Chapter 34: Pillar Training
Notes: Part 3 of the Pillar Training Arc. Surprise! Two updates in a row!
Three weeks later, Tanjirou was joining the Pillar Training.
With Tennouji as his guide, his first stop was Uzui-san's home, who dealt with stamina training.
"Oh man! It's been a while!" Uzui-san beamed.
"I was in the Butterfly Estate, you could've just visited me, you know, Uzui-san." Tanjirou smiled back.
"I was hazing the rookies. It's a flashily busy work." he laughed, "I heard you fought another Upper Moon. I gotta say, the only people who are in tip-top shape around here are the lucky ones. So let me just whip that lanky body of yours back to good condition."
"Okay! I'll do all I can!" Tanjirou exclaimed, excitedly.
"Oh my!" Makio exclaimed upon seeing him, "It's been a while!"
"Hey, there! You're finally here!" Suma called out.
"Eat as much as you like." Hinatsuru said kindly.
"I'm glad to see you three ok." he smiled softly at the three kunoichi.
"Thanks to you." Hinatsuru replied.
"I had a lot of help from everyone, so…"
A hand landed on his head.
"You did good, kid." Uzui-san said, "I'm still here, my wives are still here, because you helped. You think we'd've managed on our own? Yours and your friends' help was integral in our survival."
Tanjirou nodded, eyes glistening.
"Now! Get that lanky body of yours and start running. I'll have you in better shape than ever before you know it!"
"I'll do my best!" Tanjirou promised and after setting down his bag, his haori and the top half of his uniform, he took off, beginning his Pillar Training.
"Treat it as your personalised version of rehabilitation training." Shinobu had said, amused.
He worked hard and ten days later, Uzui-san and his wives saw him off.
Next was Tokitou-kun's quick movement training.
They sparred, raising the speed of their attacks and movements.
"Yes! That's it! There you go!" Tokitou-kun called out, "Tanjirou, you're even faster than before! I'm just helping your muscles ease and tense up more smoothly," he explained, "Good! Like that! That's the spirit!" he encouraged Tanjirou's efforts, "Once you're able to do that, your stamina will improve by a lot."
The rest of the Slayers were watching in awe.
"Your body coordination is perfect. Go to the next Pillar, Tanjirou." Tokitou-kun beamed on the fifth day.
"Eh? You sure?!" Tanjirou was surprised.
"Yeah!"
"But, it's only been five days!"
"Well you did everything I just said."
"Eeeeehh…" he was a bit embarrassed.
"Th…Then, can we also go…? We've been here for two wee–" a Slayer started hesitantly.
Tokitou-kun's happy demeanor dropped.
"What are you even on, you incompetent nincompoops? Once we're done with those swings, we're gonna practice so hard the training area will collapse on itself." he said coldly.
There was a moment of frozen silence before the Slayers dropped their heads.
Tanjirou looked on a little worried. He wondered if he could say anything to lift their spirits, but their scent held him off. He was worried they'd think he was looking down on them.
With a heavy heart, he left towards Kanroji-san's house.
"Tanjirou-kun, it's been so long! It's good to see you again! Come into my house!" the Love Pillar waved, waiting for him at the entrance.
"Ah, Kanroji-san! Thank you very much!" he bowed, "I'm so glad to see you are doing so well!"
"And same for you!" she beamed.
"Do you still keep bees here? I smell some really nice honey." he asked, following her inside.
"Ah! You remembered! That's right! I so love making honey and putting it on my bread! And with tons of butter! I pour myself some black tea at three. Oh, I'll make some pancakes, so get excited!" the Love Pillar beamed, leading Tanjirou inside by the hand.
"Pancakes?" Tanjirou blinked.
"I'll show you." Kanroji-san beamed.
Tanjirou followed her in the kitchen and helped in making pancakes. Soon he could make his own. They served themselves and Kanroji-san poured some of her homemade honey over them.
Tanjirou tasted it.
"Oh! That's delicious!" he said.
"I know, right?" she smiled.
Training with Kanroji-san was…different. They were all dressed like Western ballerinas –Tanjirou had been studying about western culture– and danced nonstop to the music. He could smell the shame coming off the rest of the Slayers beside him, but Tanjirou understood that dancing in their uniforms would hinder their flexibility training and took it in stride.
