As the sun descended on the horizon, casting its golden hues upon the world, Percy embarked on his ascent up the mount. Each step he took brought him closer to the grounds where the final selection awaited. The air was imbued with a sense of anticipation, mingling with the faint scent of wisteria that permeated the surroundings.
The path snaked through a dense forest, and with each passing moment, the wisteria vines grew more abundant. Their delicate lavender blossoms hung in graceful clusters, cascading down from towering trees like nature's own tapestries. Percy marveled at the sight, captivated by the ethereal beauty and the intoxicating fragrance that enveloped the air. It was as if the very essence of the mountain was intertwined with the wisteria, creating a mystical ambiance.
As he continued his ascent, Percy eventually emerged into an open clearing, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. Before him stood a group of young individuals, their expressions alternating between determinate and apprehensive. They were gathered in a semi-circle, their attention focused on two girls who stood at the center.
The first girl possessed short, pristine white hair that framed her face, contrasting with her vibrant purple eyes. The second girl, her mirror image, had short, jet-black hair that accentuated her also purple eyes. They stood side by side, donning identical purple kimonos adorned with a slender green strip encircling their midsections. Their resemblance was striking, leading Percy to wonder if they were twins.
Percy approached the gathering, his presence drawing curious glances from the young aspirants. The girls, emanating an aura of authority beyond their years, acknowledged his arrival with a nod, their gazes assessing and inscrutable. It was clear that they held a significant role in the proceedings about to unfold.
The young participants stood in rapt attention as the two girls, their voices carrying an air of authority, began to speak. Percy's suspicion of their role was confirmed as they took charge, guiding the final selection with their words.
The girl with black hair, her voice clear and resolute, addressed the assembled group. "Greetings everyone, thank you all for joining the final selection tonight," she began, her words laced with a sense of gratitude and purpose. The weight of responsibility hung in the air as she continued, "There are a lot of demons held captive on this mountain, brought back by our esteemed Hashira."
"Hashira? Isn't that's what Gyomei introduced himself as? Stone Hashira, or something," Percy remembered.
The girl with white hair, her voice calm yet filled with unwavering resolve, picked up where her counterpart left off. "They are unable to leave because from the mountain foot to halfway up, there are a lot of demon-repelling wisteria that bloom all year round," she explained, her words surprising Percy's mind. He didn't know that wisteria held the demons at bay.
A hushed silence fell over the clearing as the girl with black hair continued, her tone growing solemn. "However, from here on out, there are no more wisteria. Only demons," she declared, her words echoing with a chilling finality. Percy's gaze swept across the surrounding forest, analyzing the challenge that lay ahead. This was where the true test began.
The girl with white hair spoke the final words that would ignite the trials. "If you can survive here for seven days, then you pass the final selection," she proclaimed. Percy noticed that a few nervous glances were exchanged between the participants, as if some of them were having second thoughts.
Percy took a deep breath, his mind focused and his heart steady. This was the moment he had been waiting for, the ultimate test of his abilities. Alongside the other determined participants, he ventured further into the forest.
Three hours into his journey up the treacherous mountain, Percy found himself deep within its formidable embrace. The sun had long bid its farewell, leaving behind a tapestry of orange and purple streaks in the darkening sky. The shadows grew longer, casting an eerie pall over the dense foliage that surrounded him.
As Percy forged ahead, his senses heightened, attuned to every rustle and whisper that carried on the wind. He murmured to himself, his voice barely audible in the stillness of the night, "Three hours in and no demons. That's good." Confidence welled within him, a flicker of relief amidst the mounting tension.
But his momentary reassurance was short-lived. In the next instant, the rustling of leaves broke the silence. Percy's instincts screamed a warning, and he whirled around, his gaze locking onto the figures emerging from the shadows.
"Of course. I just had to jinx it," Percy cursed inwardly, a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins.
Two Onis materialized before him, their forms towering and monstrous. The first Oni possessed a hulking frame, its skin gnarled and rough, as if fashioned from ancient tree bark. Its eyes burned with a malevolent crimson glow, reflecting the malice that lurked within its monstrous heart.
The second Oni, with sinewy limbs and a lithe, predatory grace, exuded an aura of cunning and danger. Its features were grotesque, its face contorted with a wicked grin that exposed rows of jagged teeth. The twisted horns atop its head curled like tendrils of nightmarish thorns.
