Demon Slayer: Guardian of the Forest

"Arf! Arf!"

The chubby Shiba Inu, Marutwo, barked anxiously as his owner writhed in pain. Circling around Shinichi, the dog's worried cries filled the tense air, as if trying to awaken him from his torment.

"Graaah!!"

Suddenly, Shinichi's body launched forward with unnatural speed, aiming directly at Old Master Moriki. Neither the elderly man nor Chiyona had time to react before Shinichi was upon them.

Chiyona's eyes widened in panic, and her fingers tightened around a concealed cord hidden in her sleeve. Lady Koyo's words echoed in her mind: If Shinichi-sama succumbs to his bloodlust, pull the cord immediately!

Crash!

The low table in front of Old Master Moriki exploded into splinters as Shinichi's clawed hand stopped mere inches from the elder's face. Shinichi's bloodshot eyes glowed with feral intensity, and his bared fangs glistened menacingly.

But then, his body froze.

His outstretched arm trembled violently as veins bulged along his face and neck. With a guttural growl, Shinichi snarled through clenched teeth, "Damn it… I won't… give in!"

Suddenly, his other arm plunged into his own chest, piercing through flesh and bone. Crimson blood spattered across the room as Shinichi gasped, suppressing a scream.

To everyone's shock, the reckless act worked. The overwhelming bloodlust that had consumed him began to wane. His crimson eyes gradually faded, one returning to their usual soft pink hue.

Collapsing to one knee, Shinichi breathed heavily, his chest heaving as sweat dripped from his brow. "Old man… care to explain what the hell that was?"

Old Master Moriki, still splattered with blood, gazed at Shinichi with tears welling in his weary eyes. "You've done it, child. You've truly done it."

Chiyona, who had been frozen in fear moments earlier, sighed in relief, clasping her hands in gratitude. "Shinichi-sama…"

The elder carefully retrieved a small jade bottle from a prepared wooden box. Despite the disarray in the room, he handled the item with great reverence.

"This, my child, is your parting gift," Old Master Moriki said, handing the bottle to Shinichi. "Keep it close. The dawn has arrived, and it is time for you to go."

Clatter!

At the elder's instruction, Chiyona pulled the cord in her sleeve. A series of clicks and grinding gears echoed through the room as hidden mechanisms activated. Within moments, the once-sealed walls revealed hidden windows, allowing sunlight to pour into the space.

Standing by one of the newly revealed windows, Old Master Moriki gazed at the rising sun, his expression distant. "I have a feeling, Shinichi, that you will shine as brightly as this dawn. My time, however, is that of a setting sun."

Behind him, Shinichi leaned against a wall, wiping sweat from his brow. "So, if I'd failed, you were planning to let the sun kill me, huh?"

The elder chuckled, his voice unflinching. "That was my choice. If you succumbed to your hunger, we would have perished together, and the art of Forest Breathing would have died with us."

"No pressure, then."

Old Master Moriki turned and saw Shinichi standing boldly in the sunlight. For the first time in nearly a year, Shinichi was bathed in daylight. Although his gaze was sharp, he instinctively shielded his eyes, adjusting to the brightness.

In that moment, his dual-colored eyes became evident: one remained its soft pink, while the other now gleamed with a vivid green hue.

Had Muzan Kibutsuji been present, the sight would have driven him mad with envy. Why? Why does this boy—a mere demon—stand unharmed under the sun, while I, the strongest demon, cannot?!

But Shinichi understood his current state all too well. This wasn't true freedom.

The jade bottle contained a diluted essence of Moriki's own rare bloodline, granting Shinichi a unique Blood Demon Art: Simulated Samsara. Combined with the full concentration of Forest Breathing, this technique allowed him to cloak his body in an invisible "mantle of life force," shielding him from sunlight.

The cost, however, was steep. In this form, Shinichi was stripped of all demonic powers, relying solely on his physical strength and his mastery of Forest Breathing. His once-regenerative body also became vulnerable, and any injury sustained would heal at a painstakingly slow pace.

Most critically, should his stamina deplete or his concentration waver, the protective mantle would vanish, exposing him to the sun's lethal rays. Old Master Moriki's stern advice echoed in his mind: Conserve your energy. Avoid unnecessary battles during the day.

Later that Day

At the main gate of the Moriki Estate, Shinichi stood with his traveling gear secured. The elder had offered him a tattered, green haori—a family heirloom passed down through generations—but Shinichi refused. "No way. I've spent years as a beggar. I'm not wearing something that looks like it belongs in a landfill."

Old Master Moriki shook his head in disappointment, mumbling about the youth's lack of appreciation for tradition.

Dressed in his chosen attire, carrying a bag filled with provisions (mostly enhanced dorayaki and wisteria flower pills), and armed with the family's cherished Forest Dragon Nichirin Blade, Shinichi prepared to depart.

As he turned to leave, Marutwo, who had grown attached to Chiyona, reluctantly followed, casting longing glances back at the estate. Shinichi paused one last time at the edge of the path, glancing over his shoulder. For a moment, he simply stared at the place he had come to call his first home in this strange world.

On a country path, Shinichi kicked aside a fallen branch with his deerskin boots. Marutwo rested in his arms as he reached a small stream. There, he saw a familiar figure.

"You!"

The girl wore a patterned kimono and held a basket of herbs. Her violet eyes sparkled with recognition—and indignation. "You're that rude guy! It's all your fault I got scolded by my father! You owe me an apology!"

Shinichi remained silent, his gaze scanning the area. Satisfied they were alone, he smirked inwardly.

Before the girl could say more, Shinichi appeared in front of her in a blur, his speed far beyond what she could track. She looked up, intimidated by the tall figure towering over her.

"W-What are you—"

Flick!

"OWWW!!" The girl clutched her forehead, tears welling up from the stinging pain. "That hurts!!"

"Rude kids need to be taught a lesson. See ya!" Shinichi said nonchalantly, walking away without a second glance.

Holding her reddened forehead, the girl stomped her foot, glaring at his retreating figure. "Jerk!" she muttered, kicking her herb basket in frustration.

(To be continued…)