[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong-":3,"chapter-this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--chapter-61":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","This Pillar in Demon Slayer Is Extremely Strong but Overly Cautious",{"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},2335987,4566,"Chapter 61: Hand Demon","this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--chapter-61",61,"\u003Cp>Xiaowu Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been two years since Tanjiro came here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over these two years, he had thoroughly internalized everything Senjuro Rengoku taught him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The grueling training had worn away Tanjiro’s youthful naivety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A year ago, Senjuro Rengoku gave him a task—more accurately, the final trial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To split a massive boulder in two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, after a year, he still could not split the boulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During that year, Tanjiro also met two people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One boy, one girl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy’s name was Saniwa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl’s name was Makomo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their ages were roughly the same as Tanjiro’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were both Senjuro Rengoku’s disciples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, Tanjiro’s senior brother and sister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet for some reason, Tanjiro could not sense any presence from either of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, under Saniwa and Makomo’s company, he once again began his hellish training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today was Tanjiro’s next duel with Saniwa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two stood at a distance, Makomo watching nearby as their judge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tanjiro gripped his sword tightly, eyes locked on Saniwa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saniwa slowly drew his blade from its scabbard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After locking gazes, both vanished in a flash—their clash resumed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Tanjiro’s blade struck Saniwa first—ending the fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saniwa lost; his mask split cleanly in two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he smiled, a look of deep relief on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saniwa and Makomo seemed to be released from some heavy burden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They smiled faintly, then vanished into the mist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tanjiro, you must win against that one…” was the last thing Makomo said before leaving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Saniwa and Makomo disappeared, Tanjiro snapped back to reality—before him lay a different scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sword in his hand, which had just split Saniwa’s mask, now cleaved the massive boulder in two—completing Senjuro Rengoku’s final trial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling his duel with Saniwa, Tanjiro felt that sensation again—in that instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That sensation was like a thread—the Thread of Flaw—stretching taut between his blade and his opponent’s moment of vulnerability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was how Tanjiro defeated Saniwa and split the boulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Senjuro Rengoku walked over from nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stared at the boulder split cleanly in two—unbelieving that Tanjiro had truly done it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Tanjiro and said: “I never intended for you to join the Final Selection. I simply didn’t want to see another child die.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though the Final Selection has been reformed now…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tanjiro, you’ve done well. I approve your participation. Your sister and I will wait here for your return.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That night, Senjuro Rengoku prepared a delicious hot pot and several grilled fish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the second time Tanjiro had eaten so much delicious food—the first time was when Zero first visited Xiaowu Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After dinner, Tanjiro trimmed his hair. During this, Senjuro Rengoku handed him a mask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Senjuro, what is this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s the Disaster-Averting Mask. I’ve enchanted it to protect you from calamity. Tanjiro, remember: a demon’s strength comes from the number of people it has eaten! The more it consumes, the stronger it grows—and some demons can even use supernatural abilities, called Blood Demon Arts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The demons in Tengai Mountain are all weak—they’ve eaten only one or two people! Though the Tengai Mountain trials have been reformed over the years, you must not grow careless!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, I understand, Master Senjuro.” Tanjiro replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if remembering something, he asked: “Master Senjuro, is Nezuko’s prolonged sleep related to that Blood Demon Art?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Senjuro Rengoku shook his head. “No. This is only my speculation. I believe your sister, to avoid consuming human flesh, is using sleep to restore her strength.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that so? I understand. Thank you, Master Senjuro.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, Tanjiro wore the same outfit as Senjuro Rengoku—a water-blue cloud-patterned robe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He fastened his Nichirin Blade at his waist and slung the Disaster-Averting Mask across his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before leaving, he cast one last glance at Nezuko, sleeping on the tatami in the inner room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nezuko, don’t worry—I will return.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the gate, he bid a brief farewell to Senjuro Rengoku.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry about your sister. I’ll take good care of her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, thank you, Master Senjuro.