"Well, well, aren't you two a charming pair?" Percy quipped, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. "Didn't realize I'd have such company for my evening stroll. I must say, you really know how to make a guy feel special."
The Onis, their eyes narrowing with confusion at this unexpected turn of events, exchanged bewildered glances. Percy's irreverence seemed to catch them off guard, momentarily throwing them off their game.
"Now, now, don't be shy," Percy continued, his tone light but his stance firm. "I hope you brought your A-game, because I wouldn't want our little encounter to be a disappointment. You know what they say, if you're gonna tango with a demigod, you better bring your best moves."
The air crackled with a blend of tension and amusement as Percy's words hung in the darkness, challenging the very essence of the creatures before him. With a primal roar, the bigger Oni surged forward, its massive form hurtling through the air with thunderous footsteps. Its brutish strength was matched only by its grotesque appearance.
As it closed in on Percy, its monstrous claws raised, he sprang into action with blinding speed. With a swift, calculated movement, he feinted to the left, causing the Oni to lunge forward, its attack missing its mark. In that split second, Percy seized the opportunity, his blade slashing through the air with lethal precision.
With a resounding thud, the Oni's head tumbled to the ground, severed from its grotesque body and began to disintegrate. Blood spurted from the wound, staining the forest floor with dark crimson. Percy couldn't resist a triumphant smile as he stepped back, his gaze fixed on the remaining adversary.
"One ugly down, one more to go," he jeered, a gleam of confidence in his eyes. The second Oni, undeterred by its companion's demise, snarled with feral rage, its eyes burning with a fiery intensity.
As the Oni lunged at him, its movements fueled by sheer rage and desperation, Percy's instincts kicked in, honed by years of battles and encounters with formidable monsters. With a grace that seemed otherworldly, he sidestepped the Oni's attack, his body moving like a whirlwind of motion. The creature's claws scraped through empty air, missing its mark by mere inches.
In that split second of evasion, Percy seized the opportunity to strike. His blade, an extension of his arm, sliced through the air with a cutting sound, meeting the Oni's monstrous form in a clash of metal and flesh.
Time seemed to slow as Percy and the Oni locked eyes. In that intense moment, Percy's strength burned like a raging fire. With a surge of adrenaline, Percy executed a breathtaking feint. His body twisted and contorted, defying the laws of physics as he maneuvered around the Oni to go behind him, his movements a mesmerizing dance of agility and precision. The creature, momentarily disoriented by the unexpected display of dexterity, found itself vulnerable.
Seizing the opportunity, Percy unleashed a devastating strike. His blade sliced through the air with a celestial grace. It met the Oni's exposed neck with a resounding impact, severing its head from its hulking body. Time resumed its normal pace as the decapitated creature crashed to the ground, its life force extinguished and its body disintegrating.
A surge of triumph surged through Percy's veins as he stood amidst the aftermath of the battle, his chest heaving with exertion and adrenaline. As he sheathed his blade, Percy couldn't help but savor the momentary victory. However, he knew that the trials were far from over. As he savored the taste of triumph, a chilling scream shattered the tranquility, piercing through the night.
Percy's instincts kicked into high gear, his celebration cut short as he swiftly turned towards the source of the distressing cry. With his focus etched upon his face, he sprang into action, propelled by a deep-rooted sense of duty. As he rushed toward the scene of chaos, his eyes caught sight of a young man sprinting past him, panic etched across his features.
"Wait! What's happening? Why are you running?" Percy demanded, hoping to glean some information from the fleeing stranger.
The young man, his breath ragged and fear etched across his face, briefly glanced back at Percy. He shouted over his shoulder, "Run! If you value your life, get out of here while the Oni is distracted!"
Percy's eyes widened in surprise, but before he could respond, the young man disappeared into the darkness, his desperate plea hanging in the air. Though unsure of the exact circumstances, Percy understood that someone was fighting the Oni and its life could be in danger.
With a surge of determination, Percy uncapped Riptide once more as his feet carried him in the direction the young man had come from. His mind raced, filled with a mix of concern and a burning desire to help. He knew he had to act quickly if there was any hope of helping the person in hazard.
