The Legend of the Sun Pillar

Chapter 03 - 1st Season

Many eyes were on Tanjiro now that it had been revealed by Yoriichi himself that he was the newest disciple. Yoriichi's voice had been loud enough for those who were a little farther away to also hear what had been said.

Tanjiro soon noticed that other Pillars were approaching, and it didn't take long for all the "current" Pillars to gather nearby.

— New disciple of Master Yoriichi, isn't it? You must have great talent for him to have taken you in, kid. I can tell just by looking at you... that you're very strong. - The one who held the position of the Stone Pillar approached and briefly bowed, a firm smile on his face. — I am Kenta Yamazaki, and I hold the position of the Stone Pillar.

After Kenta introduced himself, it was the turn of a slightly younger-looking man to approach - his hair was white, but his expression was serious and somewhat stern.

— I am Ishida Yamamoto, the Wind Pillar. - He introduced himself briefly and then stepped back to join the other Pillars, making space for the last one to introduce himself.

— And I am Hiroki Suzuki, the Thunder Pillar! - Said a man with black hair like the night, but eyes as yellow as thunder.

In total, there were only six Pillars including Yoriichi. A common person would say that this group lacked combat strength compared to the future Pillars - but Tanjiro could tell just by looking: the Pillars in front of him were much more powerful than the future Pillars. They all bore the Demon Slayer Mark (a weaker version of Yoriichi's mark), and only one or two did not possess a crimson red blade.

In his eyes, the first generation of breath users was undoubtedly the most powerful of all, and the greatest proof of this was the fact that Yoriichi had been the teacher for all of them.

— I am Tanaka, it's a pleasure to meet all of you. - Tanjiro replied cordially, bowing to everyone there and surprising the Pillars with such a polite and friendly attitude.

Yoriichi exchanged a few words with the other Pillars before taking Tanjiro to the headquarters to get a practice katana and a uniform suitable for exercises - which was actually just loose shorts, snug at the waist to prevent them from falling but light enough not to hinder leg movements.

Yoriichi led Tanjiro to the training field and tossed a bamboo-made katana to him. It was firm and powerful, but it had no edge and certainly didn't weigh as much as a real Nichirin blade. When Tanjiro held the practice katana, he felt as if he were holding something ridiculously light - partly because of his Hunter's Mark, which had evolved further than before.

The other part was due to his enhanced muscles and larger legs. Since his return, Tanjiro had grown ten to twenty centimeters taller - and his hair had also grown longer, only thirty centimeters shorter than Yoriichi's hair.

— What's wrong, Tanaka? Is there something off with the katana? - The Pillar asked, looking at Tanjiro with a curious expression.

— Nothing wrong, I just found it a bit light... If I apply too much force, could I end up breaking it? - Tanjiro tried to explain, unaware that this was actually as remarkable as Yoriichi's innate talent.

However, Yoriichi didn't pay much attention to it. Wielding a sword exactly the same size and weight as Tanjiro's, the Pillar assumed a battle stance. This scene reminded Tanjiro of when he trained fighting Sabito's spirit, evoking a deep feeling of longing and nostalgia within him.

— Let's go! - Yoriichi left no room for Tanjiro to think and advanced at high speed.