Sakonji POV

Sakonji was taking a stroll down the path near his home in the mountains. He always liked these peaceful walks and tried not to think about all the apprentices that he had lost over his time as a master. He didn't stop because his enhanced sense of smell picked up something, as well as his enhanced condition. He started following it; the smell was a mix of blood, blue spider lilies, and roses. The snow made him tense, and he gripped his knackered sword in a reflexive gesture. Of course, at this time, pretty much everyone had this reflex set at one point or another.

He saw a pool of blood—or at least, he thought it was blood. Now that he looked at it and was much closer, he realized it was much pinker than blood. Something didn't feel right. Sakonji said, unsure of what he was seeing. He also noticed that it was starting to get cloudy and stormy, and in the blink of an eye, it started raining hard. Even he was shocked at how quickly the weather changed. The only time this happened was thousands upon thousands of years ago, but that's just a coincidence, right?

Without warning, a bolt of lightning shot out and almost hit Sakonji. The only reason he dodged it was pure instinct. Luckily, he used to be a Hashira in his day. Of course, he still kept up with his training, but thanks to his old age, he was getting less fit than he used to be. Lightning bolts were going everywhere, shooting around the pond, until a more powerful lightning bolt hit straight into the pool of pink goo. Then, a bright flash of light blinded him.

As soon as the storm happened, it quickly went away. It was now a calm day again—no rain, no lightning, no thunder, not even clouds in the sky. Just the sun. In the place where the pink goo once was, there was now a basket. Sakonji investigated because he felt a certain draw like he needed to see what was inside the basket. He was surprised by what he found—a baby. But this wasn't any baby he had ever seen before. Its skin was pinkish, and it looked like a boy. When he checked its privates, indeed, it was a boy. Its hair was black, but the thing that unnerved him the most (and that's saying something, considering what he had seen in his prime) was the baby's eyes. They were pure void black with one red dot; it was the only way he could describe it. The baby didn't stare at him with any evil intent; it started like a normal baby, truly innocent.

He decided to take this baby to his home because, even though the baby looked unusual, it wouldn't be right to leave it to be killed by a demon or a wild animal. Using his enhanced speed, he quickly got to his house, or his little cottage as he liked to put it. This one decision would change the life of the world he lived in, and it would create a journey that would be told for centuries, even eons, to come.

5 years later

After that fateful day, Sakonji's life was vastly different than before. He found himself taking care of a child, which, surprisingly, proved to be more challenging than battling demons. Even the higher moons seemed easier to handle than this whirling tornado of parenting. Nevertheless, he pressed forward, believing it was the right time to teach the child the way of the sword.

Sakonji was genuinely surprised when Ryko effortlessly wielded the sword. With just a single demonstration, the child could perform advanced sword techniques. It wasn't a fluke; in practical fights, Ryko managed to keep up. Initially attributing it to his old age, Sakonji soon realized that the kid possessed a natural talent surpassing even Giyu, who had become a Hashira before him.

Determined to cultivate this extraordinary potential, Sakonji decided to share everything he knew, despite the unconventional nature of training a child in the ways of a Hashira. He believed that pouring all his knowledge into Ryko was essential, as the boy had the potential to become powerful enough to confront the Demon Emperor. However, even with Ryko's natural talent, Sakonji knew it would be a long journey before reaching such heights.

Ryko POV

2 years later

Two people were engaged in a fierce battle, both experienced swordsmen. To the left stood an older man wearing a funny mask, and to the right, a much younger boy with pink skin and scarlet eyes. The intensity of their clash revealed an equal match, capturing the attention of anyone who witnessed the duel.

Ryko, the younger combatant, sought an advantage. He leaped onto a tree branch, then jumped, spinning himself horizontally like a Beyblade. Sakonji swiftly reacted, blocking the attack, but it appeared he was struggling. Ryko reveled in the battle, enjoying the thrill it brought. Sakonji, on the other hand, analyzed Ryko's stance and technique, pinpointing several flaws. Although the boy was formidable in strength, his lack of technique was apparent. Despite his strength, if he were not facing an experienced opponent like Sakonji, he might only be able to defeat a regular swordsman or an average Demon Slayer.

Out of all their battles, Ryko couldn't seem to surpass his master. Sakonji consistently outsmarted him, getting into his mind and overanalyzing every move. There was a time when Ryko came close to victory, but Sakonji always found a way to emerge on top.

After one such defeat, Ryko got up and hit the ground in frustration. "Why do I keep overanalyzing everything? Why does it work for you, master?" he expressed his frustration, sounding like the kid he was. Sakonji sighed in response.

"Well, my inexperienced pupil, let me tell you this: I'm not overanalyzing; I'm making predictions. I create scenarios in my mind, considering all possibilities before any battle. No matter how dire the situation, even if all your limbs are broken, never give up. That's the reason why we slay. Do you remember why we do this in the first place, my son?" Sakonji lectured.

Ryko, as they sat down for dinner after their duel, contemplated his master's words. The questions raised by Sakonji lingered in his mind, and they became a puzzle Ryko would keep trying to solve. Why would he fight? What's the point of all this power, the struggle, the battles? These questions would become more prominent in the future, but for now, he decided to take it one day at a time.

1 year later

Master Sakonji was finally going to teach me Total Concentration Breathing. I had been eagerly anticipating this day ever since he shared stories about it. Of course, I was already stronger than the average person, but the excitement of learning this new technique consumed me. Ryko snapped out of his thoughts as Master Sakonji began, "Alright, listen, my son. Before I teach you Total Concentration Breathing, I need to explain how it works so you can truly understand what you're getting yourself into."