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tanjiro turned and walked away. After running a distance, he turned back and waved to Senjuro Rengoku: “Master Senjuro, give my regards to Saniwa and Makomo.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Senjuro Rengoku froze, stunned. Images of Saniwa and Makomo flashed in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tanjiro… how do you know the names of those two dead children?” Senjuro Rengoku thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scene shifted to Zero.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero, having prepared everything, arrived at the outer perimeter of the Demon Slayer Corps and retrieved the Dark Alloy Armored Vehicle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He transported ten high-rank swordsmen along with Ubuyashiki Hikaru and Ubuyashiki Kiriya to Tengai Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was his fourth time overseeing the Tengai Mountain trials—how many would pass this time?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In just a few hours, he arrived at the trial site, familiar with the route. The ten swordsmen disembarked from the rear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hikaru and Kiriya were lifted from the passenger seat by Zero.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They ascended the stone steps…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since it was still daytime and the trials had not yet begun, they stood as usual on the stone steps, waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ten swordsmen lined up behind them, awaiting the start.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, Zero had a premonition: this year, the mutated demon within Tengai Mountain would appear!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sunset fell; night descended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a full day’s journey, Tanjiro finally reached the Tengai Mountain trial site.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Purple wisteria trees surrounded the area, magnificent and breathtaking—everywhere bloomed beautiful, alluring purple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air carried the sweet fragrance of wisteria.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tanjiro saw many already gathered for the trials—at least twenty people by his estimate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet when he saw Zero atop the platform, he was taken aback.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zero-nii…” Tanjiro started to call out, but Zero silenced him with a glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero was also surprised—Tanjiro had come to take the trials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, he had trained hard these past two years; otherwise, his mentor would never have permitted him to come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, Zero noticed two other familiar faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kanao Tsuyuri and Zenitsu Agatsuma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zenitsu’s presence was understandable—but why was Kanao here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero remembered Kanao’s sister saying she never wanted Kanao to join the trials—she only wished for Kanao to live a peaceful life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed she had sneaked in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hikaru\u002FKiriya: “Welcome, all swordsmen, for your arduous journey to take the trials…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two delivered their usual speeches, then Zero explained the trial rules, and the trials officially began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hikaru\u002FKiriya: “Then, may you all proceed with care.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More than half of this year’s candidates were swordsmen who had failed in previous or second-previous trials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rest were newcomers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Tanjiro passed Zero, Zero nodded slightly and whispered: “Stay safe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, thank you, Zero-nii.” Tanjiro then stepped resolutely into the trial mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Kanao passed Zero, he called out to her: “Kanao, does your sister know about this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I…” Kanao stammered, unable to answer. She reached for a coin, then stopped herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over the years, Zero had sometimes taught Kanao that not everything must be decided by a coin toss—sometimes, one must follow one’s own heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sigh… go. Stay safe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kanao still seemed uneasy—she would have to learn slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Zero’s permission, Kanao finally relaxed and entered Tengai Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when Zero saw Zenitsu at the end of the line, he was speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He kept muttering, “I’m going to die,” over and over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon seeing Zero, he rushed forward, grabbed his leg, and wailed: “Zero-nii, can’t I skip the trials?! If I go in, I’ll definitely die! Can you talk to my grandfather for me?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero, exasperated, gave him a sharp knuckle rap. “Don’t smear your snot on my pants! And if you want a girlfriend, you’ll obediently take the trials! I won’t give you any favors!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zero lose his temper again, Zenitsu instantly cowered and muttered, “Fine~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tch, coward!” A boy with a rooster crest passed by, glancing at this scene with contempt for Zenitsu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the boy, Zero felt a strange sense of familiarity—his temperament was much like Shinobu Kocho’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once everyone entered Tengxi Mountain, release all small drones from the [Nanotech Space].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Activate the [Analytical Goggles] projection mode.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Follow the usual protocol,” Zero said to the ten swordsmen behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Zero Pillar!” x10\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the first night of the examination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shortly after entering Tengxi Mountain, Tanjiro encountered two demons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief battle, he successfully eliminated them using Water Breathing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This scene was captured by the small drones hovering above and transmitted to Zero.