As he ventured deeper into the shadows, the sounds of chaos grew louder. The forest seemed to close in around him, suffused with an eerie stillness that sent shivers down his spine. But he pressed on, driven by his sense of responsibility.
As Percy arrived at his destination, his eyes fell upon a remarkable sight. There, engaged in a fierce battle with the menacing Oni, stood a young boy around 2 years younger than himself. The boy's clothes, a vibrant blue haori adorned with swirling clouds, fluttered with each arduous movement. A fox mask adorned the side of his face.
Despite his youthful appearance, it was evident that the boy had endured a grueling ordeal. He breathed heavily, his chest rising and falling with each breath. Sweat dripped from his brow, mingling with the dirt and grime that adorned his face, evidence of the arduous struggle he had faced thus far. Yet, there was an unyielding fire in his eyes, a flicker of resilience that refused to be extinguished.
Percy changed his gaze to analyse the Oni he was fighting—and what an Oni that was.
The Oni towered above them, a grotesque manifestation of malevolence and terror. Standing at an imposing height of almost 5 meters, its form was a macabre composition of twisted limbs. The entire body of the Oni seemed to be constructed from a horde of hands, each one contorted and deformed, reaching out in every direction.
Yellow eyes, cold and calculating, shone with a foul glimmer. They pierced through the darkness, filled with an insatiable hunger and an untamed evil. The Oni's gaze seemed to penetrate the soul. A shiver of trepidation ran down his spine.
Swallowing his apprehension, Percy took a step forward, ready to lend his aid. His presence went unnoticed for a brief moment as the boy and the Oni focused on each other.
"Hey! You could use a hand there," Percy shouted, his words carrying an offer of support and camaraderie.
As Percy stepped forward, his intention clear, the boy turned to face him. Relief and a hint of fear flickered in his eyes, a silent acknowledgement that he no longer stood alone in this harsh battle. Their gazes locked for a fleeting moment and a shared understanding passed between them.
But the Oni, seeing the intrusion, turned its monstrous head towards Percy, its twisted mouth stretching into a sinister grin. The sound of its maniacal laughter reverberated through the air, its voice dripping with sadistic delight.
"Hahahaha! It seems tonight I'll have a huge feast! Your screams will be a symphony to my ears while I tear you apart limb by limb!" the Oni bellowed, its words laced with a sadistic tone. Its yellow eyes glimmered with a malevolent glint, relishing in the prospect of doing what he just said. The very thought of their pain brought perverse joy to the creature.
Unfazed by the Oni's threats, Percy remained steadfast, unwavering in his steps. With each step closer, he defied the Oni's expectations. The boy, caught between relief and concern, called out in a desperate plea.
"Stop! He's too dangerous! I can handle him!" the boy exclaimed, his voice laced with urgency. But Percy's determination remained unshaken, a resolute fire burning within him.
"As if I would just leave you alone," Percy thought. Ignoring the warning, he continued his relentless advance, closing the distance between them.
"Any weaknesses you've found?" Percy's gaze remained on the Oni as he posed his question to the boy.
The boy's eyes eyebrows furrowed for a brief moment as he considered the question, his mind racing to recall any vulnerabilities in the Oni's assault. With a glimmer of realization, he responded, "Well, he has to extend his arms to attack. In that moment, his body is vulnerable and susceptible to attacks."
Before Percy could acknowledge the information, the Oni's fury boiled over. It lashed out in anger at being ignored, its monstrous voice booming through the air. "Don't start a conversation as if I'm not here, you fools!" it roared, the very ground trembling beneath its feet.
The boy's widened eyes captured Percy's attention, and the boy's voice pierced through the tumultuous atmosphere. "Watch out! There's an attack coming from below!" he shouted, his warning carrying a note of urgency.
Reacting swiftly, Percy sidestepped with uncanny agility, narrowly evading the Oni's surprise attack from beneath the earth. The boy, who had jumped high into the air, found himself vulnerable to the very arm that came from below and attempted to ensnare him.
Without hesitation, Percy swung his blade with calculated precision, severing the arm that threatened to grasp the boy. The resounding sound of flesh being cut mingled with the Oni's enraged roar. The boy, freed from imminent danger, landed gracefully by Percy's side.
