10 Final selection (1)

Half a year had passed since Giyu left his home. He missed his family dearly, so he decided to send them a letter, he asked Master Urokodaki for a favor: to have the letter delivered by a crow, ensuring that it would be untraceable and safe.

In the letter, he wrote his experiences over the past few months, and how much he missed his family. He wrote about how he was doing well, and about the amazing friends he had made, Sabito and Makomo, in particular.

After sealing the letter and watching the crow take flight into the dusk, Giyu stepped out of his room to get some fresh air were he spotted Sabito and the other children gathered around a campfire, casting playful shadows around them.

Seeing Giyu approach, Murata called out, "Giyu, join us!" his voice filled with companionship while Sabito patted the ground beside him, signaling for Giyu to sit there.

"Hello," Giyu greeted them as he crouched down, wrapping his arms around his legs. The warmth of the fire gave him a good feel.

"Giyu, you're just in time," Sabito said with a smile, his eyes gleaming with joy. "We were about to talk about the Final Selection since it's just around the corner." The other children nodded, a mix of excitement and determination visible in their faces.

Giyu narrowed his eyes for a moment but didn't say anything. Over the past few months, he had enjoyed the company of the others so much that he had almost forgotten about the final selection.There were only two weeks left until the then.

Since Giyu was strong, he had been pushing Sabito and Makomo harder during their sparring sessions. His teaching might not have been on Urokodaki's level, but the experience of facing a stronger opponent almost every day had helped Sabito and Makomo improve quickly. Yet, despite their progress, Giyu still felt a twinge of worry.

At first, Giyu had considered hunting down every demon on the mountain during the first night of the exam. This would ensure the safety of his friends, but it would also rob them of the valuable experience they needed to survive as Demon Slayers. Without that experience, they might face even greater danger in the future and be unable to do anything. Giyu ultimately decided that he would let Sabito and the others fight, intervening only if they were truly in danger.

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, some of the children giving him curious looks as thought to himself, 'I shouldn't be this worried. Sabito and Makomo are strong, and I'll make sure nothing happens to them.'

"I heard Demon Slayers get paid pretty well," one of the kids said, breaking the tension. "I plan on making a decent amount of money and then retiring early."

"The pay's probably good, but only if you slay demons," Murata chimed in. "What do you think, Sabito?"

"Hm, I don't really care about the money," Sabito replied. "I just want to protect others." He smiled wide, his expression full of resolve. Hearing his words, Giyu, who was sitting next to him, couldn't help but smile too.

"As expected of Sabito," Murata added, nodding in agreement.

"Sabito, you can start by protecting us," one of the kids laughed, though there was a hint of truth in the statement. Compared to Sabito and Giyu, the others had could only learn the first form of Water Breathing, so the idea of Sabito protecting them brought some comfort.

"Don't worry, guys. I'll make sure no one gets hurt, so let's pass the final selection together!" Sabito declared confidently, earning cheers from the group.

***

As the day of the exam drew closer, Master Urokodaki gathered his students. "Make sure to stay vigilant," he warned them. "The exam is not a playground, and some of you might get seriously hurt, if not worse."

The time had come. Six of his students were set to leave—Sabito, Makomo, Giyu, Murata, and two others. After receiving borrowed Nichirin blades and hand made mask as a protective charm, they were sent to Mount Fujikasane, where the Final Selection was to be held.

The group planned to stick together since they already knew each other well. Of course, this didn't mean they would avoid the other participants who came to take the exam.

At the Final Selection site, the area was surrounded by Wisteria Trees, their blossoms creating a tranquil, almost deceptive beauty. Giyu counted about twenty-two kids in total, all gathered to take the exam. As they waited, Giyu noticed a beautiful white-haired woman standing still, likely ensuring everyone had arrived. He recognized her as Lady Amane, Kagaya's wife and the mother of Kiriya.

Noticing Giyu staring at her, she smiled warmly. A minute later, the final participant arrived. As her voice rang out and the crowd fell silent.

"Good evening," she began, her tone calm and collected. "Tonight, you've come to enter the Final Selection for the Demon Slayer Corps..."