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the footage on the projection screen, Zero found it normal and relaxed, turning his attention to another feed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kanao Tsuyuri also worked hard; she practiced Kanae’s Flower Breathing, wielding it with effortless precision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, she eliminated one demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when the drone footage reached Zenitsu, Zero’s lip twitched slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zenitsu was being chased by two demons, sobbing and sniveling, his appearance absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aaaah!! I’ll die! I’ll die! Don’t eat me! I’m not tasty at all!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tripped over a tree root, banged his head against the trunk, and passed out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two demons immediately lunged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, in that instant—a flash of lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thunder Breathing. First Form: Thunderclap and Flash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A golden bolt sliced through the air; in the blink of an eye, both demons were decapitated, reduced to ash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zenitsu remained half-unconscious, still holding his sword in drawing position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph… You’re actually pretty strong. And yet you still dare ask for protection? You’re bizarre—you only fight when you’re unconscious…” Zero mentally grumbled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, a small drone captured another scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boar Charge! Boar Charge! Yiya hahaha!” On the projection screen, a boar-headed humanoid…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Probably a human…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Looks like he’s wearing a boar mask.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the footage, the boy wearing the boar mask wielded a pair of swords with jagged edges, resembling two saws.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sprinted forward, constantly shouting, “Boar Charge!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero thought: “Strange. I didn’t see this guy in the lineup. How did he slip into the exam? Did he enter Tengxi Mountain from another route?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately pulled out another pair of [Analytical Goggles], put them on, and scanned the boar-boy’s data.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Analyzing… Analysis complete]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Name: Hashibira Inosuke—Male]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Age: 15]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Mother: Hashibira Kotetsu (Deceased)]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Adoptive Mother: Female Boar]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Status: Demon Slayer Corps Swordsman (Under Examination)]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Breathing Style: Beasts’ Breathing]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Special Abilities: Flexibility, Perception]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Personal Profile: His mother, Hashibira Kotetsu, fled the Wan Shi Joyō Cult to protect young Hashibira Inosuke. With nowhere else to turn, she abandoned him over a cliff, where he drifted away on a river.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[She then committed suicide before a demon! Later, Hashibira Inosuke was miraculously rescued by a female boar, who raised him.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Personal Information: …]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So this kid’s name is Hashibira Inosuke…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t read further details about Hashibira Inosuke—he already guessed the general outline.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wan Shi Joyō Cult…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t expected Hashibira Inosuke’s past to be tied to Kokushibo, nor that he’d endured such hardship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hashibira Kotetsu…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huh…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took a deep breath, calmed himself, and resumed monitoring every examinee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first night’s examination ended, yet the mutated demon’s trail remained undiscovered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zero still trusted his intuition, scrutinizing every screen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second day was the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The third day…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until the fourth night…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After casually dispatching two demons, Tanjiro prepared to move on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, he heard distant screams—and smelled an unbearable stench!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So foul! What is this overwhelming stench?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive green demon, its entire body covered in arms, appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an Arm Demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With every step, trees collapsed, and the ground trembled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Zero had suspected, a mutated demon indeed lurked within Tengxi Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Arm Demon could no longer endure it—he hadn’t tasted human flesh in years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each strange object flying overhead made him wary; he’d seen demons struck by them paralyzed and immobilized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also sensed other Demon Slayer Corps swordsmen hidden in the forest—their aura stronger than the examinees’.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, he could only sneak out to capture fellow demons to satisfy his hunger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, he’d decided to risk it—targeting the examinees directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d also have to avoid the hidden swordsmen lurking in the shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two examinees fled, evading the Arm Demon’s attacks, their bodies bearing wounds from their escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How is this possible?! No one ever said there was a giant aberrant demon here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop talking! Just run! Even if we fail, it doesn’t matter!