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Well, they aren't cutting off his head through those scales, barring a random reoccurrence of the Demon Slayer Mark in Tengen or Murata.
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Well-Adjusted Barely Traumatized Demon Slayer (Murata SI-ish)
- Thread starter DeeplyoftheWorld
- Start date
Chapter 16: The Ice Hashira.
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DeeplyoftheWorld
Getting out there.
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Throwing out the last of his explosives, Tengen started running away.
After releasing the fireworks, Murata followed behind Tengen, both committing to a tactical retreat. They darted through the forest, hoping to lose sight of Gyokko.
Tengen cursed. "A retreat feels disgraceful, but until we get reinforcements, it's our only option."
The moment he stopped speaking, Gyokko suddenly caught up with a vengeance. He readied a punch and sent Murata crashing against a tree. Murata spat out blood as his eyes closed.
Tengen blocked Gyokko's other attack, and they began clashing together head to head. Each blow edged closer and closer to Tengen's vitals. Even glancing blows caused damage, his accessories turning into fish.
"It's surprising," Gyokko said. "A normal human would have died from my poison."
Stalling for time, Tengen entertained Gyokko's curiosity. "As a ninja, I'm naturally resistant to poison. Cheap tricks like that won't work on me!"
"I've faced ninja before," Gyokko narrowed his eyes. "You don't look like them."
"I'm one of a kind!"
Tengen's mind rapidly worked on finding a solution to survival. The poison, despite his bluff, did still affect him. He wasn't immune to poison, just resistant to it. He had no simple way to behead this demon. Gyokko's scales were as tough as diamonds, and it took Tengen all his concentration to keep up with his speed.
His only saving grace was his experience in combat. If only he had a little more time to observe Gyokko's attack patterns, then he could create an opening.
Tengen bit his tongue, drawing blood as Gyokko's tail swiped him, lacerating his chest. Looming over him, Gyokko aimed a punch towards Tengen's head.
Water Breathing, First Form: Water Surface Slash
Makomo's blade tried burying itself into Gyokko's neck. He immediately wriggled away and put distance between the two hashira. Blood seeped out of his neck wound. Covering his neck with the hands on his head, he glared at the new arrival.
Murata, clutching his side, staggered towards Makomo and Tengen. His eyes were manic and he trembled, but Murata was still alive.
"A little more time, then I can finish the score," Tengen said, scrambling to bandage his chest.
Makomo and Murata nodded, rushing towards Gyokko with renewed teamwork.
Ice and water forms danced together, forcing Gyokko to split his attention between two coordinated opponents.
He had the complete advantage. Faster, stronger, and unlimited stamina, but every time he would get close enough to cause a fatal attack towards one, the other would help reduce the impact. Wounds littered their body and fish sprawled on the ground, yet they continued standing.
Meanwhile, Murata was fighting to keep consciousness. Everything burned. His torso bled, his vision blurred, his ears screamed, and the blood from his grip covered the sword's handle. He kept tightening his hold on the sword, praying for something to work.
Makomo fared better, but against an Upper Moon, her wounds were piling up. One eye swelled shut and the fingers on her left hand were broken. They both suffered fractures and the blood loss only served to make Gyokko more motivated to kill them.
The sun was rising soon. If Gyokko didn't finish this now, then he would have to flee. He summoned thousands of fish and stormed towards the demon slayers.
"Coming through!"
Sound Breathing, Fifth Form: String Performance
Tengen charged straight towards Gyokko, dodging fatal attacks and obliterating many of the fish. He got in range, swinging directly towards the neck. Gyokko retaliated in anger, summoning a swordfish and stabbing at Tengen's left eye.
"Now!" He screamed, bearing the pain.
Murata and Makomo capitalized on Tengen's distraction.
Ice Breathing, Fifth Form: Sleet and Slice
Water Breathing, Tenth Form: Constant Flux
The blades met Gyokko's neck. Putting more and more pressure, they forced the swords to cut deeper and deeper. Against the hardened skin, Murata spent every bit of strength in his attack. Gripping the sword handle tighter, he forced himself to cut through. It turned red for such a short moment that Murata wondered if he was seeing things.
A feral cry erupted from Gyokko's mouths, a typhoon of water and fish pushing the demon slayers back. The sun began to peek, forcing Gyokko to retreat into the woods. His neck burned with a pain he never felt before. His blood stirred, reliving a nightmare from Muzan's past.
Murata ran towards Gyokko before collapsing on the ground, his blood seeping into the dirt. His hands empty, he noticed his sword dim as it remain lodged in Gyokko's neck. Gyokko, grabbing at it, hissed in pain as it burned him unnaturally.
