[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-from-thunder-breathing-to-the-multiverse":3,"chapter-from-thunder-breathing-to-the-multiverse-from-thunder-breathing-to-the-multiverse-chapter-23":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","From Thunder Breathing to the Multiverse",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1676057,2141,"Chapter 23 23: Did Everyone Survive?","from-thunder-breathing-to-the-multiverse-chapter-23",23,"\u003Cp>Night still blanketed Mount Fujikasane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cool mountain breeze rustled the leaves, whispering softly through the darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Hah… hah…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tomioka Giyū jolted awake, gasping for breath. His face was pale, and cold sweat ran down his temples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Across the flickering campfire, Sabito sat calmly, spinning a stick in his hand as he roasted a wild rabbit over glowing embers. The golden-brown skin was beginning to sizzle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced up and smiled gently when he noticed Giyū had woken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Giyū, you're awake? Kyūjō-san already left. He said your injuries aren't serious—just rest for a few days and don't push yourself too hard.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed at the rabbit. \"You must be starving. Just wait a bit longer. The meat's almost done.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Giyū stared at Sabito blankly for a few seconds, then murmured in a low voice:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I had a dream…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I dreamed… you died.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After that, I passed the Final Selection…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…and became the Water Hashira.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sabito didn't flinch. Instead, his eyes sparkled with genuine curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Really? And then what?\" he leaned forward, completely unfazed by the part where he died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Giyū closed his eyes for a moment, trying to recall the fragments of the dream before they faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After that…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>— — —\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seven days later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morning light crept down the slopes of Mount Fujikasane, illuminating the clearing at its base—where the official Final Selection ceremony was being held.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing atop a stone platform was Kōyama Shinichirō, a Kinoe-ranked swordsman. His brow furrowed as he scanned the crowd of survivors gathering below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…There's too many?\" he muttered under his breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He started counting with his fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One, two… three… thirty-nine!?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He froze, eyes wide in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's no way!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did I mess up the count? Did all the demons on the mountain disappear!?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a single death!?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If everyone passed, then even our supply of Scarlet Ore—used to forge Nichirin Blades—won't be enough!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In all of Demon Slayer Corps history, something like this had never happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still stunned, Shinichirō tightened his grip on his sword and was about to rush up the mountain to investigate—just to make sure there hadn't been some mistake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before he could move…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A lone figure stepped out from the shadowed trail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dressed in simple black, holding a small notebook in hand, Tachibana Kyūjō walked down slowly, calm as ever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over the past week, Kyūjō had scoured every corner of Mount Fujikasane—confirming that no humans were left behind and documenting everything in meticulous detail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His notes included evaluations of each participant: their personalities, fighting styles, potential for growth, and suggested development paths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He planned to deliver the report directly to Ubuyashiki Kagaya, the head of the Ubuyashiki family and supreme leader of the Demon Slayer Corps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kyūjō was convinced that the old method of survival-based testing needed to be replaced. A modern, holistic evaluation system—more rational, more humane—was long overdue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nearby, Kōyama Shinichirō spotted Kyūjō emerging from the forest and cried out:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hashira-sama! You… you were here all along!?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes sparkled with admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just a while back, during a mission to slay a powerful demon, he had nearly died at the hands of Korogi—one of the Twelve Kizuki, ranked Lower Moon Four.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in the nick of time, Tachibana Kyūjō had appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a single strike, he had killed Korogi and saved Shinichirō's life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From that day forward, Kyūjō had become a personal hero to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shinichirō, huh?\" Kyūjō gave a small smile. \"Glad to see you're still alive.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sir! Kinoe-ranked swordsman Kōyama Shinichirō reporting with utmost respect!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shinichirō stood straight, puffing out his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before he could say anything else, Kyūjō raised a hand and gently interrupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need. The responsibility for what happened during this Selection is mine. I'll explain everything to Oyakata-sama. This wasn't your fault.