The duration he could maintain Total Concentration: Constant had increased significantly. This sudden leap made Tatsuya certain: It really was the miracle of Tanjuro-san's ancestral dance!
Since saving Tanjiro and glimpsing the ancient rhythm, Tatsuya felt his plateaued "Constant" state reach a new level. The once-difficult Thunder Breathing was now flowing through his every action and breath as naturally as a heartbeat.
This improvement was most obvious in combat. In his daily spars with Sabito and Giyu, even when they teamed up, they could hold out for less time than when he first arrived. This left the two bewildered, and in their secret competition, they tripled their own training intensity.
Tatsuya never intended to keep secrets. After discussing his insights with Master Urokodaki, he shared everything that could be integrated into Water Breathing with Sabito and the others.
Meanwhile, feeling indebted to the Kamado family, Tatsuya began his "mission of gratitude"—stubbornly stuffing supplies into their home. When Tanjuro tried to refuse, Tatsuya would simply disappear and leave things behind. Soon, the Kamado house began to "grow" magical items: new bedding appeared on the beds, shiny pots and pans on the stove, sharp new axes in the shed, and even a beautifully crafted wooden slide for the kids in the yard. Tanjiro and Takeo began to think they were being visited by a "mountain spirit."
One day, a swordsmith arrived at Mount Sagiri. Sabito and Giyu had already received their blue blades days ago and departed on their first missions. Now, it was Tatsuya's turn.
The smith presented the box with deep respect. "I heard Slayer Tatsuya killed a high-tier demon at the selection! I poured my soul into this blade to assist you!"
Tatsuya gripped the hilt and drew the sword.
SHING—
A clear chime rang out as a dazzling gold-and-red light filled the room. The blade wasn't a single color. From the guard to the tip, it bore swirling, flame-like patterns that looked like flowing lava.
On a golden base, crimson veins rose and surged, as if a living fire was pulsating within the steel, radiating heat and brilliance.
"...A masterpiece! A total masterpiece!" the smith shouted, his voice trembling. "The gold represents your foundation in Thunder! And the crimson... that is the manifestation of the fire in your heart! I have forged for forty years and never seen 'Thunder and Fire' coexist like this! This blade sings for its master!"
Urokodaki tapped the box thoughtfully. "Thunder and fire... strange. Tatsuya uses Thunder Breathing; where did this fire come from?" Makomo's eyes wide with envy. "It's beautiful... like the sunset trapped in a blade!"
Tatsuya felt the blade respond to his touch. The moment he gripped it, his Breathing Style felt more fluid, as if the sword already knew his next move. He swung it—the gold-red light cut a sharp, jagged line through the air with a high-pitched whistle.
"Good sword! It feels like a part of my arm," Tatsuya praised.
Three days later, after a morning drill, Tatsuya was munching on a sweet potato when a black shadow dove from the sky. It was Shiun-sai, his crow, shrieking a frantic report:
"Emergency in the South! Caw! Six pregnant women dead, bellies rent! Mothers lost, infants gone, demon's teeth are cold! Caw! Slay! Slay!"
Tatsuya's expression turned lethal. "Pregnant women... infants..." A murderous aura exploded from him. He thought of Kie Kamado, who was also pregnant.
"Master Urokodaki," Tatsuya said gravely. "The Kamado family—"
"Don't worry," Urokodaki replied steadily. "I'll take the medicine to Tanjuro personally today. I'll keep an eye on them. You focus on the task at hand."
"Right. I'm off. Take care!"
Tatsuya shot down the mountain like a thunderbolt. Targeting pregnant women... this piece of trash is a hundred times more disgusting than that Hand Demon. You're dead.