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Chapter 8 - Chapter 8: Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters

Several carts rolled along a winding forest path in the soft glow of early morning. Some of the group sat, others lay sprawled out recovering, while a few walked beside the carts, pulling them gently forward. Among them was James and his companions, finally on their way to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters.

The morning sun warmed the earth, casting golden light through thick, lush canopies on either side of the road. Dew glistened on vibrant green leaves, and every now and then, a heavy drop would fall, merging with others and causing the leaf to bend under the weight. One such drop landed squarely on Zenitsu's face.

"Wah!" Zenitsu shot upright in panic, eyes wide, then looked around in confusion before flopping back down, fast asleep again.

James leaned back in his cart, arms crossed behind his head, breathing in the fresh scent of the forest. It was peaceful—a sharp contrast to the chaos of their recent battle.

"Mr. James," Tanjirou called, hopping up onto the cart with him and sitting cross-legged. "It's still a bit of a journey to headquarters, so I thought I'd tell you more about the Demon Slayer Corps."

James turned to look at the boy, who now smiled with warmth and energy. He looked so carefree at the moment, but James knew all too well that Tanjirou's journey would be full of pain if left unchanged. That's why he was here—not just to survive in this world, but to reshape it.

"I'd like that," James replied. "I'm curious about demons and your organization."

Tanjirou nodded earnestly and began his explanation.

"The Demon Slayer Corps was formed to hunt demons—creatures created by Kibutsuji Muzan, who can turn humans into man-eating monsters. Their actions have caused endless tragedy. People banded together to resist them and protect the innocent. That's how the Corps came to be."

He paused for a moment, as if recalling painful memories.

"Because of this, most members of the Demon Slayer Corps have tragic pasts."

James listened carefully. Tanjirou wasn't just recounting facts—he was sharing the soul of the Corps.

"Our leader, Lord Ubuyashiki, is a wise and gentle man. He treats every member like his own child. He's sick, but he never stops thinking about how to protect us and defeat the demons."

James nodded. He hadn't met Ubuyashiki yet, but the respect in Tanjirou's voice spoke volumes.

"The Corps is divided into six main groups," Tanjirou continued. "There's the head, the Pillars, the slayers themselves—who are ranked in ten levels—the hermits, trainees, and the swordsmiths. The hermits taking us back right now? They're incredibly strong and take care of logistics and support. The swordsmiths forge Nichirin Blades and maintain them."

"I've heard of Nichirin Blades," James said. "I suppose I'll need a good one soon."

Tanjirou chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah… I actually broke mine again." He held up his sword sheepishly, revealing cracks and chipped edges. "The swordsmiths won't be happy."

James grinned. "Then I definitely need a reliable blade. I've been improvising for too long."

Tanjirou's expression brightened. "Don't worry. The swordsmiths are masters. They'll craft a sword that suits you perfectly."

James glanced at Tanjirou's blade. "So, you mentioned breathing techniques before. Can you tell me more about them?"

"Of course," Tanjirou said. "I practice the Breathing of Water, but I've never felt fully comfortable with it. My father used to perform a dance called the Hinokami Kagura for festivals. It's said to be linked to the Breathing of the Sun, though I'm still not sure."

He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and James felt the air shift. Moisture gathered in the atmosphere, forming a light mist. Then Tanjirou exhaled again—this time the air grew warmer, almost heated.

"That's the difference between Water and Fire breathing," he explained. "Zenitsu uses the Breathing of Thunder, and Inosuke… well, he created his own style: the Breathing of Beasts."

"Inosuke created his own technique?" James asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yep! He grew up in the mountains, so he adapted his breathing to his wild instincts. And Mr. Uzui uses the Breathing of Sound, which is derived from Thunder Breathing. There are tons of styles—and even more derivatives. Maybe you'll create one too."

James smiled faintly. "Thank you, Tanjirou. By the way, you can just call me James. We're about the same age."

"Eh!?" Tanjirou yelped, nearly falling off the cart.

"EH!?" Zenitsu shouted, suddenly wide awake again.

Even though James was physically just 15, his height and demeanor painted a different picture. Standing 175 cm tall, half a head taller than the others, with a composed presence and refined appearance, he often gave off the vibe of an older, wandering swordsman.

But the truth was—James had the soul of a man in his late twenties, a reincarnated traveler from another world.

From the front cart, Uzui Tengen glanced over and chuckled. "So, you're a genius too."

"Another one?" Zenitsu grumbled.

"There's a boy in the Corps who became a Pillar just two months after picking up a sword," Uzui said, popping a fruit into his mouth. "Only 14 years old. His name is Tokitou Muichirou."

"That's incredible," James said sincerely.

Uzui nodded. "Now that we're on the subject, let me introduce the current Pillars. These are the people who'll be fighting beside you."

"There are eight active Pillars now," he continued. "Insect Pillar Kochou Shinobu, Mist Pillar Tokitou Muichirou, Snake Pillar Iguro Obanai, Love Pillar Kanroji Mitsuri, Rock Pillar Himejima Gyomei, Water Pillar Tomioka Giyuu, Wind Pillar Shinazugawa Sanemi, and me—Sound Pillar Uzui Tengen."

He paused for a moment. Tanjirou's expression grew somber.

"And there was the Flame Pillar… Rengoku Kyoujurou. He died recently."

James sighed quietly. He had arrived in this world too late to save everyone—but not too late to change what came next.

If there are regrets… change them.

That was the oath he carried in his heart.

"There's a lot more to learn, but you'll see for yourself when we reach headquarters," Uzui added. "Oh, and as a Pillar, you can take on a disciple—someone to pass your techniques on to."

"I see," James replied. "I'm looking forward to meeting the others. Mr. Uzui, do you mind sharing your experience with breathing techniques?"

"Of course," Uzui said with a grin.

The casual chat shifted into a deeper discussion about swordsmanship. James began exchanging techniques with Uzui, while Tanjirou and Inosuke listened intently. Zenitsu, though lying flat on his stomach, had twitching ears, clearly eavesdropping with great interest.

James opened his system panel quietly as they spoke:

---

[Panel Status]

Name: James

Strength: First Level

Spiritual Power: 150 / 150

Basic Skills:

Japanese Swordsmanship – Grandmaster (750 / 7500)

Basic Swordsmanship – Mastery (6000 / 50000)

Breathing Techniques:

Breathing – Normal (863 / 1000)

Water Breathing – Basic (10 / 100)

Sound Breathing – Basic (10 / 100)

Sun Breathing – Basic (? / 1000)

Temporary Talent: Nearly Enlightened

Evaluation: First-Level – Ordinary

---

"Ordinary, elite, supreme... This ranking system feels like some knock-off MMORPG," James muttered to himself with a smirk.

Still, the numbers didn't lie. He had grown significantly since arriving in this world. And after the battle with the Upper Six, he could feel it—he was on the verge of another breakthrough.

This was just the beginning.

The road ahead led to the heart of the Demon Slayer Corps, and James was ready to step into the center of history—his blade sharper than ever, his resolve unshaken.

Øóffer going on for diamond tier

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