Chapter 23: Haru’s Moment of Glory

At a waterfall, the place where Tanjiro usually caught fish.

On this day, Urokodaki took both Haru and Tanjiro to this location for a training session focused on sensing the flow of water through breathing.

Of course, Urokodaki knew that Haru no longer needed this kind of training, as he could freely activate Water Breathing at will. His mastery of the water's rhythm was evident.

Thus, the main focus of this training session was on Tanjiro.

"Haru, Tanjiro, today's task is to become one with the water!" Urokodaki slowly explained to the two.

"Master, becoming one with the water? Are you sure you're not joking with us?" Tanjiro asked, showing his surprise.

"Go now!"

Urokodaki didn't waste any time explaining and swiftly kicked Tanjiro off the edge of the waterfall.

Tanjiro flailed in the air before falling straight down.

Then, Urokodaki's gaze turned toward Haru. Noticing the old man's stare, Haru didn't wait to be kicked, instead, he jumped down the waterfall of his own accord.

In mid-air, Haru began performing Water Breathing. As he approached the water below, he did a somersault, and his right foot made contact with the surface first. The once-moving water instantly stilled, and Haru's reflection appeared on the water's surface.

One second, two seconds, three seconds passed, and Haru didn't sink into the water. Instead, he stood as if on solid ground, his body upright on the water.

Then, a ripple surged from where Haru's foot touched the water, spreading outward in all directions.

Once the ripples dissipated, the water began to flow again.

Only then did Haru gently lower his left leg, standing completely on the water's surface.

Tanjiro, who had just resurfaced, saw Haru standing on the water and was stunned. This was incredible! The master wasn't joking—Haru really has become one with the water!

"Hmm! Good job!" Urokodaki, standing on the edge of the waterfall, nodded in approval of Haru's performance.

"Haru-senpai, how did you do that? That was amazing!" Tanjiro exclaimed, unable to contain his shock and excitement.

Haru walked slowly toward Tanjiro, stopping in front of him, and said, "Once you master the Water Breathing your master has taught you, you'll be able to do it too."

From that point on, Tanjiro had an additional training task. Under Urokodaki's instructions, Haru would also assist Tanjiro in his training.

"Ughhhh~ Nezuko! I am water! I am water! I am~"

As Tanjiro faced the rushing waterfall, he instinctively cried out, but ultimately, he couldn't withstand the force of the water and fainted.

In contrast, Haru, who was also standing beneath the waterfall, had already become one with the water. The rushing torrents didn't strike Haru's body, but instead, flowed silently around him.

Time flew by, and a year passed. During this time, Tanjiro continued his training as usual, gradually figuring out the key to mastering breathing techniques.

One day, Urokodaki called Haru and Tanjiro over.

"Tanjiro, there's nothing more I can teach you!"

Hearing this, Tanjiro was stunned. He never imagined Urokodaki would say such a thing. Tanjiro had always thought there was endless knowledge to be learned from his master.