In a certain mansion in Tokyo Prefecture, a child who looked eight or nine years old sat quietly, absorbed in reading a book.
Suddenly, as if sensing something, his pupils contracted into crimson vertical slits.
He muttered a single word in a cold, low voice.
"Trash."
A moment later, his pupils returned to normal, as though nothing had happened. He calmly lowered his gaze back to the book and continued reading.
…
"Hahahahaha! As expected of the genius I trained!"
After receiving the news that Naruto had slain one of the Twelve Kizuki, Shinazugawa Sanemi burst into loud laughter. Then, with obvious irritation, he clicked his tongue and said:
"Damn it! Why is it so easy for that brat to run into a Twelve Kizuki? It's seriously annoying!"
Since becoming a Demon Slayer, he himself had only encountered a Twelve Kizuki once.
And yet Naruto—less than two months after joining the Demon Slayer Corps—had already met one.
Even if it was only a Lower Rank Four.
Back then, the one he killed was Lower Rank One!
Despite his grumbling, Shinazugawa Sanemi was genuinely pleased. Naruto's ability to slay a Twelve Kizuki proved that there were no longer any obstacles preventing him from becoming a Pillar.
Moreover, Naruto had officially broken Muichiro Tokito's record—becoming Pillar-level in less than two months after picking up a sword.
"I really want to see the looks on their faces when they hear this," Shinazugawa muttered, a grin forming on his face.
…
Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters.
"Lower Rank Four, you say?"
Master Ubuyashiki Kagaya listened as his wife read the report regarding Naruto's slaying of a Twelve Kizuki. His gentle smile never faded as he spoke softly:
"To slay a member of the Twelve Kizuki alone… it seems Naruto already possesses the strength of a Pillar.
Shinazugawa Sanemi truly brought us a remarkable child."
"Indeed,"
Ubuyashiki Amane nodded with a smile, then added gently, "But what you should be worrying about now is what title to give that child, isn't it?"
Naruto practiced Wind Breathing, and the current Wind Pillar—Shinazugawa Sanemi—was still in his prime, and even continuing to grow stronger.
The Demon Slayer Corps had never had two Pillars of the same Breathing Style at the same time, nor had there ever been two Pillars sharing the same title.
If Naruto were to be appointed as a Pillar, he would require a new designation.
"Hmm…"
For the first time, Master Ubuyashiki Kagaya's smile faltered slightly. He showed a rare troubled expression.
"You're right… this is indeed a difficult problem."
…
"Where should I go next?"
Naruto, completely unaware of the stir his actions had caused, was instead troubled by a far more practical question.
He looked down at the intelligence in his hands.
After a long moment of consideration, he made a decision.
"I'll choose this place."
He pointed at Mt. Natagumo.
It was the only remaining priority-grade intelligence entry, and according to the report, more than one demon seemed to be lurking there.
"Annoying Crow!~"
Naruto turned to the Kasugai Crow perched on his shoulder and said, "Next destination—Mt. Natagumo. Lead the way."
"Caw!~ Caw!~"
The crow immediately flapped into the air, shouting loudly, "Next destination—Mt. Natagumo! Depart, depart—"
Bang!
The crow's voice abruptly cut off.
A figure fell from the sky, crashing heavily to the ground and kicking up a cloud of dust.
"Who's there?!"
Naruto gripped the hilt of his sword, his gaze locked onto the dust-shrouded figure. An overwhelming pressure washed over him.
As the dust slowly settled, a demon stepped forward.
Its body was covered in blue markings, with pink hair and eyebrows. In its hand, it casually held Naruto's Kasugai Crow.
A scornful smile spread across its face as it walked toward him.
"I didn't expect to run into such a pleasant surprise while out for a stroll," it said lightly. "I must be very lucky."
"A demon?!"
Naruto immediately recognized what it was—but the moment his eyes met the demon's gaze, his entire body began to tremble uncontrollably.
Because carved into those eyes were the characters:
Upper Moon — Three
This demon was none other than Akaza, Upper Moon Three of the Twelve Kizuki.
"It's… an Upper Moon…"
Naruto's body shook violently—whether from fear, excitement, or both, he couldn't tell.
The only thing he knew was that this demon felt completely different from any Lower Moon he had faced before.
It was as though they existed on entirely different levels.
"You don't look like a Demon Slayer Corps Pillar."
Akaza observed Naruto for a moment before speaking again.
"Yet… you feel stronger than the Pillars I've killed before."
He smiled.
"Though you're still quite green, I suppose you're barely acceptable."
"Acceptable?"
Naruto frowned. "What do you mean by that?"
"It means you've just barely reached the level where I can take you seriously."
Akaza raised a hand casually.
"After all, it's been a long time since I last ate a Demon Slayer Corps Pillar."
"Barely… take seriously?"
Naruto's anger flared. He drew his blade and shouted:
"You damn demon, don't look down on me! And also—I already told you, I'm fifteen years old!"
His figure vanished in an instant.
Like a raging gust of wind, he swept past Akaza.
"Wind Breathing—First Form: Dust Whirlwind Cutter!"
The swirling wind blade followed his movement, slicing cleanly through Akaza's body and severing the arm holding the Kasugai Crow at the wrist.
Caw!~ Caw!~
Freed, the Kasugai Crow shot into the sky, shrieking at the top of its lungs:
"Emergency! Emergency! Uzumaki Naruto has encountered an Upper Moon demon!~"
"I see… so that was your goal."
Akaza glanced up at the crow, then smiled faintly. His severed arm regenerated instantly.
Turning back to Naruto, he nodded in approval.
"A fine strike. Powerful and decisive.
I wasn't mistaken—though you're still green, you are stronger than the Pillars I've faced before."
"Tch. Who cares about a demon's opinion?"
Naruto tightened his grip on his sword, took a firm stance, and shouted:
"And I told you already—I'm fifteen!"