Percy stood before Giyuu Tomioka, his body drenched in sweat and his breath heavy. His muscles ached, yearning for a moment of respite. It had been one month since Giyuu agreed to train him, and every session pushed Percy to his limits. Today was no different.
Giyuu, the Water Hashira, regarded Percy with his calm yet intense gaze. With each strike, his sword moved with precision and grace, testing Percy's reflexes and endurance. Percy felt the impact of each blow reverberate through his body, the weight of Giyuu's expertise bearing down on him.
In this month of training, Percy had managed to create two new forms: Second Form—Tidal Surge and Third Form—Current Spiral. The Second Form allowed him to unleash a series of swift diagonal slashes, mimicking the rise and fall of tidal waves. It granted him speed and agility in his attacks. The Third Form involved graceful spins and intricate sword movements, generating a swirling current of energy that disoriented opponents. It was a combination of agility and precision, enabling Percy to strike swiftly and unpredictably.
However, Giyuu emphasized the importance of defense as well. Percy needed to develop a defensive maneuver to protect himself when surrounded or unable to evade an attack. That's what they were currently working on.
Giyuu held his Nichirin blade while Percy wielded a wooden training sword. Percy's task was to block Giyuu's strike without his sword shattering, to adopt a perfect stance that could distribute the force and minimize the blow's power. The training floor was littered with broken wooden swords, a testament to Percy's previous failed attempts.
As Giyuu launched another attack, Percy focused his mind and body. He raised his sword, positioning it with precision, channeling all his training into this one moment. The clash of the two swords echoed through the air, and Percy felt a surge of exhilaration as he successfully blocked Giyuu's strike. It wasn't perfect—Giyuu's blade still sunk in at around half of his own sword—but it was progress.
Giyuu nodded in satisfaction, though his face was devoid of any expression. "Your stance is improving," he said calmly. "But remember, defense is not just about blocking. It's about anticipating your opponent's moves and finding the right moment to strike back. This is all for today. Return here tomorrow, same time."
Giyuu's sign of approval brought a sense of contentment to Percy, despite the stoic expression on his instructor's face. It was something he had grown accustomed to—Giyuu's reserved nature, his calm tone of voice that rarely revealed his thoughts or emotions. Yet, beneath that unassuming facade laid a wealth of knowledge and skill that Percy strived to tap into.
As Giyuu dismissed him for the day, Percy wiped the sweat from his brow with a towel. The morning training session with the Water Hashira had come to an end, signaling the transition to his training back at Butterfly Manor. With the sun climbing higher in the sky, Percy knew it was time to return to his routine.
For the past month, his days had been dedicated to creating and mastering the Ocean Breathing technique under Giyuu's guidance. From dawn until noon, he immersed himself in the art of the sword, honing his skills and refining his forms. But his training didn't stop there. After the sessions with Giyuu, he would make his way back to Butterfly Manor to focus on his mental fortitude and the force of his breath.
The training grounds of Butterfly Manor were alive with activity as Percy entered. The familiar faces of his fellow demon slayers greeted him, each engrossed in their own rigorous training. Amidst the training grounds, he spotted Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu engaged in their own unique exercises. The girls Sumi, Kiyo, and Naho added an extra challenge, perching atop the boys during their push-ups. Kanao, however, seemed to be observing from a distance, her eyes focused on Tanjiro. Percy couldn't help but wonder about the nature of their relationship.
As he made his way closer, Inosuke's boisterous voice cut through the air. With a swift motion, he sprang to his feet, causing the girl on top of him to tumble to the ground. He bellowed, "Pork Janitor! Fight me! I will defeat you this time!" as he shouted, Inosuke charged towards Percy, his intentions clear.
Percy chuckled and shook his head at his friend's competitive nature. It was good to see him back to his spirited self. With a quick sidestep, Percy evaded Inosuke's attack, letting him pass by. "Hello, Inosuke," Percy greeted him. "Good to see you in good spirits. But I'm not here to fight. I also need to get my training done. Tanjiro, Zenitsu, how are you doing?"
Tanjiro, catching his breath from the intense workout, smiled warmly. "Hey, Percy! Training is going well. We're pushing ourselves to become stronger every day." He gestured towards Zenitsu, who was doing many push-ups in succession. "Zenitsu has been showing remarkable progress, too. We're all pushing each other to our limits."