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tanjiro hid behind a tree trunk, trembling, sweat beading on his grip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the two examinees stumbled and fell, the Arm Demon’s multiple arms converged, shot forward, seized their ankles, and hauled them before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It opened its jaws, ready to devour them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do I do? What should I do? No… I can’t be afraid! I must save them! I’m no longer the weakling I once was!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this thought, Tanjiro spurred himself on, gripping his Nichirin Blade and charging forth!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Water Breathing. Second Form: Water Wheel!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He leapt upward, his Nichirin Blade spinning like a waterwheel, severing two of the Arm Demon’s limbs and rescuing the two swordsmen!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you two alright?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Arm Demon saw Tanjiro’s fox mask and grew ecstatic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Here you are again~ My cute little fox~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero saw the massive green demon on the projection screen—he immediately knew it was the mutated demon he’d suspected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Finally, I found you! You were so cautious! Now you’re showing yourself?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately ordered the drones to switch to high-explosive rounds and fire to rescue the two swordsmen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could fire, he saw Tanjiro had already acted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tanjiro… Fine. Let’s see how this plays out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted to see if Tanjiro could defeat the demon—if danger arose, he’d intervene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if Tanjiro failed the exam, as long as he lived, it was enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then sent his Sound Carrier, Yuki, toward Tanjiro.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The drones hovered above, watching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Little fox, what year is it in the Meiji era?” the Arm Demon asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…It’s the Taishō era now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Taishō era… Aaaah! Damn it! The era name changed again! While I was trapped here, the era changed once more! Rinko! Rinko!! Dammit, Rinko!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the Arm Demon shout Rinko’s surname, Tanjiro frowned: “How do you know Master Rinko?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The enraged Arm Demon’s fury flared hotter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course I know! That bastard trapped me here! I’ll never forget—it was 47 years ago, when Rinko still fought on the front lines… during the Edo period, in the Keiō era…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re lying!” one of the swordsmen behind Tanjiro retorted: “No demon could live this long on this mountain! The longest-lived here are those who’ve eaten only two or three people!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s right!” the other swordsman agreed: “Demons here either get killed by examinees or kill each other—how could you survive so long? Besides, my trainer said the selection process was completely reformed—how could you possibly…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But as you can see, I’ve lived this long! If not for those damn strange things in the sky constantly watching, I could’ve devoured far more of you swordsmen years ago!” Shouki pointed to the small drone overhead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the three looked up—and indeed, a strange object was flying there, surveilling them!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shouki continued: “It’s all because of that damn thing—I haven’t tasted human flesh in years!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, Shouki’s arm reformed and shot toward the drone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the drone dodged skillfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the drone fired a shot at Shouki’s arm, blasting it apart—flesh and blood sprayed everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero heard every word Shouki spoke through the drone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t realized that because of him, this mutated demon had survived for years in Fujikiba Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So cautious—no wonder every patrol sent by high-rank swordsmen never found him!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You little demon brat, you’re lucky indeed! Hehe!” Zero’s voice echoed from the drone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three stared in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s… Zero’s voice! How is he doing this?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The drone descended, hovering before Tanjiro and the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Shouki dared not move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You two—do you choose to continue the test, or leave? If you leave, you’re disqualified. You’ll have to wait for the next examination.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero was speaking, of course, to the two men behind Tanjiro.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I… I choose to leave! It’s a pity, but I don’t want to die!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I—I do too!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both made the same choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine. My kagura crow will lead you out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A white crow flew down from the sky—and, to their astonishment, spoke: “Follow me, this way! This way!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tanjiro, you…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Zero, but I still have questions for him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright. Watch your back!” The drone flew off—but not away; it hid behind a tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Granted permission, Tanjiro turned back to Shouki. “What did you mean by ‘little fox’?