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Chapter 11 - Chapter 11: Rengoku

As Akio steadily approached Rengoku, he was contemplating why he had found him here. Generally, hashiras are only sent out against very strong demons or were simply roaming around and had their crow detect demons for them. This was evident when Giyu, another hashira, had found Tanjiro at the start of the anime. 

Akio was sure that if they knew that Muzan had been the perpetrator for Tanjiro's family being killed, more hashiras would have been sent out.

Akio was quite knowledgeable on Demon Slayer, as it was one of the few mangas he had actually read, which had been one of the main reasons he had selected this as his first world. He had wanted to improve himself in this world by learning their breathing techniques and also learning how to properly fight.

With a system like the one Akio has, there will be many worlds that are very dangerous and, if he ever chooses [World Integration], techniques like the ones he's going to learn are essential.

"In the demon slayer manga, Mitsuri develops her own unique breathing technique–Love Breathing– by using flame breathing as a foundation." Akio contemplated. 

Akio was also sure that Rengoku had been Mitsuri's teacher before she had become a hashira.

"I'm currently at around the beginning of the story, and essentially, Mitsuri becomes a hashira in less than two years due to her constitution. This would mean she would start her training at around the same time as Tanjiro. However, she completes her training and final selection much sooner before eventually defeating a lower moon and obtaining the rank of hashira." Akio analysed.

"Mitsuri found her place in the Demon Slayer Corps when Ubuyashiki valued her strength: saying it was a blessing and you should take pride in it. Something along those lines. Maybe Rengoku had discovered her constitution and told Ubuyashiki, before she had been invited?" Akio pondered.

"Well, I'm certain I found a way to become a demon slayer now. Rengoku is quite blunt and someone that goes straight to the point, so I'm sure I can convince him to atleast guide me to a trainer so I can start my training as a demon slayer!" 

[Host has met Kyojuro Rengoku: Received 1 attribute point]

"Nice!" Akio spoke internally.

After Akio had walked at a good enough distance where a conversation can take place, Rengoku spoke, "Good morning! I'm searching for a demon. You haven't seen one have you?"

Akio was rather speechless. He knew that Rengoku was very blunt, but seeing it in person is quite shocking.

It also looked liked his crow, that was on his shoulder, had also been quite shocked when it shouted, "CawCaw! Lord Kyojuro, you're being far too blunt!"

Rengoku ignored his crow. "Is there something you can tell me?" Rengoku asked once again to Akio.

Akio was thinking deeply, "Should I tell him I killed the demon? If I do, would he believe me? Hmm... I think the best decision is to tell him I killed the demon. The Demon Slayer Corps values strength, so, it would be much easier to become a demon slayer this way. I can simply say that I had manage to kill the demon by using wisteria and the sun."

Akio decided to get straight to the point, With a nod, he replied, "Yes, I had found a demon in that house eating someone..."

Akio said whilst pointing to the house with a hole in it.

"I see, and what happened?" Rengoku replied.

Rengoku's expression was unchanging, which made it so Akio had no idea what he was thinking.

After contemplating a little, Akio responded, "The demon tried to kill me. I thought I would die... however I had somehow managed to poison it with wisteria I had recently collected... That saved my life as it had paralysed him, which led to him being disintegrated when the sun appeared!" Akio told the full story, whilst omitting some information.

Akio was hoping Rengoku wouldn't ask why he was wandering around past midnight, because frankly, he didn't have a good excuse.

A tense silence hung in the air as both Rengoku and Akio stood.

After what seemed like an eternity, Rengoku finally spoke, "Hahah! Excellent! You managed to slay a demon by your self!" Rengoku shouted, the atmosphere swiftly changing.

"Phew... It looks like he believed me." Akio thought.

After Akio's response, Rengoku turned to the damaged house and walked inside.

Akio was slightly confused, however he quickly realised what Rengoku wanted to do.

It seems Rengoku wanted to give the family–that had died to the demon– a burial.

Most demon slayers have a very high sense of justice. Someone like Rengoku perfectly embodies this. Akio would describe him as a very dependable person: he sees the weak as something that must be protected, using his strength to help those in need. He and Tanjiro would be the 'model' demon slayers. Personally, Akio's belief is quite self-centred: only valuing himself and the people he's close to. Though, he does respect people like Rengoku.

Akio decided to help Rengoku bury the bodies... or severed limbs. 

...

...

...

The morning sun shone brightly upon two individuals knelt down, praying. 

After a moment of serene silence, Rengoku opened his eyes and uttered, "The demons won't be out during the sun! So I will have to wait till it's night time before I search for them!" He spoke before standing up.

Akio also stood up.

Akio decided to feign ignorance. "Demons... they exist?" Akio asked.

"Yes!" Rengoku responded.

"He's really concise..." Akio contemplated, before asking another question, "You said you'll search for them... Will you be alright? They seem quite dangerous."

"Haha! Worry not! It's the duty of a hashira to protect the lives of the innocent and slay demons!" Rengoku replied, his fiery aura showing his courage and spirit!

"What's a hashira?" Akio asked, pretending to be confused.

Rengoku simply responded in his usual honesty, "It is a title given to a demon slayer after achieving enough merits!"

"A demon slayer? Are there more people like you Mr...?" Akio asked.

"Yes, there are other demon slayers in the Demon Slayer Corps. You can also address me as Rengoku!"

Akio thought, "It's really easy talking to Rengoku despite how straight to the point he is. He simply just gives a clear answer. Well, I'll ask the big question now." 

"Ah, I see. Please also call me Komiya! Well, Mr Rengoku... Do you think I have a chance at becoming a demon slayer aswell?" Akio asked.

"Certainly! With enough hard work and dedication, becoming a demon slayer is definitely achievable!" Rengoku replied with optimism.

"You had managed to defeat a demon without any former training young Komiya, you certainly have the potential!"

Akio just smiled wryly. "I would have been utterly destroyed if it wasn't for Sukuna's abilities... Well, a wins a win. Though, I would feel better about myself if I can actually fight if my life depended on it." Akio thought.

Somehow Rengoku seemed to notice a hint of doubt on Akio's face, "Have confidence! I don't know many people that can do as well as you did when fighting their first demon. After my mission, come to me! I'll train you!" Rengoku shouted with his usual fiery spirit.

"Damn, I didn't think it'll be that easy. No questions asked. I wonder why he even believed me, much less train me himself!" Akio pondered.

"Really?" Akio questioned, just to make sure.

"Yes!" Rengoku confirmed. "You should also get the wound on your neck checked. It's nothing serious! However, it might lead to an infection!" Rengoku spoke.

"Oh, I forgot to heal it with Reverse Cursed Technique..." Akio thought.

Akio simply just gave a nod.

After Akio and Rengoku arranged where to meet once Rengoku finished his mission, Akio left and headed back to his village. He didn't think he'd meet a hashira so soon, much less two of them in less than a week! But, he'd soon start his training arc! After he learns everything, Akio was just going to kill Muzan, get rewards and go to a different world.

Hopefully, Akio can find a way to take his women along with him. It'd be annoying if he creates relationships with all these people, just to leave it all behind to go to a different world. 

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