Makomo threw her blade before kneeling in agony and Tengen did the same. The flying swords found an opening, driving Murata's blade deeper through the neck, separating the head from its body.
Arriving at Gyokko's body, Tengen and Makomo watched as he cursed them.
"That's not possible! How dare you! How dare you!"
Grabbing his damaged swords, Tengen sliced the rest of Gyokko's head into pieces.
"How dare you..."
He crumbled away, leaving nothing left.
Makomo rushed back to Murata. His pulse declined, and seeing the state of his hands made her wince. Without further treatment, infection would seep in.
Tengen slowly made his way back, holding Murata's sword and handing Makomo's weapon back to her.
"When are the kakushi coming?" He plopped to the ground, focusing on delaying the poison.
Makomo began addressing Murata's wounds. "They should be coming now. I told them to bring everything they could carry. The sooner we treat the poison and your eye, the better off we'll be."
Tengen sighed, letting the anguish in his body wash over him. "Hopefully, they have extra uniforms to change into. Look at us."
Makomo scowled at him.
-
The kakushi came with medical supplies and ample personnel. Transporting the kinoe and two hashira, they recovered in the Butterfly Estate.
Murata woke up after weeks of slipping in and out of consciousness. The first thing he felt were the numbness in his hands. They were wrapped so stiffly in bandages that he couldn't wriggle his fingers.
Tengen smashed through the door so loudly that Murata screamed.
"I heard the change in your breathing, so I just knew you were awake!"
Walking up to him, Tengen slammed a piece of paper on the desk next to Murata's bed.
"Enjoy your promotion, my friend. The master already established the Ice Estate and your title. Once Kanae gives the go ahead, you'll have to attend your own ceremony."
Murata nodded, still taking in the news. "What about you? Are you still going to be in the corps?"
"This little thing?" Tengen gestured at his eyepatch. "I still have all my limbs, don't I? I'm taking a break, but I'm not retiring just yet."
"What about Makomo? Did she already recover?"
Tengen nodded. "She left a couple weeks before you woke up. Her recovery is unlike any I've seen. I wish the best in your future."
"Don't just leave on that ominous warning!"
Tengen laughed, leaving as quickly as he entered.
-
Removing the bandages from his hands, Kanae gave a noise of disapproval.
Holding a hand to her forehead, she sighed. "I don't know exactly what you did during that battle, but if you grip your weapon like that again, you could lose the ability to hold your sword altogether."
Wriggling his fingers and clenching his hands, Murata could feel the stiffness abating. The skin mostly healed, though permanent scars marred them.
"Tengen felt the heat of your blade. Do you have any idea what you did?"
Murata nodded. "In that battle, all I remember was gripping my sword with such intense strength that I almost passed out. Upper Moon Five's regeneration slowed down when my sword made contact with him."
Kanae wrote down some notes, urging him to continue.
"That's the extent of it. It was a desperate moment. I don't think I can replicate that again."
She agreed with him. "I'm serious, don't make a habit of it. It'd be a shame to lose a new hashira that quickly," she said.
-
Murata rested. He healed, and while his hands hurt from time to time, he felt mostly recovered.
Receiving a letter from Nobu, he took it from the crow's leg and read it. The next day, the kakushi guided him to the Ubuyashiki Estate.
Finding himself in a similar situation, he kneeled in front of the master.
"Do you accept your title, Murata?" Kagaya asked him.
"I'd be honored to do so," Murata said.
With that, the rest of the hashira witnessed a new member amongst its ranks.
The death of Upper Moon Five was so widespread that even the Flame Hashira, Rengoku Shinjuro, showed up. It only soured Sanemi's mood.
"So now this deadbeat wants to show up?"
Shinjuro glared at Sanemi. "Watch your mouth, boy. I've been here longer than you've been alive."
Sanemi cracked his knuckles, his eyes bloodshot with glee. "I'll be glad to end that right now."
Gyomei stood between them, his expression tolerating absolutely no infighting. Shinjuro, eyeing Murata instead, scoffed and walked away.
"Why can't we have him retire, master?" Kanae asked politely.
Kagaya smiled. "The Rengoku family has always been a loyal and strong pillar of the organization. If he does not want to give up his title personally, then I will not force him. Instead, I want to focus on capitalizing this victory. Murata, do you have any more information about your blade during the battle?"
Murata explained his findings, though whether the usefulness of incorporating this into each individual's training was questionable. The damage to one's hands by trying to achieve this feat made it very risky, as evident by Murata's injuries.
