Dance Of The Fire God (CH 2)

A/N: This story is rated M for mature content not suitable for children.

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Chapter 2: Demon Slayer Selection Exam

Mount Fujikasane

"Yes! We're finally going to be recognized as official demon slayers, Kanae!" exclaimed a boy of around sixteen, his dark hair and eyes shining as he spoke to his two friends, a broad smile spreading across his face.

"I'm confident we can get past Torou, but we need to be cautious. Unlike during our training, there's no one here to save us but ourselves," the girl with long black hair and pale purple eyes said softly, her calm demeanor contrasting with the impending battle against demons.

"Come on, Kanae, don't take it too seriously! Torou is spot on; we'll breeze through this and become official demon slayers with ease," a man with an unusual mix of red and gold hair and eyes stated with confidence. Kanae sighed, shook her head, and then smiled.

"I really hope you're correct, Kyojuro," Kanae said, her concern lingering, but she couldn't help but feel uplifted by Kyojuro's confidence and Torou's enthusiasm. "If we look out for one another, I believe no demon can defeat us."

Typically, candidates for demon slayer do not collaborate during the exam, as doing so would undermine its intention. The exam is designed to simulate the challenges that demon slayers encounter, which involve confronting an unpredictable number of demons with varying abilities.

Many believed that they shared the same instructor, but in truth, their teachers were simply friends; the disciples had met and formed a bond years earlier. It was only natural for them to join forces in this perilous circumstance.

As Naruto observed the trio of demon slayer candidates, a wave of envy and familiarity washed over him, stirring something deep within his cold heart. He recalled the bonds he once shared with his shinobi comrades and even the attempts of his fellow disciples under Urokodaki, especially Makomo, to connect with him. Yet, he had always kept them at arm's length, believing that he couldn't afford any distractions. His sole focus was on eradicating the demon plague from the world, convinced that only strength would lead to success.

Naruto snapped out of his contemplation when he heard a pair of hands clapping. He turned toward the sole entrance of the mountain, which was adorned with wisteria— a plant known to be harmful to demons, just like sunlight and Nichirin swords. There, he saw two children with black hair and violet eyes, both around eight years old.

"Hello, everyone!" exclaimed two girls who appeared to be twins, standing at the entrance of the exam. They spoke in perfect harmony, leaving Naruto and the others curious about whether they had rehearsed their lines or if it was simply a twin characteristic. "We appreciate your participation in the selection exam. You will need to endure in the mountains for seven days."

"Assuming you manage to last that long and return," one of the twins remarked, offering a small, courteous smile that seemed out of place given her words, before the other twin chimed in.

"You'll be acknowledged as an official demon slayer and receive your own Nichirin sword," the twin stated. However, as this one spoke, Naruto sensed some negative feelings emanating from her—or what he assumed was a girl, though it could actually be a boy in a female kimono. The reincarnated Uzumaki had learned not to judge by appearances from his experience with Haku.

The twins began to speak in unison again, saying, "Now, you may continue on your journey." Without hesitation, the demon slayer candidates dashed into the mountains, while Naruto strolled calmly, catching the twins' attention. However, he passed by them in silence, and as he got closer, he was certain that the twins were boys, though it didn't really matter.

The moment Naruto crossed the threshold of the wisteria plant barrier into the mountains, he sensed a surge of hostile emotions directed at him. He quickly realized that demons were lurking, poised to strike. The reborned Uzumaki understood that these monsters must be ravenous for human flesh, as they were confined to this place and could only feed during the demon slayer exams.

Naruto mused to himself as he strolled confidently, aware that he was being watched, "I wouldn't be shocked if the more powerful demon feasted first while the weaker one waited until last. That explains why I'm not being attacked immediately; the stronger demon must have intimidated the weaker one. However, given how overwhelming a demon's hunger can be, I seriously doubt they'll be able to restrain themselves for much longer."

The reincarnated Uzumaki walked deeper into the mountain in the distance he could faintly hear the fighting already started, demons must have given into there hunger and attacked, Naruto heard some rustle in the trees around him and knew that he was going to be attacked two.

"Take him down," a demon with gray skin and an unnervingly long tongue growled with hunger, drool dripping from his mouth and a look of intense craving on his face. "It's first come, first served; that handsy bastard can go to hell."

"Absolutely, let's grab a bite," said another demon resembling a massive cat, equally hungry as the first. Both demons launched an assault on Naruto from either side, believing they had caught him by surprise. "Perish, demon slayer!"

Naruto, his icy blue eyes unwavering, stood firm as two demons lunged at him from opposite directions. Instead of showing any sign of fear, he inhaled deeply, activating his total concentration breathing.

