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Chapter 150: Thieving Cat
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Ten days later at the Butterfly Mansion.
"Sun Breathing! Fifth Form: Fire Wheel!"
"Flower Breathing! Fourth Form: Swirling Vortex!"
Two voices rang out simultaneously. Two wooden swords clashed as a petite figure and a much more... voluptuous figure crossed paths.
The lock didn't last long. It was visibly obvious that a massive gap in physical strength existed between the two. Using the force from the parry, the petite girl slid backward, utilizing her smaller, more agile frame to rapidly dash around her opponent, searching for an opening. The voluptuous girl, however, remained rooted in place, calmly waiting for the attack.
These two were none other than Kanroji Mitsuri and Nezuko.
Just as Suyan predicted, training them together created a strong competitive synergy. Furthermore, Suyan had shamelessly used his own charms to establish a reward and punishment system, thoroughly igniting their potential. Despite having only trained for roughly half a month—resulting in occasional form breaks during live combat—their progress was genuinely impressive. They were already grasping the necessary rhythmic breathing required for their respective forms.
What was most surprising, however, was that despite Kanae's heavy persuasion, the petite Nezuko refused to learn Flower Breathing, insisting on learning her family's Sun Breathing. Conversely, the physically gifted Mitsuri chose to ignore Sun Breathing in favor of Kanae's Flower Breathing.
According to Mitsuri, she chose Flower Breathing because she loved the beautiful aesthetic of petals drifting through the air and the lingering floral scent. She simply wanted to look as beautiful and elegant as possible while fighting for Suyan.
Classic Love Hashira logic. But it wasn't a problem. In the original timeline, Mitsuri had started with Flame Breathing before branching out. Once she mastered Flower Breathing, she would inevitably develop her own Love Breathing. A Love Breathing style derived from Flower Breathing would likely fit the 'Love' theme even better than one derived from Flame Breathing.
But that was a matter for the future. Right now, outside their sparring ring...
"Suyan-sama, regarding your request to take the materials needed for forging Nichirin Swords after Kibutsuji Muzan is eliminated, the Kasugai Crow has delivered the headquarters' approval," Kanzaki Aoi reported formally, kneeling properly before him. "As for the plan to use the Blue Spider Lily as bait to lure out Muzan, headquarters stated they need to make some adjustments and draft a more comprehensive strategy."
On the surface, she looked completely professional. But out of sight from Nezuko and Mitsuri, Aoi's small hand had sneakily crept over to interlock with Suyan's. Her eyes occasionally darted toward the sparring girls. Whenever they were fully engrossed in their duel, she would lean in at lightning speed, plant a kiss on Suyan's cheek, and immediately return to her serious reporting. She was having the time of her life.
Though circumstances had prevented Suyan from completely claiming her, Aoi had gotten a taste of intimacy and was quickly becoming addicted to it. However, rather than being openly affectionate, she seemed to prefer this thrilling, secretive Thieving Cat approach.
Suyan didn't judge her quirks, simply playing along and tracing the soft lines of her fingers.
Suddenly, a gentle voice called out from behind them.
Aoi flinched as if electrocuted, instantly yanking her hand away. She jumped to her feet and bowed. "That concludes my report! Um... I-I'll be taking my leave!"
The newcomer called her name, but Aoi didn't dare respond. Head bowed in utter guilt, she fled the scene as fast as her legs could carry her.
Kocho Kanae watched Aoi's retreating back with a meaningful smile. She walked over and sat down intimately next to Suyan. "Is it just my imagination? Or is there something going on between you and Aoi behind my back?"
"Take a guess," Suyan smiled. The pleasant scent of flowers drifted into his nose, and he naturally wrapped his arm around Kanae's slender waist. Unlike his secretive dynamic with Aoi, he was entirely open with Kanae, smoothly replacing Aoi's hand with Kanae's.
"I'm not guessing." Kanae blinked, her eyes dancing with amusement. She chose not to expose the obvious truth. Some things were better left unsaid.
"If you won't guess, then what brings Kanae here?" Suyan asked, changing the subject.
Kanae leaned against him, taking comfort in his scent. "To watch my adorable little Nezuko and Mitsuri, of course."
Just then, Nezuko's eyes darted over toward them. Distracted, she left an opening in her stance. Mitsuri ruthlessly seized the opportunity, knocking the wooden sword cleanly out of Nezuko's hands.
"Yay, I won!" Mitsuri turned to Suyan with a radiant, joyful smile. She grabbed the pouting Nezuko's hand and trotted over to them. "Kanae-nee," Mitsuri greeted, mirroring Kanae's actions by sitting closely on Suyan's other side.
"Good job," Suyan said, kissing Mitsuri's cheek. He didn't forget to comfort the loser. "You did great too, little Nezuko."
Given the massive gap in their age and physical talent, it was entirely natural for Nezuko to lose. Even if Sun Breathing was superior to Flower Breathing, Nezuko couldn't possibly bridge the physical divide with sheer swordsmanship talent in just two weeks.
Hearing his praise, Nezuko's expression softened, though she still pouted slightly. After receiving Suyan's approving nod, her face lit up, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, settling comfortably onto his lap.
Embracing the girls on his left and right, surrounded by beauties, Suyan basked in their different scents, occasionally teasing the pouting Nezuko in his arms.
The warm, cozy atmosphere was suddenly shattered by the harsh cawing of a crow circling above.
"Asakusa! Asakusa! Lady Tamayo invites Lord Suyan to meet in Asakusa three nights from now! Asakusa! Asakusa! Lady Tamayo invites Lord Suyan to meet in Asakusa three nights from now!"
Suyan looked up at the sky.
Finally. It's time to meet Lady Tamayo.
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