Chapter 841: Infinity Train
Chapter 841: Infinity Train
In a secluded courtyard, Uzumaki Kaguya sat in the corridor, gazing at the sky outside. His eyes, however, had largely lost their sight, able to capture only faint glimmers of light.
The sound of approaching footsteps preceded a respectful voice.
"Lord Uzumaki, Tanjiro Kamado has arrived."
In the courtyard, the Stone Hashira led Tanjiro forward, offering a respectful bow to Uzumaki, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Tanjiro, a little dazed, quickly followed suit and bowed as well.
"No need to be so formal. Please rise," Uzumaki responded gently, gesturing for them to stand.
Tanjiro was still bandaged in some places, a testament to his ongoing recovery. He couldn't help but feel a little awkward in the presence of Uzumaki, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps.
"Tanjiro Kamado, your efforts have been admirable, and you have performed exceptionally well thus far," Uzumaki addressed him.
Tanjiro looked up in surprise. "You know about me?"
Uzumaki smiled but didn't answer directly. Instead, the Stone Hashira, Muichirou Tokitou, murmured from the side, "Lord Uzumaki knows about every corps member."
After a brief hesitation, Tanjiro asked, "Um...could you tell me about the one who can turn Nezuko back into a human?"
Uzumaki paused for a moment, facing Tanjiro, before replying, "I apologize, but I cannot divulge that information to you at this time."
"I understand," Tanjiro said, his eyes determined. "I will strive to become a Hashira."
Hearing Uzumaki's words, Tanjiro was undeterred, his resolve unwavering. He knew that becoming a Hashira would be challenging, and he had only just begun to grasp the immense gap between himself and the current Hashira. But for Nezuko, he was willing to give it his all.
Uzumaki spoke softly, "In truth, even if you become a Hashira and gain access to more information, it doesn't guarantee that individual will aid you. However, it is a path worth pursuing. If you distinguish yourself, perhaps you will catch their attention."
"If you can defeat a Lower Moon Demon by yourself, you will be nominated to become a Hashira. Even if you only assist in defeating an Upper Moon Demon, you will still be considered. So, continue to strive, for your sister, for humanity, and for the world."
Tanjiro listened intently to Uzumaki's words, feeling neither discouraged nor daunted. His determination remained steadfast.
"Alright, go and continue your recovery. There will likely be new missions soon," Uzumaki instructed.
As Tanjiro was led away by another attendant, Muichirou remained by Uzumaki's side. "Miss Kanroji seemed to have taken an interest in the siblings. She appeared earlier," he reported.
Uzumaki paused, then whispered, "Perhaps he will truly grow into a new Hashira. But until then, we must do what we must, without placing all our hopes on others."
"Yes," Muichirou acknowledged, nodding.
...
Several days later, Tanjiro's injuries had fully healed, and he began his training at the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters.
Under the guidance of Shinobu Kocho, he first grasped the concept of Total Concentration Breathing, a crucial technique for slayers. It took him nearly half a month to master it, marking his entry into the threshold of becoming a strong slayer. However, to reach the pinnacle and attain the level of a Hashira, he would need much more time and rigorous training.
According to Shinobu, after mastering Total Concentration Breathing, it typically takes over two years of relentless self-improvement to elevate one's physical capabilities to that of a Hashira.
After mastering the Total Concentration Breathing technique, Tanjiro further honed his swordsmanship under Kanroji's guidance, significantly enhancing his offensive capabilities.
It took a month.
Tanjiro's strength improved by leaps and bounds, gradually approaching the level of the Nine Hashira successors.
According to Shinobu's assessment, if he continued to cultivate in this manner, Tanjiro would likely reach the level of a true Hashira within about a year.
However, time waited for no one, and no one could remain at the headquarters to cultivate indefinitely.
A month later, the Flame Hashira sought out Tanjiro and, in the name of the Hashira, assembled the Tanjiro squad to go demon hunting.
And so, Tanjiro and his companions arrived at the Infinity Train, as if guided by fate.
Unlike fate, however, this journey on the Infinity Train was not without its surprises. Aboard the train lurked not only one of the Lower Ranks of the Twelve Kizuki but also the Lower Rank Four, Lower Rank Two, and Upper Rank Two, Daki!
This was a trap!
A deadly trap set for the Demon Slayer Corps!
Led by Daki herself and accompanied by not one but three Lower Ranks, this was no easy battle, even for two Hashira.
Rengoku Kyojuro looked at the Twelve Kizuki members who appeared one after another on the Infinity Train and gripped his sun wheel sword. "It seems we've fallen into a trap. Fortunately, I brought along a few capable subordinates. Otherwise, tonight's situation would be difficult to handle."
"I acknowledge your strength, but your subordinates are unlikely to be of much use."
Daki eyed Rengoku.
This was not the first time the two had crossed paths. They had faced each other in a fierce battle before, but at that time, two Hashira had ganged up on Daki, including the strongest, the Stone Hashira. Now, only Rengoku stood alone.
"It's time to witness the fruits of our cultivation!"
Zuoping Inosuke drew his blade and pointed it at Upper Rank One. "Leave the strongest one to me!"
Zenitsu Agatsuma had a mournful expression on his face. "Well, then I'll take on the weakest one, but the pressure is intense. Why are there so many Twelve Kizuki? It's too dangerous. If I don't make it back alive, please deliver my last words to my beloved wife, Nezuko..."
"..."
Tanjiro's face stiffened, but he ignored Zenitsu, focusing all his attention on the nearest member of the Twelve Kizuki, Lower Rank Four.
Taking a step forward, Tanjiro made the first move and charged at Lower Rank Four.
"Water Breathing, First Form: White Water Slice!"
He executed the Water Breathing technique.
Upper Rank Four watched as Tanjiro rushed towards him, a gleam of contempt and malice in his eyes. "Your blood looks quite delicious. Tonight, I'll finally get to savor some fine treats."
Boom!
Their techniques collided, blowing open the train car walls on both sides of the Infinity Train.
At the same time, Daki, Rengoku, Zuoping, and the others also joined the fray. The battle erupted in an instant, tearing the entire train car to shreds in mere moments.
(End of Chapter)
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