Rengoku smiled as he asked for my impressions.
I had just witnessed the eight movements of the school known as 'Flame' performed by Rengoku.
It was a gallant display, refreshing as a clear summer sky, and it was certainly no mere ceremonial dance of the blade.
It consisted of many large, sweeping slashes, disciplined and focused—much like my Moon Breathing and Yoriichi‘s Sun Breathing, it was a style of swordsmanship heavily weighted toward the offensive.
Rather than a continuous sequence of techniques, each movement felt static yet definitive, characterized by single, exquisite, and powerful strikes.
However.
Is that truly it? You have been slaying Demons with only that?
By no means was that swordsmanship sufficient for a head-on clash with a Demon. While his technique was certainly refined, he was severely lacking in terms of raw power and speed.
From my perspective, confronting a Demon directly with such swordsmanship—were it not for the Nichirin Blade—would be nothing short of suicide.
Yes, I could not shake the feeling that something vital was missing.
Wait a moment. This feels like a scene I‘ve seen somewhere before.
Ah, I see.
It is the Breathing.
While Yoriichi and I employ a specialized form of Breathing, Rengoku does not utilize any Breathing at all.
The disparity between the presence and absence of Breathing is truly immense.
Well, I suppose I should teach him. It‘s not as if I‘m seeking a patent for this. Now that I know the world is infested with Demons, it is in my best interest for more people to be capable of exterminating them. Besides, I can put Rengoku in my debt.
The issue is Rengoku himself... Surely he doesn't lack the talent for Breathing like Uzui-emon does?
Sigh, I really didn't want to show this off here.
If word gets out that I can use this Breathing... every other person will be hounding me to take up the mantle of a Hashira.
Instead of offering words, I wordlessly accepted Rengoku‘s Nichirin Blade and assumed a stance.
The Moon Breathing I created is of a different nature than the 'Flame' Rengoku demonstrated. Unlike Sun Breathing, where the blade follows the user's will into a form, or Flame, which involves grand, sweeping slashes that gouge through the air, Moon Breathing is characterized by its lack of excessive movement.
While all three styles are aggressive, Sun Breathing and Flame feel as though the user is the one initiating the charge; Moon Breathing is a style that beckons, 'Come at me.' Of course, movement is required to close the distance, but the style retains its full lethality even without moving an inch from one's spot.
Thus, it was easy to demonstrate since I could simply stand still and swing.
Hooooooooo...
I proceeded to perform the six forms of Moon Breathing.
First Form. Second Form. Third Form. Fourth Form. Fifth Form.
And finally, Moon Breathing, Sixth Form: Perpetual Night, Lonely Moon - Incessant. Having finished, I lowered the blade, and Rengoku rushed toward me as if jumping.
Looking at his face, the smile had vanished completely, replaced by profound shock.
With eyes wide in disbelief and astonishment, Rengoku gripped my shoulders firmly.
"Truly magnificent! How on earth did you do that?! That power! That speed! It is on an entirely different level from the school I practice!"
So, you want to learn Breathing, don't you?
@@@
Kwoooooooh.
Magnificent!
This technique known as 'Breathing' that young Michikatsu taught me is a true revolution in its own right.
By inhaling massive amounts of air into the lungs through a unique method, the blood is oxygenated and stimulated. By accelerating the circulation of blood and the beating of the heart, the user's body is temporarily elevated to a superhuman state. It is a revelation!
Not only can one strengthen their own body, but they can control it to such a degree that movements previously impossible are now within reach!
Of course, it is not without its drawbacks!
"What an extraordinary technique! If one's lung capacity is insufficient or if their physical strength is lacking, they will be consumed by it! However, to be able to perceive every flow and function of the body while growing stronger! Where on earth did such a grand technique..."
How and where did young Michikatsu acquire such a phenomenal skill?
However!
"I cannot shake the feeling that it does not quite fit me!"
It was true! A persistent discomfort remained, as if I were forcing a mismatched component into a machine!
"That is the crucial part. Because that Breathing is the beginning—the source—it does not suit everyone perfectly. You must find your own Breathing within it."
"My own Breathing?"
"Yes. Even my Moon Breathing was created as a derivative style. Do not obsess over that specific Breath, but 'arrange' it until you melt it down into a style unique to yourself."
Arrange? Young Michikatsu uses such difficult words! But I think I understand what he means! I must not use this Breathing exactly as it is, but transform it to suit my own body!
"I must be the master, not be led by the Breath! Is that what you mean!"
"Well... ah, yes... I suppose so?"
I took back my Nichirin Blade from young Michikatsu and focused my mind.
Closing my eyes, I took a deep, heavy breath.
Kwoooooooh.
Creak.
Not this. As I thought, things are creaking. My heartbeat rages as if to say 'this isn't it,' and my body begins to boil with heat.
It feels as though I have cast my body directly into the sun.
However, I have found a clue.
Young Michikatsu must be saying this: do not be dragged along by the sun, but find your own light within that sun.
And for Michikatsu, that light must have been the moon!
Yes. Too much of a good thing is a vice! I do not need to become the sun!
Discard what must be discarded, and temper what must be tempered!
I shall take the fire of that shining sun, wrap it around my Nichirin Blade, and add it to my school of 'Flame'!
Kwoooooh.
Set your heart ablaze.
Kuuuuuuh.
Surpass your limits!
Huuuuuuuuh.
Click!
I have it.
My flame, the breathing, and the Nichirin Blade resonating with them. The sun became flame, and the flame became the wood for my fire, spreading throughout my entire body.
I drew my blade and opened my eyes.
I cannot do everything... but I feel as though I can do so much...
This is the heights where young Michikatsu stands.
I stomped the ground firmly and pulled my sword back as if preparing a horizontal slash.
Huuuuh!
Flame... No!
Flame Breathing, First Form!
Matching my blade, flames that seemed ready to incinerate everything lashed out.
「Unknowing Fire」!!!!
The First Form of Flame Breathing, Unknowing Fire, is an attack that charges forward with the momentum of erupting sparks to deliver a horizontal slash.
If my swordsmanship before learning Breathing was a mere imitation of flame, this was an attack that manifested the fire itself!
If I can pass this on to the other Slayers, then exterminating the evil demons—and even slaying the Demon Slayers' ancient nemesis, Kibutsuji Muzan—will no longer be a distant dream!
And what surprises me even more is young Michikatsu‘s character!
The value of this Breathing is truly limitless. If the existence of this technique were to spread to the world, countless Daimyo would covet it. They could turn their armies into legions of superhumans.
If one were to start a business with this, amassing immense wealth would be a simple matter.
Yet, Michikatsu-shonen. You taught this technique to me for free, asking for nothing in return.
Thank you! Young Michikatsu! I shall surely repay this kindness!
@@@
Wait, hold on a damn second.
What the hell is with Rengoku?
He just mastered in a few swings what took me nearly three years to realize?
No, no, wait, this isn‘t right.
Is he one of those types too? A genius? Dammit, was I just a commoner all along?!
I thought I was at least second only to Yoriichi, but I see the world is truly vast. Dammit.
Farewell, the strongest. I am but a commoner born into an era where Yoriichi and Rengoku exist.