"Listen carefully, Percy. I do not wish to repeat myself," Mr. Urokodaki's commanding voice resonated across the training grounds, capturing Percy's undivided attention.
Percy focused his attention, his eyes locked onto Mr. Urokodaki, eager to absorb every word. The serene training grounds basked in the warm glow of the sun, casting a gentle radiance upon the duo. The air was filled with the harmonious melody of birds, their songs weaving through the tranquil atmosphere.
Last night, as they discussed the final selection, Tanjiro couldn't help but praise Percy's remarkable performance, despite his lack of knowledge in utilizing breathing techniques to amplify his strength and speed. He told Mr. Urokodaki how Percy could move incredibly swiftly even without its usage, easily slaying any Oni that came in their way. His abilities had left Mr. Urokodaki intrigued, prompting him to inquire about Percy's extraordinary prowess.
"It shouldn't be possible for any human to match any Oni in physical prowess without the usage of controlled breathing," he had said, unaware of the fact that Percy's not completely human.
The question lingered in the air, hanging between them as Percy contemplated how to respond truthfully. He confessed that during his six years at a summer camp, he had honed his skills in swordsmanship, as well as improved his own speed and strength, but the art of controlled breathing had never been a part of their training. It was a partial truth, purposely avoiding saying anything about the supernatural aspects of his camp experience. Percy felt bad lying to the one who was housing him, but he wanted his heritage to remain a secret for as long as he could. He didn't want to be treated any differently because of it.
Upon hearing Percy's confession, Mr. Urokodaki offered his guidance, willing to impart the basic principles of breathing control. He explained the importance of oxygenating the blood cells through controlled breathing, enhancing durability and resilience in combat. Mr. Urokodaki also emphasized the need for Percy to incorporate this newfound knowledge into his existing sword technique.
"It is not about adopting a whole new style, Percy. Your current form suits you well," Mr. Urokodaki advised, his words laced with wisdom. "Instead, adapt it and infuse it with your breath, creating a breathing style that is uniquely your own. Many formidable Demon Slayers have forged their paths by molding their techniques into original forms."
With the promise of guidance and the prospect of unlocking untapped potential, Percy's eagerness grew. The beauty of the day, with the sun's warm embrace and the harmonious chorus of nature, seemed to align with his newfound purpose.
And so, under the radiant sky, the training would begin—a journey of breath and blade, where Percy would unlock the depths of his potential, guided by the experienced hand of Mr. Urokodaki.
"Control of your breathing is essential, Percy," Mr. Urokodaki continued his speech, his voice carrying a mix of authority and wisdom. "It is through the regulation of your breath that you can unlock the true potential of your attacks."
As if to emphasize his point, Mr. Urokodaki stepped towards a nearby tree, drawing his sword with a fluid motion. He poised himself. With a swift swing, he unleashed a strike upon the tree. The blade connected with the trunk, lodging itself halfway through.
"This was a regular strike, done without any breathing technique. As you can see, the result is disappointing," he said.
"Disappointing? He almost cut the tree in half in one strike!" thought a bewildered Percy. His eyes fixated themselves on Mr. Urokodaki, eagerly waiting the next demonstration.
Taking a moment to steady himself, Mr. Urokodaki composed his breath, his chest rising and falling in a rhythmic pattern. With a fierce posture, he delivered another strike, this time infused with the power of proper breathing. The blade sliced through the air, meeting the tree with resounding force. In an instant, the mighty trunk was severed in half, the tree slowly falling to the ground.
"What in the name of Hades?" Percy's amazement soared, his eyes shimmering with a newfound understanding of the connection between breathing and power. The desire to learn, to unlock his own potential, burned within him.
"It is a slow but worthy progress, Percy," Mr. Urokodaki acknowledged, his voice filled with encouragement. "With time and dedicated practice, you can develop the ability to cut trough stone over twice your size, just as Tanjiro has done."
Percy's gaze shifted to Tanjiro, who stood nearby, his cheeks flushing with a mix of pride and modesty under Mr. Urokodaki's praise. The admiration in Percy's eyes was unmistakable, silently acknowledging Tanjiro's remarkable accomplishment.
Mr. Urokodaki could sense the unmistakable eagerness emanating from Percy. With a firm expression hidden behind the mask, he placed a commanding hand on Percy's shoulder. "Your journey begins now, Percy. Under my guidance, we will unlock the dormant power within you, honing your breathing techniques and elevating your skills as a Demon Slayer."