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing that, Shinichirō exhaled in relief and gave a firm nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kyūjō then walked to the center of the group of young survivors. Their faces were bruised and tired—but none of them looked regretful. In their eyes burned hope, and determination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kyūjō stood tall and addressed them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My name is Tachibana Kyūjō, one of the Hashira—Pillar of Thunder in the Demon Slayer Corps.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I owe you all an apology.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because of my actions, your Selection exam experienced… some unexpected changes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He bowed deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he rose again, his tone was calm and firm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Based on my personal observations, I've selected twelve of you who are ready to become demon slayers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is just my judgment. If your name is called, please step forward.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sabito… Tomioka Giyū… Murata…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One by one, twelve names were called. Twelve stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rest began murmuring quietly among themselves. Some looked disappointed. Others stood silently, their expressions unreadable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kyūjō looked across the whole group, then spoke again—this time with a deeper voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Children… You've all shown incredible bravery. But becoming a Demon Slayer is not the only path.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you absolutely sure this is the road you want to walk?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fighting demons doesn't always mean wielding a sword.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Corps also has the Kakushi—support operatives who are just as vital to our success.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you feel you're not suited for combat, you can still join us as Kakushi.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned back to the twelve who had stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The same goes for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Those who wish to become sword-wielding demon slayers, please move to the left.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Those who wish to serve as Kakushi, move to the right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And if you're still unsure… stay where you are.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>— — —\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, the lines were drawn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thirty-one children stood on the left—ready to become demon slayers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eight stood to the right—choosing to serve as Kakushi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kyūjō gazed at them, quietly drawing in a long breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He'd done so much… and yet somehow, it still felt like not enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These thirty-one kids… how many would still be alive in a year?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being a demon slayer… was never easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a pause, Kyūjō finally spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I respect your choices.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"May we one day stand together… on the battlefield.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A warm, honest smile lit up his face as he bowed his head one last time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>— — —\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three days later, at the headquarters of the Demon Slayer Corps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tachibana Kyūjō sat across from Ubuyashiki Kagaya—the head of the Ubuyashiki family, and the leader of all demon slayers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his arms, Kagaya gently cradled a baby girl—Ubuyashiki Hinaki, his eldest daughter, just six months old.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had soft white hair, bright violet eyes, a tiny nose, and rose-colored lips that made her look like a porcelain doll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What surprised most people was that Kagaya had five children—quadruplet girls, and one boy. The third child, Ubuyashiki Kiriya, was the only son. (T\u002FN: Canon status of this arrangement may vary.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, Kagaya spent his days caring for his children and rarely left their side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But today, for one man—Tachibana Kyūjō—he had made time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In front of Kagaya lay a thick proposal, neatly bound and titled in bold letters:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Program for Selection and Development of Demon Slayer Talents.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A document that just might change the future of the Corps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>— — —\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>✨ Special thanks to my newest Patreon supporters!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Your support keeps this series alive and growing!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Joseph Sepulveda, Big Brizzz, Michael Thomas, Austin, Just Some Guy With A Mustage, Kloud Paradizo, Hamza Ahmed\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>📚 Want to read more chapters or get early access?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Join my Patreon here:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>🔗 patreon.com\u002FFaaanzKun\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>✅ Enjoy 30+ chapters ahead of WebNovel\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>✅ Get 2 new chapters every day exclusively on Patreon\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>> Already caught up with the latest chapter on WebNovel?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Continue the journey early for just:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>$5\u002Fmonth\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Join now and dive deeper into the story—weeks ahead of public release!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank you for your amazing support 💖\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>— — —\u003C\u002Fp>",1312,"2026-06-06T13:14:23.720Z",1,"novelbin.me","26de010678ee725f00c1db9480fe3be622c35c8c5d2309aa2e9255df46e3b23d","from-thunder-breathing-to-the-multiverse-chapter-24","from-thunder-breathing-to-the-multiverse-chapter-22",389,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Ffrom-thunder-breathing-to-the-multiverse-cover.jpg"]