Chapter 73: Mastering All Breathing Styles
Kaito Shirogane stood in the center of the courtyard. Sakonji Urokodaki, Jigoro Kuwajima, and Shinjuro Rengoku—three former Hashira—had been specially summoned to Kyoto, worried that their own disciples had not fully mastered the breathing techniques they had been taught.
Now, as the sunset painted half the sky red, these three masters of [Water Breathing], [Thunder Breathing], and [Flame Breathing], along with Gyomei Himejima and Sanemi Shinazugawa, stood in the five corners of the courtyard, surrounding Kaito. They represented the five core breathing styles. Water, Thunder, Flame, Stone, and Wind. These were the five foundational techniques derived from the long-lost [Sun Breathing]. Other styles, like Kanae Kocho's [Flower Breathing], were further branches derived from one of these core five.
"Mr. Tao," Sakonji Urokodaki said, making one last attempt to dissuade him. "We all know you possess a powerful martial arts foundation and that you can slay an Upper Rank Moon. But each Breathing Style has different physical requirements for each person. Forcibly learning a style that does not suit you will likely cause severe damage to your heart and lungs."
Kaito remained unmoved. Urokodaki exchanged a helpless glance with Jigoro. Since this man was offering to trade a technique that could supposedly kill demons with one's bare hands, they had no grounds to refuse.
In the next moment, the rhythm of Urokodaki's breathing became long and flowing. His body grew soft and fluid, and he began to perform the sword katas of Water Breathing.
Kaito watched him, his mind already having entered the [Transparent World]. In this state, the contraction of his opponent's lungs, the movement of his muscles—nothing could be hidden from him. Combined with his own near-perfect control over his body, he was able to master the breathing technique after seeing it only once.
One by one, each of the Hashira and cultivators demonstrated their own school's breathing style. The softness of Water Breathing, the explosiveness of Flame Breathing, the speed of Thunder Breathing, the chaos of Wind Breathing, and the iron-hard resilience of Stone Breathing.
Kaito realized that each Breathing Style was, in essence, a method of intentionally mobilizing the body in concert with the movements of the sword to generate force. From that perspective alone, all of these breathing styles were a tier below his [Hamon]. These styles were still focused on using breath to alter blood flow and oxygen concentration to enhance physical abilities. [Hamon], however, went a step beyond. It truly created a new energy called the "Ripple." That energy not only strengthened the body but could also effectively annihilate dark creatures that feared the sun, as well as heal wounds and extend one's life. The Demon Slayer breathing styles were more akin to self-buffing skills.
Just as Urokodaki was about to begin his demonstration a second time, Kaito held up a hand. "That's enough. I understand them now."
Jigoro Kuwajima's eyelid twitched. Aside from the notoriously difficult Stone Breathing, his Thunder Breathing was the hardest to find a successor for. This man's arrogance was grating. But Kaito simply took a deep breath, and the frequency of his breathing changed instantly. The next moment, his body moved with the fluid grace of flowing water, perfectly replicating Water Breathing.
His breathing changed again. He stomped his foot, and his form erupted with the explosive, violent power of a wildfire. Then he exhaled softly, paused, and in the next instant…
CRACK-BOOM!
He exploded off his feet, channeling all of his body's power through his legs. His speed was so great that it produced a thunderous roar as it tore through the air. It was the true essence of Thunder Breathing: First Form - Thunderclap and Flash.
By the time Kaito had finished demonstrating all the breathing styles, everyone in the courtyard, including Kanae Kocho, who had been watching from the sidelines, was too shocked to speak. They also realized that "Mercenary Tao" never seemed to need to pause to regulate his breathing; he was already in the [Total Concentration: Constant] state.
[You have learned the abilities Water Breathing (D), Thunder Breathing (D), Stone Breathing (D), Wind Breathing (D), and Flame Breathing (D) through a special method.]
[Consolidating abilities... You have acquired the new skill: Breathing Method (D+): Utilize unique breathing patterns to control blood oxygen and muscles, unleashing physical abilities that surpass the body's limits.]
Unlike the skills learned from scrolls, such as the [Niko Style], this time, likely because it was learned within a mission world through direct interaction with plot characters, the Nexus had bundled all the breathing styles into a single, consolidated ability for Kaito.
He then began to fulfill his end of the bargain, explaining the breathing frequency and lung control of [Hamon]. Since his right hand was shattered, he couldn't use a direct "Ripple transfer" to make them understand. He could only rely on his perfect self-awareness to describe the exact breathing patterns and muscle and lung contractions required. Although the concepts were obscure, these were all masters who had spent their entire lives perfecting their own breathing, and they were able to grasp the basic principles.
By nightfall, they had all memorized the fundamentals. Kaito, seeing that they were still engrossed in their research, left and found a private courtyard.
[Settle Main Quest 3?]
"Yes."
[Calculating…]
[Current power balance for Demon Slayer Corps vs. Muzan Faction is 72:28.]
[Main Quest 3 Complete. Completion Rating: A]
Although Kaito knew he could wait longer in this world, and that given Muzan's cowardice, he probably wouldn't dare come out of hiding, allowing the main quest progress to be pushed even further. But Kaito didn't care about a minor rating boost. He had more important things to do. No one steals his things and gets away with it.
[All Main Quests complete. Leave this world?]
"Yes."
Kaito's form began to slowly fade. At that moment, the Professor's voice came from in front of him. "You can hold multiple [Cards], you just can only activate one from the same sequence at a time."
Kaito saw him appear. The Professor was wearing a cloak that blended perfectly with the environment, completely concealing his form and aura. An invisibility cloak from Harry Potter? Kaito's mouth curled into a grin. So this is what it means to be a rookie scouted by a major faction. They have so many good things.
The Professor, having given his answer, was almost startled by the look in Kaito's eyes. Before he could say anything else, Kaito had vanished completely. The Professor let out a sigh of relief. That "Mercenary Tao"… he truly radiated a terrifying presence at all times. He had a premonition that this man would very soon cause a massive stir in the Nexus and make a name for himself. This was the exact reason he had gone out of his way to build a good relationship with him.
"Full body restoration. Deduct all points from my account."
Kaito spoke to the blackness of the Nexus, the words audible only to himself.
[Analyzing Reincarnator's injuries. Moderate physical damage, minor genetic damage. Treatment difficulty: Low-Medium.]
[Restoration complete. Deducting 1250 Dimensional Points.]
…
[Reincarnator Ex051 has returned. Commencing settlement.]
[Calculating…]
[World: Demon Slayer Derivative World P9971]
[Main Quest: Faction War. Complete.]
[Main Quest Completion Rating: A]
[Detecting completion of Side Quests and Hidden Quests. Rating increased.]
[Final Mission Completion Rating: A+] (Note: Lowest rating is E, highest is SSS)
[Mission Rewards: 1500 Dimensional Points; 4 Character Attribute Points.]
[Note: Karma Reincarnator Ex051's rank is below "Strong." Attribute points have been automatically allocated.]
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