When Tanjiro heard Xander's words, his eyes became resolute: "I will never allow that to happen. If Nezuko ever harms innocent people, I will kill her and then commit suicide to atone for my guilt."
Urokodaki Sakonji nodded with satisfaction, but still taught Tanjiro a lesson.
Then Urokodaki Sakonji led the two of them to bury the bodies of the villagers who had perished.
When it was done, he spoke again: "Now, the next thing, let me see if you are suitable to become a demon slayer! Carry your sister on your back and follow me..."
After that, Urokodaki Sakonji began to run.
Xander smiled and said: "Tanjiro, don't fall behind. I believe your sister will become human again."
After that, Xander also started running.
Inspired by Xander's words, Tanjiro became more determined in his conviction. After carrying Nezuko on his back, he followed Xander and Urokodaki Sakonji and ran.
As dusk approached, Urokodaki Sakonji and Xander stopped in front of a small cabin.
Tanjiro sat on the ground, drenched in sweat: "So... In this way... Can I be recognized?" Urokodaki opened the door and removed his scarf: "The trial is just beginning, let's go to the mountain."
"Huh?"
After placing Nezuko in a spot in the room where there was no sunlight, Tanjiro and Urokodaki Sakonji delved deeper into Mount Sagiri, leaving Xander in the room to watch over Nezuko.
Xander glanced at Nezuko beside him, smiled gently, and immersed himself in the system.
"Open the newbie chest."
As soon as Xander gave the command, the newbie chest disappeared, and a blue fruit and a black chainmail appeared in his hand.
[Ice Fruit: From the world of "One Piece," the side effects of the Devil Fruit have been eliminated. It can freeze anything it touches, transform any part of the body into ice, and the light blue ice blocks it creates can be altered at will, creating any kind of weapon to attack a target.]
[Spatial Chainmail: Contains 10 cubic meters of space, capable of storing anything except living creatures]
"Admiral Aokiji's Devil Fruit, this power is simply a cheat in this world," thought Xander, as he bit into the fruit and found it not only tasteless but also pleasantly sweet and cool. "Worthy of the system, truly an excellent product."
After consuming the Ice Fruit, a cold aura gradually emanated from Xander.
He raised his hand and discovered that one hand had turned into a light blue ice cube.
"The body has become elemental, immune to all physical attacks, so powerful!"
Suddenly, a groan interrupted Xander's thoughts.
Xander then noticed that ice had condensed in certain spots in the room. The cold air also made Nezuko feel uncomfortable.
"Sorry, I got a little excited and couldn't control myself," Xander apologized to Nezuko, controlling the ice to disperse into the air, returning his body to its original state.
The room's temperature gradually returned to normal.
Xamder took the Spatial Chainmail in hand and said, "I wonder if I can store Demons in it. Let's find an opportunity to try."
Not long after, the door opened, and Urokodaki Sakonji entered.
"Grandpa Urokodaki, you're back."
Urokodaki Sakonji sat down opposite Lin Guang and looked at him: "Xander, you saved those two people today, have you made up your mind?"
"Yes, Grandpa Urokodaki, I've thought about it, and I want to participate in the final selection," Xander said, looking at the sky outside the window. "Sakuto, Shinko, and the others, I think they definitely wouldn't want to see me continue being so despondent."
Xander had spent more than ten years traveling through time and knew Urokodaki's students very well. He had also advised them to avoid danger when they encountered it, but few listened, and they ended up making the same mistakes, which left Xander feeling somewhat helpless.
However, today Xander had activated the system and was even blessed with the power of the Ice Fruit. He didn't believe he couldn't change his fate.
Urokodaki Sakonji remained silent.
At that moment, the door opened, and a dusty Tanjiro appeared in the doorway.
"I'm back..."
With that, Tanjiro collapsed against the door frame.
"It looks like he passed your test," Xander smiled.
"Yes, I acknowledge him."
The next day.
Urokodaki Sakonji took Hayashi and Tanjiro to Mount Sagiri.
After setting tasks for Tanjiro, Urokodaki Sakonji led Hayashi into the forest.
In an open space lay a massive boulder.
"Xander, although you've decided to participate in the final selection, it's still up to me to decide if you're suitable for it. As long as you can split this boulder, I'll allow you to participate in the final selection."
With that said, Urokodaki Sakonji walked away.
Xander looked at the massive boulder in front of him, which was nearly three meters high, and couldn't help but smile.
"Are you using Tanjiro's final test to challenge me?"
Xander didn't rush to split the rock. Instead, he attempted to combine the power of the Ice Fruit with the breathing technique to create a method that suited him best.