(Extra chapter)
Kiyokawa Izumi stood silently before the boulder. His pupils were like obsidian; perhaps he was wary of the side effects of overusing the Sharingan, or perhaps he simply felt it wasn't necessary.
His breathing was very steady at this moment. His right hand rested on the hilt at his waist, and he slowly drew it out. The movement was gentle, like brushing dust from a sleeve.
The bluish blade slid out of its scabbard silently. No tension was visible in his muscles, nor did his Aura rise.
Kiyokawa Izumi delivered this strike with utter calm.
The sharp edge sliced through the air, so light it seemed non-existent. When it touched the stone surface, there was no loud crash of hard objects colliding, nor were there any flying stone fragments.
Only a faint sound rang out, crisp yet clear.
The massive boulder, which would have taken several people to encircle with their arms, was instantly cut in half.
The smooth cut clearly reflected Kiyokawa Izumi's figure.
His expression remained very calm as he composedly sheathed his sword, the blade sliding back into the scabbard without a sound.
"It seems I'll have to trouble Mr. Urokodaki to find another boulder."
This composed manner truly shocked Tanjirou.
A blade no thicker than an arm could actually cut through a boulder; it was simply incredible.
How exactly did he do it?
"It's hard to clearly explain exactly how it's done."
Kiyokawa Izumi noticed the expression on Tanjirou's face nearby and didn't mind sharing his insights. After all, this was the protagonist; he would have to rely on him to hunt down Muzan in the future.
"Rather than saying I was swinging the sword just now, it would be more accurate to say I was imitating Mr. Urokodaki."
"Water nourishes all things and is formless, yet over time it can pierce rock. The key to Water Breathing doesn't lie in extreme power or extreme speed."
While explaining his understanding, Kiyokawa Izumi observed the protagonist's expression—he seemed completely dazed, as if he didn't understand at all.
Well, it was indeed a bit esoteric.
"Saying all this might be hard to grasp. How about we spar?"
With Kiyokawa Izumi's current level of swordsmanship, giving some guidance to Tanjirou, who hadn't yet participated in the Final Selection, was no problem.
His mastery of the Breathing Technique was indeed poor, but his swordsmanship was among the best even among ordinary Team Members.
He didn't give Tanjirou a chance to refuse; he was determined to grant this favor.
As a Transmigration traveler, how could he not know about Sun Breathing?
How could he not be interested in the Hinokami Kagura?
Having a limited version of the Sharingan, he also wanted to see if he could learn Sun Breathing.
Who told Water Breathing to be so ill-suited for him?
With a small hidden agenda, Kiyokawa Izumi's pupils turned blood-red in an instant.
It wasn't that he lacked confidence or thought he couldn't beat Tanjirou without the Sharingan.
Since he was going to grant a favor, he might as well do it thoroughly.
The insight of the Sharingan went without saying; using these eyes to observe would allow him to point out Tanjirou's redundant movements with even more precision.
Of course, this also counted as returning half a favor to Urokodaki Sakonji.
The man had guided him, and since he had no other way to help him, he could only help his Disciple grow stronger.
Without giving Tanjirou much time to prepare, the distance between them closed instantly.
Kiyokawa Izumi didn't draw his nichirin blade, clearly afraid of losing control and actually hurting him—he didn't think he had the precise control of a Hashira.
"Why the hesitation? Are you debating whether or not to draw your sword?"
The scabbard struck Tanjirou's hand accurately; Kiyokawa Izumi was sparing no effort in correcting him.
"Here, and here—too many redundant movements. You'll suffer for it when facing an experienced opponent or a Demon."
Feeling pain in his arms and shoulders, Tanjirou's expression shifted slightly, but he was resilient; his effort was second to none.
While quickly adjusting, he didn't forget to loudly thank Kiyokawa Izumi.
Perhaps this was a case of 'I hit you, and you still have to thank me.'
"Your mastery of the Moves is too rigid and lacks flexibility. A proficient Water Breathing Swordsman can create their own Moves based on the original ones."
Time passed minute by minute, and before they knew it, the sun was about to set.
Kiyokawa Izumi realized that this boy's endurance might actually surpass his own.
Having Urokodaki Sakonji as a teacher, the foundation he had built was indeed solid.
His physical strength flagging, Kiyokawa Izumi panted slightly and said casually.
"Let's call it a day!"
He had only activated the Sharingan at the beginning; he couldn't handle staring with red eyes all afternoon.
So, as time dragged on, the duel became increasingly difficult—after all, it wasn't a life-or-death battle, but a practice partner session.
His strength wasn't far superior to the boy's, and he didn't have a physical advantage; sparring for an entire afternoon had already taken a lot out of him.
"Mr. Izumi, please have some water!"
Faced with Tanjirou's enthusiasm, Kiyokawa Izumi felt slightly uncomfortable.
"Mr. Izumi, you must have seen many Demons, right? Then... do you know how to turn a Demon back into a human?"
Taking the water skin, Kiyokawa Izumi's mouth twitched slightly at these expectant yet apprehensive words, unsure of how to answer.
If he said he didn't know, the boy would surely smell the lie in his words.
If he said he knew, how could a lowly Swordsman like him know such a thing?
"As far as I know, there hasn't been a single instance of a Demon turning back into a human yet."
_________
You have already donated energy stones, so I cannot break my promise. This is an additional chapter.
150 Energy stone -Extra chapter