Percy could feel the weight of Mr. Urokodaki's expectations. The sternness in his teacher's demeanor only served to fuel his determination further, reminding him of the challenges that awaited him. Percy fixed his gaze upon Mr. Urokodaki, absorbing every word, knowing that this stern mentor held the key to unlocking his true potential.
As the sun continued to cast its warm glow over the training grounds, Percy took a deep breath, ready to embark on this arduous but transformative journey. He vowed to himself that he would do whatever it takes to become a Demon Slayer capable of surpassing his own limitations.
Percy delved into his training with unwavering determination, immersing himself in the teachings of Mr. Urokodaki. The breathing exercises became second nature to him, as if he had been practicing them for years. Mr. Urokodaki couldn't hide his surprise at Percy's rapid progress, observing his swift mastery of the drills with a mix of admiration and astonishment.
With each swing of his sword, Percy's strikes grew sharper and more precise. He effortlessly sliced through bamboo stalks, their fragments scattering in the air like confetti. Mr. Urokodaki nodded in approval, recognizing the potential within Percy.
Next came the challenge of sitting under the waterfall, a task that tested one's endurance and mental fortitude. Percy positioned himself beneath the cascading water, his expression unflinching as the powerful torrent crashed upon him. Just as he expected, the chilling water had no effect on him. The heritage of his divine lineage as the son of Poseidon made sitting under the waterfall as easy as taking a walk in the park for him. He did allow himself to get wet, though. It would be very hard to explain if he came out of the waterfall completely dry. Percy remained calm and unaffected, truly in his element. Mr. Urokodaki sent him astonished looks that were visible even trough his red mask.
Tanjiro watched in awe, his admiration evident in his eyes. "I wish I were as strong as you, Percy," he admitted, his voice filled with genuine respect.
Percy smiled, his response humble yet filled with conviction. "You're already plenty strong, Tanjiro. I've seen it. With the right training and time, you have the potential to become extremely powerful. Just like I had to train for six years, facing dangerous creatures and overcoming countless obstacles, I know your strength will continue to grow."
Tanjiro's face lit up with a mixture of gratitude and determination. In that moment, a deep bond formed between the two aspiring warriors, driven by their mutual aspirations and unyielding spirits.
And so, as Percy continued his relentless training under the watchful eye of Mr. Urokodaki, the sun began its descent, casting a warm golden glow over the training grounds. Aware of the passing time, Mr. Urokodaki raised his palm in a commanding gesture, causing Percy to halt his movements with the wooden sword.
"Enough for today, Percy," Mr. Urokodaki declared, his voice carrying a sense of authority. "You have made remarkable progress, but it's important to know when to rest and recuperate."
Percy nodded, his chest heaving with exertion as he took a moment to catch his breath. He could feel the satisfying ache in his muscles, evidence of the rigorous training he had undergone throughout the day.
Mr. Urokodaki's gaze shifted from Percy to Tanjiro, his expression stern yet contemplative. "Tonight, I want both of you to engage in a friendly spar," he announced. "Naturally, you will be using wooden swords. The goal is not to defeat each other, but rather to test your skills and learn from one another."
Percy's eyes lit up with anticipation, eager to put his training into practice and gauge his progress. He tightened his grip on the wooden sword.
Tanjiro, ever the enthusiastic learner, nodded eagerly. "I'm ready, Mr. Urokodaki. I'm looking forward to sparring with Percy."
Mr. Urokodaki's lips curved into a small smile behind his mask, appreciating the enthusiasm displayed by his young disciples. "Good. Remember, a spar is not about overpowering your opponent, but rather understanding their movements and adapting your own. It's a dance of swords."
With his guidance, Percy and Tanjiro positioned themselves a few paces apart, their wooden swords held at the ready. The sun's dying rays cast elongated shadows upon the training grounds, creating an atmosphere of anticipation.
"Begin," Mr. Urokodaki's voice resonated, releasing the two eager warriors into their spar.
The clash of wooden swords echoed through the air as Percy and Tanjiro engaged in their friendly duel. Each movement was precise, calculated, as they sought to understand and predict their opponent's actions. Their swords danced in perfect harmony, a testament to the training they had received.
As the spar continued, Percy got more and more impressed at Tanjiro's agility and quick thinking. He could feel him growing stronger with each exchange, his senses sharpening and his reflexes becoming more honed as he adapted to the fight.
The sound of their swords colliding reverberated in the tranquil surroundings, harmonizing with the fading symphony of the birds. Percy's movements became fluid, blending his newfound understanding of breathing techniques with his natural instincts. He could sense the ebb and flow of the battle, anticipating Tanjiro's strikes with uncanny precision.
