Part I: Return and Ore Selection
The shift was gentle this time.
No rupture. No storm.
Just a quiet pull—like a thread tugging Kaito's soul back to where it belonged.
He blinked.
The concrete walls of the Saitama orphanage faded.
And the mist returned.
He stood once again at the foot of the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, robes intact, and sword at his side. Rengoku stood beside him, flame aura calm, eyes steady.
Neither spoke.
They didn't need to.
The twin girls—white-haired, emotionless—stood before them, holding scrolls and a lacquered box filled with glowing stones.
"You have completed Final Selection," one said.
"There are ten ranks in demon slayers" other said
"Which are Mizunoto – Entry-level rank for new Demon Slayers.
Mizunoe– Slightly more experienced than Mizunoto.
Kanoto – Third rank, still considered junior.
Kanoe – Fourth rank, gaining more field experience.
Tsuchinoto – Mid-tier rank.
Tsuchinoe – Sixth rank, often involved in tougher missions.
Hinoto – Upper-mid rank.
Hinoe – Eighth rank, nearing elite status.
Kinoto – High-level rank.
Kinoe – Highest standard rank before becoming Hashira" both said alternatingly.
"You may now choose your ore," one said.
"Which will be forged into your colour-changing katana" said the other one.
Kaito stepped forward.
The box opened.
Inside were dozens of Nichirin ores—each pulsing faintly with latent energy. Red, blue, gold, violet, obsidian, and silver. Each one resonated differently.
"These ores will become your blades," the first girl explained. "They react to your spirit, your breath, your instinct."
"You must not choose with your eyes," said the second. "You must choose with your soul."
Rengoku stepped forward first.
He closed his eyes.
His hand hovered, then landed on a deep crimson ore, warm to the touch. Flame Breathing responded instantly.
Kaito followed.
He reached out slowly, letting his breath sync with the pulse of the stones.
One shard—storm-grey with faint blue veins—vibrated beneath his fingers.
He picked it up.
It pulsed once, then dimmed.
Thunder Breathing accepted it.
The twins nodded.
"We will give you Kasugai crow for each survivor" one said.
"They are tools for communication between demon slayer and demon slayer headquarters" other said.
"You will now return to your masters," one said.
"Your sword will be forged within 15-20 days," said the other.
"Good luck in your future as demon slayers" both said.
Rengoku bowed and turned toward the Flame Estate.
Kaito watched him go.
Then turned toward the Thunder Hashira Mountain.
His master was waiting.
Part II: The First Form Expanded
The Thunder Estate was nestled between jagged cliffs and roaring waterfalls. Kaito walked the winding path until he reached the training hall—a long wooden structure with open walls and polished floors.
A small figure stood at the far end.
Short. Wrinkled. Cheerful eyes beneath bushy brows. His yellow haori fluttered slightly in the breeze.
Zenitsu's master.(for reader pov)(mc doesn't know that)
The former Thunder Hashira.
He turned, beaming. "Ah! So you're finally back, boy!"
Kaito bowed deeply. "I've returned."
The old man waddled over and gave him a hearty slap on the back. "You look taller. Stronger. And your eyes—those are the eyes of someone who's seen death and outrun it."
Kaito smiled. "I've been through a lot."
"I can tell," the master said, then pointed to the training floor. "But no training today. You rest. That's an order."
Kaito blinked. "But I—"
"Ah ah ah!" the old man wagged a finger. "You've earned a day of sleep, food, and maybe a nap in the sun. Tomorrow, we begin again."
He turned and pulled out a scroll from his sleeve.
"But since you're here, let me show you something to dream about."
He unrolled the parchment, revealing diagrams of footwork, arcs, and lightning trails.
"You've already learned the First Form—Thunderclap and Flash. But did you know it has three advanced versions?"
Kaito leaned in.
⚡ Sixfold (Roku Ren)Description: Performs the First Form six times in rapid succession. Effect: Overwhelms multiple enemies or breaks layered defenses. Drawback: Requires precise footwork and stamina control. One misstep breaks the chain.⚡ Eightfold (Hachi Ren)Description: An even faster and more intense version—eight consecutive strikes. Effect: Devastating against large demons or boss-class threats. Drawback: High stamina cost. Can cause muscle strain if used repeatedly.⚡ GodspeedDescription: The ultimate version—boosts speed beyond normal limits temporarily. Effect: Delivers a single, near-invisible strike with overwhelming force. Drawback: Strains the nervous system. Can only be used once per battle. Recovery time required.
"These aren't just faster versions," the master said. "They're tests of your will. Your control. Your breath."
Kaito's eyes gleamed. "I want to learn them all."
"You will," the old man said, grinning. "But first—you rest. Tomorrow, we chase lightning."
Kaito bowed again, heart full.
He had returned.
And the storm within him was ready to grow.