Butterfly Mansion,
inside the dojo,
fifteen young swordsmen wearing Demon Slayer Corps uniforms had already gathered here; most of their Ranks were not very high, and their strength was quite average.
Many of the swordsmen were unable to use Breathing Techniques proficiently.
The number of Official Members in the Demon Slayer Corps was estimated to be around a hundred; being able to gather a tenth of the swordsmen here for training showed that the Headquarters attached great importance to this.
"The higher-ups told us to gather here for training, but do you know the specifics?"
"I'm not sure. Training? Is it necessary?"
"I was even asked who my Trainer was. How unlucky."
"I heard another Hashira has emerged, and lower rank six was slain by him... Word is, he's been in the Demon Slayer Corps for less than three months and is a swordsman who just passed this year's Selection!"
The Team Members gathered here had poor discipline, whispering and murmuring among themselves.
"Are you discussing me? Let me introduce myself, I am Kiyokawa Izumi!"
Silently, a calm voice came from behind them.
The previously lively dojo fell silent instantly as the talking came to an abrupt halt.
The Official Members looked at one another and cautiously glanced back—was this Hashira a monster? How could he walk without making any sound at all?
This newly promoted Hashira wore a pure black haori over a standard Corps uniform, with a nichirin blade at his waist.
A sixteen-year-old youth with a frame like a slender bamboo shoot, his neat black hair brushed past his ears, and his handsome face carried a hint of sleepiness.
He walked through the crowd, his calm gaze sweeping over every Team Member. No one dared to meet his eyes, and they all lowered their heads.
The hierarchy ingrained in their bones made them subconsciously respectful.
"*Cough—*"
Kiyokawa Izumi coughed softly. It was evident from this that the injuries caused by overusing his Breathing Technique had not yet recovered.
There were pros and cons.
On the bright side, he wouldn't have to go on missions for a long time.
The downside was that he wouldn't be able to improve his Breathing Technique for quite a while either.
Although he had the body of a young man, his mindset was very stable. He wouldn't rush to increase his strength or feel inferior just because he was ranked last among the Nine Hashira.
As an adult, he could maintain this level of composure.
Looking at the Official Members before him, Kiyokawa Izumi couldn't help but stroke his chin—they were all nobodies—no, wait, there was one familiar face.
Murata, with his middle-parted hair, was actually among the first batch on the list for Selection.
This guy, despite being from the same period as Giyuu, was still only a Kanoe rank swordsman.
It might be due to average talent, or perhaps it was related to a lack of guidance.
Having mastered Water Breathing, he clearly wasn't a Disciple trained by the Former Water Hashira—his Trainer certainly wasn't a retired Water Hashira, so their strength and ability were likely quite average.
"I'll be in charge of your batch for now. The special training is divided into three parts: combat practice in the morning, physical training in the afternoon, and Breathing Technique in the evening."
"What you need to do now is very simple. Do you see that row of wooden swords on the left? They're for you."
"Pick up a wooden sword and attack me."
"We'll fight all morning!"
As the one in charge, Kiyokawa Izumi definitely had no intention of being perfunctory.
There were only three directions to improve strength.
Physical fitness, swordsmanship, plus Breathing Technique.
There was no point in expecting anyone in this group to achieve Awakening of a Demon Slayer Mark or the Transparent World.
That would be too unrealistic.
Improving around those three areas would suffice.
There wasn't much to say about physical fitness; it was just those training programs, and he just had to supervise their training.
As for swordsmanship, in the end, it was just those techniques.
Kiyokawa Izumi had no interest in teaching from scratch; he went straight to combat practice—he was very experienced in this area.
After getting beaten up a few dozen times, they would surely make progress.
As for the Breathing Technique, he would have to trouble Kochou Shinobu with that.
"Di... direct combat practice?"
"You're joking, right? You want us to fight a Hashira?"
"How could we possibly be a match for a Hashira?"
"Fight all morning? How could we possibly hold out?"
"Is it too late to quit now? How terrifying! This place is just too terrifying!"
Kiyokawa Izumi listened quietly. He considered himself to have a decent temper, but at this moment, he couldn't help but want to curse.
What are you all blathering about here?
Do what you're told. Why so much nonsense?
As expected of a ragtag bunch, the quality of Official Members was only at this level—if given ten years, he was confident he could raise the strength of ordinary Team Members by two levels and stably produce qualified swordsmen every year.
But unfortunately, there wasn't that much time.
He only had these little losers in front of him; he had no choice but to make do and train them.
"I'll only count to three. When the countdown ends, the battle begins. You decide what to do!"
Kiyokawa Izumi slowly held up three fingers.
"One!"
"Start!"
The Official Members were dumbfounded upon hearing this.
Didn't you say you'd count down?
Where are three and two?
Kiyokawa Izumi didn't even bother to unsheathe his nichirin blade, directly using the scabbard to knock down an Official Member in front of him.
Seeing this, how could they dare to stay stunned in place?
They all rushed to the left to grab wooden swords from the rack.
"Don't push!"
"Hurry up!"
"Ah!"
Looking at the ragtag bunch before him, Kiyokawa Izumi showed a hesitant expression for the first time—maybe he should start by teaching them how to line up?
Any group of college students from his past life would have better discipline than them.