It was the middle of the day and Tanjiro went over to butterfly triplets with carpet beaters.

Tanjiro: Naho! Kiyo! Sumi! Would you mind helping me train later? While I'm sleeping, if I stop breathing right can you hit me with these carpet beaters? I'd appreciate it!

The triplets were silent for a bit then they smiled.

Triplets: We'll do it!

Tanjiro: Oh, thank you.

Later that night.

The triplets were watching Tanjiro sleep to see if he was breathing correctly which he was.

Naho: (Whispering: Nothing wrong here.)

Kiyo: (Whispering: He's doing a great job!)

Sumi: (Whispering: He is.)

Tanjiro began to snor which made the beat him with the beaters.

Tanjiro was on his hands and knees on his bed.

Tanjiro: I'm a fool... Please let me try again!

Triplets: Sure!

Tanjiro: Thank you!

Triplets: Try your best!

Tanjiro laid back down.

Tanjiro: This is it!

Tanjiro fell asleep doing Total Concentration Breathing, but he started snoring almost instantly causing the triplets to beat him again.

Tanjiro: One more! This time for sure!

The next morning.

Tanjiro went to the training room with Aoi.

Aoi: It's just you again today, huh?

Tanjiro bowed his head.

Tanjiro: I'm sorry. I did ask them to come, but...

Aoi: Well, it doesn't matter to me.

Tanjiro: I'll go talk to them about it later.

Tanjiro looked around.

Tanjiro: Hey, have you seen Y/n anywhere?

Aoi crossed her arms.

Aoi: As if I know.

Tanjiro: Let me go find him real quick!

Tanjiro quickly ran to Y/n's room and knocked on the door.

Tanjiro: Y/n, you in there? Y/n?

Tanjiro opened the door and saw Y/n laying next to a flipped up bed and dried tear stains on his face.

Tanjiro: Y/n!

He ran to Y/n's side in concern.

Tanjiro: Are you okay?! You look like you were crying!

Y/n: Huh? Oh, sorry Tanjiro. I didn't see you.

Tanjiro: You didn't answer my question.

Y/n: Forget me.

Y/n jumped back on his feet and gave a small smile.

Y/n: Let's get to training.

They began a full training session. Tanjiro climbed up a robe and did push-ups with one of the triplets on his back while Y/n was outside training with multiple swords. It eventually lead to the tag game where Tanjiro faced Kanao, where Tanjiro actually got close to touching her a few times.

Tanjiro: (Thinking: Look at that! I'm right behind her! I can do this!)

Tanjiro was about to grab her hand, but Kanao side-stepped and Tanjiro fell over.

Tanjiro: Ouch!

Y/n offered Tanjiro his hand which he took.

Y/n: You did so good, Tanjiro.

Tanjiro: I still wasn't able to touch her.

Y/n: Once you get a better grasp on Total Concentration Constant, you'll be just as good, if not better than her.

At sunset.

Tanjiro bowed his head to Aoi.

Tanjiro: Thank you for the training!

Y/n turned to the door and saw Zenitsu and Inosuke.

Y/n: Hey, guys.

The two instantly ran off.

Later.

Aoi was walking through the halls when she saw Y/n cleaning the kitchen.

Aoi: What are you doing?!

Y/n: This place looked dirty, so I thought I'd give it a nice cleaning.

Aoi: (sigh) Don't think this means-

Y/n: (raises hand) Before you say another word, I want to say I'm sorry. I know I messed up really bad and I know you'll probably never forgive, but I want you to know that I'm sorry.

Aoi: You really expect you to believe that?

Y/n: Believe it, or don't believe it. That's your choice, as it is forgiving me, Aoi. Have a good night.

Y/n walked past her and she was about to say something, but she just sighed and looked down.

The next day.

Tanjiro blew into a gourd.

Triplets: Keep at it! Keep at it! Keep at it!

Y/n: You can do it, Tanjiro.