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shouki snapped out of his daze and sneered: “Of course—it’s because of the fox mask on your head~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One, two, three… twelve, thirteen… Add you in, that’s the fourteenth! Hahaha…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What does that mean?” Tanjiro asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It means the number of Rokujyo’s disciples I’ve eaten. I swore long ago I’d kill every single one of Rokujyo’s students myself!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But the one who stood out most was that brat with rare flesh-colored hair—he had a scar on his mouth, and he was strong. And there was a little girl in a kimono with flower patterns—weak, short, but incredibly fast!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At once, Tanjiro knew who he meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sabito and Makomo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he’d seen them both in Xiaowu Mountain—why then…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shouki went on: “That fox mask? The carving style is identical to Rokujyo’s Tengu mask. I remember—it’s called the [Disaster-Averting Mask], right? That’s how I recognized Rokujyo’s students—and ate them one by one!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That flesh-colored-haired brat—I crushed his skull. As for the little girl… heheh~ She cried herself to death after hearing my words.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then her speed went wild—I caught her, and tore off her arms and legs… Hahaha!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tanjiro’s rage surged. He remembered Sabito and Makomo—so they were dead…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gripped his Nichirin Blade and charged forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was exactly what Shouki wanted—to provoke Tanjiro, while staying alert for the drone’s return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re too impulsive, Tanjiro…” Zero thought—but did not intervene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was something Tanjiro had to face eventually. Only if his life were in danger would Zero act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shouki counterattacked—dozens of arms erupted from his body to block Tanjiro.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With each swing of his Nichirin Blade, every incoming arm was sliced into pieces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Tanjiro neared Shouki, the demon suddenly lashed out with one hand, striking Tanjiro’s abdomen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tanjiro was flung backward, crashing into a tree trunk—unconscious, his head wounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fox mask slung across his head shattered into fragments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn!” Seeing the danger, Zero prepared to fire the drone to save Tanjiro.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before he could fire, Tanjiro woke instantly—raised his blade, and charged again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his unconsciousness, he’d heard his father calling his name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(In this novel, Tanjiro’s family is alive, so I changed this to avoid being called a trash writer who hasn’t read the manga.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how Tanjiro slashed, Shouki’s arms regenerated—new limbs sprouted endlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Tanjiro smelled a strange odor rising from beneath the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He leapt upward, leaving the earth behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The instant he left the ground, dozens of arms burst from the earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shouki hadn’t expected this little fox to notice his hidden arms buried underground—and jump so high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Too bad I didn’t kill you outright—but now that you’re in midair, you can’t escape this blow!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More arms fused into one thick limb, lunging at Tanjiro in midair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought this would easily kill him—but Tanjiro smashed the limb aside with his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Using momentum, he rolled once and landed on the limb, then slashed forward—his target: Shouki’s neck!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Full Concentration: Water Breathing…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Shouki began to panic—how could his forehead be so hard? His arm had been shattered by a headbutt!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s fine! Even if he dodges, he can’t cut my neck! My neck has multiple protections—it won’t be severed so easily! That damn brat couldn’t cut it either!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CLANG!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tanjiro smelled the [Thread of Flaw].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There it is—the Thread of Flaw!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First Form: Water Surface Slash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>SPLASH!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flat slash swept across—Shouki’s neck severed like fragile paper, head and body split apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>THUD!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shouki’s head hit the ground. He stared at his own body dissolving slowly—his eyes filled with resentment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just before his neck was cut, he’d seen Rokujyo Sajuro’s figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn! Damn it! Rokujyo!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m dying! My body is vanishing—I can’t stop it! I never imagined my last sight would be a Demon Slayer’s face… I can’t accept it! I can’t!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He expected Tanjiro to look down at him with contempt, as if he were trash…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it wasn’t so. Tanjiro looked at Shouki’s head—with pity and compassion in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why… is his gaze so…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that moment, a memory surfaced in Shouki’s mind—he was a child, still ungrown, crying in a dark corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wished his brother would hold his hand again, like before…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He regretted—why had he bitten his brother to death?