Tanjiro nodded, holding Nezuko and leaning against the wall. Moonlight streamed through the dilapidated temple window, falling on them. Nezuko curled up in her brother's arms, as quiet as a kitten.
Mr. Allen watched this scene, gently closing his eyes. He could feel the power within him slowly recovering. Although there was still a gap until he reached his peak state, it was already more than enough in this world.
Sakonji sat on the other side of the temple, his gaze never leaving Allen. This mysterious young man had brought him too much shock. He rose, preparing to bury the dead in the temple first.
He dug a pit and placed the people killed by the Man-eating Demon into it. Sakonji covered them with the last handful of earth, clasped his hands together, and murmured a few words.
He turned to look at Allen, who was leaning against the doorframe. In the moonlight, the young man's silhouette appeared exceptionally clear.
"Mr. Allen," Sakonji's voice was low and hoarse.
"Regarding the plan to hunt Muzan, do you have any specific ideas?"
Allen opened his eyes, his black pupils appearing exceptionally deep in the night: "It's very simple. You find Muzan, and then I will exterminate him."
Sakonji walked to Allen's side: "Muzan's whereabouts are secretive. For a thousand years, the Demon Slayer Corps has been unable to..."
Allen interrupted him: "Although Muzan gained near-immortality after becoming a Demon, he fears sunlight and needs something called a blue spider lily to overcome this weakness."
"You just need to fake it and then secretly spread the word, deliberately letting Muzan's subordinates see it."
"A blue spider lily?" Sakonji looked puzzled. This was information even the Demon Slayer Corps didn't know. How did this young man in front of him come to know it?
His heart was full of doubts. Could this young man named Allen be a Demon like Muzan, only more perfect and powerful, not needing to eat people?
Sakonji hesitated for a long time, then finally nodded slowly: "I will immediately inform the Master and arrange for people to forge an item called a blue spider lily."
Allen nodded slightly: "The sooner, the better."
In the moonlight, the two stood facing each other. Sakonji could feel the oppressive aura emanating from Allen, a presence far beyond ordinary people.
"Mr. Allen, why do you want to help us?" Sakonji finally asked the doubt in his heart.
Allen's gaze turned to the distance: "Muzan's abilities are useful to me."
This answer made Sakonji slightly taken aback. He had expected to hear some righteous declaration, but he didn't expect the other party to be so direct.
"You, you want to gain the power of a Demon?" Sakonji's throat tightened slightly.
Allen turned his head, his black eyes looking directly at Sakonji: "He has something I need, that's all."
Sakonji breathed a sigh of relief, but then immediately realized his impropriety. With the strength Allen had displayed, he could easily crush Muzan without needing to become a Demon.
"After dawn, I will take you directly to see the Master," he said respectfully. This was their only hope of ending Muzan.
"No rush. I'm also a little interested in your Breathing Styles. I'll learn for a few days before going."
Breathing Styles can greatly enhance physical abilities. He wondered if they would have any effect on him.
Sakonji was silent for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly under his mask: "Breathing Styles cannot be mastered overnight."
"You just teach. Whether I can learn it or not is my business," Allen said indifferently.
He nodded slowly: "In that case, tomorrow, once we reach Mt. Sagiri, I will demonstrate Water Breathing for you."
The sky gradually brightened, and the morning light streamed through the clouds onto the open ground in front of the temple. Tanjiro rubbed his eyes and found that Nezuko was already curled up in the bamboo basket, asleep.
He carefully put the bamboo basket on his back and looked at Allen and Sakonji, who were standing nearby.
"We should set off," Sakonji said, his voice low as he put on his Tengu mask.
The three walked along the mountain path. Tanjiro occasionally looked back to check on Nezuko's condition.
Allen walked at the back, observing the surroundings. His steps were light, making almost no sound.
"Mr. Allen, can you really teach me to become stronger?" Tanjiro suddenly asked.
Allen glanced at him: "It's not me teaching; it's him."
He pointed to Sakonji in front.
"Most of my strength is innate; it's not easy for you to learn," Allen shrugged helplessly.
Sakonji turned to look at Tanjiro: "I have read Giyu's letter. Tanjiro, your sister's situation is very special, but since Giyu has acknowledged you, I will do my best to teach you."
"But... if your sister ever eats a person, there are only two things you must do: kill your sister, and then commit seppuku yourself. That's what it means to carry a sister who has turned into a Demon."
"You must remember never to let your sister take the lives of innocent people. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Tanjiro's eyes were firm: "Yes!"
"Then, next, let me test whether you are suitable to become a Demon Slayer. Carry your sister and come with me to Mt. Sagiri. You must not make any footsteps while we travel."
Sakonji finished speaking, turned, and walked forward. His steps were as light as feathers, leaving almost no trace on the ground.
Tanjiro took a deep breath, put the bamboo basket containing Nezuko on his back, and carefully followed. He tried his best to control his balance, ensuring the bamboo basket on his back wouldn't sway.
As for Allen, he was too lazy to play such a boring game with them. With a thought, he floated directly into the sky.
Even Sakonji, a former Water Hashira with rich experience, stumbled when he saw Allen flying in the sky.
He looked up at Allen, suspended in the air. The corner of his mouth twitched slightly under his mask. He had lived for most of his life and had never seen anyone so easily defy the laws of nature. Was this young man really not a Demon?
"Mr. Allen, this is...?"
"Saving time." Allen slowly descended beside Sakonji, not even a corner of his clothes fluttering.
"I'm not interested in this kind of basic training."
Tanjiro's eyes widened, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. He remembered the terrifying gully Allen had made with a casual punch last night, and then looked at his trembling legs. Walking silently while carrying Nezuko was indeed very strenuous.
"Continue your training, Tanjiro." Allen patted the young man's shoulder.
"I'll be watching from the sky... I'll be watching you. Keep it up." Allen's words trailed off halfway, feeling that what he said seemed a little off, and quickly corrected himself.
Sakonji took a deep breath, trying to calm the shock in his heart. He turned to Tanjiro, his voice returning to calm: "Keep going. Watch your steps."
"Yes!" Tanjiro nodded, refocusing on the path ahead. He carefully maintained his balance, trying to make no sound, while Allen slowly followed alongside, occasionally looking up at the sky.
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