Percy turned his head to have a better look at the boy. "I have a plan," he declared, his tone laced with focus. "Make a run for the head. I'll be right behind you, protecting you from any possible attacks. Trust me and don't divert your attention away."
Without wasting a moment, the boy nodded, his eyes gleaming with trust. The two moved as one, their footsteps synchronized in a dance of calculated precision. Percy's blade whirled through the air, slicing through each arm that dared to hinder their path. The Oni tried to stop them with a barrage of arms, but they never hit their target. Arm after arm fell to the ground in clean cuts made by Percy's blade.
As Percy cleared the way, the boy propelled himself forward, his leap defying gravity itself. With a primal shout that reflected the depth of his determination, he descended upon the Oni's neck, his blade slashing through the air with blinding speed. The sound of impact reverberated through the clearing as the Oni's head got separated from its huge body. Slowly, the once formidable creature crumbled into dust, particles drifting aimlessly on the wind.
The boy approached the disintegrating head, his eyes closing in a gesture of reverence and gratitude. With hands held in a solemn, praying gesture, he paid homage to the fallen demon. His presence lingered until the last trace of the creature vanished into nothingness.
With the threat vanquished and a newfound sense of camaraderie between them, the boy turned to Percy, extending a hand in friendship. "My name is Tanjiro Kamado. Thank you for your help back there. What's your name?"
Percy met Tanjiro's gaze with a warm smile, clasping his hand firmly. "Percy Jackson. It's nice to meet you, Tanjiro. Your skills are impressive, by the way. I've never seen such fluid movements, and I've met plenty of very capable swordsmen."
Tanjiro's expression brightened with a mix of pride and happiness. "Thank you, Percy. It's because I'm trained in Water Breathing. What about you? Where did you train, and what style do you use?"
Percy tilted his head in confusion, not understanding what the boy was talking about. "Well, I trained at a summer camp, you could say. As for the breathing technique, I'm not familiar with that concept. I really have no idea what do you mean," he said.
Tanjiro's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, so you don't use any specific style to adapt during fights? And you don't use breathing techniques to strengthen your body? I thought every swordsman used at least one style!"
Percy shook his head, a slight grin tugging at his lips. "No, not really. My body seems to hold up just fine on its own. And I do have my own fighting style, I just don't have a name for it. I spent over five years being trained in swordsmanship at the summer camp."
Tanjiro looked amazed. "That's incredible, Percy. Maybe you should consider learning a breathing style. It could make you even stronger. It's the only thing that allows for us, humans, to keep up with the Onis."
Percy nodded thoughtfully, making a mental note to explore the idea later. "You might be onto something there, Tanjiro. I'll definitely keep it in mind."
Deciding he liked the boy and realizing the potential benefits of joining forces, Percy suggested, "Since we seem to work so well together, how about we continue our journey together? It'll increase our chances of survival, and we can watch each other's backs. Those two girls didn't say anything against teaming up, right?"
Tanjiro's face brightened with agreement. "That sounds like a good plan. Sure, let's do this together!"
And so, under the moonlit night sky, Percy and Tanjiro walked side by side, their footsteps echoing in harmony. United by their shared determination and the bonds forged in battle, they ventured forth into the unknown, ready to face whatever Onis laid ahead.
"Welcome back," the familiar voice rang out, and Percy turned to see the two girls who had guided them through the grueling final selection. The words held a sense of relief, acknowledging the significance of their survival.
"Congratulations. Being safe and sound is better than anything else," the girl with black hair added, her voice carrying a genuine warmth.
Seven days had passed since the arduous trials started, and now Percy, Tanjiro and the other survivors stood in the very same clearing where their it had begun. However, the sight before them revealed that their numbers had significantly dwindled. Out of the original group of twenty or so participants, only five remained.
Amidst the gathering, a deep, masculine voice broke the silence with impatience, "Eh? Now what do I do? What about the blade?" Percy's attention turned to the source, a short teenage boy with striking inward-slanting eyes and a furrowed brow.
The girl with white hair patiently responded, her tone steady and composed, "First, you must pay for the uniform. Then, your body will be measured and your rank engraved."
The girl with black hair chimed in, her voice carrying a sense of authority, "There are ten ranks in total, and currently, you hold the lowest position, the 10th level."
