Episode 5: You passed, now go kill some demons!
Tanjiro takes a deep breath as he climbs up the stairs once again. The sun has fully rose and the mountain seems peaceful again. Almost all of the demons on it have been killed in the final selection. Tanjiro takes another step with a smile, he's different then the last time he climbed these stairs, he's stronger, he's slightly more injured, he's an official demon slayer, and he's not alone-
"TANJIRO! MY FEET HURT! CARRY ME!" Zenitsu whines.
"Zenitsu we've only been going up the stairs for half an hour," Tanjiro says gently. "Besides, we're almost at the top."
"Your so mean!" Zenitsu yells out with tears.
Tanjiro just sighs. Zenitsu was certainly an interesting fellow slayer. He's very loud, obnoxious, and whiny. But he also seems loyal and determined. It also helps that he has secret strength that even he doesn't know about with his "sleep fighting". Tanjiro was meaning to tell him about it but they got a little busy climbing up all these stairs. Seriously, how many is there?!
Finally after another 10 minutes of climbing the two boys enter the same area of wisteria trees they did when they first arrived.
"Finally!" Zenitsu cries out as he collapses on the ground crying.
"Zenitsu it wasn't that horrible." Tanjiro says annoyed. At that moment Tanjiro looks up and sees that the other survivors are staring at them.
"Took you two losers long enough, we've been waiting for you two for the past half an hour." A short boy with a sneer on his face says with annoyance just pouring out.
"Oh sorry about that! We got a little lost getting to the stairs." Tanjiro admits embarrassed as he scratches the back of his head.
The boy just rolls his eyes as he finds a place to stand next to the other trainees. Tanjiro and Zenitsu get in line as well after a few nervous smiles.
As they stood there the same girls from a week ago walk out, meaning that they are the last of the trainees. Tanjiro looks around at his trainees, he counts 7 in total.
'Wait, wasn't there over 20 of us when we started?' Tanjiro ponders when the implications hit him. He suddenly doesn't feel as happy as he did moments ago.
"Hello demon slayers." Begins the white haired girl on the left.
"We are happy to see so many of you have survived the final selection." The black haired girl on the right says.
"You have survived all seven days on the mountain, and are now officially demon slayers." The white haired girl says.
"You all may get your personal kasugai crows." The black haired girl says as she claps and 7, er 6 crows and 1 sparrow fly down and land on each of the demon slayers shoulders.
Tanjiro looks up at his crows with stars in his eyes. He was dark black with soft feathers and a sharp beak. He seemed strong and would do nicely.
"These crows will guide you to each of your missions and give you necessary information." The white haired girl says.
"Umm, I think there's a mistake. This is a sparrow." Zenitsu says nervously.
The black haired speaks up ignoring Zenitsu. "We shall now tell you each of the demon slayer ranks, the lowest is Mizunoto."
"Second is Mizunoe."
"Third is Kanoto."
"Fourth is Kanoe."
Tanjiro tunes it out as he takes a look at his fellows slayers. Of course there's Zenitsu and Ume, but there's also the blue haired boy Tanjiro had noticed before final selection started, the shorter boy who seemed to have a temper, a boy with a focused look in his eyes and blonde hair, strange, and finally another girl with brown hair in a ponytail and a smirk on her face.
"Ninth is Kinoto."
"And tenth is Kinoe." The white haired girl finishes.
"You are all Mizunoto and will rank up as you complete missions and kill demons." The black haired girl explains.
"Now," the white haired girl takes off a cloth to reveal many different rocks of a dark color. "You will choose the steel for your swords, choose wisely."
Tanjiro looks over the various different rocks. They all look kinda similar but there are small differences. Some have more holes than others. Another one is bit bigger then the rest. They should serve the purpose of being the metal for a katana well but which should he pick?
Tanjiro thinks for a moment before he decides to stick to what he always does. He sniffs the air and...There!
Tanjiro walks forward and places a hand on a rock. It's a bit brighter than the others and has less craters. "This one." Tanjiro says with a wide smile. "This is the steel I wish for my blade to made from."
The white haired girl nods as she takes the rock and places it away. Tanjiro thought he could have heard one of the boys mutter about how they were gonna choose that one but otherwise Tanjiro just gets to watch as everyone else chooses their rocks.