Percy's eyes lit up with admiration for his friends. Their dedication and determination were truly inspiring. "I'm proud of you all," he said sincerely. "I'm sure you are becoming stronger every day. I wish I could stay and talk to you guys, but I'm already running late to my own training. See you soon."
As he walked trough the garden and approached his colossal gourd, Percy's eyes narrowed in concentration. The mere sight of it reminded him of the progress he had made in his training. Each day had brought new challenges, pushing him beyond his limits. Now, he stood before this massive obstacle, ready to test the extent of his newfound strength.
His hand wrapped firmly around the gourd's surface, feeling the rough texture against his skin. Slowly, he brought the top of the gourd to his mouth, taking a deep breath. In that moment, the world seemed to fade away, and all that existed was the air filling his lungs.
The oxygen breathed new life into every fiber of his being, and he felt an incredible awareness of every cell within him. They responded eagerly to the stimulation, as if acknowledging the power residing within their demigod vessel. Percy's mind and body became one, focused solely on the task at hand.
And then, with a burst of strength, he exhaled with all his might. The air surged through his lungs like a powerful torrent, rushing into the gourd. For a few heart-stopping seconds, he felt the strain on his chest, the sensation that his insides might explode. But he pressed on, determined to see it through.
Suddenly, a loud crack echoed through the air. Percy's first thought was that his rib cage might have given in to the pressure, but he was proven wrong as an even louder crack followed. The pressure within him released, and he felt a sense of relief washing over him.
When he finally opened his eyes, he saw the massive gourd lying in pieces on the grass. A gaping hole now adorned the bottom of it, its fragments scattered around, a testament to the sheer force of his breath. Percy couldn't help but let out a victorious laugh.
"I did it!" he exclaimed, the adrenaline pumping through his veins. "I can't believe it, but I actually did it!"
His friends, who had paused in their training to witness his feat, cheered and clapped in admiration. Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu were very loud in their celebration, their grins mirroring Percy's joy.
Even Kanao, who had been observing from afar, allowed a small smile to grace her features. Percy's accomplishment had impressed them all.
His success seemed to encourage his friends. From his spot in a secluded area away from the training grounds, as Percy meditated he could see that they were now trying to blow up their own gourds. Despite failing multiple times, their resolve never faltered, fully dedicated on fulfilling their goal. With his eyes closed, Percy heard three loud, distinguished cracks, and immediately knew that they accomplished their objective.
Opening his eyes, Percy could see the trio jumping in joy as their gourds now laid broken in pieces in front of them. As he watched them celebrate, Percy couldn't help but be reminded of Camp Half Blood, of how his own victories would also inspire each of his fellow campers to become stronger and better.
While they celebrated their accomplishments, Percy approached them, clapping in applause. "Congratulations, Tanjiro, Inosuke, Zenitsu!" he cheered. "You guys did it! You've come a long way, and I'm proud of each and every one of you."
Neither of the trio spoke, all of them too exhausted from the massive strain, but Percy could see gratitude shining in their eyes—well, except Inosuke. He smiled inwardly, anxious to see how much further they would improve.
Their triumphant moment was interrupted by the arrival of Nyx. "Caww! Tanjiro! Percy! Inosuke! Zenitsu! Your next mission is Southeast! There are multiple people disappearing on the Mugen Train! Hurry up!" He squawked before flying away.
Percy turned to his three friends with a smile, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. "Well, it looks like we have a mission. Let's pack up and head out!" he said, his voice filled with determination and pride.
Percy's eyes widened in awe as he stood before the majestic train. It was an impressive sight, a blend of the modern and the ancient in this unique world. He had grown accustomed to the fantastical elements of this realm, but the presence of a train was unexpected. He marveled at the tracks, thinking of the parallel world he had come from, where such technology was commonplace.
His musings were stopped by Inosuke, who couldn't hold his own voice when he saw the train. He shouted, "Hey! What's that creature over there?"
Percy thought Inosuke's doubt was reasonable, as he grew up in the mountains. He opened his mouth to explain, but before he could, Inosuke continued, saying, "This thing is the master of the land, yeah… It controls the land. There's no mistaking its length and intimidating aura. It may be sleeping now, but don't let your guard down." And Percy had to sweatdrop at that statement.
Percy shook his head with a smile, both amused and exasperated by Inosuke's unique way of looking at things. "Sure, Inosuke, just don't try to fight the train, alright?" he replied, trying to hide his laughter.