Master Sakonji went on to elaborate on the basics of slaying demons. Demons, being stronger than humans in every way, required a method to level the playing field. Total Concentration Breathing was the key. It enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, and even perceptibility. This was crucial for keeping up with the enhanced bodies of demons and ultimately defeating them. Without this technique, one couldn't endure against demons indefinitely.

Bowing my head, I expressed my understanding, "I understand, master. Tell me, how do I achieve this breathing technique? I'm eager to get started."

Knowing my impatience, Master Sakonji sighed, "Very well, we might as well get started. It only took me three days to truly master it, and you're strong, my student. However, even with Total Concentration Breathing, you cannot outlast a demon."

With that, I eagerly embarked on the journey to learn the breathing technique. It turned out to be a challenging yet enlightening process. In just three days, I grasped the fundamentals, feeling the enhancement in my speed, strength, and perception. I could effortlessly slice through trees. However, I understood that this was just the beginning of our training, and I must delve deeper into mastering the breathing style.

3 years later

Before Ryko knew it, three years had come and gone as he learned the Water Breathing Style. He had completely mastered the breathing technique, though he harbored a desire to learn all the other breathing styles that originated from one common source. Despite his eagerness, his master believed he wasn't ready. However, after mastering the breathing styles, his master was forced to give him the final selection.

Ryko found himself in front of a massive boulder, ready for the challenges that awaited him. Sabato and Makobo appeared, bringing a sense of familiarity and camaraderie to the training. Ryko greeted them, expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming trials.

As the training commenced, the tension in the air was palpable. The three attackers disappeared in an instant, launching their strikes at Ryko. He blocked two strikes aimed at his head, surprised that this time they were going for killing blows. The dynamic had changed, and Ryko needed to adapt quickly.

He focused on deflecting their attacks, but the intensity increased. The attacks were more serious than ever before. Ryko struggled with overthinking, his biggest weakness. The attackers adjusted their movements, making it more challenging for him to predict and react.

As the fight intensified, Ryko was nearly decapitated, prompting him to use total concentration breathing. He successfully disarmed the male attacker but unintentionally killed the female one. Ryko, in shock and guilt, apologized to Sabato and Makobo. However, to his surprise, both were unharmed.

Confused and with more questions than answers, Ryko was left pondering their mysterious nature. Sabato and Makobo assured him he would understand when he was older, leaving him with a mix of emotions. Despite the uncertainties, Ryko smiled at his success in the test and prepared for the final selection journey.

In solace, he returned to his house, readying himself for the challenges that lay ahead in the final selection.

2 years later

After so long of waiting, it was time for the final selection. Ryko packed up for the journey, leaving his humble house in the mountains. This marked his first step toward becoming a great Demon Slayer, as well as killing the demon emperor. He hugged his father, and it was a whole 30 minutes before they let go. With a heavy heart but determined, Ryko walked forward, one step closer to his goal.

A few hours passed, and Ryko found himself alone in the forest, the snow raining down, but it was getting less frequent. Over the two years, he enhanced his senses, with smell being the most honed. Known for his great smell, Ryko unlocked an ability never seen before, which he called "Opening Thread." It allowed him to use his smell to pinpoint an opening in his enemy's attack, somewhat effective as demonstrated against his master.

Three figures came from different directions, and Ryko quickly dodged by jumping and performing a backflip gracefully on his feet. "So, you guys finally show your faces," Ryko said calmly, drawing his blade because he knew his opponents were demons. The three demons emitted a psychotic growl, and his master had told him they were mindless, low-ranking demons—the Rose of the lowest rank.

Despite being stronger than an old human, Ryko considered them child's play. He didn't need to use any breathing techniques or total concentration breathing yet; he wanted to assess the situation first. Frustrated that their meal was resisting, the demons ran towards him at threatening speeds. The first demon attempted an upward strike, but Ryko dodged. The second went for a kick, and Ryko dodged that too. The second then tried a claw attack aimed at his eye, but Ryko quickly blocked it with his blade. With his natural speed and strength, he cut through its arm, all the way to its neck, ending the first demon.

Before Ryko could take a breath, the other two demons ran towards him with crazy ferocity. He effortlessly parried their attacks, then jumped into the air, brought his sword down, and with one graceful movement, sliced the second demon's head off. Another one down, just one more to go. The last demon seemed the strongest, but Ryko considered them equal. Remembering his master's advice on outwitting opponents, Ryko aimed to exploit the demon's flaws.

However, his overthinking led to a mistake, and he missed a decisive blow. Frustrated, he sliced the demon's arm off, witnessing it regenerate. Despite the confusion, Ryko focused on gratitude for his victory. Taking a deep breath, he cleared his mind and formulated a plan. He ran forward, and the demon did the same. Unfortunately, Ryko fumbled his footing a bit, and the demon's blood got onto his skin.

Confused, he wondered why demon blood didn't evaporate after the sun shone. Setting aside his confusion, Ryko felt grateful for winning the battle. He sheathed his sword and left towards the final selection, ready for any other challenges that would come his way.

author notes

"I hope you enjoy this chapter; I've been working on it since my quiet period. Don't worry; I have many great ideas for 'Walking Shinobi.' I'm beginning this Demon Slayer fanfic for you all, so please read and review. I genuinely want your opinions on this story to improve it and 'Walking Shinobi' as well. I'll see you guys on the flip side."