Animeverse Slayer!

Two days have passed.

Leo's initial excitement turned into disappointment. He realised a painful truth, his ability was breathtaking but without the corresponding knowledge it was worthless.

He tried to forge with the help of his spiritual sense but it all ended in failure.

The first try didn't even pass the melting stage, he heated the metals beyond it's capacity and was coked.

The second one ended with the same result. Then the third one, the fourth... after a lot of testing he was barely able to pass the melting stage.

However he completely failed the mixing stage. He only realised then how much knowledge and experience was needed to forge.

With no choice he consulted Sakon who didn't hold back and laughed in his face. Leo has never been embarrassed so much.

"I thought you were smart, guess I was wrong. Melting and Mixing requires knowledge about metals. Every smith has to go through years of training before they are allowed to step into a forge."

"Theory is important Leo. Every element may have completely different or infinitely similar characteristics. You have to be able to identify and classify them."

"Alright, I won't rub it in. My study has a complete set of books ranging from foundational knowledge to advanced theories and personal notes of my ancestors. You are welcome to use them."

Leo thanked Sakon. He decided to forge again only after he gained a comprehensive understanding of metals and controlling flames.

A couple of days have past since then. Leo spend his time going through book after book written by some of the greatest masters to have come by within the millenia.

These masters didn't have his ability but they were absolutely prodigies of their generation. Their thoughts and ideas were an eye opener for Leo.

And thanks to his spiritual sense he was able to read through these books and personal notes rather quickly. To him these knowledge were easy to acquire but it would take time to digest it.

Closing a book on combinations of elements Leo stretched his body. He almost read through the night and was about to hit the bed.

Suddenly he paused. He raised his head and looked towards the west wall.

Interesting.

Soon after he said those words the building burst apart. Several figures jumped out. One of them had long hair and an impassive look on his face.

Leo rubbed his chin. That must be the Mist Hashira, Muiichiro Tokito.

Leo sensed the same spiritual source from those two demons. Hoh... he can split his emotions.

One of the demons held a leaf fan, he waved it and blew the Mist Hashira, Muiichiro far into the distance.

Tanjiro was having a hard battle against the other two demons. When he was about to be struck Genya who at some point positioned himself above the roof. He aimed a short double barreled gun at the demon and pulled the trigger.

He jumped down and cut the other one immediately.

Tanjiro yelled at him, "Genya! They split the more you slice them and get stronger!"

Leo didn't intend to join and watched from the side.

Sabito suddenly appeared out of nowhere, "Hey! Why the hell are you standing around!? Let go!"

He was about to rush forward when Leo pulled him back, "Don't rush. This is a good opportunity for them. Stay here and watch, interfere only when they are in serious danger."

Sabito was about to reject when Leo cut him off, "You are more than enough to kill this one. A critical battle will accelerate their battle capabilities."

Sabito hesitated for a moment and nodded, "Where are you going then?"

Leo pointed to the forest behind, "I sense another demon in that direction."

He didn't explain further and disappeared.

Inside the forest.

Muiichiro was stuck inside something resembling water. His body was pierced by many needles.

Some distance from him was a shed. Two smiths were inside working on a sword.

"Stay back!"

One of them held a blade and struck at the demon. The demon had long torso with several hands protruding from its neck. It's eyes were replaced with mouths and it's mouth and forehead were covered and engraved with a character.

Upper Moon Five!

"That's some serious concentration."

Just as Upper Moon Five was about to cleave the smiths in two a sword descended out of nowhere. It split the shed in two.

Upper Moon Five was horrified. He retreated and looked around, but found no one.

Who!?

He panicked. That attack could have killed him if it was aimed at him.

Just as he was searching for the culprit Muiichiro jumped out of nowhere. His cheeks had a mist crest.

He got out?

Upper Moon Five reacted fast enough and dodged the attack. Muiichiro didn't hold back and followed close.

Leo was standing on a tree far behind them, he sat down and watched on with interest.

What's that crest? It's drawing strength from his spirit.

The crest was drawing strength from his spirit. The flow was rather slow but if it kept on like this his life span will be reduced considerably.

"What are you doing!?"

A growl came from behind. Leo turned around and found Sanemi glaring at him.

Leo waved his hand, "Sit down and watch. That kid Muiichiro got stronger."

Sanemi glared at him for a moment and unwillingly sat down.

Leo explained, "You see that black crest on his face, he got stronger after it appeared."

Sanemi frowned, "Stronger?"

Leo nodded, "Yeah. But I wouldn't count on it, it has a serious drawback, reduced lifespan."

Sanemi clenched his fist, "If it makes me stronger I am fine with it."

Leo nearly wanted to smack him to the ground, "What is wrong with you? We already have a method to get stronger! We don't need that crest!"

Sanemi didn't comment.

Leo shook his head and asked, "Hey, why did they attack when five Hashiras are here?"

Sanemi also frowned, "Do they have another objective?"

Leo didn't know. He chose to wait, he wanted to see what the demons were planning.