Chapter 26: Tanjiro Breaking the Giant Stone

"Tanjiro has been staying on Mt. Sagiri for the past six months without coming down. That kid is really working hard!" Haru said to Urokodaki, giving Tanjiro some praise at the end.

"He's still not quite as gifted as you. This test is beyond his abilities," Urokodaki replied calmly.

Haru didn't argue with the old man or worry too much. After all, Tanjiro was the protagonist of this world, so he would definitely succeed.

— "Haru, come with me up the mountain!"

Afterward, Haru followed Urokodaki up Mt. Sagiri.

They quickly arrived at the testing site, where Tanjiro was standing in front of the giant stone, preparing to make a move.

Just as Haru was about to explain Tanjiro's situation to Urokodaki, the old man stopped at a distance, not intending to interrupt Tanjiro.

Haru turned his gaze to Tanjiro. By sensing his breathing, Haru realized that Tanjiro's breathing was now in its perfect state. Haru was no stranger to this, as he was also proficient in Water Breathing.

It seemed the kid had truly elevated himself!

Urokodaki also noticed the change in Tanjiro. Seeing that Tanjiro was about to attempt breaking the giant stone, Urokodaki didn't approach to interfere.

In an instant, Tanjiro dashed toward the giant stone. As he neared it, he made a clean, swift strike, and the stone was split in half. The cut was remarkably smooth and even.

Upon seeing this, Urokodaki couldn't help but inhale sharply. After a brief moment of shock, he returned to his usual calm demeanor.

Tanjiro, after splitting the stone, snapped back to reality. Staring at the broken stone before him, he was utterly stunned. Had he really broken the stone?

Just as Tanjiro was in disbelief, Haru and Urokodaki walked toward him.

Noticing their footsteps, Tanjiro turned around. When he saw Haru and Urokodaki, he still couldn't snap out of his shock. It wasn't until they reached him that he instinctively said, "Master, Haru-senpai!"

Urokodaki, looking at the broken stone, spoke slowly, "I never intended to let you participate in the final selection. I didn't want to see any more children die. I always thought you couldn't break the stone, but it looks like you've worked hard!"

At the end, Urokodaki gently patted Tanjiro's head.

— "Tanjiro, you're really an incredible kid!"

Faced with Urokodaki's fatherly care, Tanjiro, who had spent two years training on Mt. Sagiri, couldn't help but be moved to tears.

Seeing this, Urokodaki pulled Tanjiro into an embrace.

"You and Haru must make it through the final selection! Your sister and I will be waiting for you both here!"

That night, when they brought Tanjiro down from the mountain, the cabin was filled with the aroma of food. The fish soup, rich with ingredients, was made with wild yam and mushrooms that Haru had gathered from the mountain, along with river clams he had caught from the river.

To celebrate Tanjiro finishing all his training, Urokodaki had even caught a large fish for Tanjiro, and he personally sliced the fish.