Though, flexibility was hell, because having Kanroji-san stretch you out using her strength was frightening.
"Go!" Kanroji-san would say, as she stretched each one of the Slayers.
Tanjirou was afraid his legs would fall off at the start.
Six days later, Kanroji-san hugged him goodbye and Tanjirou followed Tennouji once more, towards Iguro-san's house.
Iguro-san was, too, waiting for him at the door.
"Kamado Tanjirou. I've been waiting for you." he said, giving him the stink eye.
"Ah, hello, Iguro-san, Kaburamaru!" Tanjirou beamed, petting the snake, totally oblivious, which closed its eyes and leaned in the young Pillar's touch, "I'm looking forward to–"
"Shut up or you're dead."
"Ehhh!?" Tanjirou drew back, shocked.
"I heard about you from Kanroji. It seems she had some fun training you." he hissed, "But unlike her, I am not a nice person. I won't go easy on you."
'Ah, crap. I forgot about that. If only Iguro-san would let me explain…' Tanjirou thought with a frozen smile, 'Either him or Kanroji-san should confess, otherwise we're all doomed.'
He followed the Serpent Pillar inside the training area.
"I'm gonna make you swing your sword while avoiding the obstacles." he explained.
'Obstacles' meaning the demon slayers bound and gagged on wooden poles horizontally and vertically.
Tanjirou froze.
'Is this…an execution ground?' he thought in fear.
"Um…did these tied-up people commit any crimes?"
"…Well, I guess so." the Serpent Pillar said, "Crime of weakness. Crime of forgeting. Crime of taking their time. Crime of pissing me off." he explained with killing intent.
'Uh-oh, this looks bad…' Tanjirou realised.
And thus started Tanjirou's most terrifying training session yet. He had to be careful to avoid hitting his fellow slayers, because even though he was holding a wooden sword, hitting them would hurt them badly.
Iguro-san's attacks slithered through the tiniest of cracks and reached him, bending his sword in strange ways, truly just like a snake, while weaving between these poor swordsmen.
It was truly scary.
And on top of that, when Tanjirou tried to go through the crevices, he could hear their voices, asking, begging him not to hit them. And that pained him to no end.
'I've never been so worried before in my life.' he trembled, his hands shaking by the effort, trying to focus on wielding his sword with super-accuracy and avoid his comrades.
Even though he could use the same techniques as Iguro-san, he was less accurate and powerful with them and he wasn't used to them, like the Snake Pillar, so he ended up getting hit many times during training.
"Weak." the older man would deadpan, "Too slow."
But after four days, he managed to defend himself from Iguro-san's attacks and strike back himself, cutting his haori.
The moment he cut Iguro-san's haori, the training ended.
'I did it.' he thought, breathing out in relief, 'This was almost too much for my nerves.' he looked at his subordinates, through swollen eyes, realising with some shock, that he was one of their leaders now.
"Bye, then. Also rot in hell, you piece of shit. Don't you ever talk so casually with Kanroji again." Iguro-san hissed.
"Thank you very much for the training." he bowed, "Bye Kaburamaru." he petted the snake goodbye.
As always, it leaned in his touch happily.
He had been on the road for a day.
"So uhh, Shinazugawa-san's doujou was around here, right?" Tanjirou wondered, pointing to his left.
"No! Turn right at that corner there! Bird brain!" Tennouji pointed in the opposite direction perched atop Tanjirou's head.
"Ah, that right." the Sun Pillar nodded, "I've never been here before and compared to the others' residences, this is a little harder to locate. Sorry for the trouble Tennouji." he smiled sheepishly.
Suddenly Zenitsu appeared before them.
"GYAAAAAH!" Zenitsu screamed.
"AAAAGGGGHHHH! ZENITSUUUU!?" Tanjirou screamed.
"WAAAAGGGGHHHH!" Tennouji screamed.
Zenitsu clung onto Tanjirou.
"L-L-L-Let me outta here! Tanjiroooouuuu please!" the blonde slayer screamed, "I can't stand it anymore! I can't! It's impossible! I-I-I f-finally managed to get this far already! I had to crawl over the fence and hide myself like a lizard! I can see my corpse getting mangled! I have to run away!"
