki knew his personality should not change all that much.
Unless he overwhelmed himself with the actual training.
And unfortunately, considering the bouts of failure Tanjirou felt for himself, Urokodaki could tell that Tanjirou was dealing with a bit of a hurdle in his mind.
Urokodaki could sense a large battle building up in Tanjirou's head. Like he was suppressing some dark thoughts.
It made Urokodaki worry for the boy. And so, he complimented and praised Tanjirou for his ability to perform total concentration breathing constantly as fast as he was able to.
"Thank you," Tanjirou spoke. It was with such serenity, that it almost made Urokodaki not worry.
However, he knew differently.
"These are gourds." Urokodaki explained, "The purpose of these is to perform total concentration breathing constant. If you are capable and properly doing it, you blow into the gourds to the point of shattering them.
Tanjirou hummed as he not believing what Urokodaki was saying, "Shatter them just by breathing?"
"Did I stutter?" Urokodaki asked.
"Yes, you did." Tanjirou clapped back. The serenity in his voice was gone, as he had taken the reply by Urokodaki as a challenge.
This caused Urokodaki to stare back at Tanjirou, a bit skeptical. "Are you okay, boy?"
Tanjirou quickly shook his head. "I am as fine as I can be… Just give me this and let me do it. I do not need you telling me how ideal people are when it comes to this…"
Urokodaki could tell that there was a personal struggle going on within Tanjirou.
"Tanjirou, do you need to talk?" Urokodaki asked.
Tanjirou turned his head to face Urokodaki, and the older man could smell a sense of apathy.
"Do I know you?" Tanjirou asked Urokodaki, shocking him by the sudden turn up.
"I'm your teacher, Tanjirou, what nonsense are you saying?" Urokodaki asked, clearly eyeing Tanjirou down.
"Whatever, you claim you are a teacher, and yet you focus more on Nezuko than me," Tanjirou grumbled. "I'm just a spare compared to her. So, go focus so much on the kid that has more potential than me. At this point, I don't care if you call me a failure."
"I hate her…" Tanjirou glared at Nezuko. "She's always being told how perfect and phenomenal she is with it… And all I get is pity, beatdowns, and pain!" Tanjirou yelled as he threw the gourd on the ground, which thankfully didn't break.
"Tanjirou…" Urokodaki stared at Tanjirou in shock. The boy never once showed any form of anger… But now…
It was like he was acting like a different boy, or that he had a different personality…
Urokodaki had noticed the change in behaviour he had once starting his constant breathing training, but he thought it was him taking the training seriously. Sure, the kid was a bit closed off, but Urokodaki mistook it as seriousness.
But now… This Tanjirou was brimming with hatred… Towards him and his sister. And it concerned him.
"Is this the deepest thoughts Tanjirou had hidden in his brain, or is it another part of him speaking out?" Urokodaki asked. He was worried for the boy.
"Nezuko looks like she's doing so well. Who am I kidding, she doesn't need a failure of a brother I am…" Tanjirou looked to his side, away from Nezuko. "At this point, we might as well be strangers."
"Don't say that Tanjirou, I'm sure Nezuko is glad to have you as a big brother."
Tanjirou chuckled darkly, "How can you be so sure? You don't know me."
Urokodaki remained silent at this.
This was such a switch-up that Urokodaki was unsure how to respond.
"Tanjirou. You are Nezuko's brother regardless of what you think. You are her older brother, and you will be." Urokodaki explained.
"Please… She can't even tell me what she thinks about me. Knowing her, she thinks I'm a failure… If I'm such a failure then she should find a different brother!" Tanjirou responded.
Urokodaki could smell the anger coming off of Tanjirou.
"Tanjirou…" Urokodaki tried to place his hand on his shoulder, but Tanjirou backed up.
"Shut up… You are not my teacher… All you do is remind me how much of a necessity I am to everyone… All you do is remind me how hopeless and useless I am… If that's the case, I'll train myself." Tanjirou turned his back.
"Tanjirou!" Urokodaki raised his voice.
