"Ah!"
With a pained scream, Reiyu released Genya Shinazugawa's arm. Genya staggered back two steps, glaring at him, a mix of rage and sharp pain etched across his scarred face.
In that moment, Genya realized something crucial: the seemingly frail, weak-looking Reiyu was actually an insanely powerful master-level fighter.
Even after snapping his own bones in front of all those witnesses, Genya didn't dare to act arrogantly in front of Reiyu anymore. He could only glare at him with a "just wait" expression before slinking back into the crowd, nursing his wrist and bruised pride.
Soon after, a flock of Kasugawas—the Corps' communication crows—descended from the sky, landing obediently on each person's shoulder. One blond boy received a small sparrow instead, prompting him to mutter, "Wait… isn't this a sparrow?"
No one paid him any mind. Once everyone had their communication birds, it was time to select the core steel for forging their Nichirin Blades.
Relying on his acute sense of smell, Tanjirou picked a high-quality core steel and even chose one for Reiyu.
Reiyu, having already received the Nichirin Blade from Urokodaki Sakonji, wasn't particularly concerned about the steel selection. Still, he accepted Tanjirou's choice with a lazy nod.
Soon after, everyone was issued their Demon Slayer Corps uniforms, and one by one, they left Fujikasane Mountain.
"Ding!""Congratulations, Host, on passing the Final Selection! A reward is now being issued!"
The system's announcement echoed in Reiyu's mind as soon as they reached the foot of the mountain. Three options appeared in his mental interface:
Choose a brand-new skill
Susanoo Evolution (Third Form)
Mangekyō Sharingan Evolution (0/2)
Reiyu froze for a brief moment. It had been two years since he arrived in the Demon Slayer world, and aside from the initial starter rewards, this was the first system-issued reward he had received.
But he had long since accepted his transmigration and system powers, so after a brief pause, he quickly composed himself.
"I'll take a brand-new skill!"
He hesitated for a second, then chose to acquire a new ability. The option glowed brightly, and several more appeared in his mind—skills he had not yet obtained.
"Huh… God Breathing is gone? So I can only have one Breathing Style at a time?"
Reiyu touched his chin thoughtfully. The "God Breathing" option had disappeared. Judging by the name, it was probably a Breathing Style like his previous choice, Devouring Breathing. Since he had already chosen Devouring Breathing, he couldn't select a second one, which explained why God Breathing vanished from the options.
"I'll take… the Flying Thunder God Technique."
After considering the new skills, Reiyu finally chose the one called Flying Thunder God Technique.
"Ding!""Skill selection complete. Introducing the chosen skill:"
Flying Thunder God Technique
Type: Ninjutsu
Origin: Naruto
Description: A space-time ninjutsu that allows instantaneous teleportation. Can teleport to marked Kunai imbued with the Flying Thunder God Seal, or set the seal on enemies upon contact.
Reiyu wasn't unfamiliar with this ability—it was one of the few almost-BUG-level techniques in Naruto. Used skillfully, he could eliminate enemies without them even seeing him. Used poorly, he could get killed before realizing where his allies were.
"I'll need to craft some Flying Thunder God Kunai," he muttered, ignoring Tanjirou's curious glance. The two then began their journey back to Sagiri Mountain.
That night, both exhausted, they returned to a small wooden cabin lit by a faint light.
"We're back, Reiyu-senpai," Tanjirou said with a weary smile.
"Home at last," Reiyu replied, stretching lazily but perkily.
As they approached the cabin, the previously closed door suddenly burst open with an unknown force.
From inside emerged a young girl with long hair, dressed in a pink kimono and black haori, a bamboo muzzle between her teeth. Her cute face immediately locked onto Reiyu and Tanjirou—or, more specifically, Tanjirou.
"Nezuko?"
Tanjirou froze for a moment, fatigue forgotten, and bolted toward her.
Nezuko didn't dodge; instead, she opened her arms and leapt into his embrace.
Nezuko Kamado was Tanjirou's younger sister. A tragic incident had wiped out the rest of the Kamado family, leaving only Tanjirou and Nezuko alive. And though Nezuko had become a demon, she had never harmed a single human—the first in history to resist feeding on human flesh.
"Tanjirou… you're awake…" Tears streamed down his face as he hugged her tightly, overjoyed.
Tanjirou had trained under Urokodaki Sakonji, passed the Demon Slayer Corps final selection, and become a full-fledged Slayer—all to save Nezuko and restore her humanity.
Reiyu, of course, was aware of Nezuko and her circumstances. Since their arrival at Sagiri Mountain, she had been asleep, using slumber to replenish her powers instead of feeding on humans, as Urokodaki had instructed.
"Oh, right, Nezuko… this is Reiyu-senpai, also a disciple of Master Urokodaki, and incredibly strong. Without him, I'd probably have died during the final selection."
Remembering that Nezuko hadn't met Reiyu yet, Tanjirou released her and quickly introduced the formidable Reiyu standing just behind him.