After performing his breathing style from the 1st to the 9th form, Ryou felt the Natural energy gathering around and pouring into his body, following his breathing pattern.
The natural energy healed injuries while his physique continued to strengthen itself.
After repeating the process for fifteen minutes, Ryou stopped. It's not that he didn't want to continue; with his current physical strength, it's the limit.
Taking a short ten-minute break, he started practicing the skill 'Tekkai'. Since Tekkai is based on one's physical strength, the stronger his physique, the more powerful the Tekkai will be.
At his current level, he can't move while performing Tekkai, but once he advances to the next level, he'll be able to use the skill while moving around.
"It's getting harder to improve proficiency now that the skill has reached the intermediate level. I need more demon points," Ryou thought.
At that moment, the thin door connecting the back made a smooth sliding sound being pushed open by someone.
Kanae and Shinobu emerged from the door while Aoi followed them with a tray in hand.
"Ara...Ara...you are here. I thought you already left. Looks like your injury is healed completely." Kanae smiled a little.
"No way! With such a beautiful girl like you in the Manor, I'm not leaving—even if you throw me out!" Ryou declared, waving his hand dismissively.
"Sister, he's hitting on you. Now I know why he saved you from that Upper Moon demon—he loves you deeply!" Shinobu whispered teasingly into her sister's ear, with a mischievous grin.
"My, my, Shinobu...when did you become such a gossipy girl? Don't you have other things to do?" Kanae smiled softly, though Shinobu sensed a different tone beneath it.
"Nee-chan, Kanao is alone. Let me go and take care of her; that girl won't eat anything without our instruction. Aoi, let's go." Shinobu hurried off, leaving her sister and Ryou alone.
As she passed him, she didn't forget to greet him. "Good morning, Ryou-san!"
"Good morning, Shinobu," Ryou replied before turning his attention back to Kanae. "Your sister is a lovely girl."
Unlike Shinobu's future self, who lost her sister, her current self is blunt, brash, and outspoken. Such carefreeness gives one a pleasant feeling; it's hard not to like such a lovely girl.
"She is…I love her innocent smile very much." Kanae's voice softened. "It's for that reason I'm hunting the demons, I want her to be happy without any demons disrupting her smile.
I don't know what that girl would do if something happened to me. Thanks to you I cheated death two days back, but I know I won't be that lucky every time."
"I will be there to protect you every time!" Ryou responded seriously. The words came straight from his heart without a second thought.
Kanae was momentarily stunned for a moment because she could tell Ryou's serious with his words. Their eyes stared at each other in silence.
Kanae's pale purple eyes which were almost bug-like were beautiful to him. Her noticeable red lip that contrasted with her pale skin looked so soft and beautiful as well.
She was absolutely stunning. Above everything, it was her gentleness and calm smile that truly made him fall head over heels for her.
Snapping out of their gaze, Kanae's easygoing demeanor returned as she remarked, "You're a dangerous person, Ryou-san, with all those sweet talks. I'll have to be careful around you."
Ryou scratched his head sheepishly, embarrassed. "I don't think so. I'm a good person!"
"Let's talk about the official business. I need details about you – like your life, sword, breathing style, and reason for fighting the demons." Kanae asked.
Ryou told her who he is and his life experience before coming to the topic of Breathing style. "Regarding my Breathing style and sword, I am sorry I can't reveal the details. It's a secret."
Kanae didn't mind but began to sympathize with his life experience as it was similar to hers.
"With your current strength, you're more than qualified to become a Demon Slayer. You can attend the Final Selection which is a selective process for individuals who seek to become a recognized Demon Slayer of the Demon Slayer Corps."
"When's the next Final Selection?" Ryou asked, thinking to himself, 'What an easy way to earn Demon Points, given that most of the demons captured and detained on Mount Fujikasane are relatively weak.'
"In a month," Kanae replied.
"Good!"
At that moment, Aoi arrived with a tray full of food. "Kanae-san, breakfast is ready. Let's eat before it gets cold."
Everyone gathered around the wooden floor, with breakfast laid out at the center. The breakfast was simple, it consisted of steamed rice, miso soup, and grilled fish, accompanied by fresh hot tea.
"Thank you, Aoi" Everyone thanked Aoi before starting to eat.
"Kanao, eat up." Only after Shinobu's instruction, did the girl stop gazing at the sky and begin to eat.
"Nee-chan, Kanao is still like this with no hope of improvement," Shinobu complained worriedly as it was some time since they adopted Kanao but the girl showed no sign of thinking on her own.
"My...My! Don't worry Shinobu, with our care she will recover step by step." Kanae said soothingly, gently caressing Kanao's hair.
Looking at the warm atmosphere, Ryou began to miss his parents and sister back on earth. 'I wonder how they are doing without me?'
--
"Ryou-san, if you are free, we can spar for a bit. Your breathing style is weird and powerful, maybe I can gain something from it." Kanae asked.
"You know I won't reject your request!" Ryou replied cheekily, not missing any opportunity to tease.
Kanae didn't show any expression on her face, but he could tell she was annoyed in a good way.
With wooden training swords in hand, both of them moved to the training field and faced each other. Neither of them was quick to take the first move.
As they stared at each other, a serious expression painted on Kanae's face. Seeing him with a casual look, Kanae took it upon herself and made the first move by lunging towards Ryou with a sword swing.
The swing caused the wooden sword to whistle as it tore through the air, toward Ryou's head.