The next day.
Under the watchful gaze of the old man, a despairing Zenitsu and Luochuan left Mount Momoyama.
"Luochuan, are we really going to participate in the selection?" Zenitsu nagged behind him. He believed neither of them had truly mastered Thunder Breathing and feared encountering a powerful demon.
"What else? Sneak off somewhere else?" Luochuan replied calmly. While Zenitsu might run during training, Luochuan knew he wouldn't skip this selection, as it represented the old man's expectations. Zenitsu eventually lowered his head and nodded silently; he didn't want to fail the man who had paid off his massive debts and was his only close connection besides Luochuan.
After nearly a day of travel, they reached their destination: Mount Fujikasane.
Night was falling, and many swordsmen stood in the square, keeping their distance with wary eyes. Zenitsu stood dazed, while Luochuan scanned the crowd with ease. For Luochuan, the selection was a formality to obtain a Nichirin Sword and enter the Demon Slayer Corps. His current blade was insufficient for high-level demons.
Furthermore, he was here to "make friends". Four people and one demon stood out as targets: Tanjiro, Inosuke, Kanao, Genya, and the Hand Demon.
Luochuan checked the attributes of those present:
> [Name: Kanao Tsuyuri]
> [Race: Human]
> [Rank: Mizunoto (壬)]
> [Comprehension: High]
> [Aptitude: High]
> [Talent: Flexibility]
> [Skills: Flower Breathing—Second Form (Proficient), Fourth Form (Mastery), Fifth Form (Mastery), Sixth Form (Mastery), Final Form (Entry)]
>
> [Name: Genya Shinazugawa]
> [Race: Human]
> [Rank: Mizunoto (癸)]
> [Comprehension: Inferior]
> [Aptitude: Inferior]
> [Talent: Demonization]
> [Skills: Shotgun (Proficient)...]
>
Luochuan wasn't interested in Genya's Demonization since he couldn't stomach eating demons, preferring to gain Blood Demon Arts through friendship—or by force. He was particularly curious about the Hand Demon's abilities.
Soon, steady footsteps approached. Tanjiro Kamado arrived.
> [Name: Tanjiro Kamado]
> [Race: Human]
> [Rank: Mizunoto (癸)]
> [Comprehension: High]
> [Aptitude: High]
> [Talents: Opening Thread, Headbutt]
> [Skills: Water Breathing Forms 1-9 (Proficient/Mastery), Tenth Form (Entry), Transparent World (Incomplete/Entry)...]
>
Luochuan was surprised to see Transparent World already listed, even if incomplete. Perceiving Luochuan's gaze, Tanjiro looked over. Luochuan smiled, determined to befriend him.
Two young girls, Hinaki and Nichika Ubuyashiki, appeared before the wisteria trees. They thanked the candidates and explained the requirement: survive seven days on the demon-infested mountain.
As the candidates began to move, Luochuan intercepted Tanjiro.
"I'm Luochuan. Can we be friends?"
Tanjiro paused, sniffing the air. He sensed that Luochuan was genuinely happy and sincere. He shook Luochuan's hand. "Yes, I'm Tanjiro Kamado. Please look after me."
Ding!
[Successfully added Tanjiro Kamado as a friend.]
[Intimacy: Acquaintance. Random reward obtained.]
[Gained Talent: Opening Thread.]
[Fuse now? No.]
Luochuan's smile widened. One target down. "Tanjiro, good luck! You'll definitely pass!"
Tanjiro nodded firmly, thinking Luochuan was a very kind person.