The boy's frustration remained unabated, and he persisted in his inquiries, "What about the blade?"
The girl with white hair maintained her composure, answering his question, "Today, each of you will select a chunk of tamahagane alloy. Your blades will be crafted and completed within a span of 10 to 15 days."
Not to be outdone, the girl with black hair added, "Furthermore, from this moment onward, Kasugai crows will accompany all of you."
As if on cue, a crow came from seemingly out of nowhere and settled upon Percy's right shoulder. He marveled at the creature, extending a hand to stroke its feathers gently.
"These Kasugai crows serve as our means of communication," the girl explained.
Percy regarded the crow perched upon his shoulder, a sense of connection already forming. Looking at the bird's black feathers, a thought crossed his mind, and he addressed the avian companion, "Well, it seems we're in this together now. How about I call you Nyx?" The crow responded with an enthusiastic caw, embracing the given name.
The atmosphere in the clearing reached its breaking point when the impatient boy, driven by his frustration, lashed out at the girl with white hair. In a swift motion, he grabbed a handful of her hair, his aggression on full display. Yet, the girl remained unperturbed, maintaining her neutral expression.
Percy's protective instincts kicked in, and he moved to intervene, determined to diffuse the escalating situation. He quickly realized, however, he was not alone in his protective response. As his hand reached out, he noticed Tanjiro doing the same. Together, they seized the boy's arm, the one that held the girl's hair captive.
"Let go of her this instant," Tanjiro's voice carried a steely resolve. "If you don't, then I'll break your arm."
Percy added his own warning, his tone firm, "And I'll be glad to help."
The boy's astonishment was palpable, his defiant gaze fixed upon the unexpected duo who dared to challenge him. "Huh? Who are you? You can try if you dare!" he retorted, attempting to assert his dominance.
"I don't care about some dumb crow. What I want is the blade," the boy spat out, his voice dripping with impatience. His grip tightened, demanding immediate satisfaction. "Give me the blade right now. The blade of the Demon Killing Corps. The blade of color change."
Without hesitation, Percy and Tanjiro tightened their grip, twisting the boy's arm to the brink of breaking, forcing him to release his hold on the girl's hair. Pain contorted his face as he cradled his injured arm, his glare brimming with animosity.
The girl, now free from the clutches of aggression, remained composed. She spoke with an air of authority, directing their attention to the next task at hand. "Are you done? If so, please go over there and choose the alloy that will be used to create your blade. The alloy for the blade that will be used to destroy demons and protect yourself will be chosen personally by each of you."
Her gesture guided their gaze toward a table adorned with an array of samples, each representing a different shape of metal.
Percy and the others made their way to the table adorned with various samples of alloys. As they stood before the array of options, Percy's eyes scanned each piece, his gaze lingering on the intricate designs. However, despite the significance of this moment, he couldn't sense any distinct difference among the alloys. They all appeared equal in his eyes.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Percy shook his head, his voice resolute. "I'm sorry, but I can't choose one. The sword I have used thus far is the only option for me."
The two ladies, their expressions unchanging, nodded simultaneously, seemingly understanding Percy's sentiment.
"The uniform will be delivered to where you'll be staying," the girl with black hair informed them, her tone matter-of-fact.
Percy's declaration caught their attention once again. "I'm not staying anywhere in particular," he stated firmly, revealing his nomadic nature. "I'm a traveler. I'm always on the move. Is there anywhere nearby where I can stay until I get my uniform?"
Tanjiro, who had been listening attentively, offered a solution. "You can come with me to wait. I'm sure Mr. Urokodaki will accept your company."
Percy's gaze shifted toward Tanjiro, considering the proposition. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded in agreement. "Alright then, I'll accompany you. Thanks."
Tanjiro simply sent a pure smile to him in return, amazing Percy with the boy's kindness. And so, together they both made their way towards Mt. Sagiri, reveling in their new friendship and wondering about the new challenges that lay ahead.
The moon hung high in the sky, casting a soft glow over the weary travelers. Tanjiro, his body drained of energy, leaned heavily on Percy for support. It had been a grueling journey, but they pressed on by Tanjiro's desire.
Concerned for his companion's well-being, Percy suggested, "Tanjiro, we've been walking for hours. Perhaps we should rest for the night. It's not worth pushing ourselves too hard."
