The small cart was pulled creakingly through various paths, secret passages, and forests. Seiichi finally clearly understood how unimaginably hidden the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters truly was.
After an unknown period, passing through a dark bamboo forest, the view suddenly opened up. Not far away was a cluster of buildings, many classic Japanese pavilions and small courtyards scattered like stars. This must be the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters, and also the place where the Ubuyashiki family has lived for generations.
"Seiichi, please follow me."
A Kakushi stepped out from an alley and bowed respectfully.
Seiichi readily agreed and said goodbye to Tanjiro and the others.
"Tanjiro, you all must recover well from your injuries. If you have time, you can come find me, and we can exchange martial arts."
With that, Seiichi followed the Kakushi, turning left and right, eventually arriving next to a courtyard. This was a separate small courtyard, with a beautiful bamboo forest nearby. The courtyard space was quite large, enough for practicing sword techniques.
"Seiichi, this will be your residence from now on. As a Hashira, you can choose some Kakushi to manage your daily life."
"Just give me a place to practice."
Seiichi had no special requests. For him, as long as there was a place to practice sword techniques, it was enough. Both his past self and his current self remained consistent.
"Understood. If you need anything, you can send messages to the Headquarters or other swordsmen through your Kasugai Crow. Future demon-slaying missions will also be notified to you via your Kasugai Crow."
After speaking, the Kakushi whistled, and a pitch-black crow flew from a distance, moving very fast. Its scarlet eyes darted left and right, its wings constantly flapping, and its feathers were dark and smooth.
"What a handsome crow."
Even Seiichi couldn't help but praise.
"You can name him. He will be your exclusive Kasugai Crow from now on."
"Let's call him Cuckoo."
Seiichi was indulging his playful side by naming a crow Cuckoo.
"Seiichi, from today onwards, my name is Cuckoo. Please take care of me in the future."
The crow landed on Seiichi's shoulder, and a deep male voice emerged from its beak. He lowered his head and spread his wings in a bow.
After informing him of a few things, the Kakushi reported to Seiichi and left. The Kakushi were also very busy. They were responsible for many tasks. Every member of the Demon Slayer Corps deserved respect, except for the scumbag senior disciple.
So, next was rest time. Seiichi walked around the small courtyard. The house was spotless, looking like it was regularly cleaned. Both decorations and bedding were complete.
Arriving in the center of the courtyard, Seiichi inhaled lightly. Water droplets slowly condensed in the air, becoming visible, humid mist.
Afterward, he also tried Sound Breathing. Sound Breathing was somewhat special. It didn't fully increase speed like Thunder Breathing. Instead, while increasing speed, it greatly enhanced sensory abilities. This made Sound Breathing, even if not as swift as Thunder Breathing, have its own advantages in overall performance.
Sun Breathing was quite unique. It was the original Breathing Style and also the strongest Breathing Style, which is why its proficiency started at 1000 points.
Also, why can't I increase the proficiency of Sun Breathing? Is it because my understanding of Sun Breathing is not yet complete?
Seiichi practiced his breathing while thinking.
The sun slowly set. Apart from eating the meal prepared by the Kakushi at noon, Seiichi spent the rest of his time practicing Breathing Styles. His Normal Breathing progress bar filled up rapidly. The energy throughout his body repeatedly washed over his body, increasing his physical strength while enhancing his familiarity with the Breathing Style.
Bang! Bang!
Someone was knocking on the door.
"Please come in."
Seiichi stopped his practice and looked at the door.
A girl entered. She had large, light leaf-green eyes, flushed cheeks, and a mole under each eye. She had three long cherry-pink braids, with grass-green tips, and her eyes sparkled as she looked around.
Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps!
"Are you Seiichi-kun, who just arrived? I heard from the Master that you and Uzui defeated Upper Moon Six! That's amazing!"
Mitsuri clasped her hands, her eyes shining, bouncing around excitedly.
"You flatter me. I just did what I had to do."
Seiichi also liked this lively Love Hashira very much.
"Oh! I almost forgot, my name is Mitsuri Kanroji, and I live next to you. Please take care of me in the future!"
Mitsuri quickly bowed.
"Also, also, I brought some dessert I made myself. Do you want some? Do you want some?"
Mitsuri's eyes were full of expectation. Faced with such eyes, Seiichi could only surrender. The atmosphere was already set. Wouldn't it be bad if I didn't eat it? I wonder, if I eat it, the Snake Hashira will be angry, but if I don't eat it, the Love Hashira will be sad, and the Snake Hashira will still be angry. How should I choose?
The whole world knew that Obanai Iguro, the Snake Hashira, secretly loved Mitsuri, the Love Hashira, but the parties involved didn't know.
While a teasing thought crossed his mind, Seiichi had already invited Mitsuri into the house.
The two began to taste Mitsuri's dessert. It must be said that Mitsuri not only loved to eat but was also an excellent cook. Everything she ate was delicious, and she could also make delicious food herself. Moreover, her personality was innocent and lively, enthusiastic yet delicate. She was simply the perfect wife candidate.
So what were the people on the blind date thinking??
When they were almost done eating, Mitsuri suddenly slapped her forehead.
"I forgot to say, the Master asked me to take you to see him tomorrow morning. Do you have time tomorrow morning, Seiichi-kun?"
"This must be your main task, right?"
Seiichi couldn't help but complain in his heart.
"No problem. After hearing so much from Tanjiro on the way, I've long admired Ubuyashiki."
Mitsuri nodded sweetly. Soon, Mitsuri, having finished her dessert, said goodbye. Seiichi returned to his bedroom to continue improving his Breathing Styles.
It's no wonder Seiichi was such a training maniac. One must know that a talented person is called a genius, but only a person with strength is called a strong person. A genius who cannot convert talent into strength is called a fat sheep. If one does not want to be at the mercy of others, one must work hard, training day and night.
The next day, dawn broke.
Seiichi, who had been resting with his eyes closed, opened them. His sky-blue eyes were deep and beautiful. He washed his face and waited for Mitsuri.
Soon, Mitsuri was waving from outside the door.
The two twisted and turned, finally arriving in front of a building.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya was a young man, without a doubt, but he was also very different. His face was severely disfigured, his eyes were blind, and purple toxins covered most of his face, making him look terrifying. In stark contrast, his tone was gentle, as if it had a calming effect on people's hearts.
Seiichi greatly respected such a warrior who had dedicated his life to eradicating demons. From a racial standpoint, to some extent, this person was the leader of the resistors in this world.
"I've been looking forward to this, Seiichi-kun. Cough, cough."
After just a few words, Ubuyashiki couldn't help but cough.
"I apologize if my appearance disappoints you. Mitsuri, could you please wait outside for a moment? I'd like to speak with Seiichi-kun alone."
Seiichi was a little surprised. This was unexpected. Mitsuri responded and left the room.
"Seiichi-kun, you're not from around here, are you? Cough, cough."