As James stepped into the city, the lively scene unfolded before his eyes—bustling streets crowded with travelers, men and women dressed in colorful kimonos hurrying past, and vibrant lanterns of every shade hanging along the roadside beams, swaying gently in the summer breeze.
He found a modest inn to stay in. As for money—he had discreetly lifted a hefty purse from an arrogant samurai swaggering by earlier that afternoon. It wasn't ideal, but survival came first.
Inside the quiet room, James sat cross-legged on the wooden floor. His chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm. With each breath, warm air flowed through his body, circulating through his limbs and organs like a gentle current.
If anyone else had been in the room, they would have immediately noticed the abnormal air pressure. The air subtly twisted around James like he was a black hole, drawing everything inward. Even the wall scroll beside him swayed unnaturally, reacting to the unseen energy.
"Huuuh…" James slowly exhaled and opened his eyes, a calm gleam shining within them.
He had been meditating, trying to recall and reconstruct the Breathing Techniques from the Demon Slayer world. And, remarkably, it was working.
When he entered the right mental and physical state—his body awakened. His senses sharpened, his muscles strengthened, and he could feel the inner power stirring.
The nature of Breathing Techniques was straightforward but profound. If a person's raw strength was rated at 1, then breathing techniques could elevate that to 2. With deeper mastery, it could be amplified to 3, 4, even 10 or more. That exponential enhancement is what gave demon slayers the ability to stand against supernatural beings.
A truly powerful individual might have the natural strength of 3—but with advanced breathing techniques, they could reach 6, 9, or beyond.
James understood this better than most. That's why he had invested his attribute points into Qi and Jing, the foundations of internal strength and physical prowess. The synergy would maximize his growth and allow his breathing techniques to flourish.
"But what kind of breathing technique am I using?" he murmured to himself.
He had expected to sense some elemental trait—perhaps the blazing energy of Fire Breathing or the fluid gentleness of Water Breathing. But there was nothing distinct. Just power. Neutral, pure, untamed.
Could this be… a new type of breathing altogether? One without elemental restriction?
"Open the panel."
---
Name: James
Strength: Not Ranked (Human Tier)
Spiritual Power: 60/60
Skills:
Japanese Swordsmanship - Grandmaster (150/7500)
Basic Swordsmanship - Mastery (9500/10000)
Extraordinary Ability: Breathing Technique – Beginner (10/100)
Temporary Talent: [Near the Way]
Overall Rating: Not Ranked
---
"At least the panel doesn't look terrible anymore," James said, giving a dry laugh.
He unsheathed the old samurai sword he had bartered from the village uncle. The blade had some rust, but it still gleamed faintly in the candlelight, and the edge was surprisingly sharp.
"Breathing Technique… Fushou."
He whispered the name instinctively. In a flash, the blade vanished back into its sheath. The room was still—silent.
But James smiled faintly.
Though nothing dramatic had occurred outwardly, he could feel it—the strike had power. His breathing technique had reached a new level of resonance with his body.
"Everything's in place. Now all that's left is the final push," he murmured. He continued practicing late into the night, aiming to reach a stable breathing rhythm similar to what the elite demon slayers achieved.
---
Meanwhile, at the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters, Tanjiro had just completed a mission. He and his companions—Inosuke and Zenitsu—had been summoned by the Sound Hashira, Uzui Tengen. Together, the four set out for Yoshiwara, the Entertainment District.
---
Days passed quickly.
James stayed in the Demon Slayer world for quite some time now. By day, he would venture outside the city to practice his sword skills; by night, he locked himself in the room to refine his breathing technique.
Tonight, however, was different.
James had left the city after dusk—he was on the verge of a breakthrough. He could feel it deep in his bones.
Under the pale moonlight, he moved through sword drills methodically—pick, slash, stab, sweep—each motion synced with controlled, powerful breaths. His footwork was clean, and the movements were flowing like a dance.