Tanjiro, however, refused to yield. "No, I don't want to worry Mr. Urokodaki. We're so close now," he replied, his voice filled with a mix of exhaustion and determination.
They continued their arduous trek in silence, Tanjiro's labored breathing punctuating the stillness of the night. Minutes stretched into eternity until, finally, their eyes caught sight of a small house nestled at the foot of Mt. Sagiri. The warm glow of lanterns spilled from its windows, beckoning them closer.
But before they could reach the doorstep, the front door swung open with a resounding kick. In the dim light, a young girl emerged, clad in a delicate pink kimono, her mouth obscured by a bamboo muzzle. She seemed to wander aimlessly, her gaze lost in the distance.
Tanjiro's voice burst forth with a mix of joy and relief. "Ah! Nezuko, it's you! You finally woke up!" With renewed strength, he released himself from Percy's supporting arm and dashed towards his sister, only to stumble and collapse onto the ground, his fatigue overpowering his resolve.
The girl known as Nezuko sprinted towards Tanjiro, embracing him tightly. Tanjiro's tears flowed freely as he poured out his emotions. "Why did you suddenly fall into a coma like that? You lay there in your bed and wouldn't wake up. I thought you were dead!"
As their emotional reunion unfolded, a man emerged from the shadows, catching Percy's attention. He wore a blue kimono adorned with white clouds, reminiscent of Tanjiro's own attire. A distinctive red mask, featuring a prominent, elongated nose, covered his face. Percy immediately deduced that this must be Mr. Urokodaki, the one Tanjiro had spoken of.
Feeling somewhat like an outsider, Percy watched the heartfelt scene unfold. But his presence did not go unnoticed by Mr. Urokodaki. The man's gaze turned towards Percy, and even behind his mask Percy could feel the curiosity in his eyes as he posed a simple question, "And who might you be, young man?"
"Ah, Mr. Urokodaki, this is Percy. We worked together to pass the final selection and I offered him to stay here until our stuff arrives," Tanjiro answered.
"I see," said Mr. Urokodaki, his voice filled with gratitude. "I thank you for helping Tanjiro. To show you my appreciation, you may stay here for as long as you need until you both leave for your first mission."
As the three of them made their way towards the house to appreciate the full meal Mr. Urokodaki made for them, Percy's curiosity got the better of him, and he couldn't help but voice his question to Tanjiro. "Tanjiro, why does Nezuko have a bamboo muzzle in her mouth?" he asked, his tone filled with genuine curiosity.
Tanjiro froze for a moment, seemingly at a loss for words. However, Mr. Urokodaki, noticing his student's hesitation, placed a comforting hand on Tanjiro's shoulder. "It's alright, Tanjiro. If he is to stay here, he has a right to know," Mr. Urokodaki assured him, his voice calm and steady.
Tanjiro took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before explaining the truth. "Nezuko... she is my little sister," he began, his voice tinged with a faint trace of sorrow. "A little over two years ago, she was turned into a demon by Muzan Kibutsuji, the strongest and the first of the demons. But I swear, Percy, she is good. She has never killed anyone!"
Desperation seeped into Tanjiro's voice as he continued, his words fueled by an unwavering belief in his sister's inherent goodness. "I will find a way to bring her back as a human. I know she won't harm any humans! In fact, she has even helped me in battles against demons in the past."
Percy looked into Nezuko's calm and gentle eyes, sensing a flicker of something familiar within her. Memories of Japetus, the titan who, despite his inherently malevolent nature, had shown glimpses of goodness and had ultimately made a selfless choice in his final moments, flooded his mind.
In that moment, Percy made a decision. With a nod of understanding and acceptance, he said, "I believe you, Tanjiro. If you say Nezuko is good, then I trust your judgment."
Tanjiro's expression turned into pure relief as tears once more filled his eyes. He wiped them with the sleeve of his haori, and together the three of them entered the warm house, where they spent the night talking about the final selection and old stories. As Percy lay in his bed looking towards the ceiling, he remembered the breathing technique Tanjiro told him about, and vowed himself to ask Mr. Urokodaki about it in the morning. Closing his eyes, he allowed himself to enter a deep sleep, not realizing until then how tired he actually was.