Chapter 22: Training (2)

The following days passed in much the same way. Haru spent every day learning swordsmanship from Urokodaki, while Tanjiro focused on his physical conditioning exercises. At mealtime, Tanjiro would go to a designated spot to catch fresh fish.

Tanjiro's nightly routine was to run back to the small cabin from the narrow misty mountains.

Although this task didn't seem difficult, according to Tanjiro, Urokodaki had set up numerous traps on the mountain.

These traps were constantly changing position, and as Tanjiro became more adept, the nature of the traps shifted from simple deterrents to traps intended to kill him.

At first, Tanjiro would only return to clean up the aftermath of dinner for Haru and Urokodaki, but gradually, he was able to get a few bites of leftover soup and food. Eventually, he started to return before the meal was fully prepared and, by the end, he was able to make it back well before dinner even began.

Every night, Tanjiro would talk to Nezuko and write in his journal, while Haru would lie in his bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought.

Once Tanjiro could avoid all the traps, he began his formal training in swordsmanship—the basics of swinging a sword.

As Tanjiro grew, the amount of things he needed to learn also increased. Haru, on the other hand, continued to explore swordsmanship and practiced the Water Breathing techniques Urokodaki had taught him.

Compared to Tanjiro, Haru had far fewer things to learn. For example, Tanjiro had to train his physical strength every day, but Haru didn't need to do that.

Throughout this long period, Nezuko remained unconscious. Urokodaki could not offer a reasonable explanation as to why she remained in this state.

Six months later, Urokodaki officially began to teach Tanjiro the key points and essence of Water Breathing techniques.

"Tanjiro, today I will teach you the Water Breathing techniques. Pay attention!" Urokodaki said very seriously to Tanjiro.

"Yes, Master!" Tanjiro immediately became serious.

Haru stood quietly beside Tanjiro, not saying a word.

"Breathing techniques are about consciously breathing in a sustained manner to spread oxygen throughout every cell in your body. This improves the body's natural healing ability, strength, and reaction speed. This type of breathing is called Total Concentration Breathing!"

"And Water Breathing is based on Total Concentration Breathing. You maintain a specific breathing rhythm, and when you do, you create the flow of water. This is the essence of Water Breathing. Other breathing techniques are the same; they each have their own rhythm."

"Tanjiro, now, relax your upper body, stabilize your lower body, and begin breathing."

With a change in tone, Urokodaki instructed Tanjiro.

Following Urokodaki's guidance, Tanjiro began attempting the breathing technique.

After taking his first breath, Tanjiro's face contorted in pain, and he let out a loud scream.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out that Urokodaki had struck Tanjiro's abdomen with a palm.

"That's wrong. Total Concentration Breathing must come from your abdomen, drawing the oxygen in. It's not just your nose doing the work; the nose is merely the channel for the oxygen to flow through."

"Try again. Sink the breath into your abdomen and spread the oxygen throughout every cell in your body."

"Yes, Master!" Tanjiro responded and tried again.

"Ah~ Ah~ Ah~"

What followed were the painful cries of Tanjiro failing time after time.