"There is not a problem with me… You all are just sabotaging me to paint me as useless… I am not a fucking emotionless rock!" Tanjirou yelled, turning his head back to Urokodaki.
This shocked Urokodaki at the tone Tanjirou was giving him.
"Tanjirou… What happened to you?" Urokodaki asked himself, clearly shocked by the sudden… personality change Tanjirou had.
"Does this kid have some mental issue…?" Urokodaki asked himself… "I guess I wouldn't know, since I know nobody with a previous history of Tanjirou…"
Tanjirou made a noise before he continued to walk off.
"Tanjirou…" Urokodaki sighed, "I know things seem tough for you right now, but that does not mean you should give up… That does not mean you should lash out… That does not mean you are a failure… I do not know what kinds of thoughts you had with your family, but this is different."
"How," Tanjirou asked.
Urokodaki paused, "You managed to do the forms. You told me before you were never able to before."
"And so?" Tanjirou asked, "Even that is not effective. At the end of the day, I cannot even do the required to become a demon slayer! How is this different? I am still the loser and worthless punk of the group!"
Tanjirou sighed, "I can teach myself. I will find a way to effectively slay demons. I can eat them! Why must I train here when I can fight and eat demons to become stronger!"
Urokodaki hummed, "But then how will you stop them? How will you even get close to eating them?"
"I will find a way. I am beginning to think everyone hates me… And I don't care. I do not need any of your help anymore. I can function fine. You take care of Nezuko. She is talented enough that you do not need me. I have my use, and I will find it." Tanjirou explained as he was planning to walk off.
However, before he could run off, someone hugged him from behind.
Urokodaki could tell it was Nezuko, who had tears running down her face. Even if she could not speak or make any noises, she was crying over what her brother had just said.
"Nezuko…?" Tanjirou asked, clearly knowing who this hug was by. "I- I must go."
Nezuko shook her head before she hugged her elder brother tighter. It was a simple gesture that told Tanjirou, "I'm not letting go."
"Nezuko… Let go of me…" Tanjirou mumbled.
Nezuko shook her head again. She was planning to keep her elder brother in her arms until he broke out of whatever he was thinking.
Nezuko eyed Urokodaki motioning to give them some brotherly and sisterly bonding.
Urokodaki nodded, clearly knowing that whatever episode Tanjirou was going through, his sister would take care of him. Urokodaki could rest easily, hoping Tanjirou would come back.
"When you can Tanjirou, you will be blowing into these gourds once every two hours, and the more you shatter them, I'll replace them with larger ones."
Tanjirou nodded, "Understood…"
Urokodaki nodded as he then began to observe the two demons. At least Tanjirou was responding, making his intentions clear that he would not follow up on what he said… Urokodaki didn't hold this against Tanjirou, other than something of concern he may need to help Tanjirou from.
The next day, Urokodaki was glad to see that the two were continuing with their training. Tanjirou did still seem a bit out of it, but Nezuko was able to at least keep him here, which is always a benefit.
Nezuko continued to make progress in water breathing, while Tanjirou was slowly blowing into the gourds Urokodaki had ordered. Nezuko chose to stay close to Tanjirou, who was very out of it. Despite this, Tanjirou focused on the gourds.
Giyu did order the gourds on behalf of Urokodaki, for he prepared to help advance Tanjirou's training,
After a bit of hours of trying, Tanjirou was able to produce a crack on the smallest gourds.
Urokodaki looked at the results, shocked.
"What is it, Urokodaki?" Tanjirou asked. Urokodaki took in his tone this time. It didn't sound hateful, but rather tiring. That was better than nothing.
Urokodaki looked at the gourds closely, as if making sure there was a crack.
"It doesn't take until 3-6 months, at the very least."
"What?" Tanjirou asked, very confused.
"How… Did you at least make a crack on the gourds, already?"
"Um?" Tanjirou was confused but awake, "I blew into it after using the technique you told me." Tanjirou deadpanned as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Nezuko too looked at the broken gourd as if it was the most interesting thing in the world.