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when he became a demon again, he forgot who his brother was…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A wave of sorrow spread. Tanjiro stepped to Shouki’s still-dissolving body, seized one of his hands, and prayed: “God, let him be reborn as a human next life—never again as a demon…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling the warmth from Tanjiro’s hand, Shouki wept—his body and head vanished completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In darkness, a little boy saw a beam of light ahead, guiding him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He ran toward it, shouting: “Brother, wait for me! Hurry! Hold my hand! Don’t leave me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still so timid? I give up. Here—take my hand. Let’s go home together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Shouki gone, Tanjiro felt an unnameable sorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sabito, Makomo, and all the dead children—you can rest now…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Return to your beloved Master Rokujyo…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he turned and walked on, continuing the test.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of it, Zero saw through the drone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tanjiro, you’ve worked so hard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tanjiro was still Tanjiro—still kind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his kindness was never indiscriminate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When slaying demons, he showed no mercy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had taken that first small step—perhaps ten thousand more lay ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least now, he had proven himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the [Nano-Space], he took out a notebook and pen, and wrote a personal letter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After writing, he folded it and tied it to Kagura Crow Snow’s leg, entrusting it to deliver to Ubuyashiki Yaozai .\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Snow, thank you for this trip—deliver this letter to the Lord.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The evaluation continues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This year’s evaluation is relatively good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fewer than five candidates have been eliminated these past few days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Zenitsu, who always feared he’d die, has slain several demons—though he did so while unconscious…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the blink of an eye, it is already the seventh day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morning sunlight bathed the entire Tenguri Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marking the end of this year’s Tenguri Mountain evaluation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of the twenty swordsmen who participated, twelve have passed; only the newcomers and a few veterans failed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero looked at the swordsmen in the center and noticed one was missing—Kibutsuji Inosuke was not here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought for a moment—it must be that he left early.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though somewhat regretful, it no longer mattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clapped his hands to signal silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yoriichi \u002F Hiori: “Welcome back, all of you. First, congratulations—you are now official Demon Slayers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And then? What’s next? Where are our swords?” A boy with a rooster crest at the edge of the circle interrupted the siblings’ speech.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yoriichi and Hiori did not pause; they continued explaining the next steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rooster-crest boy clearly grew impatient, repeatedly asking, “Where are the swords?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Yoriichi clapped again, and a dozen Kegai crows flew down from the sky, each choosing its master and landing on their shoulders or arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zenitsu was speechless—his was a sparrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You call this a crow? This is clearly a sparrow!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd stifled laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Zero nearly couldn’t hold back, covering his face with a faint smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some swordsmen, seeing Zero smile, thought it was beautiful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They instinctively lowered their heads, afraid to look further—fearing they might go gay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the hell! I don’t care about crows! Give me my sword! The Demon Slayer sword! The one that changes color!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rooster-crest boy swatted away his Kegai crow and stormed toward Yoriichi, fist raised to strike her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tanjiro moved to intervene—but Zero moved faster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A gunshot rang out; every swordsman and Kegai crow jumped in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero had fired at the ground beneath the rooster-crest boy’s feet, halting him in his tracks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped before Yoriichi, knelt, and gently stroked her cheek. “Sorry—I didn’t scare you, did I?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yoriichi shook her head, signaling it was fine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet a faint blush crept across her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rose and turned to the rooster-crest boy. “What’s your name?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who cares what my name is! Give me my sword—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I won’t repeat myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This shot grazed the boy’s ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pain made him dare not speak out again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mitsuri Kanroji.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mitsuri Kanroji? Who is Mitsuri Shinobu to you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s my older brother!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh… just like your brother’s foul temper! If you do it again, I’ll revoke your status as a Demon Slayer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“On what grounds?