chapter eight | retired hashira, urokodaki-san
The morning was rough. By no means were you a morning person, regardless of how much you tried to convince yourself that you were.
It didn't matter how many times you'd done it before. Going to bed after a long night of doing your job and waking up a few hours later to do it again? Would anyone feel okay after doing that for so many years? After all, it's your fifth.
A demon slayer never sleeps.
A thud at your window disrupts your silent start to your day.
"Akihiro? What is it you want?" Rubbing your eyes, you walked to the windowsill. He dropped a letter from his claw, pecking your hand with his beak. You pushed him off the sill and shut the window. He'd be fine.
You examined the parchment in your hands.
A letter? From Urokodaki-san?
You almost ran to the room a few doors down from your own and confirmed your suspicions. Your unfinished letter lay on your desk with all of two complete sentences scribbled on it.
It didn't make any sense.
(L/n) (Y/n),
Kamado Tanjiro is undergoing training to become a demon slayer. Because he has started so late, the training will be grueling in order to get him to the level he needs to be at. And then better. He's determined, but his ability isn't on par with his motivation yet.
His sister Nezuko has fallen into a deep sleep, so far lasting several days. I do not think she will be waking up anytime soon.
Would you be willing to assist in his training for a few days? Ubuyashiki is aware of this, and is willing to allow it as you were one of the boy's first contact with the Demon Slayer Corps. Giyū will take it upon himself to temporarily fulfill your duties as a Hashira if you choose to stay with us.
Urokodaki Sakonji
The letter was confusing.
Assist Tanjiro. His sister is asleep. Oyakata-sama will allow this. Giyū will take on your missions and patrol. Urokodaki chose to skip the closing in his letter and simply wrote his name.
How did this letter find me before I could even build a relationship with the retired water pillar?
It didn't matter. It's what you wanted, so you were going.
After informing Ubuyashiki that you were indeed accepting Urokodaki's invitation, you immediately made your way to Mount Sagiri. Akihiro was leading you and by now you'd almost made it there. The bird was getting on your nerves, per usual.
"How much farther?" You questioned, wondering whether it would be a good idea to take a break before climbing a hill. You didn't want to be completely worn out by the time you got there.
The crow remained silent.
Picking up a small pebble, you threw it at him.
He squawked, then answering, "Just up the hill!"
"It's not that hard to answer the first time..." You grumbled, mostly to yourself.
Taking short steps, you ascended the hill. Traps went off and various objects went flying. You smiled a little bit, happy to get in some more training along your way.
Kunai knives and rocks neared your face. Bamboo fell in places you once were. But they were all too late. It was a little annoying how the traps weren't challenging for you, but they were set up for a beginner after all. A majority of them you could tell hadn't even set off.
You sighed, slowing your pace. At this point, it was a better workout to avoid setting them off completely.
You thought of the time you first met Tanjiro. Back on that unknown mountain, you saved him from Giyū's attack.
Does Nezuko still wear that muzzle?
Then it occurred to you what Giyū was telling the boy as you left.
Urokodaki lived at the foot of Mount Sagiri. Akihiro was wasting your time.
Turning around, you scoffed at your bird's antics.
Why in the world did these things have to have so much personality?
He flew above you, back down the mountain. But it felt wrong to you to leave all these traps strewn about the way they were. You decided to take your time in setting them all back and pretending this never happened.
After fixing everything, you descended the mountain in search of either a house or your stupid crow. Spotting a bird circling the same area that smoke rose from, you figured that was his way of showing you were to go. It didn't take long before you found a small white cottage with a small field plowed next to it.
Standing up straighter, you knocked on the door. You wanted the former Hashira to think you were professional. The door opened rather quickly and you were met with a red nose in your face.
Taking a step back, you bowed. "(L/n) (Y/n), you must be Urokodaki-san."
"She's really here?" Another voice questioned from somewhere behind the door. "I thought I smelled you, (Y/n)!"
What a strange boy.
