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Kaidō stood in his estate's courtyard, training intensely. A Kakushi member approached, carrying an envelope.
"Dragon Hashira-sama, a letter has arrived for you!"
Kaidō lowered his greatsword. "Thank you for bringing it!"
"Not at all—serving a Hashira is my honor." The Kakushi bowed and departed.
Returning inside, Kaidō opened the envelope. The sender was Lady Tamayo:
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Kaidō-kun,
Thank you for sending the blood samples from the Twelve Kizuki, especially from an Upper Rank. My research has progressed considerably because of your assistance.
I have heard about your achievements—becoming a Hashira in less than a month, slaying an Upper Rank demon. The Upper Ranks possess fearsome power, yet you defeated one.
I can sense it now—Muzan Kibutsuji's fate is sealed. You will be the one to end him. Thank you, little Kaidō-kun.
—Tamayo
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Kaidō set the letter down and sighed heavily.
"Why does everyone keep calling me 'little'? Shinobu, Mitsuri, Kanae constantly... Now even Lady Tamayo!" He rubbed his temples. "I just want to know where exactly I am 'little'... Okay fine, I am pretty small right now. (╥╥)"
His current appearance was entirely the system's fault. Speaking of which—
[Host, I am perfectly respectable!] The system's feminine voice echoed, sounding slightly offended.
'Respectable? Then explain who designed this body? Who picked these clothes? What about that kimono reward? And why does the Mukago Collection Card look like that?'
[Please rest assured, Host—everything is completely normal! This system has absolutely zero interest in seeing you in women's clothing!]
'I swear to—' Kaidō cut off the thought. 'Whatever. Not worth it.'
A shout from the courtyard interrupted him.
"Excuse me! Is the Dragon Hashira here?"
Kaidō stepped outside, recognizing the voice instantly. Sanemi Shinazugawa's younger brother stood at the entrance—Genya Shinazugawa. Dark mohawk-style hair, a scar running across his nose from his right cheek—a reminder of the night his demon mother attacked him.
Poor physical conditioning prevented him from using Breathing techniques. However, his unique jaw strength and digestive system allowed him to consume demon flesh and temporarily gain demonic abilities. The stronger the demon, the greater his power boost. A rare case in the Corps. His inability to master standard techniques frustrated him. Being a teenager, he was awkward around girls, blushing instantly. But around Sanemi, guilt turned him into a nervous wreck.
"You're Genya Shinazugawa, right? What brings you here?"
Genya dropped to his knees, forehead touching the ground. "Dragon Hashira-sama! Please make me stronger!"
Genya admired strength and had heard stories about the Dragon Hashira. If Kaidō trained him, maybe he could finally fight alongside his brother.
Kaidō knew Genya's motivation but asked anyway. "Why do you want to become stronger? Tell me."
"I... I..."
Kaidō's expression softened. "It's to prove yourself to your brother, isn't it?"
"Y-yes." Genya's voice was barely a whisper.
"First, tell me what you are capable of."
"I cannot use Breathing techniques. But my body is... different. I have powerful jaw strength and a unique digestive system. I can devour demons and temporarily gain their abilities. The stronger the demon, the stronger I become!"
Kaidō stroked his chin thoughtfully. An idea formed.
"I can teach you Breathing techniques. Whether you master them depends on your effort."
"But I have tried learning before! It didn't work—"
"I have a method worth trying. If it fails, I will teach you something else."
He retrieved a Breathing Affinity Pill from his inventory—a previous reward. He'd used one himself, allowing Water Breathing to integrate seamlessly. Whether it would work for Genya was uncertain.
"Swallow this pill. Let's see what happens."
Genya took the pill without hesitation and swallowed it. Within moments, searing pain erupted in his lungs. He collapsed, writhing.
'System! What is happening??'
[This is normal, Host. The Breathing Affinity Pill is restructuring his pulmonary system.]
'He is not going to die, is he??'
[Absolutely not. The process is safe.]
Relieved, Kaidō crouched beside him. "Genya! Hold on—this is normal! The pill is rebuilding your lungs so you can learn Breathing techniques!"
"Yes! I will... I will endure it! I have to prove myself to my brother!" Genya's determination burned through the pain.
The transformation lasted about ten minutes before subsiding.
"How do you feel?" Kaidō asked.
"My lungs... feel incredibly clear. Like I can breathe deeper than ever," Genya replied, taking several experimental breaths, eyes wide.