Murata knew if he could manifest a demon slayer mark, then it would be possible without having to sacrifice his hands. Though, burning through your own lifespan by activating the mark wasn't exactly reasonable either.
With the meeting over and congratulations given, Murata immediately asked for a favor.
"You wish to read some of our records?" Kagaya asked.
"Yes. There has to be more about the 'red blade.' Who knows what else is in the records?" Murata said.
"I see no reason to deny you, though many of our best have tortured themselves trying to find those kinds of answers," Kagaya said, slowly walking to the Ubuyashiki library.
Handing him a copy of a key, Kagaya smiled at Murata. "If it is you, then I have nothing to fear. Find what you can, but don't forget to take care of yourself."
Entering the building, Murata began his search.
After releasing the fireworks, Murata followed behind Tengen, both committing to a tactical retreat. They darted through the forest, hoping to lose sight of Gyokko.
Tengen cursed. "A retreat feels disgraceful, but until we get reinforcements, it's our only option."
The moment he stopped speaking, Gyokko suddenly caught up with a vengeance. He readied a punch and sent Murata crashing against a tree. Murata spat out blood as his eyes closed.
Tengen blocked Gyokko's other attack, and they began clashing together head to head. Each blow edged closer and closer to Tengen's vitals. Even glancing blows caused damage, his accessories turning into fish.
"It's surprising," Gyokko said. "A normal human would have died from my poison."
Stalling for time, Tengen entertained Gyokko's curiosity. "As a ninja, I'm naturally resistant to poison. Cheap tricks like that won't work on me!"
"I've faced ninja before," Gyokko narrowed his eyes. "You don't look like them."
"I'm one of a kind!"
Tengen's mind rapidly worked on finding a solution to survival. The poison, despite his bluff, did still affect him. He wasn't immune to poison, just resistant to it. He had no simple way to behead this demon. Gyokko's scales were as tough as diamonds, and it took Tengen all his concentration to keep up with his speed.
His only saving grace was his experience in combat. If only he had a little more time to observe Gyokko's attack patterns, then he could create an opening.
Tengen bit his tongue, drawing blood as Gyokko's tail swiped him, lacerating his chest. Looming over him, Gyokko aimed a punch towards Tengen's head.
Water Breathing, First Form: Water Surface Slash
Makomo's blade tried burying itself into Gyokko's neck. He immediately wriggled away and put distance between the two hashira. Blood seeped out of his neck wound. Covering his neck with the hands on his head, he glared at the new arrival.
Murata, clutching his side, staggered towards Makomo and Tengen. His eyes were manic and he trembled, but Murata was still alive.
"A little more time, then I can finish the score," Tengen said, scrambling to bandage his chest.
Makomo and Murata nodded, rushing towards Gyokko with renewed teamwork.
Ice and water forms danced together, forcing Gyokko to split his attention between two coordinated opponents.
He had the complete advantage. Faster, stronger, and unlimited stamina, but every time he would get close enough to cause a fatal attack towards one, the other would help reduce the impact. Wounds littered their body and fish sprawled on the ground, yet they continued standing.
Meanwhile, Murata was fighting to keep consciousness. Everything burned. His torso bled, his vision blurred, his ears screamed, and the blood from his grip covered the sword's handle. He kept tightening his hold on the sword, praying for something to work.
Makomo fared better, but against an Upper Moon, her wounds were piling up. One eye swelled shut and the fingers on her left hand were broken. They both suffered fractures and the blood loss only served to make Gyokko more motivated to kill them.
The sun was rising soon. If Gyokko didn't finish this now, then he would have to flee. He summoned thousands of fish and stormed towards the demon slayers.
"Coming through!"
Sound Breathing, Fifth Form: String Performance
Tengen charged straight towards Gyokko, dodging fatal attacks and obliterating many of the fish. He got in range, swinging directly towards the neck. Gyokko retaliated in anger, summoning a swordfish and stabbing at Tengen's left eye.
"Now!" He screamed, bearing the pain.
Murata and Makomo capitalized on Tengen's distraction.
Ice Breathing, Fifth Form: Sleet and Slice
Water Breathing, Tenth Form: Constant Flux
The blades met Gyokko's neck. Putting more and more pressure, they forced the swords to cut deeper and deeper. Against the hardened skin, Murata spent every bit of strength in his attack. Gripping the sword handle tighter, he forced himself to cut through. It turned red for such a short moment that Murata wondered if he was seeing things.