After everyone choose a rock both the girls take a bow. "We welcome you into the demon slayer Corp. Goodluck, your blades should arrive within the next month."
And with that the two girls walk away silently leaving the new demon slayers alone. All of them look around a little awkwardly, not really knowing what to say or do. Finally Ume just gives another nod before she goes walking off, probably to her home.
Tanjiro decides that he should get going as well. As nice as it is to meet new people Mr. Rengoku would get worried if Tanjiro didn't get back as soon as possible. And when Mr. Rengoku gets worried he gets violent.
Tanjiro takes one last look at his fellow demon slayers. 'How many of them will still be alive by next year...?'
With that final morbid thought, Tanjiro starts going down the stairs.
many hours later
Tanjiro continues to walk. It feels like he's been walking forever. Did it take this long to get to final selection? He could have sworn it was only a days journey but right now he could swear it's been weeks
On his current path the sun is getting closer to the horizon. And no matter how much better he felt than before, he's still not in the shape to fight another demon, not at least without water.
Tanjiro takes a deep breath as he starts sprinting. It will further exhaust him but it'll be much safer once he's back with Mr. Rengoku and Nezuko.
'I hope everything was okay while I was gone, wait what am I gonna do about Nezuko? Am I gonna have to carry her with me all the time or should I leave her with Mr. Rengoku? Crap I didn't think this far ahead.' Tanjiro thinks to himself as he sprints.
After another half an hour of running Tanjiro recognizes the cherry trees. He's arrived at Futosho.
"Oh finally." Tanjiro mutters as he walks into the village. The cherry trees are blooming and the villagers are settling into their homes for the night.
Tanjiro runs harder than before, rushing past the villagers and into the trees. He runs faster and faster until a familiar scent came to him. Tanjiro stopped in shock, a tear rolls down his cheek as he walks towards the smell.
After just a few minutes, Tanjiro enters the area and sees the house he spent 2 years training at. And in front of it sitting in the porch with her legs swinging, is Nezuko.
Nezuko Pov
She is sad. Kind boy has been gone for several sunsets now. She misses kind boy. He is much nicer than grumpy man. Grumpy man has the awful pokey stick, no she does not like the pokey stick. She can't quite remember why she hates the pokey stick, she can't even remember her name, but for sure she hates the pokey sticks.
She looks up and sees him! Kind boy! He really came back just like grumpy man said he would! She smiled widely as kind boy rushed forward and hugged her.
"Nezuko! Nezuko your awake! Your okay!" Kind boy exclaims with tears rolling down his face.
Who's Nezuko? It sounds like a name. Is this person making kind boy sad? She'll kill this "Nezuko" and help kind boy feel better. She can't quite remember why she likes kind boy but she knows that she doesn't want to hurt him. She didn't even try to attack grumpy man since she knew kind boy wouldn't like that.
She just smiles as she hugs kind boy. She frowns a little as she sees that kind boy has one of those pokey sticks. No no! Kind boy shouldn't have something as mean as a pokey stick!
She reaches to grab the pokey stick but stops when she smells the familiar scent of grumpy man.
Sure enough when she looks up she sees grumpy man standing there. Grumpy man let's out a happy laugh and also hugs kind boy.
"Thank goodness! I knew you'd survive!" Grumpy man says happily, before he slaps kind boy on the back of the head. "Why did you take so long?! You scared me boy!"
"Sorry master." Kind boy apologies.
Oh she is not happy with that. Why is grumpy man hitting kind boy!? She will not let that happen! She'll have to do something!
But before she could, she felt kind boy lift her up into his arms. Oh this was nice, she didn't mind kind boy carrying her around. Plus she did feel rather tired. Kind boy will be fine...
back to Tanjiro
Tanjiro carries Nezuko into Mr. Rengoku's house and lays her down on his bed. She's fallen asleep again and Tanjiro can't help but feel worried she might not wake up for a while again.
"Don't worry," Mr. Rengoku's voice calls out as he walks in. "She's been sleeping like this every night, 4 days ago it was for 16 hours, 3 days it was 12, 2 days it was 10, and yesterday it was 8 hours. She seems to be changing into a natural sleep cycle again."