Tanjiro kept going until he shattered the gourd.

Tanjiro: I did it!

Naho brought out a bigger gourd.

Naho: Now all you have to do is break this huge gourd!

Tanjiro: Yeah!

Y/n: But first, let's get you something to eat.

The next morning.

Zenitsu woke up to see Tanjiro wasn't in his bed.

Zenitsu: (Thinking: Looks like Tanjiro's already gone off to train. And at this hour in the morning? Working hard as in my thing. Slaving away day in and day out is exhausting.)

He heard chirping and turned to see his sparrow Uroki.

Zenitsu: Oh, it's you. Maybe I'm panicking because I was left behind, but I can't seem to get the hang of anything Tanjiro shows me. It must be because I'm a lost cause, isn't it?

Uroki chirped.

Zenitsu: Did you just agree with me? How can you be so cruel? Would it kill you to say something like, "You're doing your best!" Even just this once?

Uroki chirped again.

Zenitsu: "Work harder" you say? (sigh) If you say so.

Zenitsu picked up a tea cup with his medicine in it and hesitantly drank from it.

Zenitsu: Awful!

He heard rustling right beside him and turned to see Inosuke.

Inosuke: Let's go, Monitsu.

Later.

The two were in the training room talking to Shinobu.

Shinobu: What Tanjiro is trying to master is a skill called "Total Concentration, Constant." By doing Total Concentration Breathing all day and all night, your stamina level will Skyrocket. This is a technique that Y/n himself has already learned.

The two looked at each other.

Shinobu: Shall we try our hand at it?

After a bit of training, Zenitsu and Inosuke we're already on the floor gasping for air. This lead them to speak with Tanjiro and Y/n for advice.

Tanjiro: I still can't do Total Concentration Breathing all day unless I really put my mind to it, but I bet you two can! Go like this and your lungs will expand! Your blood shakes, your muscles will go, "Boom! Boom!" And that's when you got to stop! It just takes lots of practice!

Zenitsu and Inosuke had exhausted looks on their faces from trying to understand Tanjiro.

Y/n: Tanjiro, I don't think they got it. Here, I'll explain it. Tanjiro was right when he said it was in the lungs, if you train your lung capacity, this technique will be much easier to use. What I say to do is keep training with Total Concentration Breathing until your body gets used to you doing it, then you'll be able to live in the state no problem.

Zenitsu: Ah, that's a lot easier said than done.

Y/n: For you, but I was for sure you could do it, Inosuke.

Inosuke: What?

Y/n: When we were on that mountain, I thought I saw you flooding with potential, but I suppose I was mistaken.

Y/n put a hand on Inosuke's shoulder.

Y/n: But that's fine. You can't do it and you'll get left behind as the weakest. But hey, that's life.

Steam came out of the nose of Inosuke's mask.

Inosuke: What did you say to me, punk?! I'll learn that technique in no time and I'll be the strongest! Even stronger that you, W/n!!!

Inosuke ran off to train, screaming.

Tanjiro: Woah, you really knew how to get through to him, Y/n.

Y/n: Eh, it's a gift.

Shinobu held one of Zenitsu's hands, causing him to blush.

Shinobu: Please give it your all, Zenitsu! I'm your number one supporter!

Zenitsu's face began to turn all red until steam came out of his ears.

Zenitsu: Yes, ma'am!

Zenitsu and Inosuke joined in on Tanjiro's training course. Kanao and Y/n watched from a distance until Shinobu walked over to them.

Shinobu: You both are in their class, so why not join them?

Y/n: I suppose I could give them a few pointers.

Kanao just looked at Shinobu and bowed her head before walking off.

Y/n: (sigh) Same as always, I guess.

Kanao was at the watering well and continued to watch them train, this time with Y/n's help. She took out a coin and flipped it. It landed on heads.

Flashback.

Kanao as a child was a dirty, beaten up little girl with messy hair.