Urokodaki shook his head. "In a single day, you have already managed to produce a single crack on the gourd, the smallest. It takes a normal demon slayer or even those who make it to Hashira level 6 months to completely break the smallest gourd. Once they manage to break the largest ones, 2 years pass usually."
At this, Tanjirou remained silent, "So, it usually takes 6 months at the very least to break the smallest gourd?"
"Yes, and then they have to break progressively larger gourds, which in total can last for around a year and a half, or two years," Urokodaki explained. "This begs the question, if you are so close to being able to use total concentration breathing constant, then why do you suffer such a side effect from Water Breathing?"
"I don't know…" Tanjirou muttered, "It feels like I'm not meant for it, especially when I see Nezuko perform it so well. Maybe my breathing is not compatible, because there's a specific way, I do the breathing that conflicts with the breathing style… Or I'm just not meant to be a demon slayer..." Tanjirou sighed, and Urokodaki knew this time he had to wipe those thoughts away from his head.
"That is not true... You were using a proper breathing technique when you were first spotted by Giyu. And now, you can break a crack into the gourd." Urokodaki started.
"That is what we have been theorizing, but until you can safely use total concentration breathing, we won't know if it's right. This is more beneficial for you eventually, rather than closely watching you throughout the day." Urokodaki made it clear for Tanjirou. If he could learn breathing constantly, then maybe he would have an easier time using the techniques.
"I'll continue to let you use a sword, especially as you continue to learn the constant breathing, but I will forbid you from using any water-breathing forms until we're sure you won't suffer from any side effects any longer," Urokodaki warned.
Tanjirou sighed, "Alright, but I do wish I can become a demon slayer."
Urokdaki patted Tanjirou's head, "You know, this is not anything new to us. Well, the idea that some people cannot perform a specific breathing style."
"What do you mean?" Tanjirou asked, his eyes still dulled from his last outburst.
"What I'm saying is that there are numerous people out there who cannot perform the breathing they were able to use." Urokodaki reiterated.
"But then how do they become demon slayers?" Tanjiro asked.
"They create their breathing style," Urokodaki answered.
"Wait." Tanjirou's eyes widened, "You're saying, I may be creating my breathing style?"
"Not necessarily. The truth is that we are not sure." Urokodaki specified. "You may be, with the current breathing technique you show, or not, you could just not be compatible for water breathing."
"Oh," Tanjirou mumbled.
"But the point I am trying to get across is to not worry about the fact that you cannot use water breathing. This is normal for many demon slayers; it is just a matter of finding a breathing style that works for you." Urokodaki explained, clearly wanting to cheer Tanjirou up.
He was watching Nezuko finalize the proper form of the tenth form of Water Breathing. He was jealous that Nezuko was easily able to perform without many issues, but if what Giyu and Urokodaki were saying is true, then it meant he just needed to use a different breathing style.
"Why are you always gifted, Nezuko..." Tanjrou mumbled as he held down his hidden jealousy for Nezuko.
Tanjirou merely looked on, "I hope I can find my style soon."
"Do not be upset about yourself, you are learning something that not even Nezuko could master. You are making great progress in your total constant breathing." Urokodaki explained.
"I guess, it's just not as cool as performing that." Tanjirou pointed towards Nezuko using the tenth form, struggling a bit, but making the move work. A bit more work on the move, and she could easily be able to use it.
"Everything takes time, Tanjirou, just breathe to the best of your ability, and who knows, maybe the breathing technique you are designed to use will manifest itself," Urokodaki explained, patting Tanjirou on the back before he got up.
As Tanjirou continued to ponder, making sure he was retaining his constant breathing, he eventually sighed.
What Urokodaki said gave Tanjirou mixed opinions. On the one hand, it made him feel better that what he was going through was normal for many demon slayers. On the other, telling him he may have a different breathing technique manifest was unfortunate, as it made Tanjirou feel he was failing Urokodaki.
