NOVEL WEB Chapter 5: Chapter 5: Breathing Techniques
In the shadowy depths of the forest, Sakonji Urokodaki observed the towering figure in the distance. With nothing but bare hands, the man had overpowered a demon, rendering it incapable of regeneration. Urokodaki's expression was alight with awe. The sheer strength of that physique—was it even possible? Perhaps not even the legendary Stone Hashira, Gyomei Himejima, could have dispatched a demon with such ease back in his prime. If only...
As the first rays of dawn illuminated the horizon, the incapacitated demon seemed to regain fragments of its memories. Its tears flowed uncontrollably, perhaps from the horror of what it saw or the fear of the impending sunlight.
Tanjiro Kamado, the red-haired boy who loathed the demons for slaughtering his family, felt a pang of compassion for this pitiful creature steeped in sorrow. He knelt down, gently stroking the demon's hair, staying with it until the sunlight dissolved it into ash.
[Your act of defeating a demon with your bare hands has been witnessed. Stories of your deed have begun to spread across the Sagiri Mountain region.]
[You have gained 1 legendary point.]
Tong Gu was momentarily stunned by the notification that appeared before him. He turned to see an elderly man with white hair and a tengu mask slowly approaching. Tong Gu instantly recognized him: the cultivator Sakonji Urokodaki, the former Water Hashira, who had come to recruit Tanjiro, just as depicted in the original story.
"Compassion won't save you when faced with man-eating demons, young man," Urokodaki said gravely.
Tanjiro, carrying the large basket on his back, was momentarily flustered as he noticed the masked elder.
While Urokodaki conversed with Tanjiro, Tong Gu opened his trial panel. Since this was his first trial world, he didn't yet have access to personal attribute panels or similar features. From what he'd gleaned in the forums, the Game of Fate only regarded you as a true "player" once you cleared your first trial, unlocking abilities like visualized stats.
[Trial Mission 1: Survive for three months (1/91).]
[Trial Mission 2: Kill at least one demon (Completion: 100%).]
One hundred percent complete...
Tong Gu smirked inwardly. The "completion" was clearly meant to be misleading. If he chose to simply lie low and survive for three months, his trial rating would likely be no higher than a C or D. But Tong Gu had always been clear about his ambitions.
He was determined to seize every opportunity to grow stronger. The Demon Slayer world, with its robust systems of demon powers and breathing techniques, presented the perfect chance to aim for an S-grade rating!
According to Wu Zhengyang, a Savior veteran, achieving an S-grade would grant extra attribute points, rewards, and a chance to draw from the Game of Fate's interdimensional prize pool—the most effective way to acquire rare and fantastical items.
"What's Tong Gu-san planning next?"
Urokodaki's voice interrupted Tong Gu's thoughts. The elder had learned Tong Gu's name during his conversation with Tanjiro, and his tone now carried an undertone of anticipation.
Although Tong Gu had initially hoped for a starter world like One Piece or Hunter x Hunter—where acquiring martial arts-based skills might be easier—he decided to make the most of his current setting. The key supernatural systems in Demon Slayer were demon bloodlines granted by Muzan Kibutsuji and the breath techniques used by the Demon Slayer Corps.
With a knowing smile, Tong Gu replied, "I'll probably become a hunter and dedicate myself to slaying these monsters."
As he spoke, his gaze lingered on a nearby bloodstained shrine, his tone resolute.
Urokodaki's expression brightened beneath his mask. Taking a step forward, he offered, "If you wish to slay demons, I might have a place to recommend…"
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Demon Slayer Headquarters
"This place…"
Tanjiro's eyes widened in awe as he noticed sword-wielding warriors passing by. They were all clad in uniform black attire, armed with katanas, their every move exuding an air of danger.
Instinctively, Tanjiro adjusted the basket on his back, shielding it more tightly.
After reporting Tong Gu's feat of defeating a demon barehanded, Urokodaki had received a swift response from the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps. Despite some checks along the way, the group successfully arrived at the Ubuyashiki Estate.
At the gates, dozens of Demon Slayer swordsmen stood guard, their formation tense. Clearly, the Master was within.
In the estate's rear garden, Tong Gu finally met Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the Demon Slayer Corps' leader. Just as depicted in the anime, Kagaya's frail body exuded an aura of decay. His pale skin was marred by horrific burn scars, and his clouded eyes betrayed his failing vision.
Seated within the house, Kagaya studied the imposing figure before him—tall and muscular, rivaling even Gyomei Himejima. A rare smile graced Kagaya's lips as he felt an inexplicable lightness, even amidst his ailments. He gently raised a hand to silence Urokodaki's formal greeting and asked softly, "Tong Gu-san, I hear you wish to hunt demons. Could you share your reason?"
Tong Gu's expression remained calm. He neither flinched at Kagaya's authority nor showed pity for his illness. Standing resolute, he replied, "Perhaps... it's fear."
Urokodaki tilted his head in surprise. This young man, so unyielding and solid as carved stone, admitted to fear?
"Fear is natural when facing monsters that prey on humans," Tong Gu added. Then, locking eyes with Kagaya's fading gaze, he declared firmly, "But only by eradicating those monsters can we, as humans, live with rightful dignity!"
Kagaya blinked in astonishment, then let out a soft chuckle. This was the first time he'd heard such an unyielding answer—and he was delighted.
"Tong Gu-san, while your strength is evident, I believe you lack certain tools to truly hunt demons."
At Kagaya's signal, a towering figure emerged from the inner room.
The man's blind eyes, deep scar across his forehead, and prayer beads were unmistakable. Dressed in a tattered monk's robe inscribed with "Namu Amida Butsu," the man was none other than Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira—the strongest among the Nine Pillars.
Standing before the two towering figures, Kagaya felt an uncharacteristic ease. After explaining the customary process of training and selection for the Demon Slayer Corps, Kagaya cut straight to the point.
"However, since you can already slay demons without a breathing technique or Nichirin Blade, you are clearly exceptional."
Gyomei approached Tong Gu, placing a massive hand on his arm. Tong Gu's muscles instinctively tensed, and for a moment, his strength flared, though he quickly restrained it. Even so, Gyomei felt the sheer power coiled within this young man.
"This level of strength… it's beyond human. Namu Amida Butsu."
Acknowledging Tong Gu's potential, Gyomei nodded at Kagaya. With his approval secured, Gyomei demonstrated the Stone Breathing technique on the spot.
[Plot NPC Gyomei Himejima is offering to teach you the Stone Breathing technique. Accept?]
Tong Gu silently chose accept. At once, a foreign instinct seemed to embed itself in his body as though he'd practiced this breathing rhythm for years.
[You have mastered the Stone Breathing technique.]
A powerful, deep energy surged through Tong Gu. His heart pounded, his lungs flooded with oxygen, and his focus sharpened. Every muscle felt under his perfect control. He clenched a fist and struck the ground with tremendous force.
BOOM!
Kagaya, who had been about to leave, turned back in astonishment. Watching the young man before him grow even more imposing, Kagaya's eyes shone with disbelief—and hope.
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