Tanjiro will nod, saying, "Percy is right. Don't fight it. What if it is the protector god of this land? We can't know for sure." The serious tone in his voice made Percy snort to hide his laughter, while Zenitsu deadpanned and said, "Dudes. It's a train. It's only a steam machine. Not a god, not a monster. A train."
Inosuke's eyes widened with disbelief as he processed Zenitsu's words. "A steam machine? Are you sure? It's not some kind of demon in disguise?" he questioned, still uncertain.
Zenitsu sighed, his patience seemingly wearing thin. "I'm sure, Inosuke. It's just a train, I promise. No demons here."
Percy couldn't help but chuckle at the exchange. Inosuke crossed his arms, clearly dissatisfied with the explanation. "Well, I don't trust it. Trains can be sneaky, you know. I'll show it the power of the Great Inosuke!"
Tanjiro, sensing the need to steer the conversation back to their mission, spoke up, "Alright, enough about the train. Let's focus on the mission Nyx gave us. People are disappearing, and we need to find out what's going on."
Percy nodded, his amusement fading as he returned to the seriousness of their task. "You're right. We have to be prepared for anything. Let's gather our things and head in. Be sure to hide your swords, though."
Together, they packed up their belongings and boarded the train, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them on this new mission. As the train departed, Percy couldn't shake the feeling that this would be a journey like no other—and he didn't know if that was a good or a bad thing.
As they walked through the train, Percy and his friends searched for an empty spot with four seats. The train was bustling with passengers, and finding available seats proved to be a challenge.
Just as they were about to give up and continue their search in another wagon, they heard a loud voice from the end of the wagon exclaiming, "Delicious!" Curious, they exchanged glances, and as they approached, Percy's eyes widened when he recognized the fiery yellow hair of Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira. With a nod of his head, Percy silently urged his friends to follow him.
As the four slayers got closer to Kyojuro, his loud exclamations of "Delicious!" only grew louder and more frequent. The Flame Hashira seemed completely absorbed in his meal, savoring every bite with utmost enthusiasm. Zenitsu couldn't help but whisper to the group, "That guy's the Flame Hashira? Isn't he just a glutton?"
Percy stifled a chuckle and shook his head in amusement. "Looks like he really enjoys his meals," he replied.
Ignoring Kyojuro's boisterous eating, Tanjiro approached him with a polite smile. "Excuse me…" he said tentatively.
Kyojuro's face lit up with delight as he glanced at Tanjiro. "Delicious!" he exclaimed before taking another mouthful of food.
Percy cleared his throat and tried, "Mr. Rengoku, we are looking for somewhere to sit. Can we join you? This might be the only place with four adjacent spots."
Finally acknowledging their presence, Kyojuro nodded enthusiastically, his mouth still occupied with food. His eyes sparkled with delight as he gestured for them to take a seat. The four demon slayers settled themselves beside the Flame Hashira, their curiosity piqued by his unorthodox behavior.
As they sat there, Percy observed Kyojuro's eating habits with a mix of astonishment and amusement. It seemed that his love for food rivaled his dedication to his duty as a Hashira. Despite the initial surprise, Percy found himself warming up to the Flame Hashira's exuberant personality. He remembered Mitsuri mentioning that he was her mentor, and couldn't help but wonder if their shared love for food came from interacting with each other so much.
With a smile, Percy decided to strike up a conversation. "So, Mr. Rengoku, what brings you aboard this train? Are you on a mission as well?"
Kyojuro paused momentarily, swallowing a mouthful of food before responding, "Ah, this train... It's an integral part of my mission. I am here to protect the innocent passengers and ensure their safety throughout the journey. And please, call me Kyojuro! Rengoku is my father."
Tanjiro nodded, addressing the Hashira. "Kyojuro, Kocho told me to ask you if you know anything about the Dance of the Fire God? It's something my family has done for the past generations. I remembered my father using it as a dance, and I could use it against the Lower Moon Five back at Mount Natagumo."
Kyojuro paused for a moment, chewing thoughtfully, before responding, "Hm, the Dance of the Fire God, you say? I don't recall hearing of it before. This is the first time I've encountered such a technique. But I'm delighted to see that you were able to apply a dance from your family's history in a fight!"
