Chapter 20: I’ll Definitely Outlive You

Deep down, the old man feared that blind confidence and arrogance might one day cost Haru his life.

Urokodaki's former disciple had not been arrogant in his heart, but his actions had displayed arrogance nonetheless. As Urokodaki had said, overextending oneself beyond their limits was just another form of arrogance.

Even if the intention was good, the one who would ultimately suffer was still oneself.

"Don't worry, old man! I'll definitely live longer than you!" Haru joked, trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere.

"Ah…" Urokodaki let out a long sigh but said nothing more. Instead, he picked up his bowl and chopsticks, motioning to Haru. "Let's eat."

With that, Urokodaki began eating, no longer concerned with how Haru had learned Water Breathing.

Since the elder had started eating, Haru followed suit.

The two ate quietly, savoring the fish slices. The dipping sauce was especially delicious, and Haru thought it would go well with fatty beef or other hotpot ingredients.

As time passed, the fish on the plate gradually disappeared until it was completely finished.

After the meal, both of them ladled out bowls of steaming fish soup and drank slowly, enjoying the peaceful moment.

The cold night breeze drifted into the cabin, making the weak flames under the iron pot flicker. A few stray sparks floated into the air, burning out their last traces of warmth before vanishing completely.

Just as Haru and Urokodaki were finishing their soup, the door to the cabin was suddenly pushed open.

A disheveled Tanjiro stood there, panting heavily.

He looked at Haru and Urokodaki, who were still holding their bowls, and used his last bit of strength to say, "I'm back…"

As soon as he spoke, his exhausted body gave out, and he collapsed at the doorway.

Haru and Urokodaki immediately set down their bowls and chopsticks.

Urokodaki stood up, walked over to the unconscious Tanjiro, and muttered, "I acknowledge you, Tanjiro."

With that, he lifted Tanjiro and carried him inside, gently placing him beside Nezuko.

Tanjiro's breathing was faint. The rigorous training had pushed him to his absolute limit.

If not for his incredible willpower, he likely would have passed out long before finishing the test.

---

The Next Day, Noon

Tanjiro finally regained consciousness, but as soon as he did, a wave of soreness spread through his entire body—an inevitable aftereffect of intense training.

"Hiss…"

He let out a small groan as he tried to move, but his muscles were so stiff that he couldn't control them. After struggling for a while, he still couldn't sit up.

However, his nose soon picked up a familiar scent.

Following the smell, Tanjiro turned his head and saw Nezuko, still fast asleep beside him.

"Nezuko!"

He called out joyfully.

Just then, the sound of clashing bamboo swords outside caught his attention.

After taking a moment to gather his strength, Tanjiro slowly pushed open the cabin door.

Outside, Haru and Urokodaki were engaged in a sparring match with bamboo swords. The crisp sound of their weapons striking echoed in Tanjiro's ears as he watched their intense exchange.