A feral cry erupted from Gyokko's mouths, a typhoon of water and fish pushing the demon slayers back. The sun began to peek, forcing Gyokko to retreat into the woods. His neck burned with a pain he never felt before. His blood stirred, reliving a nightmare from Muzan's past.
Murata ran towards Gyokko before collapsing on the ground, his blood seeping into the dirt. His hands empty, he noticed his sword dim as it remain lodged in Gyokko's neck. Gyokko, grabbing at it, hissed in pain as it burned him unnaturally.
Makomo threw her blade before kneeling in agony and Tengen did the same. The flying swords found an opening, driving Murata's blade deeper through the neck, separating the head from its body.
Arriving at Gyokko's body, Tengen and Makomo watched as he cursed them.
"That's not possible! How dare you! How dare you!"
Grabbing his damaged swords, Tengen sliced the rest of Gyokko's head into pieces.
"How dare you..."
He crumbled away, leaving nothing left.
Makomo rushed back to Murata. His pulse declined, and seeing the state of his hands made her wince. Without further treatment, infection would seep in.
Tengen slowly made his way back, holding Murata's sword and handing Makomo's weapon back to her.
"When are the kakushi coming?" He plopped to the ground, focusing on delaying the poison.
Makomo began addressing Murata's wounds. "They should be coming now. I told them to bring everything they could carry. The sooner we treat the poison and your eye, the better off we'll be."
Tengen sighed, letting the anguish in his body wash over him. "Hopefully, they have extra uniforms to change into. Look at us."
Makomo scowled at him.
-
The kakushi came with medical supplies and ample personnel. Transporting the kinoe and two hashira, they recovered in the Butterfly Estate.
Murata woke up after weeks of slipping in and out of consciousness. The first thing he felt were the numbness in his hands. They were wrapped so stiffly in bandages that he couldn't wriggle his fingers.
Tengen smashed through the door so loudly that Murata screamed.
"I heard the change in your breathing, so I just knew you were awake!"
Walking up to him, Tengen slammed a piece of paper on the desk next to Murata's bed.
"Enjoy your promotion, my friend. The master already established the Ice Estate and your title. Once Kanae gives the go ahead, you'll have to attend your own ceremony."
Murata nodded, still taking in the news. "What about you? Are you still going to be in the corps?"
"This little thing?" Tengen gestured at his eyepatch. "I still have all my limbs, don't I? I'm taking a break, but I'm not retiring just yet."
"What about Makomo? Did she already recover?"
Tengen nodded. "She left a couple weeks before you woke up. Her recovery is unlike any I've seen. I wish the best in your future."
"Don't just leave on that ominous warning!"
Tengen laughed, leaving as quickly as he entered.
-
Removing the bandages from his hands, Kanae gave a noise of disapproval.
Holding a hand to her forehead, she sighed. "I don't know exactly what you did during that battle, but if you grip your weapon like that again, you could lose the ability to hold your sword altogether."
Wriggling his fingers and clenching his hands, Murata could feel the stiffness abating. The skin mostly healed, though permanent scars marred them.
"Tengen felt the heat of your blade. Do you have any idea what you did?"
Murata nodded. "In that battle, all I remember was gripping my sword with such intense strength that I almost passed out. Upper Moon Five's regeneration slowed down when my sword made contact with him."
Kanae wrote down some notes, urging him to continue.
"That's the extent of it. It was a desperate moment. I don't think I can replicate that again."
She agreed with him. "I'm serious, don't make a habit of it. It'd be a shame to lose a new hashira that quickly," she said.
-
Murata rested. He healed, and while his hands hurt from time to time, he felt mostly recovered.
Receiving a letter from Nobu, he took it from the crow's leg and read it. The next day, the kakushi guided him to the Ubuyashiki Estate.
Finding himself in a similar situation, he kneeled in front of the master.
"Do you accept your title, Murata?" Kagaya asked him.
"I'd be honored to do so," Murata said.
With that, the rest of the hashira witnessed a new member amongst its ranks.
The death of Upper Moon Five was so widespread that even the Flame Hashira, Rengoku Shinjuro, showed up. It only soured Sanemi's mood.
"So now this deadbeat wants to show up?"
Shinjuro glared at Sanemi. "Watch your mouth, boy. I've been here longer than you've been alive."
Sanemi cracked his knuckles, his eyes bloodshot with glee. "I'll be glad to end that right now."
Gyomei stood between them, his expression tolerating absolutely no infighting. Shinjuro, eyeing Murata instead, scoffed and walked away.
"Why can't we have him retire, master?" Kanae asked politely.
