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Chapter 31

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While trying to master Total Concentration Breathing, we'd repeat everything Mr. Urokodaki pounded into our heads, we'd maintain Total Concentration Breathing.
Swinging a wooden katana a thousand times, running and avoiding traps we'd set up for each other to replicate the mountain; jumping over the pond, running in-between the trees, climbing over and running on the wall, lifting heavy boulders, and so many more.

"We can do it!"
I pant, holding myself up on one hand, trying my best to hold my balance on the very edge of the wall.

"Hard work! Hard work!"
Tanjiro tightly tugged at the ropes, pulling the boulders behind him up.

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Two weeks have gone by, and our stamina has fully returned by now.
We can run faster and farther than before, our lungs are getting stronger, and we're overall doing much better. We run our lungs into overdrive during the day, and breathe slowly by night to make up for it.
Meditation boosts concentration, so it's important for our physical improvement.

Our swords are being reforged now, and I'm not excited about having to apologize to Haganezuka. If Mr. Urokodaki was furious when we'd snap our katanas, I'd imagine Haganezuka, a swordsmith clearly passionate about what he does, to just murder us.

Tanjiro seemed to lose focus, so I decide to have a little fun and splash him with the water from the pond beneath us. He caught it in time and tried to splash me instead, resulting in a small game of back-and-forth waterbending.

"You've gotten a lot better."
He smiles, increasing his speed.

"It's all thanks to you."
I do eventually yawn, Tanjiro moving the water back in its original place.

"If you're tired you can go rest."

"Are you sure?"

He pats my head.
"If you rest early, you'll have more energy to train tomorrow."

I get up, waving goodbye.

"I'm gonna stay out here a little longer, okay?"
I nod and Tanjiro waves me goodbye as I get down from the roof, returning indoors.

Zenitsu and Inosuke were already fast asleep, and so was Nezuko when I went to check up on her. She's been sleeping really long again, though sometimes I'd find her awake, just sitting on the edge of the bed, waiting for one or both of us to come check up on her.

I smile, sitting by the side of her bed.
"Hey, Nezuko."

I sigh, my smile growing wider.
"It's only been a month since I started training with Tanjiro, but he says I'm a really good waterbender already. Total Concentration Breathing is getting easier to maintain daily, too."

Gently, I hold her hand, sighing.
"I'm really happy you're okay, Nezuko. I have so much to think about and do, but coming to check on you every day is comforting."

My eyelids feel heavy, and I could almost fall asleep right here.
"I've lost my kid brother to Kibutsuji, but I promise I'll never let him get close and hurt you or Tanjiro. You're my only family now. So I'll protect you. I'll be the best sister I can be. Tanjiro and I will turn you human again, okay?"

She softly mumbled in her sleep, ever-so-softly tightening her grip on my hand. I'm suddenly startled however, hearing her voice.
"I know you can do it, Big Sister."

My eyes shoot up, but she's still sleeping, and her muzzle is still on.
I can feel the small tears prick my eyes, her gentle encouragement pushing ever-so-slightly forward.

"That's an Avatar's Promise, Nezuko. I love you. Good night."