Chapter Text
[Time skip: month and a half later].
Tanjiro had been training tirelessly under Gyomei and, though it was hellish and hard, it was fruitful as he was able to create new forms of Stone Breathing that he could use with his sword. They are three forms but they are mastered very well and Gyomei said that it was better than he expected and Tanjiro should be proud of himself.
'Stone Breathing; Sixth Form: Earthquake.'
Tanjiro hit the ground with his sword and it started shaking underneath him from the shock of the impact. It's a form he created, it works by manipulating the soundwaves from the ground with the sword's and it creates an impact good enough to shake the ground in a small area and for a few moments but it was a powerful technique since it shakes the balance of his opponent as well.
'Stone Breathing: Seventh Form: Rock Defense.'
Tanjiro got this idea after watching the Third Form of Stone Breathing: 'Rock Skin' and he got inspired by it. Tanjiro blocks the attacks rapidly but instead of the axe and spiky ball he uses his sword. It's good to defend himself against quick attacks but it puts a strain in the muscles of his arms. But with training, he managed to loosen the side effects of it and it doesn't hurt much as it used to.
'Stone Breathing: Eighth Form: Boulder Slash.'
Tanjiro actually made this move himself. He does an X shaped slash with his sword and directs it to his opponent, it's useful to behead the demon quickly and cutt them in shreds in the same time.
"You've trained enough, Tanjiro." Gyomei called him and he took a deep breaths to calm himself and look at the man.
Gyomei offered him some water and a towel to clean himself from the sweat in his shirtless body. Not only did he get stronger, but his muscles have became more apparent and strong. Genya once said that he wished he had muscles like his as well.
"Thanks, Himejima-san." Tanjiro said with a smile and a polite bow.
Gyomei himself smiled at the younger boy. "I'm afraid that there's nothing left for me to teach you as you have done everything I asked you to do. I can say that our training had come to end."
"So... My training here is done... Well, time passed by quickly." Tanjiro said.
"Indeed. I hope you have better luck with the next Hashira. It was a pleasure to have you here. And I'm thankful for changing young Shinazugawa and being his friend. I really appreciate it." Gyomei said.
Tanjiro smiled more. "I'm happy to be his friend! And thank you for having me here, training me and taking care of me, Himejima-san. I wish to see you and Genya soon."
"You can rest here tonight and go tomorrow if you like. We're in no hurry." Gyomei said and Tanjiro nodded.
"I'll pack my stuff."
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[Time skip: later that night].
"So... You are really going, huh?" Genya said with bitterness in his tone as he watched the redhead packing his bags after two months of staying with him in the Stone Estate. He was frowning and- no he shouldn't be showing emotions right now, dammit!
But... Tanjiro was his only friend... It would be a while until they will meet again, especially that he was training for the upcoming Final Selection and Tanjiro is training to be a pillar. And he doubts that he would find someone who would accept him like he did.
"Yeah... I'm sad to say this, but I can't stay here forever. I must go." Tanjiro said with a sad smile. He clearly didn't want to say goodbye.
"Whatever." Genya said as he looked away, trying to act uncaring like usual. But his scent said otherwise.
But Tanjiro was used to this as he chuckled and smiled warmly. "Don't worry. We will see eachother again."
"... I hope so..."
"Oh, and do your best in the Final Selection, you know that I fully support you in your dream." Tanjiro said.
"Hm. I will."
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[Time skip: tomorrow morning].
"Be careful in the way. Send my greetings to Sabito and Tomioka." Gyomei said as the usual tears fell from his pupil-less eyes.
"Hai! Thank you for welcoming me in your estate, I'm looking forward to meet you again." Tanjiro said as he prepared to leave, his white crow was sitting on his head.
"Tanjiro..." Genya said quietly and shyly as he looked away from his mentor and friend. "Thank you for everything. I wish to see you again and be careful out there."
Tanjiro smiled reassuringly. "I will, Genya."
Tanjiro then moved forward and whispered something in Himejima's ear. The giant man frowned before nodding his head. "It's natural to return the favor with another. I'll do what you asked me."
Genya was confused but decided to mind his own business and didn't say anything though he could admit that he was curious about what Tanjiro told the Stone Hashira.
"Thank you, Himejima-san. Now, I'm going. Goodbye, everyone!" Tanjiro said before waving his arm and leaving the duo.
"Young Shinazugawa. Again, I'm sorry for telling him your secret and ruining your privacy." Gyomei apologized. Even though he apologized before but he still felt guilty for breaking the young man's trust despite knowing that it was for the boy's good.
Genya shook his head. "It's okay, Himejima-san. I have long forgiven you and it gave me a... Friend." Genya said with a small smile.
"I see that you've softened. I'm glad that you are able to show your real emotions now, young Shinazugawa." Gyomei said with a small smile of his own.
"Whatever. I'm going to train." The young man said with embarrassment before leaving.
Gyomei, however, kept smiling. He had known Genya long enough to know that he was just embarrassed that his façade was shattered and was just embarrassed as usual. "I'll do whatever I can to help you." He muttered to himself.