The Demon's Apprentice || Rewrite

Human or inhuman

Kokushibo feeling fondness over Tanjirou wasn't something Kokushibo would've... wanted to happen.

He's a demon, Upper Moon 1 at that, such... human things like feeling fond of someone isn't something he should feel. If anything, Kokushibo should feel cold approval over Tanjirou's achievents, not anything else.

Call it being a demon for the last four centuries or so, or call it being possibly starved of affection most of his childhood, but Kokushibo is unsure of how to feel. He doesn't fully understand why he feels the way he does. Adding to his confusion, he didn't feel the same way towards his own children, he doesn't even remember their names at this point.

So why does he feel a strange mix of protectiveness and a sense of responsibility whenever Tanjirou is involved?

These emotions were uncomfortably foreign to Kokushibo, and like with everything he doesn't want to feel or acknowledge, he shoved it all into the back of his mind and pretended it didn't exist. He has done it before, and he'll do it again if it starts distracting him. It was easier to act like they didn't exist rather than accepting them.

After a moment of contemplation, Kokushibo decided it was time to continue Tanjirou's lesson. He pushed past his feelings and returned his focus to the task at hand.

"Let's continue... with the lesson." Kokushibo announced, his voice calm and hiding the bothersome thoughts. "I'll teach you... something different. We won't... be focusing... on sword techniques. Instead, I have... something else in mind."

Tanjirou perked up, shaking off whatever thoughts had plagued his own head in the moment, and nodded; always so eager to learn more. It was always rather entertaining to see the boy's enthusiasm and thrist for knowledge.

Over the past month or so, Kokushibo had focused the training on techniques alone, due to their complex nature. Kokushibo didn't need to start with the basics, Tanjirou clearly has a quite good grasp on them. And Tanjirou's eager demeanor towards training helped him learn the difficult techniques through trial and error.

"I think... it's time we... focus on your... speed and agility." Kokushibo said. "They'll help... enhance your... sword techniques. You shouldn't... rely on... strenght alone."

Tanjirou nodded again, listening intently for more instructions. Kokushibo has mentioned before, and he'll say it again, it is very difficult to find anyone so happy to learn more, espechially amongst demons. Some idiots could take a note or two from Tanjirou, in Kokushibo's opinion.

"You are aware... of Breathing Techinques?" Kokushibo began.

Tanjirou nodded. "The same ones Demon Slayers use?"

"Yes." Kokushibo nodded in confirmation. "While demons... are unable to use... Breathing Techniques the... same way Demons Slayers... do, it's possible... to modify the techniques... into a Blood Demon Art."

Tanjirou tilted his head briefly. "Like yours?"

"Indeed, my Blood Demon Art... is technically... a Breathing Technique." Kokushibo nodded again.

Kokushibo began to explain and demonstrate the modified Breathing Technique he uses to increase speed and agility. He was patient and thorough in his instructions, making sure that Tanjirou understood.

And Tanjirou? He listened like toddler being told how the world around them worked; with wide and firm eyes, absorbing each bit of information eagerly. Sometimes he'd ask a question or two.

Kokushibo watched Tanjirou's attempts closely, observing each movement and providing feedback and guidance whenever necessary.

And as the lesson went on, Kokushibo noticed feeling a sense of satisfaction as he watched Tanjirou improve. With each mistake and correction, Tanjirou's technique improved, and it was almost fascinating to watch.