Kyojuro Rengoku's abilities didn't shock Sanemi too much.
What really startled him was Hardy.
He had also wanted to assess this young man who had joined the Demon Slayer Corps because of him, but given his personality, he couldn't think of a normal way to interact, so he chose this method instead.
Honestly, not many of this generation's Hashira could be considered mentally stable.
Hardy's performance genuinely astonished Sanemi.
How long has this guy been learning Breathing Techniques? Not even three months, right?
And yet, he could already unleash Total Concentration Breathing at any moment, in every movement, unlike ordinary swordsmen who need to consciously gather their strength and adjust their breathing rhythm.
Does this mean he's already mastered Constant Breathing?
His strength has already surpassed that of a typical first-rate swordsman and is approaching Hashira level.
Even knowing Hardy's talent, Sanemi hadn't expected him to progress so quickly.
His talent was probably on par with Muichiro Tokito, if not greater.
As for Hardy, his bout with Sanemi was also rewarding.
Neither of them used weapons, but both used their hands as blades, employing Breathing Techniques.
As a fellow practitioner of Wind Breathing, Hardy could clearly sense the depth of Sanemi's skills.
In the original timeline, according to Upper Moon One Kokushibo, Sanemi had already surpassed the limits of Wind Breathing, elevating this "mediocre" style to unprecedented heights.
Apparently, Kokushibo didn't think much of the original creator of Wind Breathing, and believed that with the Demon Slayer Mark, Sanemi's strength had already exceeded that of the first-generation swordsman who created Wind Breathing.
This generation's swordsmen were the closest to the first generation in terms of average strength, but even among the first generation, Sanemi and Gyomei Himejima would have been stronger than the creators of their respective Breathing Styles.
Fighting Sanemi gave Hardy a new perspective on how Wind Breathing could be used.
In terms of Wind Breathing mastery alone, he was definitely below Sanemi, but Hardy not only knew Wind Breathing, he also knew Thunder Breathing, and with the boost from chakra, even Sanemi would find it hard to win or lose decisively without swords and without fighting to the death.
And with Kyojuro Rengoku desperately trying to break up the fight, the scene became even more chaotic.
By this point, the other Hashira realized that Hardy and Kyojuro Rengoku were indeed qualified to challenge for the position of Hashira.
"Ahem, Sanemi, Hardy, Kyojuro, that's enough."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki coughed lightly.
Sanemi Shinazugawa took the opportunity to retreat, using Kyojuro Rengoku's intervention to withdraw from the fight.
"Hmph, looks like I've got a good eye after all. At least I didn't recruit a useless brat. But you're still lacking a bit—when using the Third Form, there's no need to be so fixated on the technique. You can actually integrate the skills of the Fifth Form into it..."
"Also, Kyojuro, I don't know the Flame Breathing techniques, but I've seen your father in action…"
Sanemi Shinazugawa looked at Hardy. Though it sounded like he was criticizing him, he was actually imparting his own experience.
"So, Senior Shinazugawa, is this your way of passing down your insights to juniors like us? What a passionate heart you have! I'm sorry, senior, I misunderstood your intentions. I'll do my best!"
Kyojuro Rengoku straightened his back and thanked him loudly.
"Hey! You idiot, don't go thanking someone who wants to beat you up!"
Sanemi Shinazugawa looked as if he was both embarrassed and annoyed at having his true feelings exposed.
Hardy broke out in a nervous sweat.
These people really are all problem children, aren't they?
Is it because of the long-term stress from fighting demons?
"All right, everyone, let's get down to business first."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki wore a helpless expression.
"The first matter today concerns the Flame Hashira, Shinjuro. He hasn't taken on any missions for a long time, nor has he appeared before everyone in quite some time. Kyojuro, can you tell us what's going on?"
"I can't give a clear explanation. Ever since my mother passed away, my father has lost all his fighting spirit and spends his days drinking. He didn't even attend this Hashira meeting, so I've come in his place to deliver his message."
Kyojuro Rengoku replied.
"What a shame. I never thought someone like Shinjuro would ever lose his will."
Iguro Obanai, the Serpent Hashira, shook his head with a sigh.
He himself had been saved by Shinjuro in the past, which led to him joining the Demon Slayer Corps.
"Namu Amida Butsu. Although we've gained two new Hashira this year, we lost one last year, and now we're losing another. The Corps' Hashira-level strength is still stretched thin."
Gyomei Himejima pressed his palms together and recited a Buddhist chant with his head bowed.
The new Hashira this year were Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Hashira, who was promoted at the beginning of the year after slaying over fifty demons, and Muichiro Tokito, who became a Hashira after killing a Lower Moon demon with only two months of sword training.
The Hashira who died last year was Shinobu's elder sister, Kanae Kocho, the former Flower Hashira.
"It'll be fine! If I become the next Flame Hashira, I believe my father will regain his confidence!"
Kyojuro Rengoku said with full confidence.
Or rather, he always seemed this confident.
"Well then, let's move on to the second topic. There have been suspected sightings of the Twelve Kizuki near Tokyo. That area was originally Shinjuro's responsibility, but since he can't take missions now, I'll have to ask you to handle it, Kyojuro."
"Understood! I will eliminate the Twelve Kizuki and earn everyone's recognition!"
Kyojuro Rengoku stood up, full of enthusiasm, looking ready to head out immediately.
"Wait, Kyojuro, there's one last matter. Although you're not a Hashira yet, you can represent Shinjuro's stance on this issue."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki glanced at Hardy, then at Tanjiro Kamado.
"Hardy and Giyu have brought this young man, who is said to have inherited the breathing technique created by the original swordsman—the founder of Breathing Styles—over three hundred years ago. In the past three centuries, the Demon Slayer Corps has suffered great losses, and there are only fragments of records about those first swordsmen. Kyojuro, since the Flame Hashira line has remained unbroken for three hundred years, do you know of any relevant records?"
Kyojuro Rengoku shook his head decisively.
"Sorry, Master, I don't know if such records exist, but after I finish my mission, I can check my family's archives."
"Why make it so complicated? Why not just have the boy demonstrate it for us?"
Tengen Uzui asked curiously.
"That is exactly what I wanted to consult everyone about."