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If you were to stop and think. One moment, one timeline. Could completely change. The butterfly effect as some would call it. Others call it fate, simply because they never saw the options that each choice could create. But him?
He smelt it.
The second his sword lifted, he smelt the change, knew what he had to do. This demon was young, weak.
But if left to its own devices, left to live.
It would be the death of him.
He held his sword tightly, knuckles white as he gripped it, slashing through the chilly night time air swiftly.
And between one breath and the next…
Fourteen lives were saved.
You may call it the butterfly effect, but Urokodaki calls it protecting his children.
First was Furuse Reijiro, the first student he had taken under his wing after that fateful night. His final selection went without a hitch, just as Urokodaki knew it would. Throughout the years he would grow up to be a highly ranked demon slayer, one of the best within the core.
Mukai Aneka was next, the little girl practically skipping through the final selection with ease, letting Urokodaki let out a small breath of relief. His students were the best of the best, ranking up quickly and showing the world what they were truly made of.
Then Tamon Hinata, Sakai Yoshi, Fujino Iona, Kinjo Nobukazu, Sabito Urokodaki, Makomo Urokodaki, Giyu Tomioka, Ueki Harumi, Kaneko Yasunari, Mae Mie, Goto Urena, and Sasori Rinji.
They were all saved, all lived to tell the tale of their final selection. All stood on their own feet as Tanjiro entered his final selection. All heard the tales of Urokodaki’s newest student, one that stood out even amongst them. One that made even the water Hashira grin.
Giyu Tomioka knew the kid had it in him from the second they met that fateful day. Once that hatchet nearly sliced his skull open, he could tell Urokodaki would have fun with that one. Glancing over at Sabito, his grin widens. The man may have been the stronger of the two years ago, but after those demons nearly took him out on their selection? He decided enough was enough, he couldn't have Sabito making all the sacrifices for him.
Even if it meant taking the guy’s place as the water Hashira.