Hashira training began with tremendous excitement. When Demon Slayer Corps members first heard the news, they could hardly contain their joy. Receiving guidance from powerhouses like the Hashira was something they had never even dared to dream of before.
But when the training truly began, they felt as if they had entered hell. They were exhausted and aching all over every day, seeing no hope of passing. Only a few managed to advance to the next stage after periods of intense training.
The first stage was Sound Hashira Tengen's physical training. This was already quite gentle, merely involving weighted walks, push-ups, squats, climbing, and other exercises to exhaust their stamina and unleash their potential.
Upon reaching the second stage, Muichiro's speed training became a nightmare. He directly sparred with them using a wooden sword, moving so quickly that they were struck before they could even see him.
The third stage featured the terrifying Love Hashira Mitsuri. Though smiling sweetly, she directly "helped" them become flexible through her flexibility training. Anyone who has done a sit-and-reach or splits in school knows how painful this can be.
The fourth stage was Serpent Hashira Obanai's sword path correction. This took place in an enclosed space where swordsmen had to spar with Obanai following fixed sword-drawing routes and continuously practice their swings.
The fifth stage brought Wind Hashira Sanemi's fierce practical combat training. This was essentially being continuously attacked and brutalized by Sanemi himself.
The sixth stage featured Stone Hashira Himejima's muscle strength training. This included but was not limited to enduring impacts under a waterfall and pushing giant rocks. This was simply impossible!
The seventh and most terrifying stage was Seiichi's comprehensive training. Few people reached this level, and they all yearned to meet the Demon Slayer Corps' strongest contemporary fighter. But the moment they stepped into the courtyard with anticipation, immense fear and pressure filled their entire bodies.
The strong stood trembling, while the timid prostrated themselves on the ground.
The figure with his back to them seemed forever out of reach.
Only Demon Slayer Corps swordsmen who passed the pressure test would receive further training from Seiichi. If they couldn't even handle this much pressure, then what would they do when facing the pressure of an Upper Moon?
As long as they passed this test, Seiichi would teach them many practical combat techniques. These could help them unleash 100% or even 120% of their strength. But if they failed this test, it meant they couldn't stay calm in front of a powerful demon. They couldn't even hold their sword steady, so what good were techniques?
"Which stage have you reached?"
"Oh, don't ask. I'm still getting hit by Muichiro-sama."
"Stone Hashira Himejima-sama's training is simply inhuman!"
"Why aren't you speaking?"
I have to complete Seiichi-sama's training. If I could learn combat techniques directly from someone like him... that would be amazing.
The Demon Slayer Corps members gathered around looked at each other. They could see burning flames in each other's eyes, and they laughed heartily, realizing that everyone thought the same.
Seiichi's appearance had inspired too many people.
"You are the first to reach the end. You've done very well, congratulations," Seiichi said gently to the swordsman in front of him. This person had broken through the pressure training and finally circled around his back to stand before Seiichi.
Looking at Seiichi's handsome face, the corps member's face was flushed. He was excitedly at a loss for words, while the swordsmen squirming on the ground behind couldn't help but crawl faster. They also yearned for Seiichi's praise.
"Starting today, I will conduct pressure tests in the morning and teach combat techniques in the afternoon."
Turning around, he addressed all the 'caterpillars' on the ground.
"Those who have passed the pressure test must continue to participate in the morning sessions. But the intensity will gradually increase."
Seiichi was quite benevolent in his approach. His pressure test was conducted at the level of Upper Moon Six. For those who passed this stage, he would gradually increase the difficulty, eventually rising to the level of Upper Moon One.
While everyone was enthusiastically training here, Tanjiro was continuously recovering. He was simultaneously healing Water Hashira Giyu's wounded heart.
"Tanjiro!"
Zenitsu came to Butterfly Estate crying again. He complained about how hard his training was, but Tanjiro just comforted him and said he was envious.
Zenitsu's eyes widened. "Envy?"
"Tanjiro, you're really a monster!"
Zenitsu ran off crying, leaving Tanjiro confused. He really did feel envious though.
Several more days passed, and Tanjiro's injuries had fully healed. Carrying his backpack, he prepared to depart. Aoi Kanzaki and the three little ones waved goodbye to him.
He jogged all the way to Sound Hashira Tengen's physical training area.
"Ha! Are your injuries completely healed, Tanjiro!"
Tengen jumped down from a rock when he saw Tanjiro approaching. He looked happy to see him.
"Thanks to everyone's care, I'm perfectly fine!" Tanjiro was also happy to see Tengen.
"Next, welcome to hell."
Tengen laughed heartily and told Tanjiro to rejoin the training group.
Tanjiro also began the Hashira training program. At this moment, Seiichi, in addition to training others, was also preparing his own teaching content.
The content for Hashira training!
Last time I was a teacher was my part-time job in university. Needed some pocket money back then.
After thinking all night and making revisions, his Hashira training content was ready.
My teaching skills aren't too bad, right?
Firstly, although it was called Hashira training, Ubuyashiki Amane also hoped that he could accept some non-Hashira members to participate in his special training.
Even if she didn't say it, Seiichi had this intention. The first ones he considered were the three young swordsmen: Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu.
As the fated protagonists in this world, these three all possessed extremely high potential and adaptability. Most importantly, they could unleash their hidden power when needed.
Then there were some others, such as Kanao and Genya Shinazugawa.
As for the conflict between Sanemi and Genya, it was a bit troublesome, but it didn't really matter. At worst, he could just beat them both up, tie them together, and throw them in a room for one night.
One night would pass, and they would say everything on their minds. Perhaps they would even become brotherly and respectful toward each other.
Moreover, he had the super invincible psychological therapist, Tanjiro Kamado, here!
He had heard the news that Tanjiro and Sanemi had fought before.
Those two have so much energy, huh? Tomorrow I'll prepare something special just for them.
His thoughts jumping around, Seiichi put down the scroll he had been writing on.
Speaking of which, the time he could stay in the Demon Slayer world might not be long. He could vaguely feel the world's rejection of his presence. Perhaps after reaching the limit, he might no longer be able to use his full power. Otherwise, he would be expelled from this world entirely.
After slaying Muzan Kibutsuji, if there was still time, he also hoped to further improve himself in this world.
After all, he learned from his status panel that when he traversed to the Demon Slayer world, the main world remained static. What he lacked most now was time itself.
Packing up his things, Seiichi headed to the Ubuyashiki Residence. He needed to discuss some top-secret matters with Ubuyashiki Kagaya, Ubuyashiki Amane, and Kiriya Ubuyashiki.
Tonight's moon was exceptionally full. He believed that in a short while, this world would enter a completely new era!