As the spar between Percy and Tanjiro reached its intense climax, Percy thought they had sparred long enough and decided to end this. He recalled the teachings of his mentor, Luke, back during his early days at Camp Half-Blood. Luke had taught him a disarming maneuver, an attack that could catch opponents off guard.
With a surge of concentration, Percy focused his breathing, seeking to incorporate the technique into his attacks. He immediately felt his body becoming lighter, his muscles responding quickly to his will. As their swords clashed once again, Percy swiftly executed the maneuver he had learned from Luke. With a fluid motion, he brought his sword to Tanjiro's, their wooden surface touching. In a mesmerizing display of skill, Percy initiated a spinning motion clockwise, his body moving in perfect synchronization.
The unexpected maneuver caught Tanjiro off guard. His eyes widened in surprise as his own sword was forcefully disarmed from his grip, soaring through the air and landing several feet away. Meanwhile, Percy's wooden sword pointed straight at Tanjiro's chest, signifying his triumph.
The training grounds fell into a stunned silence, broken only by the soft rustle of leaves and the rhythmic sound of their breathing. Mr. Urokodaki stood rooted to the spot, seemingly frozen in shock.
Tanjiro, recovering from the surprise, stared at Percy with a mixture of astonishment and admiration. His voice tinged with awe, he spoke, "Percy... that was incredible! I've never seen a maneuver like that before."
Mr. Urokodaki's voice cut through the air, tinged with both pride and astonishment. "Very impressive, Percy. Your ability to adapt sets you apart. To think you'd be able to incorporate your breathing with your attacks in your first day… You truly are an incredible individual. I feel your journey as a Demon Slayer will be filled with endless possibilities. I look forward to the day you'll develop your own breathing style."
Mr. Urokodaki's gaze then shifted towards Tanjiro, a sense of pride filling the air. He couldn't overlook Tanjiro's remarkable performance during the spar, despite being pitted against a swordsman with years of experience.
"Tanjiro," Mr. Urokodaki spoke with a deep reverence, "your adaptability and quick thinking during the fight were exceptional. You seamlessly incorporated the Water Breathing technique to match Percy's movements and style. I couldn't be more proud of you," he said as he put a hand to Tanjiro's hair.
Tanjiro's face lit up with a mixture of happiness and humility at his teacher's words. Before he could speak, though, Mr. Urokodaki's voice cut the silence once more.
"Remember, both of you, the path of a Demon Slayer is arduous and demanding. But with the right mindset, unwavering resolve, and continuous training, you have the potential to achieve greatness."
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the training grounds. The harmony of their breathing, the clashing of wooden swords, and the bond forged through their shared pursuit of becoming Demon Slayers lingered in the air. In that moment, they were ready to embrace the challenges that lay ahead, united in their commitment to protect humanity from the forces of darkness.
Ten days had passed since Percy and Tanjiro's arrival at the secluded training grounds of Mt. Sagiri. Their daily routine had been meticulously crafted by Mr. Urokodaki, with the aim of honing their skills and unlocking their full potential as Demon Slayers. Each day began with the first rays of the sun painting the sky in vibrant hues, signaling the start of their rigorous training regimen.
As the morning mist enveloped the training grounds, Percy would stand at the edge of a calm pond, his focus solely on his breathing. Inhale. Exhale. Slow, deliberate breaths that expanded his lungs and fueled his body with oxygen. Mr. Urokodaki stood by his side, observing with a critical eye, ready to correct any missteps.
Under the watchful guidance of his mentor, Percy delved into the intricacies of controlling his breath. He learned to draw in the air with precision, visualizing it as a source of power that coursed through his body. With each breath, he aimed to synchronize his movements, allowing his strikes to be infused with the energy of his controlled breath.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, signalizing the end of the morning and casting a warm glow over the training grounds, Percy's focus would shift to incorporating his newfound breathing mastery into his swordsmanship. Armed with a wooden sword, he executed a series of precise strikes and fluid movements, each one a testament to his growing proficiency.
Percy would engage in a series of drills designed to enhance his speed and agility. He would perform intricate footwork patterns, swiftly dodging imaginary opponents with grace and precision while swinging his sword. For the previous ten days, the rhythmic sound of his wooden sword cutting through the air echoed across the training grounds, a testament to his dedication and unwavering determination.