Then—snap.
Something inside him broke free.
The techniques he had drilled thousands of times suddenly transformed—from rigid to fluid, from practiced to instinctive. His speed increased dramatically. His blade moved so fast it created an afterimage. The air shimmered around him with each cut.
A dome of sword light surrounded his body, seamless and without gaps.
---
"Basic Swordsmanship – Mastery Achieved."
He stopped, slowly sheathing his sword, chest rising and falling in time with a perfected breath.
"Open the panel."
---
Name: James
Strength: First Level
Spiritual Power: 70/100
Skills:
Japanese Swordsmanship – Grandmaster (550/7500)
Basic Swordsmanship – Mastery (10/50000)
Extraordinary Ability: Breathing Technique – Normal (10/1000)
Temporary Talent: [Near the Way]
Rating: First-Class Ordinary
---
"I've ranked up." James nodded, pleased. "With this strength, I could probably level an entire neighborhood if I needed to."
But even in that moment of satisfaction, he reminded himself not to grow arrogant.
Crossing into the first rank was like stepping into a new world. Back in Tianshui County Private Middle School, the top two students had reached this rank. That was why his predecessor always lost—he simply wasn't strong enough to compete.
In the Demon Slayer universe, being First Rank likely put him in the upper tiers. Not quite Hashira level, but definitely above most low-ranking slayers.
From the shadows, a soft rustle stirred the air.
James turned slightly. Four presences were approaching. Three had distinct footsteps—heavy, deliberate. The fourth was eerily silent.
His gaze flicked forward.
Out of the darkness emerged three figures.
A boy in a boar mask dashed ahead, shouting nonsense. Behind him, a red-haired boy with a scar on his forehead carried a wooden box. The last had curly golden hair, trembling with every step, his face etched with exhaustion.
Inosuke. Tanjiro. Zenitsu.
James immediately recognized them. Their appearance, demeanor, even the way they walked—it was unmistakable.
Suddenly, a sharp shift in air pressure.
A voice spoke behind him.
---
"Rather impolite of you to observe us so openly," said Uzui Tengen, appearing silently at James's back.
James turned, unfazed. "Your stealth is impressive."
Uzui grinned and clapped James on the shoulder with an audible thump. "You're half as flamboyant as me already!"
"What's your name? I'm Uzui Tengen—the god of flash and flair!"
James held back a twitch. He knew this man's eccentric personality, but seeing it up close was still… jarring.
The three boys arrived moments later.
Zenitsu leaned close to Tanjiro and whispered, "This guy's embarrassing. I don't know him."
Tanjiro turned, oblivious. "Hmm?"
Inosuke threw his hands in the air. "Hah! I'm King of the Mountains—Inosuke!"
Uzui looked away. "I still don't know him."
James chuckled. "My name is James. I'm a wandering samurai. I saw your group approaching and couldn't help but observe. Each of you carries an aura that's hard to miss. Forgive my curiosity."
Uzui narrowed his eyes, his breath rhythm shifting subtly. He was preparing for combat—just in case.
"A wandering warrior… huh?"
Tanjiro, ever cheerful, stepped forward with a smile. "Nice to meet you, James! I'm Kamado Tanjiro. This is Zenitsu and that's Inosuke. We're headed to the Entertainment District."
Such a kind and gentle soul, James thought, watching Tanjiro. If I'd arrived earlier, maybe I could've helped him defeat Muzan… dragged him into the sunlight myself.
"If you don't mind," James offered, "I've lived here for a while. I can show you the way to Yoshiwara. It's easy to get lost at night."
Tanjiro looked to Uzui, who gave a nod.
"Then let's go," Uzui said. "You'll never believe how glamorous that place is!"
James turned, following alongside them.
This time, not as an outsider.
But as an observer, a warrior—and possibly, an ally in the trials to come.
Øóffer going on for diamond tier
pàtreøn (Gk31)