After that day, Seiichi became incredibly busy with his training schedule. In the mornings, he would eat delicious desserts with Mitsuri while exchanging sword techniques and combat experiences. At noon, he would learn various Breathing Styles from the Demon Slayer Corps members who had returned to headquarters for rest and recovery.
In the afternoons, he would study pharmaceutical knowledge and poison techniques with Shinobu Kocho. In the evenings, he would constantly refine his own Normal Breathing Style and carefully summarize all the sword technique experiences he had gained throughout each day.
Although his days were packed with activities, Seiichi could clearly feel his own remarkable changes and improvements. He genuinely liked this feeling of constantly getting stronger, especially since his progress was visible and measurable like a progress bar that he could actually see.
"Seiichi-kun, if nothing unexpected happens, the other Hashira will be returning to headquarters one after another in the next few days."
Shinobu Kocho, who was carefully grinding medicinal herbs with a mortar and pestle, said with her characteristic gentle smile. Warm sunlight streamed through the large window onto the wooden floor, making the entire room bright and transparent. The light stretched Shinobu's shadow long and graceful across the room.
Seiichi, who had been quietly watching Shinobu grind medicine while reading through various medical texts and scrolls, put down the document in his hand with interest.
"Is that so? I've been looking forward to meeting them for quite a long time."
"Yes, I imagine Seiichi-kun has been anticipating this moment for quite a while now."
Humming with quiet laughter, Shinobu carefully placed the ground medicinal powder aside in a small container.
It feels like I just got smacked in the face with that comment, Seiichi thought to himself. Sure enough, beneath Shinobu's gentle and caring exterior lies a rather mischievous personality. He could only offer a polite yet somewhat awkward smile in response to her teasing.
"I'll still come to visit and learn from you often after the meetings."
"Won't you come every single day? Oh my, Seiichi-kun is someone who grows tired of old routines and embraces new experiences."
Their relationship had improved significantly since their first formal meeting several days ago. They could now make small jokes and tease each other comfortably without any awkwardness.
Watching Seiichi, who clearly didn't know how to respond to her playful comment, Shinobu let out a soft, melodic giggle. She tidied up the medical supplies and tools in her hands, turned around gracefully, and began sharing important information with him.
"The back mountain area is where Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira, conducts his training. Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira, and Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira, both live in houses near your quarters. You can visit them together with Mitsuri when you're ready."
"Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira, lives to the west of the village, just past our master's residence. Muichiro Tokito, the Mist Hashira, is relatively introverted by nature and spends much longer periods away on missions, so you might only be able to see him during the official Hashira Meeting."
Shinobu meticulously explained the locations and habits of each Hashira to help Seiichi prepare for his upcoming visits.
"Himejima-san's perception of emotions and spiritual energy is beyond anyone's imagination. Although Sanemi seems quite irritable and aggressive on the surface, he is actually very kind and protective deep down. Giyu Tomioka's personality, however, is quite... peculiar."
When mentioning Giyu Tomioka specifically, Shinobu paused for a moment, and her gentle smile became somewhat strained and expressionless.
Giyu, oh Giyu, are you really that disliked by everyone? Seiichi felt torn between crying and laughing at the obvious tension in Shinobu's voice when discussing the Water Hashira.
"Kyojuro Rengoku was a truly wonderful person."
Shinobu added this comment suddenly and unexpectedly, her bright eyes dimming slightly with sadness. Someone like me isn't worth much compared to him. Even if I sacrificed myself for the cause, it would be worth it, right?
Seiichi could immediately feel the sorrowful atmosphere that had settled over the room like a heavy blanket. Shinobu appeared completely calm and composed on the surface, but within her carefully chosen words, he could sense subtle differences and hidden pain.
Deep within her heart, endless hatred and burning anger were quietly brewing like a storm. This hatred had transformed into a raging inferno that would one day become completely uncontrollable, consuming her entirely until nothing remained but ashes.
Without needing many words or elaborate explanations, Seiichi gently patted Shinobu's shoulder in a comforting gesture. Sometimes words weren't necessary or helpful. The best way to help her would be through decisive action.
Once he completely destroyed Muzan Kibutsuji once and for all, the endless hatred and pain hidden in the shadows of every Demon Slayer Corps member would naturally disappear forever.
Several days later, Seiichi was preparing to leave his quarters when he heard a polite knocking sound at his front door.
The visitor wore a strange and somewhat comical Hyottoko mask that covered his entire face, giving him an amusing appearance.
Is this one of the swordsmiths from the village? Seiichi wondered to himself as he approached the door.
"Seiichi-sama, I sincerely apologize for disturbing you at this time. I am Tetsuya, a dedicated swordsmith from the Swordsmith Village. The main body and structure of your custom Nichirin Sword has been successfully forged and completed."
"I am here primarily to discuss some specific details and final customization options for your Nichirin Sword before the finishing process."
Tetsuya bowed respectfully and pulled out a small, well-worn notebook filled with technical diagrams and notes.
Seiichi had no objections to this meeting, and he actually had several specific ideas and requests for his Nichirin Sword that he wanted to discuss. He politely invited the skilled swordsmith into his house, and the two sat down at his table to communicate about the technical details.