Kanao: (Thinking: I hurt. I was hungry. I was sad. I felt hopeless. I was in agony. I was lonely. Such was my life. But then, one day, I heard a snapping sound. And I never knew pain again.)

She was then seen being tied to a rope leash with a man.

Kanao: (Thinking: Living in poverty, even having my parents sell me off, it didn't make me feel sad.)

They walked onto a very populated bridge until they were stopped.

???: Excuse me. Do you have a minute?

He turned to see Kanae and Shinobu.

Kanae: I'm curious, why is that child all tied up? Is she a criminal, perhaps?

Man: Isn't it obvious? She's dirty and flea-ridden. Besides, she might try to escape.

Kanae walked over to the little girl and knelt down to her.

Kanae: Hello, there. How are you? My name is Kanae Kocho. What is your name?

The girl stayed silent and just looked at Kanae with her hollow eyes.

Man: She doesn't have a name, all right? She never got one. Happy now? Now, go away.

He tried to push Kanae, but Shinobu smacked his hand away.

Shinobu: Please don't touch my sister.

Man: What's the deal with you two? If you're so interested in her, then buy her!

Shinobu: Very well, then, we will. Is this enough?

Shinobu threw a lot of money in the air, shocking everyone there. They took advantage of this to grab the girl's leash and ran off with her.

Man: Hey! Get back here!

Shinobu: You should hurry and pick all that up! There's a strong wind, and a hungry crowd!

Kanae: (small laugh) Are you sure about this?

Shinobu: Yes!

Kanae: We must be going now! What commotion!

Later.

The girl has been bathed and properly dressed and groomed, but...

Shinobu: Sister, what do we do?! This little girl is completely helpless! She can't do anything on her own, she has to be told! She won't even eat unless I say to! No matter how hungry she is!

Kanae: Oh, she'll be fine.

Shinobu: What are we going to do with her?

Kanae: Now, now, don't you worry so? I hate to see that smile I love disappear.

Shinobu: I'm serious! Taking a kid under our wing who can't even think for herself is reckless!

Kanae: Well, you do have a point...

Shinobu: She can't make decisions, even simple ones!

Kanae brought out a coin.

Kanae: next time, when you're on your own, flip this coin to help you make a choice. That sound good?

Shinobu: Oh, come on!

Kanae: How can you be so cross with Kanao here? Look how adorable she is!

Shinobu: What kind of reason is that?!

Kanae put the coin in Kanao's hand.

Kanae: As long as one is given the chance, a person's soul will open up. When you fall in love someday, you'll change, too, Kanao.

End flashback.

Kanao continued to watch the boys train, especially looking at Y/n and Tanjiro.

Flashback.

She was walking through the Butterfly Mansion when she bummed into a little boy.

Boy: Oh, sorry.

She just stared at him. The boy looked about two years younger than her and wore a white kimono, and had hollow E/c eyes. This was Y/n. He walked past her and sat on the porch.

Kanao: (Thinking: That boy, his eyes are like mine.)

???: I see you've met Y/n.

She turned to see Kanae.

Kanae: He's been here not too much longer than you, I think you should talk to him.

Kanao nodded and sat next to Y/n.

Y/n: Oh, it's you.

Kanao: Uh, hi. I'm Kanao Tsuyuri.

Y/n: Y/n L/n.

They quickly shook hands.

Kanao: My mentor wanted me to speak to you.

Y/n: Well, what do you want to talk about?

Kanao: That doesn't matter.

Y/n: I see. You think I'll do something if you talk about something I don't like.

He placed his hands on her shoulders.

Y/n: I am not like that, I promise. What you want does matter. Everyone at this estate is like family and you're apart of it. I'm not sure about everyone, but even though I just met you, I love you.

Y/n gave her a warm hug which surprised her, but after some thinking, she hugged back.

End flashback.

Kanao walked away.

The next day.

Tanjiro's crow came to Tanjiro and told him some news.

Tanjiro: Inosuke! Inosuke!

