Demon Slayer: Seraph of Radiance

Most of Urokodaki's carefully trained disciples had perished on Mount Fujikasane.

Urokodaki believed it was because his students weren't strong enough, so he subjected each new disciple to increasingly harsh training, hoping one of them might survive the Final Selection on Fujikasane.

Even his two most talented disciples, Sabito and Makomo, had died one after another.

It broke Urokodaki's heart.

Now, he no longer wished to send disciples to die.

Though strict with Tanjiro, deep down Urokodaki cared deeply for this kind, strong child and did not want him to die on Mount Fujikasane.

Thus, he hoped the brutal training would make Tanjiro give up. Yet Tanjiro had endured it all.

With a body barely tempered at first, he still ran ten kilometers daily, did 100 sit-ups, 100 push-ups, and 100 squats for a full month.

In the beginning, the overexertion even made his hair fall out.

Just as Urokodaki thought Tanjiro would go bald, his hair slowly grew back, and he adapted to the intense training.

If only you were a bit weaker, Urokodaki sighed to himself. Like Giyu once was. Then your brother and I wouldn't have to struggle like this.

Kawanishi shifted his stance slightly, preparing to attack again, while Tanjiro inhaled deeply and charged forward once more.

"Water Breathing: Third Form — Flowing Dance!"

Kawanishi wasn't sure whether to laugh or sigh. Tanjiro's combat instinct exceeded his expectations.

Part of Kawanishi was happy to see his brother's progress, but another part was reluctant.

He would have preferred Tanjiro to run away or fight poorly, leaving the burden of slaying demons to himself.

But Tanjiro... was clearly suited for battle.

To Kawanishi's eyes, Tanjiro's body moved like a blur, rapidly closing in.

Without hesitation, Kawanishi swung Black Cutter toward him.

But Tanjiro ducked low, dodging the axe while closing the distance and slashing at Kawanishi's neck with his Nichirin Blade.

Kawanishi grabbed the blade with one hand and countered with a knee strike toward Tanjiro's abdomen.

But he struck nothing but afterimage.

Tanjiro had abandoned the slash and evaded at high speed.

Before Kawanishi could pursue, Tanjiro returned, weaving around him at close range, attacking sporadically while never staying long enough to be countered.

It was as though he were dancing on the edge of a blade—dangerous, but graceful.

Tanjiro's footwork was bizarre, leaving multiple afterimages as he circled Kawanishi. Kawanishi found no opening to catch him.

From a distance, it looked as if several Tanjiros were fighting him at once.

Throughout, Kawanishi used only Black Cutter, refraining from any blood demon arts, but Tanjiro continued to surprise him.

"Clang!"

Once again, Black Cutter missed as Tanjiro slipped away, landing another shallow slash across Kawanishi's chest.

Only the ringing of clashing metal echoed—no wound appeared. Tanjiro lacked the strength to cut him.

Flowing Dance was both attack and evasion, but really a form of footwork.

Tanjiro moved like water around Kawanishi, never lingering, always evading, striking only when openings appeared.

He intentionally refrained from using other forms, knowing that simply stalling the demon was enough.

Minutes passed as they continued their duel.

Tanjiro's calves burned with pain, the strain of Flowing Dance overwhelming his already exhausted legs.

"But it's already been nine minutes and fifty seconds."

"Master should be able to move soon..."

Swordsmen like Urokodaki had complete control over their bodies. Ten minutes meant exactly ten minutes—never a second more.

"Ten... nine... eight... two... one."

A gust of wind approached from behind — Master had arrived.

Tanjiro quickly withdrew, smiling as he turned to hand Urokodaki his Nichirin Blade.

Urokodaki took the blade in his right hand, but with his left, suddenly restrained Tanjiro.

Unable to move, Tanjiro looked back in confusion."Master?"

Urokodaki's stern face softened into a rare smile."Look closely at who that is."

Following his master's gaze, Tanjiro saw the black thorns retreating from the demon's face, revealing a familiar face beneath.

So that's how it is.

Tanjiro immediately understood."Brother... you're finally here."

As he spoke, his breathing technique ceased. Exhaustion crashed down upon him like a wave, pulling him into unconsciousness.

Struggling to stay awake, Tanjiro reached out toward his brother, smiling brightly.

Seeing this, Kawanishi quickly ran forward, dispelling his demon form so Tanjiro wouldn't find him hideous.

He gently caught Tanjiro's outstretched hand, supporting his collapsing body.

Speaking softly:"Tanjiro, rest now. I'm here. I'll stay with you."

Looking at his brother's pale, worn face, Kawanishi's heart ached.

His little brother had fought desperately to protect others, pushing his already drained body to its limits, sustaining his breathing technique through sheer willpower.

Now, released from that strain, Tanjiro was completely vulnerable.

Hearing his brother's familiar gentle voice, Tanjiro whispered:"Okay…"

Brother's voice… still so kind.

Even as a demon, he never hurt anyone.

With that thought, Tanjiro finally surrendered to sleep, a faint smile on his lips.

Watching this scene, Urokodaki couldn't help but feel joy for Tanjiro.He had finally reunited with his brother — and Kawanishi had not disappointed him.

Kawanishi gently carried Tanjiro inside, placing him beside Nezuko.

As he was about to leave and discuss Tanjiro's training with Urokodaki, Tanjiro—though asleep—clutched Kawanishi's hand tightly, unwilling to let go.

As if letting go might mean never seeing him again.

(End of chapter)