Rewriting Destiny [Demon Slayer x OC]

Ch 2 : Training with the Sound Hashira

[Rika's POV]

I waited anxiously after expressing my desire to meet Tengen-sama. Suma, Makio, and Hinatsuru exchanged curious glances, clearly intrigued by my request. A few moments later, I heard footsteps approaching the room.

The door slid open, revealing Tengen Uzui, the Sound Hashira. His presence was commanding, and his vibrant, flamboyant appearance was even more striking in person.

It's really him... TENGEN UZUI!!

"So, you're the girl who wants to become a Demon Slayer?" Tengen asked, his voice deep and resonant.

I nodded, trying to steady my nerves. "Yes, Tengen-sama. I want to be your apprentice."

Tengen raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "You have a lot of guts to ask that right off the bat. What makes you think you have what it takes?"

I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. "I know it's a bold request, but I'm determined. I've always admired the Demon Slayers, and I want to protect people from demons. I'm willing to do whatever it takes."

Tengen thought to himself: It may not be that bad to have another Demon Slayer who knows Sound Breathing.

He studied me for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, but becoming a Demon Slayer isn't easy. You'll need to undergo rigorous training and prove your worth. And I am not going easy on you just because you're a girl. You wanted this. Are you prepared for that?"

"I am," I said firmly. "I'm ready to face any challenge."

He smiled, clearly impressed by my determination. "Very well. We'll start with some basic training to see where you stand. If you can handle it, we'll move on to more advanced techniques."

Tengen turned to his wives. "Hinatsuru, Makio, Suma, prepare a training area for Rika. We'll begin immediately."

The three women nodded and quickly left the room to make preparations.

"Follow me," Tengen instructed, leading me out of the room and into the courtyard. The air was fresh and crisp, a stark contrast to the stuffy confines of my room back home.

As we reached the training area, Tengen turned to face me. "First, show me what you've got. Attack me with everything you have."

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to proceed. But then I remembered why I was here. I needed to prove myself. Summoning all my courage, I lunged at Tengen, attempting to strike him.

Fortunately, in the other world, I did five years of Kendo, and obviously, I started it because of Demon Slayer.

Tengen effortlessly dodged my attack, his movements fluid and precise. "Not bad, but you'll need to be much faster and stronger than that. Again!"

We continued training for what felt like hours. Each time I attacked, Tengen would counter with ease, pointing out my weaknesses and guiding me on how to improve. His critiques were harsh but fair, and I could feel myself gradually getting better.

"Your stance is too wide," Tengen said, knocking me off balance with a swift kick. "You need to stay grounded but flexible."

I got up, my muscles aching, but I was determined to keep going. I adjusted my stance and tried again, launching a series of strikes.

"Better," Tengen acknowledged, blocking my attacks with ease. "But you're still too slow."

We continued this way until the sun began to set. By the end, I was drenched in sweat and barely able to stand.

"You've got potential, Rika. But you have a long way to go. Tomorrow, we'll start with endurance training."

I nodded, exhausted but exhilarated. "Thank you, Tengen-sama. I won't let you down."

Tengen gave me a nod of approval before turning to leave. "Rest well, Rika. You'll need your strength for what's to come."

The next morning, I was woken up early by Hinatsuru. "Time to get up, Rika. Training starts at dawn."

I groaned, every muscle in my body protesting. But I forced myself out of bed and followed her to the training grounds.

Tengen was already there, waiting for me. "Today, we're going to test your endurance. You need to be able to fight for long periods without tiring."

He led me to a forested area with steep hills and rough terrain. "Your task is simple," Tengen explained. "Run through this forest and return here. Do not stop, no matter what."

I nodded, taking a deep breath. "Understood."

"Go!" he commanded.

I took off running, my feet pounding against the uneven ground. The forest was dense, with branches and roots threatening to trip me at every turn. I pushed myself to keep going, my breaths coming in ragged gasps.

Time seemed to stretch on forever. I lost track of how long I'd been running, but I refused to stop. My legs burned, and my lungs felt like they were on fire. Just when I thought I couldn't take another step, I burst out of the forest and stumbled back into the clearing where Tengen was waiting.

"Well done," Tengen said, his expression unreadable. "But this is only the beginning. We'll continue to push your limits until you're ready."

Over the next few months, my training intensified. Tengen put me through grueling physical exercises, combat drills, and survival training. He advised me to use two long knives for Sound Breathing, so I practiced with them too. There were times when I felt like giving up, but I reminded myself why I was doing this. I had to become stronger. I had to change the fate of the Hashiras.

One day, after a particularly brutal training session, Tengen called me over. "You've made significant progress, Rika. But there's one more thing I need to teach you."

I looked at him, curiosity piqued. "What is it?"

"Breathing techniques," he said. "They are the core of a Demon Slayer's power. Without mastering these, you'll never reach your full potential."

He demonstrated the techniques, guiding me through the precise control of breath needed to enhance strength and agility. It was incredibly difficult, requiring intense focus and discipline.

For a year and a half, I practiced relentlessly, trying to perfect my breathing. It was frustrating at first, but gradually, I began to feel a difference. My movements became faster, my strikes more powerful.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Tengen nodded in approval. "You're ready. Good work, Rika," he said, caressing my head.

I couldn't believe it. I had come so far in such a short time, but I knew this was only the beginning.

"Thank you, Tengen-sama!" I said, my voice filled with gratitude, and hugged him. In these past two years, Tengen and his wives had become like older siblings to me.

[When you entered the Demon Slayer universe, you were 15, and now you're 17.]

"Don't thank me yet," he replied with a grin. "The real test is still ahead. Tomorrow, you'll begin your final test."

"Tengen-sama! Rika-chan! Dinner is ready," we could hear Suma yelling, so we both went inside.

———————-

As I lay in bed that night, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. My mind was full of thoughts. Will I encounter the others there as well? The journey ahead was uncertain, but I was determined to face it head-on.