"Run? From what?" Tanjirou wondered, "Ah." he realised seeing Sanemi-san behind Zenitsu.
Sanemi-san grabbed Zenitsu's head. He screamed.
"Choose." the Wind Pillar said, "Go back to training or I slaughter your ass."
"GIVE ME A BREEEAAAK!" Zenitsu screamed, climbing on top of Tanjirou, almost choking him.
"Calm down." Tanjirou said gently.
"ZIP IT!" Sanemi-san knocked him unconscious, "Carry him."
"Ah, right. Okay." Tanjirou said, picking up the blonde teen and placing him on his back, "There we go." he said softly, 'Sorry, Zenitsu. Let's work hard together. Let's both do our best.' he thought, "Thank you for your guidance. I'll be training with you starting today. I'll be in your care. I'm looking forward to this!"
"Don't get cocky, pipsqueak. We'll see how tough you are once I start pounding you."
"I'll do my best." Tanjirou promised, "But please stop calling me that. You're not that much taller than me, Sanemi-san." he smiled and moved ahead, leaving a stunned Wind Pillar behind him, Tennouji taking the lead to guide the young Pillar.
"Kid's got balls…!" he thought he heard him mumble from behind him.
Tanjirou could tell how hard the training is just by looking at his unconscious friend.
Sanemi-san's training is a simple beat-down, where he slashes at the slayers nonstop. There's no resting until they either vomit or faint. Even Iguro-san gave more breaks.
When Zenitsu came to, he yelled at Tanjirou.
"WHY DID YOU BRING ME BAAACK!? YOU DUMBASS!" he screamed, punching Tanjirou.
"Ow, ow, ow. I'm sorry. But it's for your own good, Zenitsu." he tried to say.
"If you got time to whine, get your asses here!" Sanemi-san called.
"Coming!" Tanjirou called back, grabbing a wooden sword and getting in the training area.
Shinazugawa-san was extra hard during the time Tanjirou was in. He had to be extra careful, otherwise he'd get hurt so bad he was worried his wounds would regress and end back in recovery.
The only good thing about the day was that Tanjirou held his own until the end of it.
He was bruised, and his face and hands had swelled, but he hadn't fainted or vomited.
'I should ask Shinobu-san for an ointment or something. And this is just the first day.' he sighed, 'This is bad… I'm bruised and covered in the vomit of others… It's almost enough to feel completely heartbroken and lose confidence.'
He was on his way to his room when he heard Genya's voice.
"Wait up, aniki!" he called, "I want to talk to you about something…"
'Genya's voice.'
Tanjirou's nose twitched.
"Wow, you're annoying. You know I have no little brother. Now cut the crap or I'll shred you to pieces." Sanemi-san said coldly, "Don't talk to me like we're all buddy-buddy. And from what I've seen, you have no talent whatsoever. Just leave the demon hunters. Those who can't even use breaths have no right to be called swordsmen."
"…But…" Genya sounded so lost, as Sanemi-san started leaving, "W…Wait, aniki! I've always wanted to apologize to you." Genya called after the Wind Pillar.
Tanjirou was peeking from around the corner and listening in, in shock. He could tell Genya was desperate and sad and that Sanemi-san was angry, by their scents, but he couldn't understand what had led to this.
'Go, Genya! You can do it! Don't let him win! Don't lose!' he encouraged his friend.
"Yeah, I seriously don't give a shit. Now go screw off."
'Sanemi-san, seriously. He's making an effort here!' Tanjirou deadpanned.
"But…I…even ate demons…so I could fight…"
'Oh, shit. Genya, no.' Tanjirou was in high alert now.
Sanemi-san's scent changed. There was a heavy scent of worry and surprise that was quickly covered by wrath.
"You what? What did you just say? You… Demons?" he said, turning back, "You ate them?"
'Oh, no. Oyakata-sama is going to be displeased with me.' Tanjirou thought, as he rushed in at the same time as Shinazugawa-san, "Genya!" he called out, barely making it in time to push Genya out of the way, and through the walls to the courtyard.
He heard Zenitsu's screams.
"He's back! He's back! The heartless evil cold-blooded man! Hide! Get down! Pretend to be dead!" the slayers were shouting.
