A Cook, A Doctor, A Ghost and A Ronin.

Day 5

Day 5

It's been five days. Tanjiro is improving significantly. Zoro had took notice of that. That's why he also cranked up the difficulty of the doll. Making it more stronger and faster. So even though Tanjiro is improving very well, he's also getting thrown often by the doll to the air.

Tanjiro could see the moves from the doll very well. After five days straight training with the doll, Tanjiro had known most of the moves initiated by the doll. Although it's a pain for him to counter it. The main reason of course because he's short handed  compared to the doll.

The doll had quite the reaction time too. It always managed to deflect or block itself from getting hit. Until now, Tanjiro never got a hit in. Every time he almost got  it, the doll would counter it back. It's getting harder since Tanjiro had never expected that the doll is also built to do a feint.

The training with Zoro is a bit different than Law. Both is quite the same since it's a hellish training. Although Zoro's training is heavily focused on building stamina rather than physical training. When asked, Zoro just said, "Don't ask me questions!"

Each time they were about to start practice, Zoro would ask him to do some laps around the forest. 15 laps every single day before practice and after practice. Zoro always make sure he did 15 laps. 

Kotetsu in other hand, well that's a different story. After being pummeled by Zoro and tied up, he constantly cursed and insulted the Ronin. But he became obedient as soon as Zoro threatened to clobber him into submission.

Right now, he's always be used by Zoro as an errand boy. Mainly being picked on by Zoro to bring some food and other things. Basically, he became a coolie. At first, he used to complain about it. But couple more beatings and Zoro said that he's good to go.

When Zoro feels like it, he would ask Tanjiro to spar with him. Zoro promised that he would use a wooden sword instead and to hold back. It's an understatement if he said he got his ass handed. He got beaten worse than what Law did to him. Zoro had no remorse.

Lunch break always comes when the sun is nigh. They usually eat onigiri and some tea to top it all off. Zoro always brings out large portions for Tanjiro too. He said that Tanjiro needed it more to bulk up. Even if Tanjiro didn't want to cause he's full, Zoro will shove it down his throat no matter what.

In the evening, he would ask me to rest. Simply take a nap for a couple hours. Then, he would wake me up by pouring a bucket of water on my face every time. We continue our training in the night. After the clock hits 4 am, he would told me to rest.

 Afterward, he would wake Tanjiro up at 8 am and force him to train yet again. This time, he would make Tanjiro do some sit-ups, pushups, burpees and squats. As much as he could for two hours.

Then, they would have breakfast at 10 am and continue their training. The cycle had has been continuing for the last four days. Tanjiro need to admit. Zoro's way of training is tiring. But he could see the fruits of his training.

I could see attacks clearly now! Where the doll is aiming towards me with the swords! I would definitely beat this doll! He thought to himself while fighting against the doll. Both them are in a stalemate.

My neck, right chest, the left side of my torso, my right thigh, right shoulder, the left side of my head.... He observed all of the swords and guess it's movement. He could see is crystal clear.

*Fwoosh!*

Here it comes!! The doll swings the sword right to the left side of Tanjiro's head. He took a sidestep and avoid the the sword slash just in time. The sword grazed him.

Now! It's my turn!! Tanjiro duck and swings his sword from downwards to upwards in a single motion, finally getting a hit after five days of training like hell.

*Shing!*

The doll's robe is cut, revealing its wooden torso. It stopped its movement dead on track as the arms and the swords froze in the air. Kotetsu had modify it to stop for 10 seconds when it was hit by something. It proves that Tanjiro does get a hit in.

Tanjiro had awakened with his newfound ability to predict and see the movements. Like a quick reflex. After all this time, he had found and get the grasp of it. Although his reflexes are slower than those of a Hashira, but this gave him an advantage over movement speed. Huh, impressive. The kid finally get it. Observation...Haki.

 *Whirr*

The ten second delay had finished. The doll started moving again. It lunged towards Tanjiro and released flurry of attacks. 

*King!* 

*Fwoosh!*

*Slash!*

*Keng!*

I know your moves! I know much more than before! I still have my strength and stamina so I can keep up! Tanjiro is doing well against the doll. This time, Tanjiro is looking for a one clean hit. The doll swings all of it's swords in circular motion.

*Swish!*

Tanjiro jumped in the air, evading the attacks.

Yes! I can land a full strength blow! As Tanjiro was about to do that. A reason crossed his mind. If he break the doll, there's nothing could guarantee that it won't break! Tanjiro's in dilemma of what to do.

"Swing! It's okay if it breaks! I can fix it!" Kotetsu shouted. Tanjiro, You're too kind, you mustn't hesitate right now. Because you're like that, I don't want you to die either. I want you to get stronger than anyone.

Tanjiro landed a clean strike on the doll's neck. He then fall flat on his face. He had succeeded. Zoro smiled. 

"Are you all right?!" Kotetsu rushed towards Tanjiro to check whether he's okay or not.

"Ow...The sword I borrowed broke! Sorry!" Tanjiro apologized for breaking the sword he borrowed from Kotetsu.

*Krak!*

"Huh?! Tanjiro, look at that." But at the same time, The doll's face cracked.

A sword was hidden inside the doll all along.