Kagaya smiled. "The Rengoku family has always been a loyal and strong pillar of the organization. If he does not want to give up his title personally, then I will not force him. Instead, I want to focus on capitalizing this victory. Murata, do you have any more information about your blade during the battle?"
Murata explained his findings, though whether the usefulness of incorporating this into each individual's training was questionable. The damage to one's hands by trying to achieve this feat made it very risky, as evident by Murata's injuries.
Murata knew if he could manifest a demon slayer mark, then it would be possible without having to sacrifice his hands. Though, burning through your own lifespan by activating the mark wasn't exactly reasonable either.
With the meeting over and congratulations given, Murata immediately asked for a favor.
"You wish to read some of our records?" Kagaya asked.
"Yes. There has to be more about the 'red blade.' Who knows what else is in the records?" Murata said.
"I see no reason to deny you, though many of our best have tortured themselves trying to find those kinds of answers," Kagaya said, slowly walking to the Ubuyashiki library.
Handing him a copy of a key, Kagaya smiled at Murata. "If it is you, then I have nothing to fear. Find what you can, but don't forget to take care of yourself."
Entering the building, Murata began his search.
CriticalFailure
5% Chance of Disappointment
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Goodness, an upper moon dead already?
This is a huge change.
I wonder if he will actually find anything, or he will make shit up to justify his strange knowledge..
This is a huge change.
I wonder if he will actually find anything, or he will make shit up to justify his strange knowledge..
Jubjub3000
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He needs to train his grip strength! Once he can bend steel like play dough the red blade should be alot easier!
First crush bamboo, then rocks, then steel!
Edit
Also I bet muzan is pissed haha And with the red blade, me thinks murat will either never run into another moon or have all the lower moons and an upper moon flung at him.
First crush bamboo, then rocks, then steel!
Edit
Also I bet muzan is pissed haha And with the red blade, me thinks murat will either never run into another moon or have all the lower moons and an upper moon flung at him.
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TheHerowithaThousandFaces
Know what you're doing yet?
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Not going to lie Mc is still a bit weak to be a Hashira. I know being strong is not supposed to be his main quality but still even if he is going the weakest hashira but strong due be being smart route I feel like he is still does not have the bare minimum baseline stats needed by him to be promoted to a Hashira by DC.
Hadiz
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I mean by timeline wise he's a Demon Slayer for more than 3 Years minimum, completed all Requirements to be a Hashira and was basically pivotal in honing on & key in killing one of the Upper Moons.
At that point he's deserved to get the promotion.
Honestly being able to find possible records of Sun Breathing, it's Forms, Origin, Etc.
Already gives Murata a lot of ways to bullshit in the Theory.
Buddhahobo
I trust you know where the happy button is?
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It also helps that the head honcho is already in his corner and will be happy to enable said bullshitting.
If anyone has doubts about Murata's thought process with seemingly unrelated records he points to for justification, they aren't going to call him out, but seek out Kagaya.
Jubjub3000
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I wonder if murat will try train for as long as he physically can in order to get up to the standards of the other hashira?
And with the estate, I wonder what he plans to invest in, maybe he could drag in some demon slayer hopefulls and train them up? Get them to do some of his own training, as much as they can do.
And with the estate, I wonder what he plans to invest in, maybe he could drag in some demon slayer hopefulls and train them up? Get them to do some of his own training, as much as they can do.
TheDanny
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Why he not fishurata then? Wasn't Gyokko's second form so scary cause you'll just become a pile of fish if he so much as touches you?
So there is fish?
Bro was forced to bring out the big guns.
Lol, his wife is dead.
So, can you describe the core differences between Ice breathing and the other styles? Like, what makes this breathing style and sword techniques unique?
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Jubjub3000
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I wonder if shinjuro will teach murata? He came out of hiding, so maybe this could reignite his passion? Even if its only a little bit?
Chapter 17: What To Do, What To Do.
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DeeplyoftheWorld
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The library was filled to the brim with scrolls, papers, records, ladders, and dust.
Several kakushi were assigned to the general upkeep of the Ubuyashiki library. They did their best, but exhaustion caught up with them as they slept on the floor near a corner.
The library contained all the records from the late Heian Period to the present day. Nearly a thousand years worth of knowledge, history, and accounts were kept here. Even though many of the older records were lost or destroyed during some of the chaotic periods of the organization's past, there was a great deal to sort through.
It took more time than expected. Not only were many of the records incomplete, but much of it was incomprehensible. He simply could not read the older works due to the formal and archaic Japanese it used. Even the documents from half a century ago required patience to get through.
