Ghost Kill Team
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> "The Demon Slayer Corps has existed for centuries. Though never officially recognized by the government, it continues to operate in secret, hunting demons."
> "As for its supreme commander, his identity remains a mystery to most members."
> "Demons feed on humans. After killing, they consume their victims. Their origin remains unclear, though they were once human."
> "There are many types of demons, each possessing unique abilities. Most have remarkable regenerative powers and superhuman strength."
> "Some can alter their forms or develop blood demon arts. Killing them is nearly impossible unless exposed to direct sunlight or struck with a Nichirin Blade."
> "Demon Slayers, however, are regular humans. Their wounds don't heal rapidly, and they can't regrow limbs. Still, they battle demons to protect humanity."
> "I am Sakonji Urokodaki, a cultivator responsible for training future swordsmen. Once your training is complete, I'll send you to Mount Fujikasane."
> "Only by surviving the Final Selection on Fujikasane can you officially become a Demon Slayer."
> "The choice to participate is yours."
When Urokodaki finished speaking, he looked silently at Uchiha Lihuo and Kamado Tanjiro.
"Master Urokodaki, what if a demon appears that isn't afraid of sunlight? How should we deal with that?" Uchiha Lihuo asked, voicing the doubt that lingered in his heart.
If demons truly exist in this world, then surely other supernatural exceptions do too. After all, even in the shinobi world, death is not always final—resurrection and forbidden jutsu are real.
Urokodaki paused, his expression darkening.
"A demon immune to sunlight… I do not know. But if such a creature were to exist, it would be a catastrophe."
With that ominous statement, Urokodaki turned and quietly returned to his room.
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Half a Month Later
Uchiha Lihuo stood in a clearing deep within the mountain forest, preparing for another day of training. He recalled Master Urokodaki's teachings on Total Concentration Breathing.
Total Concentration Breathing—a technique that accelerates heart rate and blood flow, raising body temperature and pushing the user beyond their normal limits—was the foundation of a Demon Slayer's strength.
By expanding the lungs to their maximum capacity and increasing oxygen circulation, the practitioner could match a demon's power in combat. The rhythm and control were critical. It was an intense method of amplifying human strength, somewhat akin to the Eight Gates Technique in the shinobi world—both techniques pushing the human body to its utmost potential, often at great cost.
Lihuo activated his Sharingan, the scarlet tomoe spinning in his eyes, and inhaled deeply.
Thanks to the Sharingan, he could observe his internal changes in real time—the expansion of his lungs, the acceleration of oxygen delivery, the spike in heart rate, and the rise in body temperature.
As his body heated up, a surge of power flooded his limbs.
With a sharp motion, he drew a kunai and hurled it at a distant boulder. The weapon deflected off the stone, adjusted its trajectory mid-air, and pierced a rabbit grazing nearby.
The throw was slightly overpowered—evidence that he had yet to fully master his breathing rhythm.
> "Whether you use Total Concentration Breathing or not, the difference is immense. Without it, you're a well-trained human. With it, you rival demons."
It's said that those who master this breathing style can maintain it continuously—even during sleep. However, such mastery requires exceptional physical constitution. The strain on the lungs and heart is severe. Without sufficient endurance, overuse can lead to death within months.
> "These swordsmen are truly risking their lives," Lihuo thought. "Maybe it's because they're all still young."
He took another breath—Huff!—then exhaled slowly.
Over hundreds of attempts, Lihuo gradually tuned into his own rhythm. His strength and speed improved by at least fifty percent—but his focus became so intense that casting ninjutsu during this state became nearly impossible.
> "I need to get a sword," he murmured. "If I combine this breathing method with swordsmanship, I might become unstoppable."
His taijutsu had improved dramatically. The combination of Total Concentration Breathing and the Sharingan granted him both speed and foresight in battle.
Ninjutsu progress was slower. But once he returned to the shinobi world, his Sharingan's copy ability would help him learn jutsu easily.
> "If I master this breathing style, I might unlock a power close to the Eight Gates. Perhaps I'll even increase my chakra reserves severalfold…"
After all, the Eighth Gate—The Gate of Death—could grant power rivaling the gods. Even opening the Seventh Gate gave one temporary Kage-level strength.
For someone like Lihuo, who wasn't even a chunin yet, that prospect was both thrilling and terrifying.
As the sun dipped toward the horizon, Lihuo gathered the slain rabbit and returned to the mountain cabin.
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Later That Evening
He opened the sliding door to Tanjiro's room and saw Nezuko lying still on the bed. Tanjiro sat beside her, concern etched on his face.
"She's been asleep for half a month," Lihuo said softly.
Tanjiro nodded. "Yes… and there's still no sign of her waking."
"Perhaps it's because she hasn't fed," said Urokodaki, stepping into the room. "Her body may have entered a dormant state."
"This is the first time I've seen a demon who doesn't eat humans," he added thoughtfully.
Lihuo considered the possibility. "Demons might be able to digest human food too. Once she wakes up, we should try feeding her some."
"Thank you," Tanjiro said, smiling faintly. "I'll definitely do that."