Breath Of the Fire God - Second Form: Blazing Eruption

"Wha..." was all the first demon could utter before his body was torn apart. The second demon met the same end as Naruto swiftly spun around, driving his blade through the demon's body, slicing not only their necks but also shredding their bodies into fragments.

"I know I still have a lot to work on before I can confront Muzan," Naruto murmured to himself, remaining cautious even as he observed the two demons he had defeated disintegrate into ash. "Urokodaki mentioned that there are slayers capable of sustaining Total Concentration Breathing for hours, which seems nearly impossible since it puts your body in overdrive, potentially shortening your lifespan and even leading to immediate death."

Total Concentration Breathing was a double-edged sword; while it allowed humans to battle demons on a more level playing field, it came with significant risks. Demon slayers typically have short lives, often due to being killed by demons or the intense strain caused by the practice of Total Concentration Breathing.

"In the end, it doesn't matter if I have to sacrifice the rest of my life. Defeating Muzan and eliminating all demons would make it worthwhile," Naruto reflected. After the tragic loss of his family and friends, he regained most of his past memories. He no longer saw himself as the Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki; he was himself and soon to be a demon slayer.

Naruto tightened his hold on the sword that Urokodaki had lent him and ventured further into the mountain, where more demons lurked, ready to strike at any moment.

Fast Forward

Breath Of the Fire God - First Form: Rising Sun Barrage

Naruto faced a demon that was trying to flee from the first light of dawn. The creature was caught off guard and was swiftly sliced in a zigzag motion, before finally having its neck severed with one last swing of the sword.

It had been six days since the reborn Uzumaki arrived at Mount Fujikasane, during which he had witnessed the lifeless bodies of many demon slayer candidates and eliminated his fair share of demons.

Naruto pondered, "Does the person who set up this exam actually want anyone to make it through, let alone succeed?" As he searched for food with the sun now risen and the demons retreating, he realized, "The demons are more cunning than I thought; they've wiped out all the animals in the mountains and poisoned the river water. Our only options for sustenance are edible plants and rainwater."

"Just one more day and I'll be one step closer to achieving my goal," Naruto mused with a sigh, choosing to rest in a sunlit area of the mountain where he felt safe from any demons.

He reclined on the mountain's ground, shutting his eyes and softening the typically stern look on his face as he reminisced about happier days spent with his family and friends. His sword lay in his hand, poised and ready to spring into action at any moment.

The Next Day

After resting for a large part of the day to regain his strength, Naruto ate some mushrooms he discovered. He prepared them over a fire, aware that it could draw the attention of demons, but he needed to nourish himself to ensure he was ready for battle.

"I just need to get through today," Naruto thought to himself as he continued to slash at one demon after another. He was taken aback by the sheer number of demons on the mountain; it seemed like the demon-slaying Corps had gone above and beyond, almost to the point of excess.

It was evident that the demon was confined here by the demon slaying organization for the sake of this examination. However, it is reckless to send in trainees who possess only basic training and lack real combat experience, even if the majority of the demons are relatively weak.

"Not that it makes a difference now, with most of the participants already gone," Naruto thought blankly as he walked past the body of a female slayer candidate, her form partially devoured on one side, her expression locked in a mix of terror, agony, and hopelessness. The demon that had been feasting on her likely intended for her to endure the torment of being consumed. "It's unfortunate I arrived too late."

The demon that was devouring the woman lunged at Naruto the moment it spotted him, but with a swift swing of his blonde sword, he severed its head from its body

Naruto moved steadily through forward, eliminating any demons that crossed his path with ruthless effectiveness, drawing on his extensive shinobi experience and his unique ability to detect negative emotions. His demon-slaying skills, honed under Urokodaki's guidance, made the selection exam seem almost effortless. However, just as he had that thought, he was suddenly overwhelmed by waves of rage, hatred, and despair.

Breath Of the Fire God - Fourth Form: Crimson Flash Step

In a flash, Naruto vanished in a swirl of orange and yellow flames, employing his Fourth Form breathing technique designed for quick maneuvers. He was aware that the demon waiting for him would be far more formidable than the lesser foes he had encountered previously, especially with the heavy atmosphere filled with the scent of blood and dark emotions that surrounded him.

"Damn, this isn't good," Naruto mused as he halted a distance away to assess the scenario, and it was dire. The trio of demon slayer candidates he had spotted before the exam was now up against three unusually powerful demons. "Looks like it's just a duo now; that Torou kid seems to be in rough shape."

Torou was on the ground bleeding out but still alive but was in no fighting shape, Kanae was fighting a large demon covered in hands, she was skillfully dodging and cutting at the demon but her slashes lack the power to cut its neck.

Kyojuro found himself in a dire predicament, battling two demons while simultaneously safeguarding the wounded Torou throughout the entire encounter.