Maybe the Demon Slayer Corps' greatest threat was the lack of formal education, he morbidly thought. His parents tried their best, but Murata was not from a rich family in the city. Murata did force himself to get better at reading and writing, but he could only go so far.
Unfortunately, his 'help' was in the same boat.
Sanemi shoved a scroll in Murata's face. "This has a number on it. From the seventeenth century?"
Tengen took it away and skimmed through it. "This is useless. It only talks about the torture methods of the Poison Hashira. On second thought..."
Makomo handed Murata another historical account. "This one talks about the Water Hashira during the Sengoku Period."
Perking up, Murata eagerly grabbed it from her, then frowned. "The late Sengoku Period. Not the right time, unfortunately."
Sanemi grumbled, knocking down a table and scaring the kakushi away. "What the hell are you even looking for? You became a hashira just to look at some moldy words?"
"I'm looking for accounts from the Sengoku Golden Age. If there's any era where I can find answers to the 'red blade' or any other paths to strength, then this is the best bet."
"If you want strength, just spar with me outside," Sanemi said.
Murata sighed. "Unless Masachika's there to watch us, you're going to pummel me with your fists."
"Found something!" Tengen pulled out a scroll.
"The Raging Blade?" Makomo peeked over, testing the words slowly.
Grabbing it, Murata read through the entry. It was old and damaged.
Once the marks started appearing, one...that tried...mimicked was the red...Tsugikuni...red blade... hamper even the...regeneration with...cut...extremely abnormal...impossible for non...Breathers to invoke the...Blade.
It wasn't useless, but there was a lot to be desired.
"It mentioned marks," Murata muttered to himself.
"It said non-breathers," Makomo noticed. "But it could be referring to a specific breathing art, right?"
"Maybe the original breath," Tengen said.
"I'm more curious about the mark," Murata said. "It must be related to the original breath, but there has to be more information about it."
Sanemi's crow flew through the window, yelling out orders. Sanemi left, leaving the three hashira in the library.
"I may have one eye, but I'm twice as useful as that guy!" Tengen bragged.
-
The next few days were spent much the same way, during which the hashira read to find more related information about the mark. Murata even enlisted the help of the kakushi in the library. One of them was a historian.
The historian, Shoto, handed him another scroll. "This one mentions marks, though it's quite bare. I did my best to interpret it."
Thanking him for his efforts, Murata read it.
When the marked one arrives, the mark will appear on others around that person as if in resonance.
Tengen huffed. "It's impossible. How are we supposed to find the marked one?"
"Maybe a descendant of the original breath is still alive?" Makomo asked.
"It's also possible the original breath was passed down to a friend or as a tradition," Murata threw out his conjecture.
That was the real answer, but actually finding Tanjiro looked to be a daunting task. His village was never mentioned by name. The only things Murata knew for certain was that his family worked with coal, there was snow in the winter, and they had bears.
Now, besides Kyushu and Shikoku, the rest of Japan had snow to a noticeable degree. As for bears, Murata had no idea of the bear population throughout Japan. For coal, the Kamado family did not work in a coal factory or mine, so their local source of coal would barely register on a map of natural resources.
Strangely, the record only mentioned 'the marked one.' If, by divine providence, someone encountered Kokushibo and escaped, would that fulfill the conditions of interacting with a marked person?
Did he not have to wait for Tanjiro to manifest his mark? Further, was a Sun Breather not necessary?
However, finding Kokushibo was a long shot. Worse, surviving Kokushibo was impossible. No amount of tricks or tactics would allow him to survive an encounter at this point. Of all the hashira currently, only Gyomei might stand a chance of survival. Only to survive, because actually killing Kokushibo without a mark was like pitting a child against a bear.
Murata had another kakushi copy the notes for future purposes.
Getting up, he had a new plan. "I'm heading to the Ice Estate."
"Finally, a change in pace!" Tengen eagerly joined him. Makomo followed behind them as they left the library.
-
Entering the dojo within the Ice Estate, Murata sat down, observing the room around him.
"In our fight against Upper Moon Five, there's something important I realized that we could all work on," Murata said.
Makomo and Tengen stayed silent, waiting for him to continue.
"Our teamwork was vital, but it's not often that hashira get to work together. If we adapt our fighting styles together, it greatly increases our potential."
Makomo nodded. "Most of us already understand that, but the problem is we're often working alone because of our status. For most missions, sending more than one hashira is a waste of resources."
"I suggest the Ice Estate be used as a place for the hashira to train together, whenever time allows," Murata said.
