4. Training

A/N: Before you read this chapter, just keep in mind that Shiro is currently weaker than Tanjiro. He has never once worked out before unlike Tanjiro who has done a lot of physical work. So don't go complaining about his struggle with just a simple slope. I get that the test here is easier than the one Urokodaki gave Tanjiro but just think of Minamoto and him having different methods of teaching.

- - - -

Shiro clenched his teeth and struggled to keep his balance.

The slope, as expected, was slippery and difficult to balance on. One wrong move and he would tumble down all the way to the bottom.

But he couldn't afford to lessen his pace otherwise, he might not make it back on time.

However, he miscalculated on a step and slipped. Then his body fell, and rolled down the slope, hitting various twigs and bushes along the way. His body became covered in minor cuts and scrapes and he was quite certain that some part of him was bleeding.

Suddenly, he noticed a tree trunk right in the path he was rolling and he tried to stop himself to avail.

"Oh no no no no no! ACK!!"

*BAM*

His body hit the trunk and a crack was heard. Shiro recoiled in pain as his arm throbbed. He was sure his bone had cracked because the pain that came from it was immense.

He really wanted to curse the universe and the system for making him suffer so much.

But he knew that in the future, a small bone fracture would be nothing compared to the injuries he was bound to face if he continued down this path.

That's why he reeled in his cries and stood up from the ground cradling his broken arm.

He continued walking down the slope ignoring the pain. After coming this far already, it would be a waste to just stop right here. Plus, his life was on the line no matter which decision he chose so it was better he choose the option where he would at least be given a chance to survive.

"I can do this. No, I HAVE to do this," he ended up repeating this phrase in his head right till he reached the bottom of the slope.

From there, he took a short breather and stared up at the path he took.

Letting out a groan, he dragged his tired body to go back up.

- - - -

Minamoto was busy chopping firewood.

He placed the wood on the tree stump and used the ax to chop it in half letting them fall to the ground before placing another one there.

He looked toward the direction of the slope and frowned.

'He's not going to make it back on time.'

There were only a few minutes till the time was up and so far, there was no sign of Shiro.

"It's better this way..."

The man's mind grudgingly brought up a devastating memory that he'd kept buried for years now. A boy, much like Shiro, who desired to become his disciple. He accepted the boy with a soft heart and he admired his persistence.

Unfortunately, the boy was killed on his first mission after passing the Final Selection. By an Upper Moon demon who was not supposed to be there.

Minamoto was riddled with sadness and overwhelming guilt after he received the letter stating his disciple's death. He blamed himself for not teaching his student well enough and also hated himself for pushing the student to become a demon slayer.

That was his first and his last student.

He was too traumatized to take in another student and basically turned away everyone who came to ask.

That is, until today.

The only reason he gave Shiro a chance was because he owed old man Arimoto a favor. However, it was up to Shiro to pass his test. If he couldn't, then Minamoto would send him away for good.

"I suppose I should go down and look for him. I hope he's not dead," muttered the red-haired man. Throwing his ax to the side, he walked over to the slope and stopped a couple of centimeters away.

The reason he stopped suddenly was because he saw a figure walking up.

"This kid..." Minamoto was shocked.

He actually managed to do it!

From the slope, a very tired and injured Shiro used the last bit of his remaining strength to pull his legs to climb the steepest part.

Once he finally reached the top, his body fell to the ground and he passed out.

Minamoto immediately snapped out of his shock and went to examine the boy's condition.

He found numerous scratches and cuts on Shiro's skin and noticed his arm was fractured. There was even an ankle that was starting to swell from a possible strain.

'He managed to hike up with these injuries?! It would be normal for a fully trained slayer to do such a thing but for someone who probably hasn't ever worked out in his life, he must have enormous willpower.'

The stone-faced Minamoto found himself impressed.

'Maybe...if he has this much mental strength already, I wonder how much stronger it will become once he officially starts and completes training.'

The former Hashira had accepted Shiro as his student.

This test gave him hope that Shiro would turn out differently.

- - - -

Shiro opened his eyes to a brown wooden ceiling. He let out a groan and slowly sat up, flinching when he felt a sudden pain in his arm.

Looking down, he noticed his arm was in a cast, and his wounds were cleaned.

He turned his attention to the room and noticed it was a small bedroom with a single futon which he lay on, and a small table in the corner.

The design was very traditional and simple.

"I see you're awake," Minamoto's rough voice appeared.

Shiro looked toward the doorway and saw it slide open with the older man standing there holding a tray.

The man walked closer and knelt down by the futon.

"I'll be honest boy, you definitely surprised me. To think you finished that test with your injuries - most kids your age and with no prior training wouldn't have completed such a simple feat."

'His words are confusing. One minute, it's like he's implying the test is hard, and another, he's saying it's simple' thought Shiro.

He was suddenly handed a bowl of brown liquid by the older man.

"What's this?" asked Shiro looking down at the liquid.

"Medicine," Minamoto stated simply. "Drink it. It'll help you heal faster."

Shiro grimaced and brought the drink to his lips before gulping it down. When he was finished, his face twisted in disgust.

"That was...awful," he cringed.

"It's effective."

Minamoto took the bowl back and placed it on the tray. He handed over another bowl to the boy along with a spoon.

Shiro looked at the bowl and saw what looked to be soup.

"Eat up," Minamoto ordered. "You'll need the energy if you want to heal faster and begin your training. You're too skinny."

Shiro's eyes snapped up. They widened in surprise and excitement.

"You're gonna train me?"

The red-haired man rolled his eyes, "I keep my promises. Your arm will take a while to fully heal up though. During this period, I'll just focus on building up your lower body strength."

"Thank you, sir!" Shiro bowed.

"No need for that. And you're my student now. Call me master or teacher," Minamoto said.

"Yes, master!"

'Aye, this child is quite energetic' Minamoto thought.

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A/N: 5 Chapters in advance here; pa treon.com/honeyseeto