As dusk settled over Mt. Sagiri, Percy's training continued, but the focus shifted to building his strength and endurance. Mr. Urokodaki led him through a series of demanding exercises, pushing him to his limits. From grueling calisthenics to weightlifting, Percy pushed through the fatigue, his muscles burning with exertion.
But it was the combination of his physical prowess and controlled breathing that truly set Percy apart. As he performed powerful strikes, he harnessed the energy within, his breath guiding his movements, amplifying their impact. Each swing of his wooden sword carried the force of his focused breath, reinforcing his resolve to become a formidable Demon Slayer.
The strain on Percy's body was undeniable as he pushed himself to maintain the demanding pace of incorporating his breathing techniques into his fighting. With each strike, he felt the surge of power coursing through his muscles, making him faster, stronger, and more agile than ever before. His body responded to the controlled breaths, propelling him forward with unwavering determination.
But after only a few minutes of mixing breathing and fighting, Percy's body would begin to protest against the intense physical exertion. Beads of sweat dotted his forehead, his breath grew labored, and his muscles screamed for respite. The burden of combining precise breathing with relentless combat took its toll on him, pushing him to his limits.
His arms ached, and his legs felt heavy as he moved, but Percy refused to succumb to the overwhelming fatigue. He remembered the faces of his fallen friends—Bianca, Zoe, Charles, Silena, Annabeth, Emi and much more. Their sacrifices and unwavering loyalty fueled his resolve, reminding him of the weight of his responsibilities as a protector.
With every gasp for air, he channeled the memories of his fallen comrades, their spirits interwoven with his own. They whispered encouragement and support, reminding him that failure was not an option. Through sheer force of will, Percy steeled himself, refusing to give in to the pain and fatigue.
He fought through the burning ache in his muscles, ignoring the pleading pleas of his body for mercy. The echoes of his friends' voices reverberated within him, urging him to push harder, to become stronger. In those moments, Percy found the strength to rise above his limitations, transcending the boundaries of mortal endurance.
And so, with each strike, Percy battled against his own physical limitations. His body strained under the weight of his determination, but his spirit soared, unyielding in its pursuit of becoming the protector his friends deserved.
Mr. Urokodaki looked from afar as Percy forced his body to its very own limit, but didn't interfere. Quite on the contrary actually—he praised Percy's dedication, telling him that keeping this type of focus and mentality was the first step to becoming a Hashira, something he truly believed both him and Tanjiro could achieve.
The culmination of each day's training routine was the sparring session between Percy and Tanjiro. Under the watchful gaze of Mr. Urokodaki, the two warriors faced off, their wooden swords clashing with great intensity.
Despite Tanjiro's persistent efforts, Percy's skills, raw power and battle experience proved to be an impossible challenge. With each encounter, Percy showcased his growth, effortlessly countering Tanjiro's strikes and maneuvers. However, the sparring sessions were not one-sided affairs. Percy's dominance on the battlefield was tempered by Tanjiro's adaptability and keen observation.
In every fight, Tanjiro absorbed the nuances of Percy's techniques, the way he seamlessly incorporated his controlled breathing into his movements. It was a constant learning experience for Tanjiro, who recognized Percy as a wellspring of knowledge and strength. Both of them were getting stronger with each other. Tanjiro would help Percy in controlling his breathing to execute it with sword techniques, while Percy would help him with his swordsmanship skills.
Throughout their daily routine, Percy, Tanjiro, and Mr. Urokodaki formed a bond forged through shared hardship and relentless pursuit of improvement. They encouraged and challenged one another, their collective efforts driving them towards their individual goals. The training grounds of Mt. Sagiri became a crucible of growth and transformation, where the echoes of sword clashes and the harmony of synchronized breathing told the story of their relentless pursuit of becoming extraordinary Demon Slayers.
As the late afternoon sun cast its warm glow upon the peaceful surroundings of Mt. Sagiri, Percy, Tanjiro, and Mr. Urokodaki found themselves engaged in a relaxed conversation. They sat together in front of the house, sharing stories and laughter when something caught their attention.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the winding path leading up to the house. It was a man clad in a vibrant, sunflower-patterned haori. His head was wrapped in a spotted head scarf, adding an air of mystery to his presence. A pink mask adorned his face, featuring full cheeks and an outwardly extending mouth, concealing his true identity.
As the man drew closer, his steps purposeful and confident, the air seemed to carry an aura of anticipation. He steadily reached the group, his voice resonating with depth.
"My name is Haganezuka. I am the one that has forged the blade that will be used by Tanjiro Kamado. I'm also here to deliver Tanjiro Kamado and Percy Jackson's suits," his voice boomed, cutting through the tranquil atmosphere.
