The Crystal's Whisper and The Wind's Embrace

Chapter 30: The Descent

"Why is it that I can't master the ninth and tenth forms of Crystal Breathing?" Hiroshi let out a frustrated cry.

He had spent countless hours training, pushing his body to its limits and beyond, desperate to unlock the full potential of his abilities. Yet, despite his efforts, he always seemed to fall short of his own lofty expectations.

As time passed, Hiroshi's relentless pursuit of power and mastery over the higher forms of the Crystal Breathing Techniques began to consume him. His frustration grew with each passing day, a dark cloud slowly looming over his once bright spirit.

Fuelled by his desire to surpass Tsukiyo and prove his worth, Hiroshi began to contemplate alternative means to achieve his goals.

(Flashback)

"Why fight alone when we can achieve so much more together?" the demon had whispered, its voice honeyed with deceit.

"Are you sure? You see Tsukiyo as your sister, but does she? Does she consider you as her brother? You helped her along the way during her toughest times, but she just took the pillar position away from you. Is that her way of showing thanks to you?" the demon taunted.

"Don't forget how you started training first and despite putting in more effort, you are always lagging behind Tsukiyo. You should accept my offer and join me. With the power that Muzan-sama and I can provide you, you can easily take down Tsukiyo and overtake her! As a demon, you would only become more powerful."

"To be honest, your skills aren't all that bad either, since you are capable of thinking clearly and clearing missions on your own," the demon had tried to tempt Hiroshi further.

"Think carefully, Hiroshi," the demon hissed. "When you're ready to embrace your true potential, you know where to find me."

(End of Flashback)

Days turned into weeks, and Hiroshi's internal struggle only intensified. His obsession with surpassing Tsukiyo and proving his worth grew stronger, and the demon's words echoed in his mind. The seed of envy that had taken root began to sprout, distorting his once noble intentions.

Hiroshi started to isolate himself from his fellow demon slayers, spending more time training in secret. His appearance grew more haggard, and his demeanour more distant, as the dark allure of power continued to gnaw at his soul.

One evening, as Hiroshi's fellow demon slayer, Kaito, was preparing for his next mission, he couldn't help but notice Hiroshi's absence from their usual training sessions. Concerned, he decided to seek him out.

Kaito found Hiroshi in a secluded part of the forest, practicing his Crystal Breathing Techniques with an intensity that bordered on desperation.

"Hiroshi," Kaito called out gently, approaching him. "What's going on? You've been acting strange lately."

Hiroshi paused, his back turned to Kaito. "It's nothing, Kaito. Just trying to get stronger."

Kaito's heart ached at the sight of his friend, so consumed by his own demons. "You don't have to do this alone, you know. We're a team. We can help each other."

Hiroshi clenched his fists, the words of the demon echoing in his mind. "I have to surpass someone. I have to prove that I'm not just living in their shadow."

Kaito stepped closer, placing a hand on Hiroshi's shoulder. "What are you talking about? You're an incredible demon slayer, and we all respect you. You are not living in anyone's shadow."

For a moment, Hiroshi's resolve wavered, but the allure of surpassing Tsukiyo was too strong.

He shrugged off Kaito's hand, turning to face him with a hardened expression. "I have to do this my way, Kaito. Just stay out of it."

Kaito watched him walk away, a sense of dread settling in his heart. He sensed that the Hiroshi he once knew was slipping away, and the battle to save him from his inner demons had only just begun.