One demon was slender and towering, its body adorned with numerous eyes. As Naruto observed Kyojuro assault the demon, he suspected that the creature possessed a blood demon art related to perception. Despite Kyojuro's obvious speed advantage, the demon effortlessly evaded all the attacks directed at it. Its powers seemed reminiscent of the Uchiha's Sharingan, allowing it to predict incoming strikes as if it could glimpse seconds ahead.

The final demon was particularly concerning for Naruto, primarily because he was convinced it was aware of his presence. It cast looks in his direction even while engaged in battle with Kyojuro.

This demon appeared fairly typical in comparison to the other demons, aside from its red glowing eyes, fangs, and claws. It resembled a man in his twenties with dark hair.

CLING CLANG CLANG CLING

The reborn Uzumaki observed with fascination as Kyojuro's breath attacks were effortlessly blocked by the final demon, whose hands had turned black.

"This demon appears to possess a defensive skill," Naruto contemplated, noting that none of Kyojuro's attacks had inflicted any harm. "The least formidable seems to be the eye demon, but its ability to anticipate movements will complicate matters. Then there's the hands demon, which is covered in hands that it employs for both offense and defense, along with a neck that's difficult to sever. Finally, the most formidable opponent is the demon with the defensive capability."

All of those skills may seem straightforward, yet they hold significant power. With the three demons collaborating, the scenario has become nearly lethal for a demon slayer candidate lacking real combat experience.

"What should I do?" Naruto pondered as he looked up at the darkening sky. With several hours left until dawn and the exam's conclusion, he weighed the decision of whether to take a risk and assist or to withdraw and bide his time. By doing so, he could still be recognized as a demon slayer. "I should just walk away before I get caught up in this. I don't owe them anything; they're candidates too, not innocent bystanders. They knew what they were getting into," he thought with a sense of cold detachment.

Naruto was quietly making his way out when he suddenly heard a woman's scream of anguish followed by a plea for assistance. However, the cry for help was not from the woman but rather from a man.

He spun around to catch sight of Kanae being restrained by a demon with multiple hands. The creature was holding her tightly, and her sword lay on the ground, knocked from her grip. Her clothes were torn, and Naruto couldn't tell if it was a result of the battle or if the demon had intentionally ripped them.

"Someone, anyone, please help us!" Torou shouted, struggling unsuccessfully to rise. Blood continued to flow from his injuries as he attempted to aid Kanae, only worsening his condition. He dropped to all fours and pushed himself up to his feet, much to the delight of the hand demon.

Torou wished that his voice would reach someone who could help, as both he and others were aware that he was merely pretending to be tough.

"Oh my, aren't you just the brave one," the demon taunted, chuckling as its hands glided over Kanae's body. "So, what's your plan, hero? Are you just going to shout for help, or will you actually try to fight me?"

"Leave now, Torou! Get out of here and take care of yourself. Kyojuro and I will manage," Kanae lied, aware that defeating the hand demon was impossible for her and that Kyojuro was overwhelmed. At the very least, she hoped one of them could escape to safety.

"I refuse to do that," Torou responded, his eyes shining with resolve despite the weakness in his legs and the strength of his spirit. "I will rescue you, and we'll all escape from here to become demon slayers together."

Torou engaged his total concentration breathing and employed his unique technique, Breath of Earth. He sensed a temporary resurgence of his strength, fully aware that he was hastening his own demise as he launched his attack.

Breath Of Earth - First Form: Hammer

The demon observed with interest as Torou launched what appeared to be a simple sword strike at him. The creature raised an arm to defend itself, only to be taken aback when, instead of being sliced, it felt as though an unseen force struck its arm, shattering it.

"You little brat," the demon roared in fury, its numerous hands relentlessly attacking Kanae while Torou struggled to defend himself, blocking as best as he could with his sword. "I will end your life right here, and then I’ll enjoy myself with this woman before devouring her."

Kyojuro was fiercely attempting to reach his friends, but the demon utilizing defensive techniques obstructed his way, while the eye demon waited to attack as soon as he let his guard slip.

As Naruto observed the unfolding situation, he realized he didn't owe anyone anything and that it would be smarter to leave. However, his body acted on its own, and before he could process it, he found himself positioned above the hand demon, sword raised and ready to strike.

Breath Of the Fire God - Third Form: Unending Inferno

Naruto launched a rapid series of swift slashes and thrusts, liberating Kanae and severing the arms that were poised to strike Torou. With this single maneuver, he rescued both demon slayer candidates, creating a ring of flames from his relentless onslaught.

Naruto landed softly between the injured Torou and the now-freed Kanae, his back to them. The air crackled with heat from the fading ring of his Unending Inferno. The hands that had been restraining Kanae and attacking Torou lay twitching on the ground before dissolving into ash.