"Perfect. Now I will teach you Water Breathing. Mastery is up to you."
"Yes, Dragon Hashira-sama!"
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Three Days Later
Genya had barely grasped Water Breathing's fundamentals. His technique was rough but functional.
"Genya, you have achieved basic proficiency. But you are nowhere near combat-ready. You need extensive practice."
Kaidō placed a hand on his shoulder. "Once you have fully mastered it, find me again. Then I will teach you all the Forms."
"Yes! Thank you, Dragon Hashira-sama!"
Suddenly, a vicious gust erupted from behind—an attack aimed at Genya.
Kaidō spun instantly, intercepting the strike. "Sanemi! Are you insane?? Trying to kill your own brother??"
The attacker was indeed Sanemi, sword drawn, radiating killing intent.
"Get out of my way!" Sanemi snarled.
"Big brother..." Genya trembled.
"SHUT UP! Do not act familiar—I don't have a brother! Keep this up and I will gut you myself!" Sanemi's words were venomous.
"Enough, Sanemi! You can protect him today, but not forever!" Genuine anger flashed across Kaidō's face for the first time. He understood Sanemi's intent—driving Genya away for his safety—but the method was too cruel.
"What the hell are you implying?? I am not protecting anyone! He cannot even learn basic Breathing—clearly talentless! Worthless trash like him doesn't belong here!"
"But i..." Genya's voice broke. "I-I ate demons..."
"YOU WHAT?? YOU ATE DEMONS??" Sanemi's fury exploded. His hand shot forward, fingers aimed at Genya's eyes, intending to blind him.
Kaidō lunged, catching Sanemi's wrist. 'This is bad! The confrontation happened early because of me! Butterfly effect!'
"Sanemi," Kaidō's voice dropped seriously. "I need to tell you something. Using my family's secret technique, I glimpsed fragments of the future concerning Genya."
"Tch! Fine. What did you see?" Sanemi's rage cooled slightly, needing to know.
"Genya, there is something both of you need to understand. Before I explain, let me show you."
Kaidō activated Demonic Eye, pulling Genya into an illusion recreating their family's tragic past—memories from the manga. The truth behind Sanemi's harshness.
Genya's body went rigid, then collapsed.
"What happened??" Sanemi's concern overrode his anger.
"He is fine. I am showing him the truth," Kaidō said gravely. "Now, about Genya's future." He met Sanemi's eyes. "Your brother will die protecting you."
"WHAT?? Are you kidding?? You think that joke—"
"Was reviving Kanae a joke?"
Sanemi froze, silenced.
"I know you verbally abuse him to drive him away. You want him to live normally—get married, have kids, grow old," Kaidō said gently but firmly. "But if he leaves and you die... do you think he will be okay? You are his only family. Will he be happy without you?"
The words struck home. Sanemi remained silent.
"Also, your brother has learned Breathing techniques now. I taught him."
"??"
"People cannot stand still forever, Sanemi. Do not let your little brother surpass you." Kaidō clapped his shoulder, then stepped back.
Understanding dawned in Sanemi's eyes. If he didn't grow stronger, Genya might surpass him. The protector could become the protected. Unrealistic, maybe, but possible. Only by becoming stronger could he truly protect Genya.
"I understand. Thank you, Kaidō." The gratitude was genuine.
"We are comrades. No need for thanks."
Genya stirred and stood immediately, walking toward Sanemi.
"Big brother, I am sorry! I misunderstood you! You were trying to protect me, but I—I said those terrible things!" Tears streamed down his face. He turned to Kaidō. "Thank you, Dragon Hashira-sama. For everything."
"Now that things are cleared up, you two probably need to talk. I will give you privacy," Kaidō smiled. "Genya, keep training Water Breathing. Find me once you have mastered it."
He turned and left.
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[Ding! Congratulations! Hidden Quest Complete!]
[Hidden Quest: Brotherhood]
[Reward: Dragon Blood]
[Dragon Blood: Contains immense draconic power. Strengthens physical capabilities to peak human condition. Small chance of evolving into a Dragon-Human Hybrid.]
"Holy—" Kaidō nearly shouted. "Are you serious??" His mind raced. 'If this pushes my body to its peak, I will have a real shot at defeating Upper Rank Three. Kyojuro can survive!'
Fierce determination filled him. "I will use it tonight. Right now, I have something else to handle."
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