Demon Slayer: Seraph of Radiance

Feeling Tanjiro's firm grip on his hand, Kawanishi couldn't help but smile softly. He sat beside the bed, watching over the sleeping Tanjiro and Nezuko, intending to keep them company for a while.

At the door, Urokodaki, who had been waiting, saw this scene and said, "You stay with Tanjiro for now. We'll discuss breathing techniques once he wakes up."

Kawanishi nodded with a wry smile. "As expected of you, your methods really are effective. But… let's not use these kinds of tricks too often."

What had just happened wasn't Kawanishi's idea—it was Urokodaki who had suggested testing Tanjiro.

After careful thought, Kawanishi had ultimately rejected Urokodaki's original plan to use harsh training to discourage Tanjiro from walking down the path of demon hunting. He didn't want to be that kind of older brother. He couldn't even convince himself, let alone face Tanjiro's innocent gaze.

He had to search for Muzan Kibutsuji. The world was far from safe, demons lurking everywhere, and Tanjiro couldn't live under his protection forever.

Besides, Tanjiro wanted strength to protect others — a pure and noble ideal.

What right did Kawanishi have to stop him? Even secretly interfering was unacceptable.

What Kawanishi should do was support his brother.

The false brother: Overprotective and smothering, unwilling to let his sibling experience any harm.

The true brother: Mercilessly tempering his younger brother, applauding as he grows stronger — as long as he stays alive.

Having family support and walking the path he chooses would make Tanjiro happiest.

The Hinokami Kagura was mysterious and powerful. As a demon, Kawanishi's combat relied primarily on Blood Demon Arts, with breathing techniques merely enhancing his physique. But for humans, breathing techniques were essential. If Tanjiro could master them, he might surpass even Kawanishi one day. With sufficient talent, a human swordsman's progress could be lightning fast.

However, Urokodaki remained concerned that Tanjiro was too gentle. Even toward demons, he showed compassion and thoughtfulness. But Kawanishi knew his brother better — Tanjiro's compassion was for the humans they once were. If he gained strength, he would not hesitate to slay demons and mourn only their tragic pasts afterward.

So Urokodaki and Kawanishi reached an agreement.

If Tanjiro's performance satisfied Urokodaki, he would wholeheartedly train him—rigorously but within reason.

Like starting with… say, a daily 100-kilometer run?

Now, having witnessed Tanjiro's determination, Urokodaki was fully convinced.

Tanjiro's gentleness was like water, but his fighting spirit burned like fire — decisive and effective, with no hesitation in battle.

He fully acknowledged Tanjiro now.

In response to Kawanishi's wry smile, Urokodaki cast him a sideways glance and said, "Tricks have their uses. How else would we know if he's ready?"

After all, having a trick is better than having none.

Kawanishi: "......"

By the next evening, after sleeping nearly fifteen hours from exhaustion, Tanjiro finally woke.

His eyelashes fluttered, then his body suddenly sat bolt upright as he cried out, "Brother!"

Startled by Tanjiro's sudden movement, Kawanishi quickly regained his composure.

"Tanjiro, you're awake."

He reached out and ruffled Tanjiro's hair as he always had, his hand familiar and warm.

Seeing Kawanishi before him, Tanjiro fully awoke.

It wasn't a dream. Brother really came. That hand on my head feels just like always.

Realizing his hand was still tightly gripping Kawanishi's, Tanjiro blushed and quickly let go.

Kawanishi chuckled and teased, "What's this? Getting shy?"

"N-No, it's just… a little warm," Tanjiro mumbled softly.

After all, brother's hand is so warm.

Smiling, Kawanishi handed him a brand-new haori. "Your master prepared fresh clothes for you. Your old ones were torn. Put this on."

"Urokodaki-sensei has dinner ready. He's waiting outside. Don't keep him waiting."

At that moment, Tanjiro's stomach growled loudly from hunger after his long sleep, and the tempting aroma of food wafted into his nose.

Holding his stomach, Tanjiro nodded, "Got it. I'll be right out."

"The food smells so good… Master is so kind."

Seeing that Tanjiro was fine, Kawanishi stood and headed for the door. "I'll wait outside. Come once you're dressed."

Little brother… your master is a devil in disguise. Let's see if you're still calling him kind after training starts…

As Tanjiro changed out of his dirty clothes, he called after him, "Okay, brother. I'll be there soon."

Outside, Kawanishi saw Urokodaki seated cross-legged at a low wooden table, the tabletop barely reaching his stomach as he sat.

A large black stone pot sat atop a stand, with crackling firewood burning beneath it. Next to the table was a neat stack of chopsticks and bowls, untouched.

Steam billowed from the pot, filled with an abundance of vegetables and meat.

Glancing at Kawanishi, Urokodaki asked, "Tanjiro's awake?"

Kawanishi sat across from him, looking briefly toward the house. "Yes. He slept soundly. His strength seems fully recovered."

Urokodaki locked eyes with Kawanishi. "Then after dinner, we begin training."

"Let's start by teaching him your breathing technique."

After learning about Kawanishi's breathing method, Urokodaki felt that the technique inherited from their father might suit Tanjiro far better than Water Breathing.

Perhaps it wouldn't be a perfect match, but certainly better than forcing Water Breathing upon him.

Soon after, Tanjiro emerged from the house, wearing a new haori identical to Urokodaki's—blue with white wave patterns like rolling ocean waves.

"Brother, Master, the food looks so delicious today."

Urokodaki spoke calmly, "You're up, so come eat."

Tanjiro quickly nodded and sat down between Urokodaki and Kawanishi.

He took a bowl and chopsticks from the neatly stacked pile, offering the first set to Urokodaki, then turning to hand one to Kawanishi.

But Kawanishi shook his head helplessly. "I'll pass, Tanjiro. If I eat this, I'll just vomit it up later."

Tanjiro's hand trembled slightly. His face tensed with concern. "Brother…"

Worried that his brother might be hurting over being a demon, Tanjiro grew anxious.

But Kawanishi cut him off with a chuckle. "I'm fine. Eating as a demon has its own unique… enjoyment."

Though trying to ease Tanjiro's mind, Kawanishi was telling the truth.

The black-and-red ashes that appeared after slaying demons always brought a fulfilling, addictive sensation.

It's quite a rush, really!

(End of Chapter)