So, it wasn't really about my brother coming back to be with me after all. But still… I'm glad Father's finally willing to step out of the house again.
"Yes, Father!"
Senjuro wiped the sweat from his face, excited, and rushed inside to start packing.
Back in his room, Rengoku Shinjuro wrote a quick reply and handed it off to his Kasugai crow.
As he watched the crow fly off into the night sky, his thoughts drifted. Going to Yoshiwara wasn't exactly the most logical thing to do. If he wanted to teach that kid Itsuki, he didn't have to go himself. He could've just written a letter and told him to come here.
But... in the end, he couldn't ignore that brief moment of softness in his chest. Maybe it was guilt. Or maybe… he just didn't want Senjuro to feel alone anymore.
"Think of it as a change of scenery," he mumbled to himself, looking up at the stars. "Ruka… forgive me. I won't be able to stay by your side for a while."
A few nights later, over at the Ren Dojo—
Itsuki had been training all day, and now he was finally back in his room, going over his breathing technique study plan. That's when someone knocked on the door.
"Hey Itsuki, are you asleep?"
It was one of his Dojo brothers.
Itsuki got up and slid the door open "Oh, it's you Minato. What's up?"
"Master wants to see you."
Huh? This late?
"Ok give me a second"
Itsuki got dressed quickly and followed Minato through the quiet courtyard. The night was cool and still, but Itsuki's nerves weren't.Why does the Hall Master want to see me now? Did something happen with Kanao? No, that's not possible—she's good at swordsmanship, quiet, and everybody likes her here.
Then what is it?
Did I mess up? I've been practicing every day... Maybe it's about the honeycomb briquettes. That makes more sense. Something must've gone wrong with the supply, or maybe someone started selling fake ones again. Probably wants me to figure out how to fix it.
He bowed as he entered the study. Minato left right after.
Now it was just the two of them him and his master.
The Dojo Master sat at the desk, looking really serious. The air in the room felt heavy.
Itsuki sat straight on his knees, not saying a word. His gut told him this wasn't about coal.
After a long silence, Master Marume Kurando finally spoke."Itsuki, do you truly want to pursue the strongest swordsmanship?"
...Huh?So, this wasn't supposed to be about the honeycomb stuff?
Oh—wait. Right. A few days ago, I might've said something like that to impress him. I should definitely trust my gut more.
He's not really taking that seriously though, is he?
Even though the question caught him off guard, Itsuki wasn't stupid. He just went with it.
"Yes!" he said, trying to sound confident.
The Dojo Master leaned forward a bit. "If there was a way to learn a sword style that went beyond normal Swordsmanship, but it meant risking your life fighting enemies you've never even seen before… would you still want it?"
Itsuki blinked.
What kind of setup is this? Sounds like a scene from one of those weird fantasy novels. But this is the Demon Slayer world, not some isekai. There's no such thing as a secret, super sword style, unless… unless you count Breathing Techniques. But even then, if you had one, would you really be stuck running a martial arts and sword Dojo even selling coal?
Still, he gave the same answer.
"I do want it."
In his head, though, he was already making plans.
If this turns into a training mission, I'll need resources. It'd make sense to ask for some support money, maybe a few assistants. For safety, it'd be reasonable to travel slowly… detour a bit… maybe rest on a mountain or two if I get tired. Learn what I can, eat well, stay healthy. Can't fight demons if I'm hungry or underfed.
But wait. Demons?
What if I actually run into one?
Itsuki's face got serious.
The Dojo Master nodded, like he could see the change in him.
"Good. Then you need to be ready."
A map change? That fast?
"In a few days, someone will come here to train you."
Someone else? Wait—he's not sending me away?
"Um no, Master! I can keep learning from you—really!"
If he really knows a breathing style I can just learn from him
The old man just laughed.
"I can't teach you what he knows. The man coming here will show you one of the strongest swordsmanship that we know of today."
Great. Another overhyped Swordman…
"I think Flame Blade Swordsmanship is enough for me to focus on for now master."
Damn man I don't want to waste my time on someone who doesn't know much of breathing styles
"That's nice to hear," Master said with a warm smile. "But the Flame Blade you're learning now? It's just a simplified version of a much older style. You'll understand when the time comes."
I'd rather not understand. Wait a simplified version of a much older style? there's no way he means what I think he means they both sound almost similar.
Before Itsuki could Say something, Master cut him off.
"And it's not just sword techniques—it comes with a Breathing Technique, too."…Wait. What?
"Its name is Flame Breathing."
Itsuki froze.
Wtf
Was he serious?
Like… the Flame Breathing?
This whole conversation just went from weird to anime episode twist. Well, I kind of came to the conclusion myself but who the hell would have thought this guy has connections to the demon slayer corps.
"It's normal that you haven't heard of it," He continued. "Rengoku Shinjuro will explain everything when he gets here."
Shinjuro?! That's the Flame Hashira?
Oh man. That's Kyojuro's and Senjuro's dad. At this point in the timeline, he should still be one of the Pillars right before he left.
"But I need to tell you one thing first," the Master said, and his voice got heavy again. "This sword style—this Breathing Technique—it's not for killing people. It's for killing demons."
When he said demons, something in his face changed. Fear. But also, excitement. Like he'd seen it all before.
What kind of story is this turning into?
"It's true," He added, seeing the look on Itsuki's face. "I'm not crazy. I've seen them myself. These aren't just myths. They're real very real."
Itsuki didn't say anything. He just sat there, trying to process everything that this guy really knew people like this, he probably used to be a demon slayer.
"…So yeah," the Master said finally. "If you take this path, it comes with a price. You'll have to fight demons. That's what comes with chasing the strongest swordsmanship. So…"
He leaned in a little.
"Are you still excited?"