"Huh? Tanjirou?" Zenitsu realised.
But he had no time for his blonde friend.
He had a fellow Pillar to calm down. And another friend to save.
"Please stop this!" he called out, standing protectively before Genya, "What are you doing? Are you trying to kill Genya?!" he frowns.
"I'm not killing him. That would be easy, but against the code of conduct. I'll just leave him incapable of regenerating. When he does, he can quit the demon hunters and I'll forgive him." he said with a half-crazed smile.
"Oh, come on! You don't have the right to go that far! Don't force him to quit!" Tanjirou fumed, "You said you don't have a brother earlier, didn't you?! If that's how you feel, you can't tell him what to do with his life! Don't speak as if Genya had a choice! It doesn't matter if he has talent or not, he's decided to risk his life to fight the demons! If you say you're not his brother, then I won't let you get in Genya's way! If he wasn't around, we wouldn't have beaten the Upper Moon! And I won't let you harm him in any way!"
"Okay. Then I'll incapacitate you first." Sanemi-san said taking a step forward.
'He's coming… He's…' Tanjirou thought, as he caught Sanemi-san's punch right the moment he struck him, 'Oh, I don't need to worry about Oyakata-sama's disappointment. Shinobu-san is going to be so, so angry.' he shivered in fear, remembering her fury after the Infinity Train mission.
"Waaaagh! Tanjirou!" Zenitsu screamed, afraid.
Using the momentum of Sanemi-san's punch, Tanjirou swung his right leg and kicked the Pillar in the head.
He landed and rolled away.
"Zenitsu! Get Genya out of here! Please!" he called towards his friend, winking at him to encourage him.
"Tanjirou!" Genya called out a warning.
He barely dodged a kick aimed at his head.
'He cut my ear just by grazing it. What a kick!' he thought, surprised.
"Damn. You sure have balls, bitch. You wanna die? No problem. I'll slaughter your ass just like you want." Sanemi-san said coldly.
'Theoretically, we are on the same level, though…' Tanjirou thought, as he retaliated with a punch.
"Wait, aniki! Tanjirou's got nothing to do with this!" he heard Genya shout, as he parried another attack, "Waagh! Who the hell are you?! Lemme go!"
"Let those guys argue! We gotta run for it!" Zenitsu screamed, "You're his little brother?! That thing's not human! He's a total freak! I'm so sor…"
"Don't talk bad about my big brother!"
"But we're on the same side!"
He had no clear memory of what followed after that. Everything turned into a mess. The chaos continued all the way to the evening, since, seeing Tanjirou land a few hits on Sanemi-san, inspired other Slayers to attack as well. Or try to hold the Wind Pillar back.
"You are an ass." Sanemi-san said from beside him.
"You're an even bigger ass, Sanemi-san." Tanjirou smiled.
"You wanna die?" the older man hissed.
Tanjirou chuckled and then winced.
"You were supposed to be training. Not brawling." Shinobu said, with that ever-present smile of hers.
Tanjirou felt cold shivers go down his spine.
"I'm sorry." he bowed his head.
"At least, you landed a few hits." Sanemi-san mumbled, "Your training is complete as far as I am concerned."
"Huh. All I needed to do was get protective." Tanjirou mumbled.
Shinobu blinked.
"Take your two buddies with you, too. The blonde whinny idiot and the demon." Sanemi-san scoffed, as he stood up and left.
"Sanemi-san…" Tanjirou sighed.
"Genya-kun?" Shinobu guessed.
"Yes." the young Pillar sighed, "I couldn't help mend their relationship."
Shinobu ran her fingers through his hair.
"More often than not, it won't be you who has to repair the relationships of a family. They have to do it themselves. It takes time, too." she said softly, "All you can do is be there for them, let them know you care."
Tanjirou nodded and pulled her in his arms, holding her close.
Shinobu smiled softly.
"This meant a lot to you." she realised.
"Shinjurou-san came to recognise Rengoku-san's abilities almost too late. They came close to never making up, even if Rengoku-san never thought any less about his father and cared for him regardless of his words and actions. I don't want Genya and Sanemi-san to go through something similar." Tanjirou mumbled against her.
"You have such a beautiful soul, Tanjirou." she said, returning his hug.