"What's wrong? Don't you want to learn how to better slay oni?"
Riku's surprise caught Urokodaki Sakonji's attention, and he turned to look at him.
"Yes."
Riku nodded immediately. If Urokodaki Sakonji was willing to teach him, that'd be perfect. Having a professional Demon Slayer guide him would save him from taking countless detours.
More importantly, Demon Slayers surely had ways to track where oni appeared. Riku, on the other hand, was just stumbling around like a blind cat hoping to catch a dead rat. Getting in with Urokodaki would make things way easier.
"Good. Then follow me."
Urokodaki didn't say much more. He hoped Riku would come willingly.
Riku's uniqueness piqued Urokodaki's interest. The ability to walk under sunlight, even if still wary of it, was enough to make him take notice.
And even setting that aside, Urokodaki wouldn't let Riku leave.
He needed to personally confirm that Riku wouldn't eat humans. Without spending time together, he wouldn't be at ease.
The same went for Kamado Nezuko. Until he verified it himself, Urokodaki wouldn't trust her either.
Kamado Tanjirou hoisted Nezuko onto his back, ready to go.
Urokodaki glanced at him, then took off running. The old man led the way, with Riku and Tanjirou following behind.
Urokodaki's strides weren't large, but his pace was quick, and he soon darted ahead. Tanjirou's jaw dropped, and he hurriedly chased after him.
Riku followed with ease. No surprise there—Urokodaki was clearly slowing down on purpose, waiting for Tanjirou.
Honestly, Riku was more shocked by Tanjirou's physical prowess than Urokodaki's speed. The kid was carrying Nezuko on his back and still keeping a decent pace.
Nezuko was twelve years old. Even if she was light, she had to weigh at least sixty or seventy pounds. That kind of load was brutal, not just for a thirteen-year-old boy but even for an adult.
"You okay? Want me to take Nezuko?"
Riku ran beside Tanjirou, offering a hand. He spoke loudly enough for Urokodaki to hear, but the old man didn't object.
"No, Mr. Riku. This is my test. I can't leave Nezuko behind because I'll always carry her from now on."
Tanjirou shook his head, firmly rejecting Riku's help. Though he was already panting just a short while into the run, the kid kept pushing forward.
"No matter what happens, never give up. Didn't you tell me that, Mr. Riku? I've always remembered it."
Tanjirou smiled at Riku, though the smile was strained.
"…"
Riku's expression was complex. He wanted to say, As expected of the protagonist, but summing up Tanjirou's effort and resilience with just "protagonist" felt unfair to the kid.
"Keep it up. You've got this."
Riku gave him an encouraging nod, then stopped distracting him and ran ahead to catch up with Urokodaki.
"Tanjirou's got an extraordinary grit, and his physical condition is top-notch. He's perfect for becoming a Demon Slayer, right?"
Riku spoke to Urokodaki as they ran. He owed his connection to Urokodaki to Tanjirou.
Though he doubted Tanjirou would be rejected, saying a few good words wouldn't hurt.
"He's too gentle and lacks decisiveness."
Urokodaki replied. He saw the kid's strengths, of course, but his "flaws" were just as obvious.
"He'll grow, and fast. After all, he's just gone through a life-altering tragedy."
Riku defended Tanjirou. He could relate to the kid to some extent. His own life-changing upheaval wasn't much earlier than Tanjirou's.
Hadn't he grown quickly too? From a workaholic desk jockey to a ruthless guy who could gnaw his own fingers without blinking, even taking out a few scumbags.
Living in a stable, unchanging environment, growth is slow and linear.
But after a sudden life-altering event, growth can break free from that linearity. Changing completely in just a few days isn't impossible.
The old Riku would've never imagined enduring the pain of shedding his skin for a new one.
Riku's upheaval only affected himself, but Tanjirou's family was reduced to just him and his sister. The impact was on another level. The kid might grow even faster than him.
Urokodaki didn't respond, and Riku fell silent too. He'd put on his mask and ear covers again.
When Urokodaki asked about them earlier, Riku was upfront, explaining they were for blocking sunlight.
Naturally, Urokodaki was puzzled. What did covering a few holes mean? But he didn't press further. He was a man of principle—since he'd made an agreement, he'd stick to it. Besides, Riku wasn't going anywhere.
The group—two humans and two oni—kept running. By the time they reached Sagiri-yama and Urokodaki's cabin, the sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the world.
"…"
Looking at Tanjirou, collapsed on the ground and panting, Riku lost count of how many times he'd been shocked.
A thirteen-year-old kid, running from sunrise to sunset, carrying sixty or seventy pounds on his back.
This kid's stamina was borderline insane, wasn't it?
Urokodaki removed his white headscarf, revealing short white hair. He was quietly astonished too.
He'd seen many gifted kids, but Tanjirou was among the best. The kid was exceptional, but it still wasn't enough.
Riku reached out, pulling the exhausted Tanjirou to his feet. The kid stumbled, legs trembling, but managed to stand.
Seeing this, Riku thought, Now that's more normal. At least he knows what exhaustion feels like.
If Tanjirou had been completely fine, Riku would've started wondering if the kid had some special bloodline, secret technique, or a wise old mentor hidden somewhere.
"Put your sister down and follow me up the mountain. Your test is just beginning."
Urokodaki spoke to Tanjirou, nearly causing the kid to collapse again.
"Riku, please stay here and look after Nezuko."
Urokodaki ignored Tanjirou's horrified expression and turned to Riku. The mountain trial held no meaning for this oni gentleman.
"No problem."
Riku nodded, taking the basket with Nezuko inside, watching as the old man and the boy left.
(End of Chapter)