Chapter 28: Heading to Mount Fujikasane

Haru nodded and didn't say much more.

At that moment, Tanjiro also walked out of the cabin.

Urokodaki stepped forward and patted Tanjiro on the shoulder, saying, "Tanjiro, be sure not to get separated from your senior brother, Haru!"

"Okay! I understand!" Tanjiro replied.

Tanjiro was well aware of Haru's strength. Haru was even stronger than him.

After a simple farewell, Tanjiro said to Haru, "Let's go! Haru-senpai!"

Haru nodded, and the two of them set off on their journey to Mount Fujikasane, where the Demon Slayer Corps' final selection would take place.

After a full day of traveling, it wasn't until nightfall that Haru and Tanjiro arrived at the foot of Mount Fujikasane.

Seeing the entire mountain covered in blooming wisteria, Tanjiro's mood brightened instantly.

To maintain an air of mystery, Haru put on the disaster-repelling mask.

Following the only road that led up the mountain, they climbed a set of stone stairs, arriving at a paved stone plaza.

In this plaza, many young people, around Tanjiro's age, were waiting.

Haru and Tanjiro's appearance immediately attracted the attention of many of the youths, with the most noticeable being Haru, tall and slender, standing at 175 cm and wearing the disaster-repelling mask.

Since Haru was about the same age as Giyu Tomioka, he was a few years older than these boys. If Haru hadn't waited for Tanjiro, he would have been eligible to participate in the final selection a year and a half ago.

However, in two years, Haru had gained a deeper understanding of swordsmanship. Now, he was fully ready for the selection.

"Haru-senpai, there are so many people here!" Tanjiro said, surprised that all the participants in the selection seemed to be around his age.

Most of the youths wore proud expressions, and upon seeing Tanjiro's familiar face, the pride quickly shifted to a hint of disdain.

"Haru-senpai, I also see a girl!" Tanjiro exclaimed, tugging at Haru's sleeve in excitement.

At Tanjiro's call, Haru briefly looked over and spotted a little girl in a kimono.

The girl had a naturally absent-minded expression, as if delicate and weak, like she could easily be bullied.

But Haru, noticing how indifferent she seemed to her surroundings, could tell she was no ordinary girl. She probably wouldn't hold back if it came to a fight.

"Don't make such a big deal out of it! If you like her, go talk to her!" Haru said, returning his gaze and speaking casually to Tanjiro.

Hearing this, Tanjiro's face turned red with embarrassment, and he hurriedly protested, "Haru-senpai, what are you saying! I'm just surprised, but it looks like she's the only girl here."

After speaking, Tanjiro glanced around.

"If you're worried she'll get killed, you should pull her over to join us now," Haru continued, his mind already working on other plans.

Tanjiro, influenced by Haru's words, thought about it but still felt too shy to approach her.

Just as Tanjiro was struggling with his hesitation, Haru had already walked over to the girl and stood in front of her, saying, "Hey, I'm Haru. Do you want to team up and join forces?"