Once again, Tanjirou felt like a failure.
Sighing, he quickly realized he had to continue with the gourds.
Quickly picking up a gourd, he unconsciously picked up a size 7/10, with one being the smallest, and ten being the largest, and blew into it.
"Just breathe to the best of your ability, and who knows, maybe the breathing technique you are designed to use will manifest itself."
"Remember Tanjirou, just breathe like Hinokami Kagura, and they shall bless you with unlimited stamina and breathing."
Tanjirou growled.
He wanted to stop thinking about his father.
He did not care about Hinokami Kagura. He loved dancing. But the fact that dance was the only thing his father openly taught infuriated Tanjirou. His father did not even teach him how to properly burn coal! All he did was make him swing a sword! He only praised him when it came to the Hinokami Kagura…
Then, there was the current information that Tanjirou realized his father may have been sabotaging his training, purposely making him fail the breathing styles. Tanjirou was only angrier with his father…
Tanjirou did not know why he kept thinking about the Hinokami Kagura, but when he thought about both, he felt anger, as the image of his father and mother came to him, and when he blew into the gourd with his mindset, to his shock, it shattered.
No.
It didn't shatter.
It exploded.
It shattered violently.
The surprising noise and gourd breaking apart surprised Tanjirou, which caused him to mess up his breathing.
So, all Tanjirou could remember was blowing into a 7/10 size, and then seeing it shatter violently. The surprise caused Tanjirou to yelp in surprise, ruining his constant breathing, and he fell, blacking out.
The last thing he saw was Urokodaki, whom he knew was incredibly shocked about what he just saw.
A.N / So the first thing I would like to point out is the specific change in Tanjirou's personality near the middle and end. I do plan on giving Tanjirou some form of personality dysfunction, which is going to become more prevalent within the story, particularly when he goes to fight and hunt demons. It is hinted at in the story, but I've decided to go now, to further give hints as to what will happen in the future. Sorry if it seemed a bit redundant, but I wanted to include it as a little development all.
The next thing is that Chapter 7 was a recollection of the previous scenes, except through Nezuko's own POV, and how she analyzed everything. That's why it seems a bit repetitive, I just thought it would be ideal and interesting to show Nezuko's POV, for especially in this chapter we see her conscious enough to understand what was going on with her brother. I do want to emphasize the support both siblings give to each other, but also the strain that there is.
This brewing jealousy between Tanjirou and Nezuko will be critical for Tanjirou's character a bit later on. Especially with the revelation of what Tanjirou's father did with sabotaging Tanjirou's training. Once again, the viewers know why, but Tanjirou and Nezuko don't.
Also, special thanks to those who are critiquing my story. I do like the fact that you are open enough to share with me the personal grievances you have with my story. This only makes me aware of the potential issue my story may have, as I want to make sure this story is understood by everyone. So, please let me know if there's any typos or confusing bits, I'll gladly look at it and fix it if need be! Also this chapter was pre-written alongside chapter 8, which is why it's out so early and soon after the other chapter. Updates may slow down for a bit as I have a midterm on the Monday. I'll see if I can get one more out though!
Anyways, no character profiles to go over.
Abilities:
Tanjirou Kamado:
Water Breathing: Tanjirou can perform three moves of Water Breathing, although he suffers from side effects, as his breathing technique is not yet compatible to adapt and work with the forms.
Hinokami Kagura: The dance of the Hinokami Kagura acts as a crutch for Tanjirou to avoid falling into an abyss of hatred and worthlessness.
Personality Dysfunction: Due to the childhood he grew up in, Tanjirou develops a personality dysfunction. Not known if this is a mental disorder or the like yet, but considering the small outburst, Nezuko is required to assist in calming her brother down.
Nezuko Kamado:
Water Breathing: Having an affinity to Water Breathing, Nezuko is adept in learning the moves, learning 10 of the water breathing forms.
Dualistic Mind: Nezuko suffers from a dualistic mind, or a fight between her human and demon self, and Tanjirou is required to assist in calming his sister down/