NOVEL WEB Chapter 50: DSWS: Chapter 50
"Rengoku Kyōjurō's Enthusiasm"
The Mugen Train's whistle blew, and a slight tremor announced its departure. The current tranquility was merely the calm before the storm.
Following Tanjiro's lead, Aoki's team followed the scent through the train cars.
"Delicious!"
A booming voice echoed from a nearby car.
"Delicious! Delicious! Delicious!"
The voice repeated the word, accompanied by the sounds of chewing.
They found a man with reddish-blonde hair, sharp eyebrows, piercing eyes, and a fire-patterned haori.
It was Rengoku Kyōjurō, the current Flame Hashira. Aoki had met him when Aoki was appointed Hashira and when Tanjiro faced disciplinary action.
Rengoku Kyōjurō was one of the few Hashira Aoki genuinely liked because of his enthusiastic nature.
Rengoku Kyōjurō was enjoying a beef bowl bento.
"Rengoku-san," Aoki called out.
Rengoku Kyōjurō, engrossed in his meal and distracted by the loud "Delicious!" exclamations, didn't hear him.
Aoki felt his social anxiety rising, unsure how to proceed.
"Rengoku-san?"
He called again, leaning forward slightly to be heard. Still no response.
Inosuke, unable to bear it, shouted, "Hey, he's talking to you!" He considered Aoki his superior and respected his strength.
Ignoring Aoki was, in his mind, an insult. He didn't understand why he felt so angry.
His shout drowned out Rengoku Kyōjurō's chewing sounds, attracting the attention of all passengers, including Rengoku Kyōjurō.
Rengoku Kyōjurō turned to see Aoki, Tanjiro, and Zenitsu. (Inosuke had been sent flying three meters across the car by Aoki after his outburst).
"Oh, Aoki! You've arrived. The crow told me you'd be joining this mission. I'm delighted," Rengoku Kyōjurō said, smiling.
Aoki returned the smile, but Tanjiro spoke first.
"Rengoku-san, I have some questions."
The trio sat with Rengoku Kyōjurō, while Aoki sat next to them.
"So, you adapted your family's dance into swordsmanship. That's commendable! But I don't know anything about it! I've never heard of Hinokami Kagura! Let's move on!" Rengoku Kyōjurō exclaimed.
Tanjiro wanted to ask about Hinokami Kagura, the swordsmanship technique he'd unexpectedly used against Rui.
Hinokami Kagura was their family's traditional dance, similar to his ear ornament. Against Rui, he'd miraculously used it as a powerful sword technique, nearly killing Rui despite the massive power difference.
"Eh? Nothing more?" Tanjiro asked, disappointed.
Because Hinokami Kagura was fire-based, Shinobu Kocho had suggested he ask Rengoku Kyōjurō, a master of the fire-based Flame Breathing.
But Rengoku Kyōjurō knew nothing about Hinokami Kagura and abruptly changed the subject.
Rengoku Kyōjurō continued, "Flame Breathing has ancient roots. Flame, Water, Wind, Stone, and Thunder Breathing are the five original, foundational Breathing Styles."
"Other Breathing Styles are derived from these five. Mist Hashira, Muichiro Tokito's Mist Breathing, is derived from Wind Breathing."
"Interestingly, since the five original Breathing Styles emerged, Flame and Water Hashira have always been present. Every generation of the Demon Slayer Corps has had a Flame and Water Hashira."
"By the way, young man, what color is your Nichirin Sword?" Rengoku Kyōjurō asked, his eyes gleaming.
Tanjiro stared blankly. Rengoku Kyōjurō had been looking away while speaking, which would have been considered rude if he weren't a Hashira.
"I'm Tanjiro Kamado. My Nichirin Sword is black."
"A black Nichirin Sword… that's unusual," Rengoku Kyōjurō mused, arms crossed. "I've never seen a black blade Hashira. Come train with me. I'll make you a powerful swordsman."
Tanjiro's thoughts: He really loves taking care of people…
They chatted until a conductor approached to check tickets.
"Please, your tickets." A man in a black uniform, head bowed, requested their tickets.
They presented their tickets. Aoki noticed the conductor looked exhausted and spoke strangely.
Tanjiro's thoughts: What's that unpleasant scent?
Tanjiro smelled something amiss, immediately growing wary of a demon's presence.
The conductor was returning the tickets when Rengoku Kyōjurō's expression changed.
He stood, shielding the conductor. His fire-patterned haori billowed as he drew his Nichirin Sword.
"Sir, step back. This is dangerous. Please ignore the swords."
Before them, a grotesque demon crouched in the aisle.
"It used Blood Demon Art to conceal its size. Its presence is subtle, but if it attacks innocents, my Rengoku's crimson-brown blade will burn even its demonic bones!"
Rengoku Kyōjurō drew his sword, his expression serious.
"Flame Breathing, First Style: Unknowing Fire!"
He lunged, flames engulfing him. He swiftly decapitated the demon, its body turning to ash.
"Rengoku-san, amazing swordsmanship! Please, take me as your disciple!" Tanjiro exclaimed, moved to tears. Zenitsu and Inosuke echoed his request. Even Aoki admired his skill.
"Very well, let me train you all to become excellent swordsmen," Rengoku Kyōjurō declared proudly.
But the scene blurred. Aoki and the others fell into a deep sleep, as did all the passengers on the Mugen Train. The previously noisy train was now eerily silent, save for the wind whistling past the windows.
Above the speeding train, a figure stood: Enmu, the surviving Lower Moon One. He smiled eerily at the sleeping figures.
"To die in a dream… truly blissful."
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