Naruto's intervention shattered the stalemate. As the Hand Demon roared in fury over its severed limbs, Naruto assessed the field in an instant. The Eye Demon was the most vulnerable.

"Flame Breath, the one with eyes! Now!" Naruto barked.

Kyojuro didn't hesitate. As Naruto lunged to keep the Hand Demon occupied with a flurry of slashes, Kyojuro focused his entire being into one silent, blindingly fast thrust.

Breath of Flames - First Form: Unknowing Fire!

The Eye Demon, distracted by Naruto's sudden assault, failed to predict the attack. Kyojuro's blade pierced its neck, and it dissolved into ash.

The Defensive Demon snarled, turning its attention fully to Kyojuro. "A lucky strike. It ends now."

It launched at Kyojuro, its blackened hands ready to shatter his sword. But as it moved, a streak of crimson and orange flames flashed behind it.

Breath Of the Fire God - Fourth Form: Crimson Flash Step

Naruto had used the Hand Demon as a springboard, leaving it swiping at empty air. He appeared directly behind the Defensive Demon, not aiming for its fortified back, but for the back of its knees. His blade bit deep, severing tendons.

The demon cried out, stumbling forward. Its perfect defense wavered for a single, critical moment as pain and surprise broke its concentration.

It was the opening Kyojuro needed.

Breath of Flames - Fifth Form: Flame Tiger!

A massive arc of fire, shaped like a roaring tiger, engulfed the stumbling demon. The attack wasn't blocked. Kyojuro's blade cleaved through its neck, and the Defensive Demon's head tumbled free, its expression frozen in shock.

With a coordinated turn, Naruto and Kyojuro faced the final foe. The Hand Demon, now alone, looked between the two slayers in panic.

"Impossible! You—"

Breath Of the Fire God - Second Form: Blaze Eruption.

Naruto closed the distance, his body a spinning vortex of cutting power. The demon's newly regenerated hands were sheared away. As it staggered back, head exposed, Kyojuro was already there.

Breath of Flames - Second Form: Rising Scorching Sun.

A single, upward slash, and the Hand Demon's head flew into the air, its body crumbling to dust.

Silence fell over the forest, broken only by the heavy breathing of the slayers. The first hints of dawn painted the sky. Kanae helped a weakened Torou to his feet, all three of them staring at the blonde stranger who had saved their lives.

Naruto simply wiped his blade clean, sheathed it, and turned to walk away without a word as the sun finally rose, the selection exam over.

Chapter End

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A/N: I hope you enjoy the latest update! I've noticed that this story has received a positive response on various platforms, so here’s the new installment. Naruto has successfully completed the demon slayer selection exam and is now an official demon slayer. He has also assisted some future Hashiras—how will his involvement influence their destinies? With the hand demon dealt with, will his fellow disciples still struggle when it's their turn for the selection exam? Stay tuned for upcoming chapters to find out! As always, thank you for your support and take care.

The Breath of the Fire God (Hi no Kami no Kokyū):

First Form: Rising Sun Barrage (Shōyō Rengoku)

Description: A simple, yet incredibly fast series of slashes delivered in a low-to-high, zigzagging pattern. It’s used primarily for closing the distance and breaking a demon’s guard with a sudden flurry.

Second Form: Blaze Eruption (Gōka Funka)

Description: The swordsman performs a rapid, full-body rotation, generating massive centrifugal force. They deliver one, powerful, wide-arc horizontal slash that cuts through multiple targets or delivers a deep, explosive strike to a single target.

Third Form: Unending Inferno (Muen Jigoku)

Description: A continuous, high-speed combination of thrusts and slashes. The user weaves and spins, creating a visual halo of fire around them while attacking. It is a highly offensive, full-stamina form used to keep the demon reeling and prevent it from regenerating or attacking.

Fourth Form: Crimson Flash Step (Guren Senkō)

Description: A pure movement and speed form. The swordsman takes a single, deep breath and explodes forward in a straight line at impossible speed, leaving a bright red afterglow in their wake. It’s used to instantly appear behind a demon or bypass an attack.

Fifth Form: Sun's Radiance Devastation (Taiyō Kōmei Hakai)

Description: The ultimate defensive and counter-attack form. When a demon attacks, the swordsman uses the incoming force to fuel their own spin. They pivot, deflecting the attack, and immediately unleash a devastating, downward diagonal power slash intended to cleave the demon’s body or neck with maximum force.

Secret/Final Form: Fire God's Roaring Furnace (Hi no Kami Dōro)

Description: A form reserved for beheading. The user gathers every ounce of their willpower and stamina. They leap high into the air, aiming down. As they descend, they execute a blindingly fast, powerful corkscrew motion, enhancing the blade's cutting power. The motion and speed create a visible vortex of heat and light that feels like an oppressive, burning pressure on the demon as the final blow is delivered.