Percy and Tanjiro turned their attention towards the arrival, excitement dancing in their eyes. They exchanged glances, their anticipation palpable as they awaited the unveiling of their much-awaited equipment.
"I am Tanjiro Kamado," Tanjiro spoke up. "And this is Percy Jackson. Please, come in and have a seat."
But Haganezuka seemed to be oblivious to Tanjiro's words. Ignoring the invitation, he delved into the bag slung over his shoulder, retrieving a long and thin box, capturing everyone's focus.
"This is the Nichirin blade. I forged this blade," Haganezuka announced with pride. "The Nichirin blade's raw materials are iron sand and ore from the highest mountain that is closest to the sun. Scarlet crimson iron sand and scarlet crimson ore. They are metals that have absorbed the sunlight."
Next, he grabbed their suit. Percy's suit was a deep navy blue, the color of the ocean, just as he had requested.
"I'm pretty sure your bag is going to get mud on it," Tanjiro insisted, to which the man still paid him no mind.
"The mountain the materials are from, the sunlight mountain, is bathed in sunlight all year round. Never troubled by clouds or rain."
Tanjiro, persistent in his attempts to garner Haganezuka's attention, couldn't help but interject. "Hold on a minute first! Could you please stand up? The way you're crouching on the ground is a bit..." Tanjiro's words trailed off as Haganezuka finally lifted his head, meeting Tanjiro's gaze with a curious expression.
"Ah, you're the child of burning crimson, aren't you?" Haganezuka's voice carried a note of recognition. "This is most auspicious for us to meet."
"No, no, I'm Tanjuro and Kie's son," Tanjiro responded awkwardly, taken aback by the unexpected comment.
"Your hair and eyes are all red, right? If a family is in the business of making fire, then they will have a child like you," Haganezuka explained, his tone tinged with a hint of excitement. "So, I mean to say that it's a very lucky thing, so be happy. Looks like this blade might turn red. Right, Urokodaki?"
Mr. Urokodaki, who had been silent until now, affirmed Haganezuka's statement with a simple "Yeah."
Haganezuka went on, sharing his knowledge of the Nichirin blade. "The Nichirin blade's other name is The Blade of Color Change. The blade changes color based on each individual owner."
As Tanjiro unsheathed the sword and held it aloft, the room fell into a hushed anticipation. Percy watched with awe as the blade transformed before their eyes, gradually darkening until it became pitch black, absorbing every ray of light. However, Haganezuka's reaction was not as impressed as Percy had anticipated.
"Black!" he exclaimed, his disappointment evident.
Tanjiro's face mirrored his concern. "Eh? Black feels really ominous. Is this a bad sign?"
"No, it's not like that," Mr. Urokodaki intervened, his calm voice soothing their apprehensions. "I've never seen a blade this dark of a shade of black."
In a peculiar turn of events, Haganezuka began vigorously pinching Tanjiro's cheek despite his protests, expressing his disappointment at not witnessing a bright crimson-colored blade this time. Percy watched the strange interaction unfold, bewildered by the unexpected turn of events. Fortunately, their peculiar encounter was interrupted by the arrival of two crows, swooping down to deliver important messages.
The first crow landed gracefully in front of Tanjiro, its piercing gaze fixed upon him. "Caw! Tanjiro Kamado," it called out. "Hurry and go to the North West town. Hurry up and go hunt demons! This is your first assignment. Remember this well, in the North West town, young girls are constantly disappearing. Every night! Every night!" With that, the crow took flight and vanished into the sky.
The second crow was Nyx, who perched on Percy's right shoulder, his presence both surprising and intriguing. His eyes met Percy's, and he began saying the urgent message. "Head South. Caw! Head South! Merchants are disappearing near the town by the river. They are disappearing! Caw! Caw!" With his task complete, Nyx took off, leaving Percy with a new path to follow.
Locked in a steadfast gaze, Percy and Tanjiro realized that the time had come for them to part ways, each embarking on their assigned missions. The sun hovered high in the sky, casting a warm glow upon their determined faces.
"It seems it's time we part ways," Percy acknowledged, a smile of encouragement in his voice. "Good luck with your mission, Tanjiro."
Returning Percy's determined look, Tanjiro nodded resolutely. "You too!"
And so, with their separate destinations firmly in mind, the two friends bid each other farewell, ready to face the challenges that awaited them on their individual paths. Mr. Urokodaki watched both of them in silence until they were no longer visible in the horizon, pride swelling inside of him.