Chapter 16: Urokodaki Sakonji’s Shock

"For an ordinary person, I suppose it is quite special," Haru said indifferently.

"Keep up with me, and don't fall behind!" Urokodaki Sakonji didn't press further about Haru's situation.

The moment he finished speaking, Urokodaki shot forward with incredible speed, moving silently like a phantom.

Tanjiro hesitated for a moment, stunned by the sudden movement. Haru immediately shouted at him to hurry up and follow.

Snapping back to his senses, Tanjiro rushed after Urokodaki. Haru wasted no time either—he ran into the temple, swiftly slung the bamboo basket containing Nezuko onto his back, and took off.

In mere seconds, both Urokodaki and Tanjiro had disappeared from sight.

Haru activated Water Breathing to enhance his physical capabilities. If he relied on normal running, he wouldn't be able to catch up—especially while carrying Nezuko.

At the front, Urokodaki glanced behind him. About a hundred meters back, only Tanjiro was following, with no sign of Haru.

Did Haru actually fall behind even Tanjiro? Urokodaki couldn't help but feel puzzled.

Meanwhile, Tanjiro, worried that Haru might lag too far behind, used a fallen tree branch to scratch marks into the ground as he ran, tracing the route.

He knew Haru had gone back for Nezuko. Given Haru's reaction speed and agility, if he had to carry her, he would have been left far behind by now.

Not long after, Haru emerged from the temple and quickly spotted the fresh markings on the ground. Instantly, he realized they were left by Tanjiro as a guide.

Following the trail of Urokodaki's lingering scent and Tanjiro's markings, Haru pursued them relentlessly.

With his mastery of Water Breathing, Haru's physical abilities far surpassed those of an average person. Moreover, Urokodaki wasn't running at full speed—he had to account for Tanjiro's stamina.

As time passed, Haru gradually closed the gap and soon caught up to Tanjiro. When he reached Tanjiro's side, Urokodaki was still a hundred meters ahead.

Tanjiro had managed to maintain visibility with Urokodaki throughout, proving his endurance and determination.

By now, Tanjiro's breath was ragged and heavy. Seeing Haru catch up, he smiled in relief and was about to speak—

"Control your breathing. This isn't the time to talk," Haru interrupted him before he could utter a word.

Realizing his own condition, Tanjiro nodded in understanding. He was struggling just to regulate his breathing, let alone speak.

Still, he couldn't help but admire Haru. Unlike himself, Haru showed no signs of exhaustion. His steps were light and effortless, as if he were merely taking a stroll.

"If you want to grow stronger, pass Urokodaki's test and learn from him," Haru advised.

Tanjiro nodded again, focusing on adjusting his breathing.

The two of them maintained their pace—not closing the distance with Urokodaki too quickly, but not falling too far behind either.

"Has he caught up?" Urokodaki sensed Haru approaching and turned his head slightly to observe—

"Wait… this guy is using Water Breathing?!"