"I don't disagree, but this place is boring. Not very flashy or suited for hashira training, in my opinion," Tengen said.
Murata understood. "I can ask for some of the kakushi to reorganize this place. I already have a house, so this is a bit overkill."
-
Much like the Butterfly Estate, the Ice Estate gained a new reputation beyond being a residence. It turned into a training ground for all the hashira. Plans were put in place to allow other higher ranking members or promising talents to train, but that was for the future.
With the establishment of the Ice Estate, Murata went back to duty, killing demons.
His other goal was to look for the Kamado family. He cursed his poor planning and regretted waiting so long to officially start the search. Even with the Ubuyashiki family helping, it would take too long.
Yet, the biggest concern wasn't whether or not he could save them. It would be a tragedy for Tanjiro to lose his family, that much was true, but his actions ultimately set in motion Muzan's defeat.
In other words, if Tanjiro didn't awaken the mark and Nezuko didn't conquer the sun as a demon, how would the Demon Slayer Corps lure Muzan and defeat him?
The mark was a simple matter. Tanjiro, with his kind and noble attitude, would not hesitate to help others even at the risk of his own life. However, Nezuko's transformation into a demon was more unpredictable.
After all, Murata's sole role as a demon slayer included preventing tragedies like this in the first place. Unless Murata could also find Tamayo, maybe she could change things.
Groaning, Murata kept moving forward as he felt the start of a headache.
Several kakushi were assigned to the general upkeep of the Ubuyashiki library. They did their best, but exhaustion caught up with them as they slept on the floor near a corner.
The library contained all the records from the late Heian Period to the present day. Nearly a thousand years worth of knowledge, history, and accounts were kept here. Even though many of the older records were lost or destroyed during some of the chaotic periods of the organization's past, there was a great deal to sort through.
It took more time than expected. Not only were many of the records incomplete, but much of it was incomprehensible. He simply could not read the older works due to the formal and archaic Japanese it used. Even the documents from half a century ago required patience to get through.
Maybe the Demon Slayer Corps' greatest threat was the lack of formal education, he morbidly thought. His parents tried their best, but Murata was not from a rich family in the city. Murata did force himself to get better at reading and writing, but he could only go so far.
Unfortunately, his 'help' was in the same boat.
Sanemi shoved a scroll in Murata's face. "This has a number on it. From the seventeenth century?"
Tengen took it away and skimmed through it. "This is useless. It only talks about the torture methods of the Poison Hashira. On second thought..."
Makomo handed Murata another historical account. "This one talks about the Water Hashira during the Sengoku Period."
Perking up, Murata eagerly grabbed it from her, then frowned. "The late Sengoku Period. Not the right time, unfortunately."
Sanemi grumbled, knocking down a table and scaring the kakushi away. "What the hell are you even looking for? You became a hashira just to look at some moldy words?"
"I'm looking for accounts from the Sengoku Golden Age. If there's any era where I can find answers to the 'red blade' or any other paths to strength, then this is the best bet."
"If you want strength, just spar with me outside," Sanemi said.
Murata sighed. "Unless Masachika's there to watch us, you're going to pummel me with your fists."
"Found something!" Tengen pulled out a scroll.
"The Raging Blade?" Makomo peeked over, testing the words slowly.
Grabbing it, Murata read through the entry. It was old and damaged.
Once the marks started appearing, one...that tried...mimicked was the red...Tsugikuni...red blade... hamper even the...regeneration with...cut...extremely abnormal...impossible for non...Breathers to invoke the...Blade.
It wasn't useless, but there was a lot to be desired.
"It mentioned marks," Murata muttered to himself.
"It said non-breathers," Makomo noticed. "But it could be referring to a specific breathing art, right?"
"Maybe the original breath," Tengen said.
"I'm more curious about the mark," Murata said. "It must be related to the original breath, but there has to be more information about it."
Sanemi's crow flew through the window, yelling out orders. Sanemi left, leaving the three hashira in the library.
"I may have one eye, but I'm twice as useful as that guy!" Tengen bragged.
-
The next few days were spent much the same way, during which the hashira read to find more related information about the mark. Murata even enlisted the help of the kakushi in the library. One of them was a historian.
The historian, Shoto, handed him another scroll. "This one mentions marks, though it's quite bare. I did my best to interpret it."
Thanking him for his efforts, Murata read it.
When the marked one arrives, the mark will appear on others around that person as if in resonance.
Tengen huffed. "It's impossible. How are we supposed to find the marked one?"