Tanjiro found Inosuke balancing on a broom on a vase.

Tanjiro: Hey, they're bringing our reforged Nichirin Swords now!

Inosuke: For real?

Tanjiro: Yeah, I just heard it from the crow!

Tanjiro sniffed the air.

Tanjiro: That's Haganezuka's scent!

The two ran outside to see Haganezuka with another guy in a clone mask.

Tanjiro: Hey, Haganezuka! Over here! Long time no see!

Haganezuka gave the sword box to the other guy and ran at Tanjiro.

Tanjiro: How have you been since we...

Haganezuka had a knife in his hands and tried to stab Tanjiro, but he got out of the way in time.

Tanjiro: H-Haganezuka?

Haganezuka: How dare you snap my precious sword in two! You got a lot of nerve, boy!

Tanjiro: Ah, I'm sorry! But you know, I-I did almost die! My opponent was really strong!

Haganezuka started rapidly poking Tanjiro's check really hard.

Haganezuka: Excuses, excuses! The only person you have to blame is yourself, got it?! If you hadn't been so pathetically weak, it wouldn't have broke! There's no way it would've just snapped like that otherwise!

Tanjiro: But I...

Haganezuka: I'm going to kill you!

Haganezuka began chasing after Tanjiro with the knife as Shinobu, Aoi, and Y/n were watching.

Shinobu: Is this a new training regimen?

Aoi: I don't think so.

Y/n: I'm certainly not going to just sit and watch.

Y/n jumped in front of Haganezuka, which lead to him being stabbed in the stomach, but he just looked at Haganezuka with an empathetic face.

Y/n: Ow.

Haganezuka: M-Master Y/n! I uh... I didn't mean to-

Y/n pulled out the blade and snapped it in half.

Y/n: Inside. Now.

Haganezuka ran inside with the other guy.

Tanjiro: Thanks, Y/n.

Tanjiro noticed his stab wound.

Tanjiro: Y/n, you got stabbed!

Y/n: It's fine, I'll heal.

Tanjiro: I don't care! We're taking it to get properly treated!

Tanjiro pulled Y/n to the Mansion. Tanjiro was talking to the man that was with Haganezuka while Y/n was getting his stab wound patched up by the triplets.

Swordsmith: What can I say? Haganezuka is very passionate.

Tanjiro: He is.

Swordsmith: He loves his swords more than any person. Even among other sword makers, he's one of a kind.

Tanjiro: I can believe it.

Y/n: So, who are you exactly?

Kanamori: Oh, you may address me as Kanamori. I was the one who forged Master Inosuke's swords. I hope they will be useful in battle.

Y/n: Did you get the designs I asked for?

Kanamori: I sure did, Master Y/n.

Inosuke took out the swords and apart from them being the same color as normal swords, they looked the same as his old ones.

Inosuke: Weird. They already have chips in them.

Kanamori: Well, Master Y/n sent me a letter to make them like that as it's what you're more comfortable with.

Inosuke: You made this happen, W/n?

Y/n: I sure did, bud.

Inosuke got that warm feeling inside again.

Y/n: Well, try them out.

Inosuke grabbed both swords, turning them into an indigo-gray color.

Kanamori: Ah, beautiful, aren't they? The dull sheen of that indigo-gray hue is wonderful. A find color for a sword.

Y/n's wound was all bandaged up.

Y/n: Well, if there is no more need for me here, I'll be off.

Y/n walked out of their into the direction of Nezuko's room.

Y/n: Maybe I should go check on Nezuko.

Y/n walked into Nezuko's room to see Zenitsu already there in front of Nezuko's box with a lovesick look on his face.

Y/n: What are you doing here, you delinquent?

Zenitsu: I was just telling Nezuko about these beautiful flowers I got for her. Now, the better question is why are you here?

Y/n: Is it so wrong I want to check on my friend? I have known Nezuko longer than you have.