The sun gradually rose high in the clear blue sky, and by the time their detailed discussion had finally ended, it was already well past noon.
"I will make a personal trip to the Swordsmith Village in a while to inspect the work, and I will pick up the completed blade myself at that time."
Seiichi gave him a few final instructions and specifications. After Hotaru Haganezuka indicated his complete understanding of the requirements, he respectfully took his leave.
Speaking of which, why was I planning to go out today? Seiichi thought to himself. Oh, right! Today I'm supposed to visit Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira, and Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira.
Remembering his plans, Seiichi, whose seat hadn't even had time to get warm, immediately went out again with purpose.
First, he made his way to Mitsuri's house to pick her up as planned. Mitsuri hurriedly ran out of her house with obvious excitement, still having small bits of food residue on her fingertips from her recent meal. The two walked side by side through the peaceful village toward the Wind Hashira's courtyard.
"Shinobu told me that he seems to have had a very tragic and painful past. Most people in the Demon Slayer Corps have more or less sad and difficult backgrounds."
A hint of genuine sadness and empathy appeared on Mitsuri's expressive face as she spoke about their fellow corps members.
Is your sadness really about being rejected by those blind dates? Seiichi thought to himself with internal amusement. You're actually probably the happiest and most fortunate person in the entire Demon Slayer Corps.
The two also exchanged quite a bit of conversation and shared experiences during their leisurely walk. Seiichi had visited Mitsuri much less frequently during this recent period because he had basically figured out and mastered her unique sword techniques. He had successfully extracted all of her combat experience and knowledge.
I'll come back to learn more once she develops new insights and techniques, he thought practically.
Mitsuri was completely unaware of Seiichi's somewhat calculating thoughts about their training sessions. She continued talking enthusiastically and cheerfully about various topics as they walked.
Arriving at the Wind Hashira's small courtyard gate, Seiichi knocked politely on the wooden door. Surprisingly, the person who opened the door was Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira.
The moment Obanai saw Mitsuri standing there, his entire body visibly stiffened with obvious nervousness and excitement.
Well, this is quite convenient. I can visit both of them at the same time, Seiichi observed the Serpent Hashira's reaction with genuine interest and amusement.
"Who is it?" A somewhat irritable and gruff voice called out from somewhere behind Obanai. This was clearly Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira.
After a simple round of introductions and polite conversation, all four Hashira had gathered together in the courtyard. When Seiichi proposed the idea of exchanging sword technique experiences and having some friendly sparring matches, both Obanai Iguro and Sanemi Shinazugawa seemed eager and excited to try their skills.
Obanai's motivation was easy to understand and quite obvious. He spent so much time close to Mitsuri that he felt somewhat jealous of her attention being focused on someone else.
Sanemi, on the other hand, was simply a person who genuinely loved to fight and test his abilities. For him, continuous combat, challenge, and self-improvement were the only true principles and tenets that guided his entire life.
"I also want to see for myself what kind of incredible strength that flashy Uzui guy praised so highly," Sanemi grinned widely, revealing his sharp, silvery-white teeth in anticipation.
Seiichi slowly and deliberately drew his regular uchigatana from its sheath. Before his custom Nichirin Sword was completely finished, he still preferred using standard, non-Nichirin swords for training and sparring purposes.
Sanemi was the first to eagerly enter the makeshift arena they had created in the courtyard. His distinctive green Nichirin Sword reflected a brilliant emerald glow in the bright afternoon sunlight.
Before anyone could say anything or give a signal to begin, Sanemi's muscular figure suddenly disappeared from view. Looking more carefully, he was already positioned directly in front of Seiichi with incredible speed.
Wind Breathing Style, huh? Seiichi observed analytically. Unlike my initial impression, the Wind Breathing in this world isn't focused primarily on pure speed, but rather on penetration power, precise cutting ability, and devastating area damage.
Sanemi gripped his sword firmly with both hands and swung it horizontally with tremendous force. He felt somewhat puzzled and concerned seeing that Seiichi hadn't seemed to react or move to defend yet.
CLANG! A tremendous collision sound rang out loudly, and dust flew everywhere in small clouds. Sanemi's powerful sword strike was completely blocked by Seiichi's ordinary samurai sword, and the blade remained perfectly steady and unmoving.
Seiichi had blocked the attack effortlessly with just one hand, his sword showing no signs of trembling or giving way under the tremendous pressure.
Sanemi quickly jumped back a step to create some fighting distance, then immediately burst forward again with renewed determination, resuming his aggressive attack. His sword was now completely covered with swirling azure airflow and spiritual energy.
The sword's speed had become even faster and more penetrating than before. Within just a few inches of the razor-sharp blade, Seiichi could clearly feel the dangerous sharpness and stinging sensation of the cutting edge.
He casually parried each strike with graceful and effortless movements, easily deflecting and redirecting all of Sanemi's aggressive attacks without breaking a sweat. Dull metallic clanging sounds continuously echoed throughout the small courtyard as their weapons met again and again.