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“On what grounds? Hmph… because I’m the Tenguri Mountain examiner!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mitsuri Kanroji still wore his fearless expression. “So what if you’re the examiner?! You have no right to revoke it!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh~ No right? Heh… Hahaha!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero laughed—dark, wild, unhinged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you mean ‘no right’? How about this—I killed two Lower Moons before even joining the Demon Slayer Corps. Is that enough?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If that’s not enough, how about this—I became a Pillar after joining, then killed Upper Moon Five. Is that enough?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If that still isn’t enough…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Klong!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero drew his Sun Blade Scythe from empty air, slammed it into the ground beside him, and continued: “Then how about this—I encountered Kibutsuji Muzan and drove him back. Is that enough?!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How about this—I stood alone against Upper Moon One with this Sun Blade Scythe and held my ground. Is that enough?!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How about this—I infiltrated Kibutsuji Muzan’s stronghold twice, alone, and fought the Demon King and all the Upper Moons. Is that enough?!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mitsuri Kanroji’s mind exploded like a thunderclap—he staggered back and collapsed to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had heard rumors of a Demon Slayer who slew Upper Moons and more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, he admired them deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he’d only heard the name—he’d never seen the man. Even other Pillars rarely laid eyes on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every swordsman present was stunned—could any human truly accomplish these feats?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief shock, Mitsuri Kanroji rose from the ground, stepped before Zero, and bowed deeply. “I… I’m sorry. I’ll be careful next time. Please forgive me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You should apologize to her—not me.” Zero pointed to Yoriichi beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yoriichi nodded, indicating it was fine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Remember—no next time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Pillar Lord.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mitsuri Kanroji’s attitude toward Zero had completely changed—from defiance to reverence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He admired strength above all—and he’d also heard that the Pillar who slew Upper Moons never learned any Breathing Style.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hoped, if given the chance, he could ask for guidance—to learn how to grow stronger, to prove himself to his brother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking Yoriichi’s small hand, he returned to his original position, lifted the red cloth from the table, and said: “Now, choose the Gyukou you wish.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gyukou is the material used to forge Sun Blade Swords. Choose yours, and the swordsmith will forge your blade. Wait fifteen days—then the swordsmith will deliver it personally.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking, he took Hikari and Kiyotaka aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The swordsmen lined up in order and selected their Gyukou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How do I even choose?” Tanjiro stared at the Gyukou on the table, torn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, his nose caught a faint scent. Following it, he picked one piece of Gyukou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once everyone had chosen, they returned to their trainers and waited quietly for fifteen days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Kanao Tsuyuri was stopped by Zero alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kanao, stay behind. I’ll escort you home later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kanao said nothing—only nodded, acknowledging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master, Lord Yoriichi’s reply has arrived—you haven’t read it yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Kegai crow Snow landed on Zero’s shoulder, reminding him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero remembered—he’d sent a letter to Yoriichi several days ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t yet read Yoriichi’s reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quickly unsealed the letter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Zero, do as you wish.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just those few words revealed Yoriichi’s complete trust in him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero’s letter to Yoriichi had been equally brief:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【A mutated demon, hidden for decades, has appeared on Tenguri Mountain—now eliminated. After the final selection, purge all demons from Tenguri Mountain to prevent new mutations. Afterwards, assign high-rank swordsmen or Pillars to capture new low-level demons and bring them to Tenguri Mountain.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to the high-rank swordsmen behind him and gave the order: “Purge every demon from the mountain!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes!” x10\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Zero released all his small drones, picked up his Sun Blade Scythe, and joined the demon-purge operation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Kanao Tsuyuri remained with the Yoriichi siblings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving no corner of the mountain unchecked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【These past few days, my sisters forced me into cross-dressing, nearly drove me insane, left me mentally drained—no inspiration. I’ll update only this much for now.】\u003C\u002Fp>",4765,"2026-06-20T21:22:22.338Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","0c74c6ea8e8ebfa3ce7c8ece9c5873cc6b6b24d683fc8bd3e33a59ad670e518e","this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--chapter-62","this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--chapter-60",128,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthis-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--cover.jpg"]