Chapter 21: Training (1)

"Your reaction is fast, but your strikes lack power. Every time you swing your blade, it's just your body's instinct reacting. When you strike, your breathing doesn't fully activate all your body's potential."

During their standoff, Urokodaki pointed out Haru's shortcomings. As soon as he finished speaking, Urokodaki inhaled deeply and suddenly erupted with astonishing force and power. In an instant, Haru's bamboo sword was sliced in two.

The break in Haru's bamboo sword was unusually clean, as if it had been cut by a sharp blade.

Haru was momentarily distracted. After regaining his focus, he smiled faintly, cupped his hands in thanks, and said, "Thank you for your guidance, old man!"

Haru knew very well why there was such a gap between himself and Urokodaki. The fundamental reason was that Haru had no real understanding of swordsmanship, so he could only rely on his body's instincts when facing Urokodaki.

"Haru, even though you can control Water Breathing with ease, you have no understanding of swordsmanship. Perhaps you are right, and you learned Water Breathing through imitation. You are indeed a genius." Urokodaki praised Haru again.

Haru wasn't surprised that Urokodaki had recognized him as a beginner in swordsmanship. After all, Urokodaki was an experienced master, and he naturally had a keen eye.

"Now, your training path will be to learn and understand swordsmanship. That's all for today! Go rest in the cabin."

After giving his instructions, Urokodaki looked toward Tanjiro, who was standing at the door of the cabin, and called out, "Come with me, Tanjiro."

Urokodaki turned and walked off in a specific direction.

Tanjiro, who had been slow to react, followed after him. As he passed Haru, Tanjiro couldn't help but say, "Haru-senpai, please take care of Nezuko!"

Haru nodded but didn't say much in response.

Back in the cabin, Haru laid down next to Nezuko's sleeping form, stretched lazily, and sighed, "Looks like I'll be staying here for a while."

Feeling a bit bored, Haru glanced over at Nezuko, her pale skin enticing him to touch it as he gazed at her.

About half an hour later, Tanjiro and Urokodaki returned to the cabin.

"From now on, you'll be in charge of cooking. Go catch some fish. It's also part of your training," Urokodaki told Tanjiro.

"Yes, Master!" Tanjiro replied somewhat helplessly before heading to the stove with the two large fish he had just caught.

Calling Urokodaki "Master" was Tanjiro's way of showing his acceptance and recognition of Urokodaki as his teacher.

Without saying anything further, Urokodaki entered the cabin.

He then looked at Haru, who was lying next to Nezuko, and said, "No matter how you look at it, she's still a demon. Could it be that you've fallen for her?"

Haru immediately sat up, a faint smile on his face, but didn't respond.

Urokodaki didn't take his words seriously. Changing the subject, he said, "Get the fire going. We're having fish soup today!"

And so, Haru and Tanjiro got to work—one stoking the fire and setting up the iron pot, the other preparing the fish. As for Urokodaki, he sat quietly to the side, meditating and resting.