Demon Slayer: Seraph of Radiance

Hearing Kawanishi's words, Tanjiro nodded, but asked curiously, "I thought you were like Nezuko, recovering your strength by sleeping."

He could tell his brother hadn't consumed humans, but didn't know why Kawanishi didn't need to.

Kawanishi laughed heartily, "If I relied on sleep like Nezuko, how would I grow strong fast enough to protect you all? Demons eat humans — I eat demons. Makes perfect sense."

Under the flickering firelight, the two brothers shared their experiences with one another.

Yet both instinctively chose to gloss over the most dangerous parts.

They only spoke of their successes, not their perils.

For instance, Kawanishi didn't mention being decapitated by Kurogaya or being pulverized into minced flesh by Akaza.

And Tanjiro didn't talk about how he'd almost been killed by a man-eating demon at a shrine while searching for Urokodaki.

In his previous conversations with Urokodaki, Kawanishi had learned that his, Nezuko's, and Hojo Chaji's conditions might be due to breaking free from Muzan's curse. Thus, their bodies had undergone strange changes, allowing them to grow stronger without consuming humans.

But this was only Urokodaki's speculation. He didn't dare let Kawanishi speak Muzan's name aloud to verify it — for if the curse remained, it would be fatal.

Interrupting the brothers' heartwarming exchange, Urokodaki said, "Tanjiro, eat while the food's still hot."

The fire under the pot had dwindled to embers, and the cool early spring air was quickly chilling the food.

Tanjiro responded at once, serving Urokodaki a hearty bowl of food before serving himself.

Looking at the contents of his bowl, Urokodaki sighed inwardly, his expression beneath the mask softening.

His bowl was full of meat, while Tanjiro's was mostly vegetables.

This child… he always thinks of others first.

This made Urokodaki even more reluctant to let Tanjiro face the Final Selection.

The Final Selection on Mount Fujikasane haunted him like a curse. He feared Tanjiro might die there as well.

Even Sabito and Makomo, who had fully mastered the ten Water Breathing forms and achieved Total Concentration, had died there.

For my Water Breathing lineage, that place feels like a death trial…

But since he had already promised Kawanishi, he wouldn't stand in Tanjiro's way.

Instead, he would do everything in his power to make Tanjiro strong enough to survive.

I hope you can break this curse. No—you must break it!

Switching bowls with Tanjiro, Urokodaki said firmly, "Eat."

Kawanishi watched with amusement. This old man, strict yet gentle, so kind beneath that severe mask—a truly rare man.

When Tanjiro had earlier explained how he met Urokodaki, Kawanishi felt deeply relieved that his brother had encountered the kind-hearted Giyu and the strict yet caring Urokodaki.

May all kind souls meet kind people.

Tanjiro ate quickly, eager to grow stronger as soon as possible.

At the very least, I need to be strong enough to help Brother, so he doesn't have to fight alone.

Reflecting on their battle, Tanjiro realized that his brother had barely moved while he had exhausted himself completely.

Seeing Tanjiro devour his food, Urokodaki suddenly smiled softly, "Don't rush. Eat slowly."

Kawanishi echoed, "Yes, Tanjiro, take your time."

You might as well enjoy this peaceful moment—the upcoming training will be rough…

Hearing Urokodaki's rare gentle tone, Tanjiro nearly choked.

This is the first time I've heard Master laugh… and it feels ominous.

When he saw the strange glances exchanged between his brother and Urokodaki, Tanjiro's heart filled with dread.

After dinner, Tanjiro cleaned up, washing the bowls and the pot thoroughly.

When he finished, Urokodaki and Kawanishi were still seated, waiting.

As Tanjiro approached, they both turned their heads simultaneously, eyes locked onto him.

Instinctively, Tanjiro stepped back nervously, "Master, I was going to continue my training on the mountain…"

As he spoke, he edged toward the door.

But just as one foot crossed the threshold, Urokodaki said calmly, "No rush. Sit down first."

Sheepishly, Tanjiro sat between them, looking confused.

Urokodaki said, "You already know that your physique isn't well-suited for the existing breathing styles of the Demon Slayer Corps."

"Creating a breathing style that matches your body isn't realistic either — that requires both opportunity and luck."

Ah… so nothing serious. I was overthinking again, Tanjiro thought, mentally chastising himself.

Nervously intertwining his fingers, he answered, "Yes, I understand."

Urokodaki glanced at Kawanishi, "You explain your family's breathing technique."

Tanjiro's eyes widened in surprise as he looked at his brother.

Our family's breathing technique?

"Brother?"

Facing Tanjiro's questioning gaze, Kawanishi took a deep breath and amplified his breathing.

"Hu… hu… hu…"

Massive gusts of air surged into his lungs, so strong they formed twin white vapor trails.

While maintaining Total Concentration: Constant, Kawanishi activated his Hinokami Kagura with full force.

In Tanjiro's eyes, flames seemed to blaze around his brother's body.

This rhythm… why does it feel so familiar?

Tanjiro felt a powerful sense of déjà vu but couldn't quite grasp why.

Steadying himself against the familiar but still painful sensation, Kawanishi said, "Do you remember Hinokami?"

"The Hinokami Kagura our father passed down?" Tanjiro asked in surprise.

He recalled their father Tanjiro had once taught them the dance and instructed them to pass it down along with the Hanafuda earrings.

Though their father didn't teach for long before his health failed, Tanjiro had memorized all the movements — and the breathing rhythm.

Kawanishi nodded, "Father's Hinokami Kagura is actually a breathing style."

"We always focused on the dance itself, but its breathing rhythm is the key."

Had it not been for their father's reminder, Kawanishi might never have realized this.

Tanjiro pondered, "But how did you figure this out, Brother?"

Pointing to the sky, Kawanishi whispered, "It was Father. They're all watching us."

"So we must do well—not let them down."

Tanjiro glanced up at the sky, his face filled with longing and sorrow. I hope so…

Kawanishi continued, "You know the Hinokami Kagura, but after all this time, you probably haven't mastered its breathing rhythm."

"Try performing the dance first. Let's see if you can find the feeling."

"Dance."

(End of Chapter)