Chapter 23: Tanjiro gets a Master

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As the first light of dawn began to break over the horizon, Tanjiro Kamado and Gojo Satoru walked together through the mountainous terrain. Tanjiro, with his beloved sister Nezuko perched in a wooden basket on his back, was on a journey that would forever change his life. Gojo, an enigmatic stranger who had come to their aid, knew much more about their world than they could have ever imagined.

The path ahead was steep and winding, leading to a small town nestled in the mountains. For Tanjiro, it marked the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with challenges, dangers, and the hope of finding a way to save his sister from her demonic affliction.

Gojo was feeling awkward seeing one of the new gen's protag, he knew everything that happened in the story but he tried to break the silence. He couldn't resist the urge to strike up a conversation with Tanjiro, who was both intrigued and puzzled by the stranger's questions.

"So," Gojo began, "you and your sister seem to have quite a unique bond. Siblings, right?"

Tanjiro, carrying Nezuko and taking in the sight of the town in the distance, nodded with a heartfelt smile. "Yes, we're siblings. Nezuko and I have been through so much together. We've always watched out for each other."

'Ohh...Is this the Tanjiro effect? How can this boy show such a smile after losing his family just yesterday?' Gojo thought while smiling back.

Gojo couldn't help but admire the sincerity in Tanjiro's voice. He had seen firsthand the depth of their connection, and it was something that went beyond mere blood ties.

"I've noticed," Gojo replied, "there's something truly special about the bond between siblings. It's a bond that goes beyond words or actions, isn't it?"

Tanjiro's eyes brightened as he continued, "Yes, it's a connection that's rooted in love and trust. Nezuko and I share everything, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect her and find a way to help her."

The trio reached the entrance of the mountain town, its modest houses, and shops beginning to come to life with the activity of the day.

As the trio of Gojo, Tanjiro, and Nezuko entered the bustling mountain town, the pressing question of finding Sakonji Urokodaki loomed large. The sun was beginning its descent, casting long shadows across the town's narrow streets.

Gojo couldn't help but voice his thoughts. "Hold on a second. You mean Mr. Edgelord didn't give you an actual address to find this old man? Are we supposed to knock on every door and ask if he's here?"

Tanjiro and Nezuko exchanged uncertain glances, and Gojo's comment prompted a round of bemused laughter. Giyu Tomioka, who had grudgingly accepted the siblings' journey, hadn't provided them with a clear path to locating their potential mentor.

The trio ventured further into the town, determined to uncover any leads regarding Sakonji Urokodaki's whereabouts. Gojo took the lead, boldly approaching people on the streets and engaging them in conversation. However, their efforts yielded no useful information.

By evening, the frustration was palpable. Gojo, Tanjiro, and Nezuko had comically resorted to questioning everyone they crossed paths with about the elusive figure of Sakonji Urokodaki.

"Nope, don't know him."

"Urokodaki who?"

"Is that a new shop in town?"

Upon pondering their next move, Gojo began to dig deeper, he had seen the anime's 2nd episode many years back but with the help of his dark mind he got an answer, '"We should try going to the temple where the duo first met the old man in the anime.'

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The journey took some time, but eventually, they reached the site where Tanjiro had met Urokodaki for the first time. However, what greeted them was not the peaceful and serene ambiance a temple should provide.

As they approached the temple, a putrid stench of blood reached their nostrils, thick and heavy in the air. It was as if the very atmosphere was tainted by the scent of death.

Upon opening the doors, Tanjiro freezes upon catching sight of a demon living inside, eating several corpses. The smell of blood causes Nezuko to salivate.

"Tanjiro get your sister somewhere else or she might lose control," Gojo said as he walked inside while covering his nose.

Gojo's expression twisted with disgust as he looked at the drooling demon, not hiding his aversion. "You really don't have any sense of hygiene, do you?" he remarked, wrinkling his nose in disdain.

The demon's fury was kindled by Gojo's nonchalance. It attempted to assert its dominance and taunt Gojo, reminding him that it was a demon, a creature that humans should fear. It boasted about its regenerative abilities, claiming it was nearly impossible to kill.

Gojo, however, simply raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by the demon's bragging. "I've seen enough demons in my time to know that they're not as invincible as they think. But if you really wanna show me your regeneration...."

'Cursed Technique Reversal: Red' With a swift and graceful motion, Gojo unleashed his Reversal: Red technique, a brilliant display of supernatural power. "Try regenerating from that"

As the deadly technique surged towards the demon, it let out a final, despairing cry. Its wicked presence dissipated like a mirage, leaving nothing behind but a fading echo.

The ominous atmosphere within the temple lifted as the demon was vanquished by Gojo's skill.

As Gojo exited the main hall, he found Tanjiro and Nezuko waiting under a big tree.

He couldn't help but express his frustration about their seemingly futile search for the old man, Sakonji Urokodaki.

"Do we really have to find this old man on our own?" Gojo muttered, sounding a bit exasperated.

Just as Gojo spoke, an unexpected figure made its entrance. An old man, dressed in traditional attire and wearing a tengu mask, suddenly appeared behind them.

Without missing a beat, the old man asked "Were you talking about me?" leaving Tanjiro in suspense about his true identity and intentions.

"Oi grandpa! about time you showed up" Gojo said as he continued "We were sent here by Giyu Tomioka to find an old man who could train that boy and let them stay in his home."

"And why would I suddenly adopt a demon girl and a new student?" Urokodak said as he eyed the Kamodo siblings. He had his doubts about the demon girl. Still, if the white-haired man here knew about his former student's as well as a prominent Hashira's name, it was enough proof that they were not hostile, as only other Hashiras and some high-ranking Demon slayers would know his actual name, others only know him as The Water Hashira.

"Even so, I would only comply with your request if you could land a hit on me." 

 "Oho? Then come at me." Gojo answered

In a swift and unexpected move, Sakonji Urokodaki leaped toward Gojo, attempting to deliver a powerful punch to his gut. However, Gojo's incredible reflexes and sorcery mastery came into play as he stopped the old man's attack in mid-air. With an almost nonchalant demeanor, Gojo unleashed a minimum output of his skill, "Laps: Blue," directly on the old man, propelling him through the air and crashing through several trees.

"Naaniii?" Urokodaki was dumbfounded.

It was clear to Gojo that Urokodaki was a former Hashira and, if he had taken the fight seriously, it could have been a formidable battle. Nevertheless, Gojo's strategic approach was meant to end the confrontation swiftly.

"Yay! That settles it then. Young Tanjiro he will be your Master from now on" Gojo turned towards Tanjiro who also had a dumb expression and showed him a thumbs up while fixing his goggles.

Next scene, they all were sitting inside the old man's house sipping tea.....

/To be continued..../ 

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[A/N: Hi there, Author-san here! So, I've got this wild idea to recruit Daki and her brother as mc's underlings. But here's the catch – they can't betray Muzan because, well, Muzan's got some supernatural surveillance going on! 🧛‍♂️📡

Now, I need your help, dear readers! Any creative suggestions on how we could make this work? How can Gojo manage to enlist Daki and her brother as the MC's underlings while avoiding the all-seeing, all-knowing Muzan? Let's cook up a fantastic plot twist together! 🔮📝😄]