Shinazugawa Sanemi wasn't particularly surprised by Rengoku Kyojuro's strength.
What truly shocked him was Qingshui.
He had intended to test this young man who had joined the Demon Slayer Corps because of him, but given his personality, he couldn't think of any normal way to interact, so he chose this method.
It just goes to show that few of the current Hashira are entirely sane.
Qingshui's performance genuinely astonished Shinazugawa Sanemi.
How long had this guy been learning a Breathing Style? Not more than three months, right?
Yet, he could already unleash Constant Total Concentration Breathing with every move, anytime, anywhere, unlike ordinary swordsmen who had to temporarily gather their strength and adjust their breathing rhythm.
Did this mean he had already mastered Constant Total Concentration Breathing?
His strength had definitely surpassed that of an ordinary Class-A Swordsman, reaching a level close to that of a Hashira.
Even knowing that Qingshui's talent would likely lead him to become a Hashira, how much time had passed?
His talent was probably no less than Tokito Muichiro's.
For Qingshui, the encounter with Shinazugawa Sanemi also felt somewhat fruitful.
Although neither used weapons, both fought with their hands as blades, utilizing their Breathing Styles.
As a user of Wind Breathing, Qingshui was best able to gauge Shinazugawa Sanemi's depth.
In the original timeline, according to Upper Rank One Kokushibo, Shinazugawa Sanemi had surpassed the limits of Wind Breathing, believing that this "mediocre" Breathing Style had reached an unprecedented height in Shinazugawa Sanemi's hands.
It seemed he didn't think much of the first swordsman who created Wind Breathing, and he also believed that Shinazugawa Sanemi, after acquiring a demon slayer mark, had surpassed the first swordsman who created Wind Breathing.
The average strength of this generation of swordsmen was the closest to the first swordsmen, but Shinazugawa Sanemi and Himejima Gyomei's strength, even among the first swordsmen, was stronger than the swordsmen who created their respective Breathing Styles.
Fighting Shinazugawa Sanemi gave Qingshui a sense of "so Wind Breathing can be used this way too."
In terms of mastery of Wind Breathing alone, he was certainly below Shinazugawa Sanemi, but Qingshui knew not only Wind Breathing but also Thunder Breathing, and with the boost from Chakra, even Shinazugawa Sanemi would find it difficult to win without a weapon in a life-or-death struggle.
Add in Rengoku Kyojuro, who was desperately trying to break up the fight, and the scene became even more chaotic.
At this point, the other Hashira suddenly realized that Qingshui and Kyojuro were indeed qualified to challenge for a Hashira position.
"Ahem, Sanemi, Qingshui, and Kyojuro, stop it."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya coughed.
Shinazugawa Sanemi used Rengoku Kyojuro's momentum to retreat from the skirmish.
"Hmph, looks like my judgment wasn't bad after all; I didn't pick a useless one. But you're still a bit lacking, kid. When using the Third Form, there's no need to stick rigidly to the technique. You can incorporate the Fifth Form's techniques. And Kyojuro, I don't use Flame Breathing, but I've seen your old man fight..."
Shinazugawa Sanemi looked at Qingshui, seemingly lecturing but actually imparting wisdom.
"So, Senior Shinazugawa wanted to impart his wisdom to us juniors this way? What a passionate heart! I apologize, Senior, I misunderstood. I'll do my best!"
Rengoku Kyojuro puffed out his chest and thanked him loudly.
"Hey! You, don't thank the person who wants to beat you up!"
Shinazugawa Sanemi looked like he was annoyed and embarrassed to have his thoughts exposed.
Qingshui broke out in a sweat.
These people really were problem children.
Was it because of the long-term battles with Demons, and the immense mental stress?
"Alright, everyone, let's discuss the important matters first."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya's face showed a helpless expression.
"The first order of business today is regarding the Flame Hashira, Shinjuro. He hasn't been on a mission in a long time, and he hasn't appeared before everyone in a long time. Kyojuro, can you tell us what's going on?"
"I cannot explain the exact situation. Ever since Mother passed away, Father lost all his fighting spirit and has been drinking all day. He didn't even attend this Hashira meeting, so I came here to relay the message on his behalf."
Rengoku Kyojuro replied.
"What a shame. I never thought someone like Mr. Shinjuro would have a day when he'd lose his will."
Serpent Hashira Iguro Obanai shook his head and sighed.
He had been saved by Shinjuro and then joined the Demon Slayer Corps.
"Namu Amida Butsu. Although two new Hashira were added this year, we lost one last year, and now we're losing another this year. The Demon Slayer Corps' Hashira-level strength is still stretched thin."
Himejima Gyomei clasped his hands together, lowered his head, and chanted a Buddhist prayer.
The new Hashira promoted this year were Insect Hashira Kocho Shinobu, who was promoted at the beginning of the year for slaying over fifty Demons, and Tokito Muichiro, who was promoted after slaying a Lower Rank Demon just two months after picking up a sword.
The Hashira who died last year was Kocho Shinobu's older sister, the former Flower Hashira Kocho Kanae.
"No problem! If I become the Flame Hashira, I believe Father will regain his confidence!"
Rengoku Kyojuro said with full confidence.
Or rather, he always looked so confident.
"Then, let's move on to the second agenda item. There are suspected traces of the Twelve Kizuki near Tokyo. That area was originally Shinjuro's responsibility. Since Shinjuro cannot perform missions now, I'll entrust it to you, Kyojuro."
"Understood! I will eradicate the Twelve Kizuki and earn everyone's approval!"
Rengoku Kyojuro stood up with immense energy, looking ready to set off immediately.
"Wait, Kyojuro, one last thing. Even though you're not a Hashira yet, you can speak on Shinjuro's behalf regarding this matter."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya looked at Qingshui, then at Kamado Tanjiro.
"This young man, brought by Qingshui and Giyu, is said to have inherited the Breathing Style left by the swordsman who created Breathing Styles over three hundred years ago. However, over these three centuries, the Demon Slayer Corps has faced several major disasters, and only fragmented information remains about those initial swordsmen. Kyojuro, the Flame Hashira lineage has continued unbroken for three hundred years; do you happen to have any relevant records?"
Rengoku Kyojuro shook his head decisively.
"I apologize, Master, I don't know if such records exist, but after I complete my mission, I can check the books at home."
"Why make it so complicated? Why not just have the young man demonstrate it?" Uzui Tengen asked curiously.
"That's precisely what I wanted to ask your opinions on."
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