Shouldn't the strongest sword style be Sun Breathing? Bah! This isn't the time to complain, is it!
Ryan Carter was indeed very excited at this moment.
How could he not be excited?
Although it was strange to hear information about the Demon Slayer Corps from a martial hall master, it also meant he wouldn't have to painstakingly search for a trainer.
Someone would come to the Ren Martial Hall to teach him the Breathing Technique, and that person was Rengoku Shinjuro, the father of the original Flame Pillar—this was something he had never even dreamed of!
When Ryan finally left the hall master's room, his feet were floating.
Early the next morning, Ryan found Kanao, pulled her aside, and told her about the Breathing Technique and demons.
In the original story, Kanao was a genius who learned Flower Breathing just by memory and passed the Demon Slayer Corps' new recruit trial. Since he was about to enter the world of the Demon Slayer Corps, there was no reason to hide it from Kanao.
"...So, in a few days, when I learn Flame Breathing, I'll find a way for you to learn it too."
Kanao listened dazedly to the long explanation, her worldview completely overturned. But by the end, she was mostly happy. She still didn't quite understand demons or Breathing Techniques, but she knew she would still be training with her brother, and that was enough.
Ryan found Kanao's silly expression amusing.
By the way, when Shinjuro arrives, how will I get him to agree? Will he agree to teach this adorable girl the Breathing Technique?
Should I start with his hobbies? He seems to like drinking, so... Wait!
Ryan suddenly realized a blind spot. In the original story, Shinjuro was always depressed because his wife passed away, and he didn't even teach his two biological sons. Would he really teach him?
Based on Kanao's age, he must be in the 'dead wife' state right now. So... Wait, if he's like that, why would he agree to teach me, and even come from his home to teach me?
The more Ryan thought about it, the more his thoughts became muddled. He scratched his head and decided to prepare for both scenarios.
One scenario was that Shinjuro had gone crazy and would normally teach him Flame Breathing. In that case, he would honestly follow the training and diligently eat to add skill points.
The other scenario was that Shinjuro hadn't gone crazy and was only here to relax. In that case, he would have to see if he would teach him the basics of the Breathing Technique. This would be divided into three situations, and the first situation would depend on...
And so, by the end of the day, Ryan had made eighteen preparations.
And Kanao had accompanied him in a daze for the whole day.
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Six days later, in the morning, an uncle brought a young child to the Ren Martial Hall.
"Welcome, Flame Pillar-sama, to our martial hall. I am the hall master, Henry Yanguang. Please..."
Henry Yanguang, who had been waiting for a long time, came alone to greet them. He knew very well that members of the Demon Slayer Corps disliked being noticed by ordinary people.
"Mm, I'm mainly here to relax this time. Don't bother with anything else. Prepare a room for me where no one will disturb me. Oh, and also, prepare more alcohol for me."
Is this the Flame Pillar? Why does he look so dispirited?
"Understood. Please..."
"Oh, this is my son, Rengoku Senjuro. Let him train with your martial hall's people during this time. Any way is fine."
Hearing his father talk about him, Senjuro timidly performed a junior's bow.
"Greetings, Hall Master-senpai."
Aside from their appearance, they really didn't look like father and son.
Suppressing his complex thoughts, Henry Yanguang led the two away from the crowd to a secluded small courtyard.
"Do you need me to call a servant..."
"Alright, this is fine. Bring me ten gourds of sake. I'm entrusting Senjuro to you."
Shinjuro glanced at the courtyard and was ready to dismiss him, while pushing the bewildered Senjuro out.
"Flame Pillar-sama, would you like to meet Ryan Carter?"
"Oh, him. Have him meet me tomorrow at noon."
After saying that, he didn't wait for a reply and walked into the house with his sake flask.
Although Shinjuro had cheered up for a short while six days ago because of his second son, after a few days, he had returned to his original state.
Looking at his father's dispirited back, Senjuro lowered his head, then turned around and bowed again.
"Th-that... If my father has been rude, please forgive him, Hall Master. I... I apologize to you!"
"No, no! You're a good child. Stand tall and come with me. Although I can't teach you Flame Breathing here, you can find many sparring partners in the martial hall."
Henry Yanguang helped Senjuro up and walked towards the dojo, sighing inwardly. He hadn't expected to encounter such a trainer. He hoped Ryan would be able to make something of himself.
The next morning, Ryan brought Kanao to visit the courtyard where Shinjuro was staying.
After knocking a few times, the main door finally opened, revealing a scruffy uncle. His slumped posture gave the impression that he had just woken up.
But Ryan recognized him at a glance; his long, yellow and red hair was simply too striking.
"Good morning, Rengoku-senpai. I am Ryan Carter. I've come presumptuously to..."
"Alright, stop talking! I told the hall master to have you come at noon, didn't I? Whatever it is, we can talk after I've had a good sleep."
Shinjuro interrupted impatiently, and then was about to close the door.
As expected, he was still that dispirited uncle. Ryan didn't take offense, but instead took out two flasks of sake from behind his waist.
"Please accept this..."
Before he finished speaking, the other party stopped closing the door, quickly snatched one flask of sake, and took a gulp.
"Gulp, gulp... Ah! Good sake."
Then he snatched the other flask as well.
"Gulp, gulp... Hmm, this flavor is also good. You're thoughtful."
Shinjuro's complexion quickly reddened, and his eyes regained their luster.
There's a chance!
"It's good that Rengoku-senpai likes it. I'll come again at noon..."
"No, you don't need to come again at noon!"
"..."
"You want to learn Flame Breathing, right? I don't have time to teach you."
Then why the hell did you come!
Shinjuro, however, paid no attention to Ryan's thoughts. He slowly fumbled for something in his embrace.
"Got it. Take this book. Just follow what's written in it. If you don't understand something, figure it out yourself. If you really need to find me, bring ten gourds of good sake. Otherwise, don't bother me."
Ryan quickly took the tattered book thrown at him. Before he could even see the cover, the other party was about to close the door again.
"Wait, can I show this book to the girl next to me?"
Shinjuro's slightly tipsy eyes showed a hint of surprise. Only then did he notice Kanao, who had been by Ryan's side the whole time.
The relationship between these two... Ha! I didn't realize this kid was such a romantic. But doesn't he know what learning a Breathing Technique entails? What a reckless idea!
"You..."
Suddenly, Ruka's image flashed before his eyes, and the scolding on his lips stopped.
Hmph! Wanting his wife to also learn a Breathing Technique, what a fanciful idea. This kid is completely different from me.
"Forget it, do as you please. But this book can only be seen by the two of you. Otherwise, you know the consequences!"
This time, he completely closed the door.