Zenitsu: Y/n, (gets up) Let's have a talk.

They both walked out of the room and Zenitsu instantly slammed Y/n against the wall.

Y/n: What's the meaning of this, Agatsuma?

Zenitsu: Admit it! You like Nezuko!

Y/n: Of course I like her. She's my friend.

Zenitsu: Not that kinda like! I meant, you wanna marry her someday kind of like!

Y/n gave off a faint blush.

Y/n: What could give you that idea?

Zenitsu: Don't even try to hide it!!! I heard the sound of jealousy from you when I got near her, and you're even blushing! Just admit it!

Y/n: Grr. Fine. You got me, I like her! There, you happy now!?

Zenitsu: Listen here. I will be the one to take Nezuko's heart.

He began to walk away.

Zenitsu: From this moment on, Y/n. We're rivals.

Y/n walked back to Nezuko's room.

Y/n: (Thinking: What a strange ass boy. He's delusional if he thinks a coward like him has even the slightest chance with someone like Nezuko.)

Y/n knocked on Nezuko's box.

Y/n: Hey, Nezuko. You awake?

Nezuko scratched the box.

Y/n: Good. Now, I was wondering if you could come with me somewhere later tonight. Scratch once for yes, and twice for no.

Nezuko scratched the box once which made Y/n smile.

Y/n: Good to hear.

Later that night.

The triplets were watching Tanjiro sleep and saw no problems with his breathing.

Naho: (Whispering: No problems here.)

Sumi: (Whispering Tanjiro's doing a really great job.)

Kiyo: (Whispering: Let's make him more rice balls!)

They left the room and saw Y/n walking with Nezuko to the kitchen.

Kiyo: Huh? What's Y/n doing?

They followed him to the kitchen door.

Y/n: All right, Nezuko. Cover your eyes.

Nezuko put her hands over her eyes and continue to follow Y/n.

Y/n: Now, open them.

Nezuko uncovered her eyes and she was shocked by what she saw...

Y/n: We missed your past two birthdays when you were asleep. So, I know it's not much, but happy birthday.

Nezuko looked at the cheesecake then at Y/n.

Y/n: (sigh) You can take out your muzzle and tell me you don't like it.

Y/n was taken aback when Nezuko hugged him.

Nezuko: Thank you, Y/n. This is really sweet.

Y/n smiled and hugged her back.

Triplets: Aww.

Y/n saw the triplets by the door.

Y/n: How long were you there?

Kiyo: Long enough.

Y/n: Well, triplets, meet Nezuko. Nezuko, these are the triplets: Kiyo, Sumi, and Naho.

Nezuko patted their heads.

Nezuko: It's very nice to meet you three. Would you like to stay for cake?

The triplets looked at Y/n and he nodded.

Triplets: Sure.

The next day.

Tanjiro was doing Total Concentration Breathing as he was chasing Kanao.

Tanjiro: (Thinking: My body's stronger now. I can't wait to swing my Nichirin Sword! With these hands!)

Tanjiro was able to grab Kanao's wrist.

Tanjiro: (Thinking: I did it!)

They moved on to the cup game where Tanjiro was able to grab a cup, but instead of splashing Kanao, he put it on her head.

Tanjiro: I did it!

Y/n: Nice work, Tanjiro.

Tanjiro: Couldn't have done it without you, Y/n.

Y/n: (Thinking: Hmm. If I'm not careful, you might end up surpassing me one day.)

Later that day.

Tanjiro was getting his jaw checked out by Shinobu.

Shinobu: Good. Looks like your jaw is as good as new. You can close your mouth now. That ends the exam. Since you're in physically good health, you're fit to carry out your missions now.

Tanjiro: So, I'm done training?

Shinobu: Yes. Next is in field combat.

Tanjiro: Great! Oh, before I forget... There's something I wanted to ask you.

Shinobu: What is it?

Tanjiro: have you ever heard of the Hinokami Kagura?

Shinobu: I have not.