Tanjiro sighs in relief before he looks up at Mr. Rengoku and bows. "Thank you for not killing her while I was gone at final selection Master."
Kyojonro simply nods. "When she woke, she wasn't aggressive. If anything it seemed more like she was curious and missing something. I suspect she'll be happier now that your here."
"Does she...?" Tanjiro asks, the silent question brimming.
"No, I don't think many of her human memories remaind. No doubt her fondness for you is because of her instinctual love for her brother." Kyojonro explains.
"...Will she ever remember me?" Tanjiro asks nervously.
"Hmm, who knows?" Kyojonro shrugs
"What?! What do you mean who knows?!" Tanjiro exclaims.
"We've never had a case like her before, the longest living demon the Demon slayer Corp has ever had was just for a few days. That's how we figured out Wisteria works wonders for hurting demons. Otherwise we haven't payed any attention to their behaviors or thought process beyond what helps us to kill them." Kyojonro explains with a blunt tone.
"Great...just great. Is there anything else I should know?" Tanjiro asks.
"Are you ready?" Kyojonro asks simply.
"What?" Tanjiro replies.
"Are. You. Ready." Kyojonro emphasizes. "Starting the second you aquire your sword you'll be an official demon slayer. Demons will despise you for being a slayer. Slayers will think of you as traitorous for not killing Nezuko. Are you ready to fight both sides. To be an enemy of both worlds?
Tanjiro stays quiet for a moment. Lost in his own thoughts. But after only a few seconds he looks up determined and says just one word. "Yes."
27 days later
Tanjiro was practicing his breathing outside. Currently he could hold concentration breathing constant for about 7 hours while awake. Mr. Rengoku said at the rate he was going he would be able to master it in enough time.
As Tanjiro breaths he detects a different scent. He walks over and sees a man with a large hat and with a strange mask over his face.
The man looks up and sees Tanjiro. "Hello, are you the slayer who I made this blade for?"
"Oh yes! My name is Tanjiro Kamado! It's pleasant to meet you." Tanjiro smiles widely and gestures for the man to follow him.
a few minutes later*
The swordsmith, Haganezuka, reveals the sword he crafted for Tanjiro. Strong and sharp.
"Woah! It's beautiful!" Tanjiro exclaims.
"Not bad, will it support his flame breathing?" Kyojonro asks with a glare.
Haganezuka nods. "Of course, ooh I hope the sword turns red. There hasn't been a red blade in so long."
Tanjiro reaches and takes the sword. He gives it a strong squeeze and watches in amazement as it turns to a dark black.
"Huh, does black mean anything?" Tanjiro asks curiously.
"Hmm, a black blade isn't a good sign. Users of black blades never seem to master their breathing style properly. I was expecting a type of orange." Kyojonro says as he scratches his chin.
Haganezuka clenches and lets out a loud yell. "HOW DARE YOU, YOU BASTARD! YOU'VE RUINED MY PRECIOUS SWORD!" He tackles Tanjiro and starts punching him repeatedly. "I WILL END YOU!"
several minutes and bruises later
Haganezuka walks off with hatred in his eyes as Tanjiro tiredly waves goodbye. He looks upon his black blade with a smile. It's truly gorgeous and looks strong as well. After a few moments his crow, Megu, lands on his shoulder.
"So kid ready for a mission? I can get you one in less than an hour." Megu offers.
"Oh really? Just let me make sure everything is ready first. Then we can go off!" Tanjiro smiles kindly as he sheathes his sword.
"Sure." Megu says simply as he flies up onto the house. 'Man this kid seems soft, but also nice. I hope he doesn't die early. Should I tell others about his sister? Then again the Master already knows so, it's probably not a problem.' Megu concludes as he lands on the roof of the house.
Tanjiro heads inside and finds Nezuko. She seems partially awake although a little tired. "Hey Nezuko! It's almost time for our first mission. The first step in making you human again!" Tanjiro says determined with a grin.
Nezuko just nods, not really getting what he was saying but understanding he seemed happy about it.
"Oi Kamado!" Kyojonro says with a glare as he walks up to him.
"Yes master?" Tanjiro asks.
