The Temple Demon: A Test of Resolve
The morning after the terrifying fight with the Bone Demon, Kanami's strange transformation was a quiet, looming presence. His strength was obvious, but the way his hair and eye had shifted to demonic colors unsettled Tanjiro.
The Aftermath and the Explanation
As they walked, Tanjiro broke the silence. "Kanami... your power... what was that?"
Kanami, who had been dreading this, chose his words carefully, weaving a half-truth around his Heavenly Demonic Devouring Breathing Style.
"It's a forgotten art, Tanjiro. A breath style that requires the sword to consume the demon's essence to fuel the user's body," Kanami explained, keeping his expression grave. "The marks, the color change... it's a temporary side effect of embracing that power. It's volatile, but in a world where demons are constantly getting stronger, a little monstrous power is necessary to fight them."
Tanjiro slowly nodded, his expression worried but his trust in Kanami remaining firm. "I understand. Thank you for protecting us."
They continued their walk toward Mount Sagiri, Kanami carrying the box containing Nezuko.
The Familiar Stench
Late that afternoon, as they reached the edge of a dense, dark forest, Tanjiro suddenly stopped, his face pale.
"Kanami, wait!" Tanjiro whispered, clutching his axe. "I smell blood. Lots of it. And... a very coarse, brutal demon."
Kanami recognized the cue. This was it—the infamous temple scene, the original plot point where Tanjiro proves his resolve.
They found the scene quickly: a small, dilapidated temple. Inside, a large, brutish demon with a slack jaw and thick claws was feasting on two human corpses. Nezuko, still in her box, began to tremble violently.
Kanami looked at the scene, a wave of dark anticipation washing over him. Then, a new, sharp, and very welcome sound echoed in his mind.
> SYSTEM (New Mission): The Protagonist's Trial.
> Goal: Do Not Intervene in the Temple Demon's defeat.
> Reward: 10 DP
> Failure: Protagonist's Resolve -10 (Permanent).
>
Kanami knew he couldn't help. This fight was critical for Tanjiro's growth and the reward would be crucial for Kanami's future.
The Ultimatum
He look at tanjiro.
Kanami: Check protagonist Status
>System: Tanjiro;
Affinity: 87
RS (Resolved stats): 96
Kanami gently set Nezuko's box down beside a tree, away from the scene. He looked Tanjiro dead in the eyes.
"Tanjiro," Kanami said, his voice firm. "Look at that demon. He's crude, no technique, only raw hunger. But he killed those people, and he will kill others."
Kanami placed a hand on Tanjiro's shoulder. "If you want to be a Demon Slayer, if you want to find the cure for Nezuko, you have to prove you are capable of delivering justice on your own. I will not draw my sword. You must fight this demon, and you must win. Prove your worth right here."
Tanjiro stared, terrified but resolute. He grasped his wood-cutting axe and slowly entered the temple.
The Battle and the Intervention (Original Plot)
The fight was exactly as Kanami remembered. Tanjiro was clumsy, relying on pure stamina and desperation against the brute's strength.
Nezuko, seeing her brother in danger, burst from the box. Her eyes were slit, her fangs bared, and she lunged—not at Tanjiro, but at the Temple Demon! The demon, confused by the sight of another demon attacking him, was momentarily stunned. Nezuko's headbutt sent him flying out of the temple.
Tanjiro quickly pinned the demon to the ground and found himself unable to deliver the killing blow, his humanity recoiling from the act.
Kanami watched, heart pounding, but did not move. He knew the sun was the final answer here.
The rising sun peaked over the mountain, catching the demon, who screamed as he disintegrated into ash.
Reward: Detailed Status Unlocked
Tanjiro stood there, covered in dust and sweat, his breath ragged, staring at his trembling hands. He had won, but not alone, and not cleanly.
> SYSTEM (Mission Complete): The Protagonist's Trial completed successfully.
> Reward: 10DP
Kanami:Status...
A new panel instantly appeared in Kanami's vision, a comprehensive character sheet:
| Name: | Kanami Reire (Nameless Extra) | Level: | 4 (23.0XP) |
| Breathing Style: | Heavenly Demonic Devouring (2/14 Forms) | Devouring Points: | 5 + 10 DP = 15 DP
| Mark: | Demon Slayer Mark (Right Eye) | Health: | 100/100 | + 20 l 100/120 l
| Inventory: | Strongest Nichirin Sword x1 | Current Mission: | Find Sakonji Urokodaki |
STATS
| Strength (STR): | 10 | +5 | 15 |
l Vitality (VIT): l 10 l +2 l 12 l
| Speed (SPD): | 10 | +5 | 15 |
| Dexterity (DEX): | 8 | +4 | 12 |
| Will (WIL): | 10 | +3 | 13 |
| Attack (ATK): | 12 | +5 | 17 |
| Defense (DEF): | 8 | +3 | 11 |
| Luck (LUK): | 7 | — | 7 |
| Charm (CHM): | 5 | — | 5 |
Kanami grinned despite the horror of the scene. The low Charm score made sense, given his abrasive past life and focused current personality. The Luck score was decent.
He walked up to Tanjiro, who was now tearfully attending to Nezuko.
"You did it, Tanjiro," Kanami said, patting his shoulder. "You fought for your sister and your family. Now, we find Urokodaki."
System: you've achieve a title "Protagonist's Guardian!
System: +3 free stas +5DP
Total DP
With the System now providing concrete numbers and the story back on the known path (for now), they continued their march toward Mount Sagiri.