Tanjiro: Oh, well, uh... What about Fire Breathing?

Shinobu: Never heard of it.

Tanjiro: Well, these are techniques that I learned in my family growing up.

Tanjiro gave a very short explanation.

Shinobu: I see. So, you're saying your father seem to be using Fire Breathing. All I can tell you is that Flame Breathing does exist, but that's not Fire Breathing.

Tanjiro: Huh? They're not the same thing?

Shinobu: I don't quite know the details myself. I'm sorry. But I do know that they're very strict about the exact phrasing. Flame Breathing must never referred to as Fire Breathing. The Flame Hashira, Rengoku, might know something about this technique, but unfortunately, he's out on a mission.

Tanjiro: I understand. And thank you for everything you've taught me. I'll ask Mr. Rengoku when I see him again.

Shinobu: Good.

Tanjiro: Now, I'll be off.

Tanjiro was about to leave.

Shinobu: Tanjiro?

Tanjiro: Yes?

Shinobu: You'll do great things. I can understand why Y/n thinks so highly of you.

Tanjiro: Thanks!

Tanjiro left the room and saw Y/n getting ready to go out by putting on his mask.

Tanjiro: Hey, Y/n!

Y/n: Oh, hi, Tanjiro.

Tanjiro: Are you heading out?

Y/n: Yeah. They wanr me to assist the Flame Hashira with finding and slaying a Demon.

Tanjiro: Oh, but how did you get your mask back? I thought the Serpent Hashira broke it.

Y/n: He did, but Aoi was able to fix it.

Tanjiro: Oh, that was so nice of her. Did you make sure to say thank you?

Y/n: Yes, I said thank you.

Tanjiro: Oh, before you go. Do you by chance know anything about Hinokami Kagura or Fire Breathing?

Y/n: Hm. No, why?

Tanjiro: Well, when we were on the mountain...

Another short explanation later.

Y/n: I see. Hm. I don't know it myself, but I think I've heard about something like that somewhere.

Tanjiro: You have?

Y/n: After my mission, I'll be sure to look into it more.

Tanjiro: Thanks, Y/n.

Y/n left the Mansion.

Later that night.

Tanjiro left for Nezuko's room. When Tanjiro got there, she was sound asleep.

Tanjiro: She's still hasn't gotten up.

Tanjiro sat down on the bed.

Tanjiro: I know that they said you could sleep as much as you wanted to recover all your strength, even so, when you don't open your eyes I worry a bit. Guess what? In not to long, I'll be leaving this place. My body's healed, and I'm stronger. I'm still practicing the new techniques, too. And those three should be with me as well. Having them around gives me courage. Yeah, I'm sure you'd agree. They're good people. To turn you back into a human, I have to defeat strong demons, and send their blood to Miss Tamayo. (Thinking: Am I capable of doing that?)

He heard two voices in his head.

Nezuko's voice: I know you can do it, big brother.

Y/n's voice: I'll be with you every step of the way.

Tanjiro was surprised by that but then smiled.

Tanjiro: Thank you, Y/n and Nezuko. For spurring me on. I vow to stay strong.
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Zenitsu: Keeping up that breathing thing is to hard!

Inosuke: Yeah, no way it's happening.

Tanjiro: You both look completely spent. I know. How about I tell you a Taisho-era secret? The water we use for our reflex training when added to a bath, is great for healing your wounds and easing exhaustion. Well, I'm gonna go train, but you two should rest.

Inosuke: What?! Don't even think about counting me out!

Zenitsu: Are we really gonna train more? Ah, fine! All we gotta do is show up!

Tanjiro: Next, Chapter 26, "New Mission." All right, I'm heading out now, Nezuko! Sniff. Wait, do I smell cheesecake?

To Be Continued.

(A/n: Hey, guys something I wanted to point out is Nezuko's birthday was actually two days ago. I got the dates wrong and thought it was on the 31st. Thank you, goodbye.)