"If you die, I will never forgive you. Your life won't be the only one at stake here. So will anyone the demon is trying to kill, and your sister as well." Kyojonro reasons.
"...Master are you wishing me luck?" Tanjiro asks a little confused.
"...Get out already!" Kyojonro yells out as he puts down a large basket for Nezuko to travel in before walking away.
Tanjiro just shakes his head and sighs. "Nezuko can you shrink down and get in the box?" He asks
Nezuko just looks at him confused. Her head tilted and her eyes spaced out
"Umm, here. Get in here." Tanjiro points into the basket.
Nesuko makes an affirmative noise as she understands his plea. She shrinks down to a smaller size, close to when she was 4 years old. Before she climbs in and closes the little door.
"Wow this is perfect for you! I should thank Master again before I leave-"
"Kamado! I just got a misson for you! A nearby town called Sassuji! Go now!" Megu yells out as he lands on the window.
"Ahh okay! I'm going!" Tanjiro exclaims as he picks up Nezuko's basket and rushes out of the house. He has on a standard demon slayer uniform with black coloring and white lines along with a green and black checkered Haori, similar to his old one but larger. His Katana is close by him ready to be unsheathed. Finally his Hanafuda earrings are secured on his ears tightly to make sure they don't fly off during combat.
As Tanjiro runs off Kyojonro watches from his home. 'That kid...he has great potential and whole lotta will...Is what you meant when you said to leave things to the next generation brother? Will this generation of demon slayers finally kill the demon king?'
As Tanjiro runs through town he sees many familiar faces. Old Miss Futori, the woman who gave him the directions to Mr. Rengoku's place. He also sees Mr. Yoiga setting up shop with a smile on his face. Mr. Yoiga notices Tanjiro and waves. Haru is playing with a few other children, they have pretend swords and are playing the "demon slayer" game where one of them is a demon and the others have to kill him. Thankfully it's just a play fight. Other villagers wave and smile as Tanjiro runs through town, knowing his journey as a demon slayer has officially begun.
hours later
Tanjiro arrives at the town of Sassuji with a determined smile. He's gonna find this demon and kill them. He starts to observe the town. It has usual buildings and shops made out of wood, stone, and bamboo. Many people are walking about but there's a sense of unease around them. Like their afraid their own shadow will pop up and kill them.
Tanjiro walks up to a person and gives them his best smile. "Hello good sir, I'm new in town and have a few questions?"
The man looks at Tanjiro and nods. "What do you need to know young man?"
"Well I heard there might be...disappearances around here. Is that true?" Tanjiro asks.
The man nods. "Sadly yes, for a few days now people have been regularly disappearing at night. Specifically young children."
"How old are these children per say?" Tanjiro asks.
"Hmm, I'd say around six through nine. So kid are you like a officer in training? What's with the questions?" The man says suspicious.
"Oh no sir! My family and I were just thinking of moving here and I thought I should check it out. Although with the disappearances it might not be a good idea." Tanjiro says with clenched teeth, lying is difficult for him but his experience as an older sibling with years of teasing on his belt has helped him learn.
"Oh alright, well I must be off now young man. I hope you and your family find a good place to live." The man gives a small bow and walks off.
Tanjiro walks off towards an alleyway and opens the basket. Nezuko pops her head out and looks at him curiously.
"Hey Nezuko, I think I gotta a plan to lure out this demon!" Tanjiro exclaims.
Taisho Era secret!
Tanjiro: Hello again friends! I'm here to give today's Taisho Era secret! It's about my crow here, Megu!
Megu: Haha! Of course it is!
Tanjiro: You see, did you know it took hundreds of years for our crows to learn speech! It took a lot of breeding and training but finally the demon slayers managed to make crows that can fully understand human language and how to repeat it! Now crows are our most used source of information messaging!
Megu: I truly am special!
Tanjiro: Yes you are! Now then, next episode! "First mission, act now!"
(Author's notes)
Okay so the major thing is now we can see things from Nezuko's perspective. I'm hoping to use this to develop Nezuko well as a character especially with her memory issues. Otherwise I don't have many notes as most of this wasn't much different from the original. Although things will change a bit from here and ESPECIALLY once we meet the gang and the new hashria. Have a great day my readers and I'll give you guys something hopefully in a week or two