At Toujurou's signal, the crowd quieted down.
"This little guy is excellent material," the Flame Hashira thought to himself. "If nothing unexpected happens, he has the potential to become a Hashira in the future. I should report this to the Master later and have him keep an eye on the boy."
Toujurou nodded with satisfaction, his eyes filled with approval as he looked at Si Shu.
"But still, why does he seem so familiar?"
Toujurou's teachings and techniques were only one part of the vast world of Breathing Styles, so the improvement they could offer Si Shu was limited.
[9360... 9380... 9400...] [Host's current knowledge and experience are insufficient to support further advancement of the Breathing Style level.] [Host detected to have increased proficiency by 400 points through self-effort. System grants a bonus of 300 points.] [Current Level: Novice Breathing Style (9700/10,000)]
Sensing that the level-up process had ended, Si Shu slowly opened his eyes. The moment he did, he felt the strange gazes of everyone around him.
"Why is everyone staring at me?" he joked. "Has a flower bloomed on my face?"
His funny words instantly broke the dead silence of the square. Everyone, including Toujurou, burst out laughing. After the laughter subsided, Toujurou looked at Si Shu and spoke.
"What's your name?"
Si Shu stood up and answered confidently, neither servile nor overbearing. "Si Shu."
Toujurou nodded, very pleased with his performance. The boy wasn't overly flattering, nor did he let his own presence be overshadowed. Though he only looked to be seven or eight years old, he seemed more composed and mature than many of the adult swordsmen.
His assessment of Si Shu rose another level. Toujurou laughed heartily.
"Today's instruction is now over! Everyone, you may return and properly absorb today's experiences and lessons!"
Hearing this, Si Shu also stood up, intending to leave. Although Toujurou's lecture hadn't been enough for him to break through to the Specialist level of Total Concentration Breathing, it was still significant progress. Every little bit helped; a few more sessions like this, and he might just be able to break through.
Just as he had taken a few steps, the system's voice suddenly sounded in his mind.
[Mission: Leave the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters and proceed to the forest to the northwest to hunt a demon.]
His eyes lit up instantly, a look of delight on his face. He had just been thinking about finding a place to get some real combat experience, and the system had issued him a mission.
"The system really knows how to read my mind, giving me a pillow just when I'm feeling sleepy."
Of course, a child his age wasn't allowed to leave the Demon Slayer headquarters on his own, but Si Shu had his ways. There was no time to waste; he planned to go back, pack a few things, and set off immediately.
Just then, someone called out to him from behind.
"Hey, little guy over there! Care for a match?"
The words instantly drew the attention of everyone present. Even Rengoku Toujurou, who had been about to leave, stopped in his tracks and looked over.
Turning around, Si Shu saw that it was a boy of about twelve or thirteen who had called out to him. The boy was sturdily built and had a scar resembling a sword wound on his forehead. His strong arms were crossed, and a wooden sword was tucked into his waist.
"You want to fight me?" Si Shu asked, pointing to himself with a look of resignation.
Ever since he had come to this world, he had tried to keep as low a profile as possible. Although his master was Yoriichi Tsugikuni, it seemed no one in the Demon Slayer Corps knew about it. After all, Si Shu was too lazy to go around announcing it, and Yoriichi's personality was what it was.
So why, out of the blue, had he earned someone's resentment?
The boy, whose name was Chizhong, saw Si Shu's silence and mistook it for fear. A mocking smile appeared on his face as he sneered, "If you're scared, just say so. I can let you off... as long as you don't go crying to that weakling master of yours afterward!"
The moment the words left his mouth, Chizhong noticed that the boy had suddenly turned back to face him fully.
[Random Quest: Defeat Chizhong. The point reward will vary based on the duration of the match.]
The random quest that flashed in his mind made Si Shu, who had originally planned to ignore him, change his mind. Now, he had a reason to accept this match. Not to mention, Chizhong had just insulted his master.
The air seemed to turn cold. Chizhong's heart skipped a beat.
"What, you've made up your mind?" he asked, trying to sound confident.
Staring straight at Chizhong, a flash of ice appeared in Si Shu's eyes.
"Since you insist, I'll grant your wish. I accept. As for the referee," he declared, turning his gaze toward the Flame Hashira, "why don't we leave it to Lord Flame Hashira, Rengoku Toujurou?!"
Toujurou, surprised at first, quickly recovered and let out a booming laugh.
"Alright! I shall serve as the referee for this match!"
Under Toujurou's direction, the crowd quickly made space for Si Shu and Chizhong. A circle was drawn on the ground to serve as a simple arena, and the two opponents stood on opposite sides. After a quick glance at both of them, Toujurou shouted.
"This match is for sparring only! Neither party is to use heavy blows or intentionally harm the other. A contestant will be declared the loser if they lose the ability to fight or leave the arena! Do either of you have any objections?"
"None!" Si Shu and Chizhong replied in unison.
"Then... begin!"
With a sharp wave of his hand, Toujurou announced the start of the match. With his level of skill, he was in no danger of being hurt by either of them. Staying in the arena was also the best way to protect them and prevent any accidents.
The moment Toujurou gave the signal, Chizhong sneered.
"I'm several years older than you and I've been practicing a Breathing Style for two years. Don't say I didn't give you a chance. I'll let you strike first!"
Hearing this, the spectators looked at Chizhong with surprise and admiration.
"Wow, Chizhong is so strong, daring to let his opponent attack first." "I know, right? I bet that little kid is already regretting this." "Senior Chizhong's swordsmanship is already amazing for his age. That little guy is no match for him."
Basking in the admiring gazes and praise from the crowd, Chizhong savored the feeling. He had been preparing to show off in front of the Flame Hashira, but he never expected some kid he'd never seen before to steal his thunder. The Hashira's praise, the crowd's admiration—all of it should have been his! The thought of Si Shu's earlier performance made him want to grind the boy's bones to dust.
"Come on," he taunted. "Let this senior see what you've really got."
Looking at the arrogant Chizhong, Si Shu simply shook his head.
"You're the one who said it. Don't mind if I do."
With that, he picked up his wooden sword and began to walk, unhurriedly, toward Chizhong. As Si Shu approached, Chizhong's heart began to pound.
He's just walking over? It doesn't look like he's about to attack at all. Is this a feint to distract me? What kind of attack will it be? A downward slash? A horizontal cut? An upward strike?
His hands, gripping the wooden sword, began to sweat. Chizhong subconsciously swallowed a lump in his throat.
When only three steps separated them, the leisurely Si Shu moved.
His wooden sword flashed out instantly, striking Chizhong squarely on the neck.
THWACK!
With a gulp stuck in his throat, Chizhong didn't even have time to react. All he felt was an immense force slamming into the side of his neck. He felt like he was about to choke to death. His eyes rolled back into his head, and he passed out instantly.
THUD.
His sturdy body collapsed to the ground like a pile of mud, devoid of all strength.
No one could have predicted such an outcome. In the square, there were no cheers for the victor, nor were there any jeers for the loser.
All that remained was a dead, stunned silence.
And after felling Chizhong in a single strike, Si Shu received the reward for his random quest.