"Thank you for coming, (L/n)-san. I appreciate the help with his training. He needs it." Urokodaki bluntly stated.
He stepped aside the doorway and let you in the small home. It was nice, big enough for one person, but with the three of them it seemed a bit crowded. Tanjiro greeted you with a hug. It was a bit awkward, but you pat his back a few times until he let go.
"I wanted to tell you thank you for supporting Nezuko and I on the mountain! I really appreciate how you saved us, and I'm really glad I met you!" He gave an earnest smile.
"Of course, Tanjiro. Now tell me, what have you learned so far?" Right to business.
The brunett-haired boy told you everything. "Well, I've gone up and down the mountain a lot, avoiding all kinds of traps. My sense of smell has gotten a lot better, too. Urokodaki-sama taught me that a katana breaks easily, that it's strong against force lengthwise and weak from the side. I know that you have to attack head-on and you have to apply force in the same direction as the blade. And... if I damage a sword, Urokodaki-sama will damage me."
"That's good. Have you begun to study any forms?" You asked him.
"No, not yet. But I'm really excited to!"
He was so happy all the time. You didn't understand how people could be so happy in a world full of demons.
"Do you think he's ready, Urokodaki-san?" You turned to the man in the mask.
"Indent them in his mind. He is weak, but with more training he will become strong enough." He huffed. He was harsh. But Tanjiro didn't seem to mind.
"Okay, Tanjiro. We're going over a few basic forms today. Grab your sword."
"Okay!" He rushed to prepare himself for training.
"Does he show promise?" You spoke lowly to Urokodaki.
"An incredible amount." He responded.
You nodded. "Thank you for allowing me to stay with you and help his training. The competence of people who call themselves 'trainers' has dwindled lately, so I'm glad that you are the one who's taken him in."
"Alright, (Y/n). Let's go!" His antics were funny to you, and a slight smile was on your face.
Opening the door, you followed him out. "Tanjiro! You must understand that your trainer, Urokodaki, is renowned for his skills. He will teach you everything you need to know, alright? I'm here as a visitor."
"Understood! I'm really happy that you're able to show me the Water Breathing technique! I didn't know that you used it."
You shook your head. "Hardly. I use a different technique. Water Breathing was one that I attempted before it."
His eyes grew. "You know more than one?!"
"It's common for people to find that the breathing style they choose isn't working out for them. I'm not as special as you think." Most everyone in your family was the same way, knowing how to use different styles.
He sat on the ground with his legs crossed, leaning towards you. "So which other one do you use?"
"I created my own."
His jaw dropped. "You can make your own?" He yelled out of surprise.
"Well someone had to make them in the first place, right? People take these different styles and make their own based off of them. Water Breathing was created from Sun Breathing. From Water, different styles like Serpent and Insect Breathing were made." You explained. It made you feel like a teacher.
"So did you create yours from Water, too?" He was curious. At least he was paying attention.
"No, mine comes from a different technique." You wanted to get on with the training, not wanting to waste any of Urokodaki's time or yours. Conversations like these could happen at dinner or when resting. "First, I'm going to show you the foremost and easiest form of Water Breathing. It's the first form, called Water Surface Slash. Watch as I do it, then I'll explain it."
You demonstrated the form for him, taking the right stance first and then steadily swinging a wooden sword that you picked up. "The first form is just a concentrated slash that you build momentum for in the way you swing."
"I see!" He jumped to his feet. He tried to mock your movements, and although good for someone who's hardly touched a sword, his attempt was pitiful.
"How about you watch me do it again?" You performed it yet again, and he looked as if he really understood it this time. "Before you try to do it, let me tell you what to do."
You corrected his stance. "Keep your posture steady. Immovable, but fluid. Know what you're doing before you take action. Water Breathing can combat any sort of attack because of how versatile it is, so it's a good technique to know. You have to be calm and patient while learning it." Showing him how to correctly hold the sword, you nodded at his new form. It looked textbook.
