The area of Mt. Momoyama was vast.
When Hardy came to Momoyama looking for Kuwajima Jigoro, members of the "Hidden" living in the town at the foot of the mountain told him that the former Thunder Hashira had gone out to look for disciples.
Among the five major breathing styles, Thunder Breathing was the only one that hadn't produced a new Hashira yet, while the other four already had. Kuwajima Jigoro was understandably anxious, but he had high standards—ordinary people didn't interest him; he only accepted those he truly approved of.
So, previously, Hardy had been working in a small house at the foot of the mountain, making machine tools and preparing to build a puppet. He hadn't gone up the mountain or met Kuwajima's disciple, Kaigaku.
It wasn't until he followed the former Thunder Hashira to his residence that Hardy finally met Kaigaku, who in the original timeline would fall and become Upper Moon Six.
At this moment, Kaigaku was gripping a sword, practicing his forms on the grass in front of the courtyard, every movement precise and diligent.
To become Upper Moon Six, Kaigaku's talent and strength were considerable, and he was highly motivated—he'd joined the Demon Slayer Corps to survive encounters with demons.
Likewise, to survive, he was willing to turn from human to demon.
Morality and emotions could be cast aside; his survival instinct was extremely strong, and his obsession with victory bordered on paranoia. He firmly believed that as long as he stayed alive, he would eventually win.
This imbued him with a temperament as fierce and aggressive as thunder itself. Perhaps it was this nature that made Kuwajima Jigoro see his potential for Thunder Breathing.
His talent was indeed good. Though he had low moral standards, this personality also allowed him to endure extremely harsh training for the sake of survival and victory, so his potential ceiling was never low.
After finishing a set of sword forms, Kaigaku sheathed his blade and bowed to Kuwajima Jigoro.
"Master Kuwajima."
His sharp eyes, tinged with a hint of menace, turned to Hardy and Zenitsu.
"Hmm, very diligent," the old man said, hands behind his back, looking quite pleased. He pointed at Zenitsu and Hardy.
"This is Zenitsu—he'll be your junior from now on. This is Hardy, a swordsman who has already mastered Wind Breathing. He's come to study Thunder Breathing with me as well."
Kaigaku eyed Hardy warily.
"A swordsman who's already mastered Wind Breathing? Then why do you want to learn Thunder Breathing?"
Perhaps because he hadn't fully mastered Thunder Breathing himself, Kaigaku seemed to have little goodwill toward Hardy.
As for Zenitsu, who looked timid and cowardly, Kaigaku didn't pay him any mind.
Hardy frowned, eyeing Kaigaku.
What's wrong with this guy?
Is his competitive streak really that strong? Does he want to pounce on everyone like a dog in heat?
What business is it of yours if I want to learn Thunder Breathing?
"Do you have a problem with that?"
Hardy placed his hand on the hilt at his waist.
Kuwajima Jigoro's eye twitched.
These two both seem to have pretty strong personalities…
Looks like things are going to get lively on Momoyama.
"Ahem, Kaigaku, there are plenty of swordsmen in the Demon Slayer Corps who switch to other breathing styles midway. Many derivative breathing styles came about this way," Kuwajima Jigoro coughed, tapping his cane.
"Master Kuwajima, it's fine. I think it's just that Kaigaku doesn't know me well enough yet. Maybe he just wants to exchange pointers with me in the future, right?" Hardy said, glancing at Kuwajima.
After all, he still needed to learn Thunder Breathing from Kuwajima. It wouldn't do to start off by clashing with his disciple.
But once he'd learned Thunder Breathing, he could have a proper "exchange" with this guy.
Unexpectedly, Kaigaku misunderstood Hardy's gesture.
"No problem. We can exchange pointers right now."
A fierce smile appeared at the corner of Kaigaku's mouth.
Hardy also started laughing.
Looks like I won't have to wait long—I can teach this kid a lesson right now.
"Kaiyue!"
Urokodaki Sakonji frowned in disapproval and scolded Kaiyue.
He was satisfied with this disciple's talent and diligence. In a few years, it wouldn't be impossible for him to inherit the title of Thunder Pillar. The only thing he was unhappy about was Kaiyue's terrible personality.
"It's fine, old man! We're just sparring a bit—how about right here?"
Kaiyue drew his sword right in front of Urokodaki Sakonji.
"Ugh… so scary!"
Zenitsu Agatsuma immediately hid behind Urokodaki Sakonji.
"Well… all right then."
Urokodaki Sakonji sighed.
It seemed these two wouldn't get along unless they had a fight.
That's fine. It's better to resolve conflicts early, and with him around, nothing unexpected would happen.
"Thunder Breathing, Second Form: Rice Spirit!"
Kaiyue raised his sword and charged forward, unleashing five golden lightning-shaped slashes in an instant.
Watching Kaiyue's moves, Hardy couldn't help but think of Master Ma's "Five Consecutive Lightning Whips"...
Even though he was distracted for a split second, multitasking was second nature to Hardy. His right hand still gripped the sword hilt, but he didn't draw it. Instead, he placed his left hand behind his back, forming a seal to maintain the Wind Swift Technique.
With a few quick sidesteps, he easily dodged Kaiyue's attacks.
"Keep going."
Hardy sneered.
He wasn't in a hurry to defeat Kaiyue. He wanted to observe the sword forms of Thunder Breathing first.
Kaiyue's heart sank, but his hands didn't stop. He turned and swung his sword with all his might.
"Thunder Breathing, Fifth Form: Heat Lightning!"
"Thunder Breathing, Fourth Form: Distant Thunder!"
First, a long-range golden lightning bolt shot toward Hardy, quickly followed by another.
Hardy changed his movement, flicked out half his scabbard, spun to deflect the golden lightning, then turned back and kicked Kaiyue—who was charging in with the lightning—flying.
"Damn it!"
With a fresh footprint on his backside, Kaiyue staggered a couple of steps, then turned and charged at Hardy again.
"Thunder Breathing, Second Form: Rice Spirit!"
Hardy was a little disappointed.
In the original timeline, Kaiyue had mastered all the sword forms except the First Form, but at this point in time, he only knew three moves.
There was no need to continue fighting.
The sword, which had been half drawn, was finally unsheathed completely.
"Wind Breathing, Sixth Form: Black Wind Smoke Storm."
The long sword swept upward, slicing a sharp blade of wind.
Not far away, Urokodaki Sakonji sensed trouble. With his still-good leg, he stomped hard on the ground and shot forward like a golden bolt of lightning.
The sound of fabric tearing rang out—Kaiyue's upper garment was instantly shredded into strips, and Hardy's sword rested steadily against Kaiyue's neck, grazing his skin and leaving a thin line of blood.
"Whew…"
Standing two meters away from Hardy and Kaiyue, Urokodaki Sakonji let out a sigh of relief.
With Hardy's skill, he could easily hold back his strength.
Besides, he had come to learn Thunder Breathing from Urokodaki Sakonji—there's no way he'd kill his disciple on the very first day.