"Maybe a descendant of the original breath is still alive?" Makomo asked.
"It's also possible the original breath was passed down to a friend or as a tradition," Murata threw out his conjecture.
That was the real answer, but actually finding Tanjiro looked to be a daunting task. His village was never mentioned by name. The only things Murata knew for certain was that his family worked with coal, there was snow in the winter, and they had bears.
Now, besides Kyushu and Shikoku, the rest of Japan had snow to a noticeable degree. As for bears, Murata had no idea of the bear population throughout Japan. For coal, the Kamado family did not work in a coal factory or mine, so their local source of coal would barely register on a map of natural resources.
Strangely, the record only mentioned 'the marked one.' If, by divine providence, someone encountered Kokushibo and escaped, would that fulfill the conditions of interacting with a marked person?
Did he not have to wait for Tanjiro to manifest his mark? Further, was a Sun Breather not necessary?
However, finding Kokushibo was a long shot. Worse, surviving Kokushibo was impossible. No amount of tricks or tactics would allow him to survive an encounter at this point. Of all the hashira currently, only Gyomei might stand a chance of survival. Only to survive, because actually killing Kokushibo without a mark was like pitting a child against a bear.
Murata had another kakushi copy the notes for future purposes.
Getting up, he had a new plan. "I'm heading to the Ice Estate."
"Finally, a change in pace!" Tengen eagerly joined him. Makomo followed behind them as they left the library.
-
Entering the dojo within the Ice Estate, Murata sat down, observing the room around him.
"In our fight against Upper Moon Five, there's something important I realized that we could all work on," Murata said.
Makomo and Tengen stayed silent, waiting for him to continue.
"Our teamwork was vital, but it's not often that hashira get to work together. If we adapt our fighting styles together, it greatly increases our potential."
Makomo nodded. "Most of us already understand that, but the problem is we're often working alone because of our status. For most missions, sending more than one hashira is a waste of resources."
"I suggest the Ice Estate be used as a place for the hashira to train together, whenever time allows," Murata said.
"I don't disagree, but this place is boring. Not very flashy or suited for hashira training, in my opinion," Tengen said.
Murata understood. "I can ask for some of the kakushi to reorganize this place. I already have a house, so this is a bit overkill."
-
Much like the Butterfly Estate, the Ice Estate gained a new reputation beyond being a residence. It turned into a training ground for all the hashira. Plans were put in place to allow other higher ranking members or promising talents to train, but that was for the future.
With the establishment of the Ice Estate, Murata went back to duty, killing demons.
His other goal was to look for the Kamado family. He cursed his poor planning and regretted waiting so long to officially start the search. Even with the Ubuyashiki family helping, it would take too long.
Yet, the biggest concern wasn't whether or not he could save them. It would be a tragedy for Tanjiro to lose his family, that much was true, but his actions ultimately set in motion Muzan's defeat.
In other words, if Tanjiro didn't awaken the mark and Nezuko didn't conquer the sun as a demon, how would the Demon Slayer Corps lure Muzan and defeat him?
The mark was a simple matter. Tanjiro, with his kind and noble attitude, would not hesitate to help others even at the risk of his own life. However, Nezuko's transformation into a demon was more unpredictable.
After all, Murata's sole role as a demon slayer included preventing tragedies like this in the first place. Unless Murata could also find Tamayo, maybe she could change things.
Groaning, Murata kept moving forward as he felt the start of a headache.
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AstertheAshara
Know what you're doing yet?
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He's finally arrived at the fear of all SIs. Changing a key event and fucking over cannon in the hopes of saving others and making a better outcome, or leaving it be and influencing events to a minimum so that a guaranteed good outcome can happen
Jubjub3000
Experienced.
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Thank you for this! I wonder what he will do... having two sun breathers or one sun breather and one sun conquering demon?
Would be great if he can save the family, would need to impress upon them the danger and how he believes that dance to be the key. They can always make charcoal somewhere else after all.
Would be great if he can save the family, would need to impress upon them the danger and how he believes that dance to be the key. They can always make charcoal somewhere else after all.
Buddhahobo
I trust you know where the happy button is?
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That's assuming he hasn't already done so, no?
Douma is now explicitly on Blue Lily retrieval duty iirc, and just because people like Giyu aren't currently part of the Hashira doesn't mean they don't exist, ya know? He's still there, but at a lower rank doing lower rank missions regardless of his ability due to Makomo's seniority.
Also remember, Tanjuro was the eldest among six siblings.
The answer isn't whether or not Murata would fuck over canon, merely if he'll have the chance to.