"Now try it." He swung his sword again. It was unsteady. "Swing your sword like you mean it, Tanjiro. Water takes the shape of the container it's in. It's fluid. Don't be so stiff, but compensate with power."
Once again, he swung his sword. "How was that?" His breathing was a little heavy, so that was something else to work on.
"Fundamentally, you have some work to do. But you'll get there. Swing your sword two hundred times. Then we'll continue."
Everyone was seated for dinner, Nezuko being an exception. Urokodaki was cooking some sort of stew, and for the meantime Tanjiro was telling you about this journal he began to write in for his sister.
You thought the love that the two shared was cute. You and your brother didn't have a relationship quite like theirs. For them, family was really everything. Your family was not like that.
You came from a long line of slayers. It was in your blood. Training started when you were young. It became your number one priority. You sacrificed time with your family just to get more comfortable with the thought of killing demons for the rest of your life.
In short, you almost envied Tanjiro. He got to spend his life up until now surrounded by his family all the time, being a happy kid who didn't even know demons existed.
"(Y/n), what have you been up to this past six months?" Tanjiro interrupted your thinking.
You told him the truth. "Mission after mission. That's all, really."
"How long have you been a slayer?" Urokodaki asked. You liked the blue cloud haori he wore.
He took the bowl sitting in front of you, filling it with whatever it was that he was cooking. "Five years."
"And how old are you?" He set it back down. You didn't know how hungry you were until you smelled the food.
"Seventeen." You could see the veggies and beef in the broth. Identifying it as beef stew, your hunger grew.
The man continued filling the bowls around the table with the stew. "So you started young."
"Yes. I began training at around eight."
"At eight? You were given a sword to swing around?" Tanjiro questioned.
"I wanted to. They were all around the house, so I wanted to know how to use them." A hand set a serving of rice next to your bowl.
Urokodaki finally sat down, done serving everyone. "Impressive. You smell strong."
What is it with these people and my scent?
"Thank you? Do you have a nose like Tanjiro's? Some superior sense of smell?" You were very confused.
Urokodaki did not answer. "Itadakimasu." He thanked with his hands together. The two of you mimicked him. "Tanjiro, tell me how far you got in training today."
Tanjiro beamed. "Well, (Y/n) had me swing my sword a lot. More than you do. And do other workouts. But she taught me three forms. I learned the first form, second form, and the seventh form. She told me what I really need to focus on right now is my breathing patterns and getting stronger."
"You did all that in one day?" The trainer turned to you.
You looked worried. He intimidated you. Was there a specific answer he wanted? What's the right answer?
"Yes. Should I have done more?" You weren't sure what to do with yourself, so you grabbed your spoon and shoved some stew in your mouth.
He's a really good cook.
"That's a lot to get done in one day." This reassured you.
"He's doing pretty well. Once he knows how to do the forms, his stance and everything is alright, but he really just needs to work on overall strength." You look to Tanjiro. "With a stronger core, you can swing more powerfully and faster. It's not just arm strength."
"We're going to be doing more strength training after dinner, Tanjiro. Don't get so comfortable." Urokodaki tells him.
"Urokodaki-san," You say between bites, "Is there anywhere I can train while you two are doing that?"
You noticed that he only pushed his mask up over his mouth to eat. These people are so strange to you.
"Definitely. I can show you to a clearing after we finish eating. Feel free to go up and down the mountain, there's a training course set up that Tanjiro often runs, but it might not be challenging enough for you." He offered.
You inhaled. Suddenly, your stew looked fascinating. So fascinating that you didn't want to look anywhere else. "I'll keep that in mind, thank you."
Taisho-era Secrets!
- (Y/n) impresses Urokodaki. She's on his good side!
- (Y/n) is very worried about how well she'll do training Tanjiro. She's almost perfected all the forms, but she's convinced Water Breathing isn't for her.
-Tanjiro has no idea that a former Hashira and a current Hashira are the ones training him. He's just happy to be here.