"How can one maintain mobility without eating?" Yoriichi asked, his voice carrying a trace of confusion as he looked down at Sanemi. "Why would you ask something like that?"
"It's because of Iguro…"
"Ah, that child is indeed worrying," Himejima said, pressing his palms together, his expression sorrowful. "He's far too thin for a swordsman."
"No—although his waist is thinner than Uzui's arm, Iguro's strength is actually quite remarkable," Sanemi said, waving a hand dismissively before turning back to Yoriichi. "Kanae mentioned that you often forget to eat, Yoriichi, yet you can still maintain your stamina. I wanted to ask if there's some kind of trick, for Iguro's sake."
"Hmm… perhaps by putting more effort into Breathing Techniques?"
Yoriichi replied, his tone uncertain.
"As long as the Breathing Techniques are used properly, it should be manageable. In the past, I once went ten days without sleep or even a drop of water, and it didn't affect my body afterward."
"Ten days?" Sanemi looked genuinely stunned. "You can push Breathing Techniques that far?"
"Mm… at least, I can," Yoriichi nodded. "But I'm not familiar with Snake Breathing, so I can't give a definitive answer."
"I see…" Sanemi lowered his head, thinking for a moment before speaking again. "Then could I ask you, Yoriichi, to guide Iguro around the district and teach him how to better use his Breathing Techniques along the way?"
"I'm not particularly skilled at management," Yoriichi said, giving a slight shake of his head. "But I'd be willing to try teaching Breathing Techniques. If I remember correctly, you and Iguro usually act together, right?"
"Yes."
"Then I'll start by teaching you both how to use aura," Yoriichi said with a small nod, then turned to Himejima. "Himejima, could I trouble you to handle Uzui's side?"
"Namu Amida Butsu…" Himejima murmured, rolling his prayer beads between his fingers. "Our territories are close to one another, so helping each other is only natural. That said, I've only grasped it at a preliminary level myself, so I fear my instruction may be lacking…"
"If that's your concern, then you could make time to spar with Uzui," Yoriichi suggested with a smile. "Uzui seems to have his own way of sensing an opponent's rhythm. Given enough time, he should be able to figure things out on his own. And sparring with him would also help you further refine your grasp of aura."
"Then I shall follow your advice," Himejima said softly, reciting a brief Buddhist chant. "I'll go speak with Uzui about this matter. I'll take my leave."
"Mmm, see you later," Yoriichi replied with a smile as he watched Himejima depart, then turned back to Sanemi. "Shall we go?"
"Sorry for the trouble," Sanemi said.
"It's nothing," Yoriichi replied, shaking his head gently. "If I can help you grow more quickly, that's a joy to me as well. Do you know where Iguro went?"
"Ah—because the Kakushi kept reporting that he might faint from hunger, the Master kept him behind to talk privately," Sanemi answered honestly. "Judging by the time, they should be finished about now."
"I see. Then we'll wait here," Yoriichi said, glancing at Sanemi. "Do you have any questions about your training?"
"Now that you mention it… lately, when I use Breathing Techniques, I keep feeling—"
"Ah, that's because—"
While Yoriichi continued giving Sanemi more in-depth guidance on Breathing Techniques, elsewhere, Ubuyashiki Kagaya had just seen Iguro Obanai off and was now speaking with Hiru.
"What do you think of the two children this year?" Ubuyashiki asked.
"They're fine," Hiru replied casually as he took Ubuyashiki's pulse, frowning slightly. "Definitely more talented than I was. That said, your body really is a pain to deal with."
"It's already much better than I expected," Ubuyashiki said calmly.
"Why don't you let Tamayo take a look as well?" Hiru suggested seriously. "You know demons live long lives. There's plenty of time for research."
"There's no need," Ubuyashiki replied with a gentle shake of his head.
"You know my condition better than anyone, Hiru. Medicine was never going to cure it. The fact that I'm in this state at all is thanks entirely to your Blood Demon Art. If I were to visit Lady Tamayo, it would only make Shinjuro anxious, deepen his suspicions, and create unnecessary complications."
Hiru looked down at the pale pink crystal in his hand and carefully put it away.
"Once I find the right opportunity to fully expose myself, you won't have to worry about that anymore."
"…No," Ubuyashiki said firmly. "Please don't."
"Just joking, just joking," Hiru laughed, seeing the pained look on Ubuyashiki's face. He stood up and poured him a cup of medicinal tea. "By the way, how did things go with Tanjuro?"
"Mm… I'd say there was some progress," Ubuyashiki said, holding his stomach as he accepted the tea. "He agreed to let our physicians help him recover, and also agreed to allow us to assist his family in relocating after his death."
"I see…" Hiru sat down cross-legged. "A man whose talent rivaled my brother's… what a waste."
"It truly is regrettable," Ubuyashiki said softly, cradling the teacup in his hands.
"If we had found him a little earlier, perhaps things might have turned out very differently. Still, it's astonishing that Yoriichi's Breathing Techniques were passed down in such a way. So many swordsmen followed the detailed records, yet couldn't grasp even a fragment of their essence…"
"So the training notes my brother gave the Demon Slayer Corps were completely useless?" Hiru asked.
"Not entirely," Ubuyashiki replied, shaking his head.
"More than a hundred years ago, the first founder of Flower Breathing modified his own Water Breathing by incorporating subtle aspects of Sun Breathing, adding a new branch to the Breathing Styles. However, that style proved far too difficult to adapt to. After that swordsman, it wasn't until my generation that a second Flower Breathing user appeared."
"Hm… there really are geniuses everywhere," Hiru sighed, standing up.
"Alright, we've talked enough. I need to go catch some demons for this year's second-half evaluations. Honestly—how did I, a Demon King, end up in this situation?"
Ubuyashiki smiled faintly. "Perhaps because both you and Yoriichi are gentle people."
"Stop trying to brainwash me," Hiru muttered, pouting. "Look at how worn out I am. You don't have anything else to order me to do, right?"
"Ah—there is one more thing," Ubuyashiki said.
"I knew it…" Hiru squatted back down. "What is it?"
"I'd like you to visit the former Thunder Hashira, Jigoro Kuwajima, and persuade him to accept replacement limbs," Ubuyashiki said with a gentle smile.
"He lives in Momoyama. If you go now, you should be able to see the mountains covered in pink and white peach blossoms."
Hiru: (￣-￣)...
Ubuyashiki: (￣▽￣)
"…Alright. I'll go," Hiru said after a brief stare, turning his head away with clear irritation. "You really have me completely figured out."
"Then I'll leave it to you," Ubuyashiki replied.