Demon Slayer: Echoes of Resolve

The afternoon sun hung low in the sky, casting golden light over the training grounds as Kaito worked to refine his Thunderclap and Flash technique. Jigoro's instructions echoed in his mind as he lunged forward, his practice sword cutting through the air. Each step brought him closer to understanding the rhythm and power of Thunder Breathing, though he knew he still had a long way to go.

From the corner of the clearing, Kaigaku leaned casually against a tree, his arms crossed and his usual smirk plastered on his face. "Still too slow," he commented dryly. "You'd get eaten alive by a demon moving at half its speed."

Kaito gritted his teeth, forcing himself to focus on his breathing instead of Kaigaku's barbs. His empathy allowed him to sense the disdain and irritation Kaigaku projected, but he refused to let it deter him. Every insult only fueled his determination to improve.

"Enough for now," Jigoro said, his commanding voice cutting through the tension. The elderly swordsman stood at the edge of the clearing, leaning on his cane. "Kaito, rest. We have someone joining us today, and I expect you both to show some courtesy."

"Joining us?" Kaigaku raised an eyebrow, his tone already laced with skepticism. "Who'd be dumb enough to want to train here?"

Before Jigoro could respond, the sound of hurried footsteps reached their ears. A moment later, a boy burst into the clearing, stumbling slightly as he tried to steady himself. He looked to be around Kaito's age, though his disheveled appearance and frantic energy gave the impression of someone much younger.

The boy had a wide panicked expression on his face while he clutched a sheathed katana tightly to his chest, his knuckles white from the grip.

"I-I'm here!" the boy stammered, bowing deeply to Jigoro. "I didn't get lost this time, I swear! Please don't send me away!"

Jigoro sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Zenitsu, relax. You're not late."

The boy—Zenitsu, apparently—straightened up, though his knees seemed ready to give out at any moment. His wide, amber eyes darted between Kaito and Kaigaku, clearly unsure of what to expect.

"This is Zenitsu Agatsuma," Jigoro said, his voice firm but not unkind. "I took him in some time ago when he was... in a bit of trouble. He'll be training alongside you from now on."

Kaigaku's face twisted in disbelief. "Him?" he said, pointing at Zenitsu. "You've got to be kidding me. This guy looks like he'd faint if a demon so much as breathed on him."

Zenitsu flinched at the remark, shrinking into himself. "I-I know I'm not very good," he muttered, his voice barely audible. "But I'll do my best, I promise..."

Kaito frowned, his empathy picking up the whirlwind of emotions swirling within Zenitsu. Fear, insecurity, and self-doubt radiated from him in waves, but beneath it all was a flicker of determination—a small, stubborn flame that refused to go out.

"Kaigaku," Jigoro said sharply, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I didn't ask for your opinion. Zenitsu may not look like much now, but he has potential. It's my job to bring it out, just as it is with you and Kaito."

Kaigaku huffed and turned away, clearly unimpressed.

Curious, Kaito stepped closer to Zenitsu, offering a small smile. "Welcome," he said, his voice warm. "Don't mind Kaigaku. He's like that with everyone."

Zenitsu looked up at him, his expression shifting from nervous to cautiously hopeful. "R-Really? Thanks... I'll try not to get in your way."

Jigoro, watching the interaction, nodded in approval. "Zenitsu has a long way to go, but he's here because he earned this opportunity," he said, his gaze briefly softening. "When I found him, he was drowning in debt, abandoned and alone. He'd been betrayed by someone he cared about, and the debt collectors were closing in. I paid off what he owed and gave him a chance to start over."

Zenitsu's face turned red with embarrassment as he waved his hands frantically. "W-Wait, don't tell them that! It makes me sound pathetic!"

"It's the truth," Jigoro replied simply. "And it's nothing to be ashamed of. What matters is that you're here now, willing to face your fears."

Kaito's chest tightened as he absorbed the story. He could feel the lingering pain in Zenitsu's heart, the scars left by betrayal and hardship. Despite his fear and self-doubt, the boy had chosen to push forward, to fight for a future he wasn't sure he deserved.

Kaigaku, however, wasn't nearly as sympathetic. "So, what you're saying is, he's a charity case," he said with a sneer. "Great. That's just what we need—another weakling slowing us down."

Zenitsu bristled, his shoulders tensing. "I-I'm not a weakling! I mean, I might not be as strong as you, but... but I'll prove myself! You'll see!"

Kaigaku rolled his eyes. "Sure you will."

"Enough," Jigoro said, his voice sharp. He turned to Kaito and Zenitsu. "You two will be sparring partners for now. Kaito, I expect you to show Zenitsu the ropes. Kaigaku, you'll focus on refining your forms. There's no room for petty arguments here—only improvement."

Kaigaku muttered something under his breath but didn't argue further.

Kaito extended a hand to Zenitsu, who hesitated for a moment before taking it. "We'll figure it out together," Kaito said, his neon-green eyes shining with sincerity.

Zenitsu managed a small smile, though his grip was shaky. "Thanks... I'll do my best not to let you down even though I'm pretty much useless."

--

The sun was beginning to set when Kaito returned to the clearing for another attempt at Thunderclap and Flash. Zenitsu sat nervously on the sidelines, watching with wide eyes as Jigoro instructed Kaito to focus on his breathing.

"Visualize the lightning," Jigoro said. "Feel it coursing through your veins. Let it guide your movements."

Kaito closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He imagined the crackling energy of a thunderstorm, the electric charge building in the air before the sky erupted in a blinding flash of light. As he exhaled, he felt a faint warmth in his chest—a spark of something powerful and untamed.

He stepped into the stance, his muscles coiled like a spring. With a sharp inhale, he surged forward, his body moving faster than it ever had before. The air around him seemed to shimmer, and for the briefest moment, he saw it—a trail of golden lightning following his path.

When he stopped, he turned to see Jigoro nodding in approval. "Better," the old man said. "You're starting to understand."

Kaito's chest swelled with pride, but the moment was short-lived as Kaigaku scoffed loudly. "Big deal. You're still slower than me."

"Hey, don't be so mean!" Zenitsu blurted out, surprising everyone. He stood up, his fists clenched. "He's trying his best! And honestly, you're kind of scary, so maybe you should stop being such a bully!"

Kaigaku glared at him, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "What did you just say?"

Zenitsu immediately wilted under the pressure, his bravado vanishing. "N-Nothing! Forget I said anything!" He scrambled back to his spot, clutching his katana like a lifeline.