Strength Reborn

Tanjiro's POV

It was incredible to see Giyu now-completely transformed. Not only could he walk and fight again, but he was speaking more clearly, and interacting with everyone in a way that felt... normal. He wasn't the quiet, distant Giyu we had known for so long. He talked more, sometimes even copying Rengoku's boisterous enthusiasm, which made everyone laugh.

One day, Rengoku shouted during training, "SET YOUR HEART ABLAZE!" and to everyone's surprise, Giyu echoed him, his voice just as strong and lively, grinning as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

He trained harder than ever, pushing himself to new limits. And it wasn't long before he was doing things that seemed impossible. One afternoon, we were all gathered at the training grounds when Giyu decided to challenge himself to something... absurd.

He started doing push-ups-with Gyomei on his back. The sight was unbelievable. Giyu, with that calm smile on his face, pushing up and down effortlessly while Gyomei, massive as he was, balanced on his back with perfect stillness.

Shinobu's POV

I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Giyu had become almost superhuman, pushing himself to the point where his body was nearly unrecognizable from the frail figure he had been when this all started. He had gained so much strength, but he was overdoing it, and I knew it.

"Giyu, you need rest," I said, stepping forward, concern clear in my voice. "You're pushing yourself too hard."

He just smiled at me, his usual calm and composed self, completely unfazed by the effort he was putting into his training.

I knew I had to intervene. So, without another word, I attempted to poke his pressure points to force him to rest. Normally, that would have been enough to bring down anyone, but Giyu was like a wall now. His muscles were so firm, it was as if my technique had no effect on him.

He looked down at me, laughing softly. "Alright, alright... I'll rest."

Before I could say anything else, Giyu did something that left me-and everyone else-completely stunned. He took my hand and kissed the back of it, right there, in front of all the other Hashira.

Rengoku's POV

I almost choked on my own breath when I saw Giyu kiss Shinobu's hand. It was so out of character, but at the same time, it wasn't. Giyu had changed a lot recently, becoming more expressive, more open-and, apparently, more daring.

The rest of us stood there, jaws dropping, while Giyu just smiled that calm smile of his, like nothing unusual had happened.

"Well then!" I burst out, breaking the stunned silence. "Look at you, Giyu! Full of surprises!"

Giyu chuckled, gave us a slight nod, and turned to leave the training grounds.

Tengen's POV

Giyu had definitely leveled up in more ways than one. Not only was he stronger than ever, but he was showing more personality and confidence. That kiss on Shinobu's hand? Bold. And seeing her face afterward was priceless. The unflappable Shinobu, flustered? Who would have thought?

After Giyu left, everyone was still processing what had just happened. I laughed and slapped Rengoku on the back. "Looks like Giyu's not just getting stronger in body, huh?"

Rengoku grinned. "No, he's certainly not."

Shinobu's POV

I stood there, utterly shocked, as Giyu disappeared into the distance. My face was warm, and I knew the others were looking at me, but I couldn't find the words to respond. The kiss on my hand had caught me so off guard-it wasn't like Giyu at all, but then again, maybe it was the new Giyu.

Clearing my throat, I turned to the others, doing my best to regain composure. "Well... I guess he's finally learned to relax."

"Or maybe you helped him learn," Tengen teased, winking.

I shot him a sharp look but smiled despite myself. Maybe Giyu's newfound confidence wasn't such a bad thing after all.

Tanjiro's POV

Later, I checked on Giyu to make sure he was really resting. When I peeked into his room, I found him sprawled across his bed, completely passed out, the exhaustion from all the training finally catching up to him. His breathing was slow and steady, a peaceful look on his face.

He was stronger now, in every way. But what made me happiest was that he was truly back-not just as a fighter, but as a friend.