Tanjiro seemed a bit disappointed but decided not to press further. However, before he could ask more questions, Kyojuro's eyes lit up, and he grinned widely, causing his cheeks to puff out with the food he was still chewing. "You know what? You should become my apprentice! I'll look after you! The breath of flames has a long history. Swordsmen who can manipulate flames and water become Hashiras in every age, no exceptions. The basic breaths are flames, water, wind, stone, and lightning. And the other breaths are branched from those. Mist, for example, is derived from wind!"
Percy leaned in, his interest piqued by the mention of different breath styles. He listened attentively, eager to learn more about the story of the demon slayers. The train rumbled along the tracks, taking them on a journey filled with new encounters and revelations.
Percy watched as Tanjiro's eyes lit up with a mix of surprise and excitement at Kyojuro's invitation. "Tell me, young Kamado, what is the color of your blade?" Kyojuro inquired with genuine curiosity.
Tanjiro seemed a little surprised as he told Kyojuro about his black blade.
The Flame Hashira chuckled heartily, causing his cheeks to puff out with the food he was still chewing. "Ha. That's tough. I've never seen a swordsman with a black blade become a Hashira. What's more, I understand, is that you don't even know what kind of swordsmanship to master. I'll train you at my place! So be at ease now!"
As Kyojuro extended his offer, the train began to move, gently rocking the carriage they were in. Inosuke couldn't contain his excitement, sticking his head out of the window and yelling in joy, to which Zenitsu quickly intervened, pulling Inosuke back inside. "That's dangerous, you moron!" he scolded.
As the train moved, gently swaying the carriage, Kyojuro's expression turned serious. "It's dangerous! I don't know when the demon is going to appear," he warned, his tone filled with urgency and concern.
The Flame Hashira's words had an immediate effect on Zenitsu. His panic escalated, his voice trembling as he exclaimed, "Huh? You're kidding! A demon's going to appear on this train?"
Kyojuro's response was solemn and resolute. "It will," he confirmed, his gaze unwavering. The seriousness in his voice got Zenitsu's fear amplified, causing him to scream, "It will? So we're not going to a place with demons, but one's gonna show here! Aaaah! I'm getting off!"
Shifting his gaze to look at them all, Kyojuro's voice turned serious as he explained, "In a short period of time, more than 40 people have disappeared on this train. We sent a number of swordsmen here, but none of them came back. That's why I'm here as a pillar, to protect the innocent passengers and put an end to this threat."
As Kyojuro's voice resonated with resolve, the conductor arrived, announcing that he needed to clip their tickets. Percy couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about the man, as he seemed to wear a zombie-like expression. Nevertheless, their tickets were clipped, and suddenly the air shifted with an unsettling energy. A tingle went trough Percy's spine as his survival instincts warned him about the danger lurking around.
From the shadows at the end of the wagon, a silhouette made itself shown. From its grotesque shape, an Oni slowly emerged until it was standing a few meters away from them. Towering at two meters tall with a deformed face and spiked protrusions, it exuded a menacing presence. Percy's hand instinctively reached for his sword, ready to defend himself and his friends.
Kyojuro was faster though, rising to his feet and addressing the conductor, "Stand down. It's an emergency, so I would prefer if you don't ask why I have a sword on me." Then, he turned his attention to the Oni and declared, "Big guy! Were you hiding your blood demon techniques? It was hard to find your presence. However, if you are baring your fangs at sinless people, the red flame sword of Rengoku will burn you to the bone!"
With a graceful fluidity, Kyojuro assumed a battle stance, and in an instant, he unleashed his incredible power. "Flame Breathing… First Form—Sea of Flames!" he announced, moving with such speed that Percy's eyes struggled to keep up. The Oni didn't stand a chance as Kyojuro beheaded it with precision and skill in less than a second.
Percy's amazement at the Hashira's swordsmanship was shared by his friends. Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke all voiced their desire to become Kyojuro's apprentices, their admiration evident in their eyes as they circled him.
The Flame Hashira laughed heartily, delighted by their enthusiasm. "Sure thing! I'll make you all into fine swordsmen! I'll look after each and every one of you!" he promised, his passion for training evident.
As the excitement and adrenaline subsided, Percy felt an unexpected wave of fatigue wash over him. He could hardly keep his eyes open, succumbing to sleep's embrace much earlier than he expected. With the rhythmic motion of the train rocking them gently, Percy and his friends drifted into a restful slumber, unaware of the challenges and adventures that they would soon face.