After half an hour, the meeting concluded. They covered various topics, including the surge in demon activity in certain areas, sightings of a Lower Moon, and strategies to reduce the frequent deaths of Demon Slayers.
The meeting opened Ryou's eyes to the tireless work the Demon Slayer Corps does behind the scenes to protect humankind.
Just as the Hashira began to disperse, Wind Hashira Sanemi stepped forward and stopped Ryou, his eyes gleaming with a fierce intent to fight. "You," he said, pointing at Ryou, "let's have a battle to see whether you truly have the strength of a Hashira."
Ryou met Sanemi's gaze, feeling the desire for the challenge. "A battle, huh? Sure! I love to see the power of Wind Breathing style."
The room fell silent, the other Hashira turning their attention to the two; their interest piqued by Sanemi's sudden challenge.
"Sanemi's at it again," Tengen Uzui remarked with a grin, not surprised by Sanemi's action.
Kanae shook her head gently. "Sanemi-san always does this. He challenged all of us before," she noted, though she wasn't worried about Ryou since she knew his strength.
Giyu stood with indifferent expression, completely uninterested in the battle. If possible, he wants to take his leave but something within him wants to see the confrontation.
Is it to watch the Wind Hashira's ass get beaten by someone? Only he knew the answer.
Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira, glanced at Ubuyashiki. "Oyakata-sama?"
Kagaya smiled warmly. "It's okay, Gyomei. I want to see their strength. A friendly spar between Hashira is a good way to test and improve one's skills."
Turning to Ryou and Sanemi, he added, "Remember, this is a test of strength and skill, so don't go far as to injure yourselves. And, please use wooden swords."
The courtyard of the Ubuyashiki manor was chosen as the test ground. It was a spacious area, surrounded by lush greenery, providing a suitable spot to fight.
The other Hashira stood beside Ubuyashiki and his two daughters at a safe distance, eager to witness the spar.
Both Ryou and Sanemi stood facing each other with bokuto (wooden swords) in their hands. Sanemi's gaze was fierce, his stance ready.
"Don't hold back, because I won't. And, I want to see your true strength."
"I won't," Ryou nodded. Despite his words, his form appeared casual, effortlessly swinging the bokuto between his fingers with a magical fineness.
"Here I come," Sanemi lunged at him with blinding speed, his attacks as fierce and ruthless as his personality. His Wind Breathing technique created powerful gusts that sliced through the air.
Ryou dodged each strike with ease, his movements smooth and unhurried. This effortless evasion only seemed to provoke Sanemi further.
"Fight me directly! Don't just dodge my attacks!" Sanemi growled in frustration as he attacked again. He hates this feeling of just running around.
"Good," Ryou replied and blocked Sanemi's bokuto which came down with a powerful strike with his bare left hand. And with a quick shift of his body, his right elbow connected with Sanemi's chest.
Bang!
The force of the impact sent the Wind Hashira flying back, his feet dragging against the ground as he struggled to regain his balance. A look of astonishment crossed Sanemi's face as he steadied himself, clearly not expecting Ryou's reckless move.
'Why did he block it with his hand?' Sanemi wondered, expecting his strike to have broken Ryou's hand. But when he looked up, he was shocked to see not even a trace of a bruise on Ryou's hand.
Though it was just a wooden sword, considering Sanemi's strength, it was enough to break bones, yet Ryou blocked it with his bare hand.
'Such means.' The other Hashira watched in amazement, they began to respect Ryou's strength.
"He's strong!" Gyomei commented.
"Shinazugawa-san, don't hold back. He isn't an ordinary person. Even if you use your Nichirin Blade, you wouldn't be able to injure him," Kanae said, adding fuel to the fire.
'What are you doing, Kanae? You're supposed to support me,' Ryou thought and looked at Kanae, who simply smiled by covering her mouth.
'This woman...she's poisonous,' Ryou thought, but he had to accept she's good at it.
Sanemi touched his chest, where a slight pain lingered, and then showed a fierce grin. "Not bad, Ryou. You're really strong. It seems I don't have to hold back in my attacks!"
"I thought you weren't holding back..." Ryou said with a hint of amusement.
Sanemi's eyes narrowed, 'Don't underestimate me, you bastard.' A mist-like breath emanated from his mouth as he dashed at Ryou with incredible speed. He shouted,
"First Form: Dust Whirlwind Cutter!"
A powerful wind slash unleashed from his wooden blade, tearing through the air and ground as it came directly at Ryou. The force of the attack was immense, sending wind gusts through the courtyard.
Any ordinary person would have been blown away if they were in the vicinity. Thankfully, Ubuyashiki and his daughters were protected by the other Hashira, who stood before them and easily nullified it.
This time, Ryou met his blow head-on. 'Third Form: Setting Sun!" Ryou's bokuto ignited with golden flames, as it clashed with Sanemi's wind slash.
The collision between wind and flames was a sight to behold, while the force of the impact sent shockwaves through the air.
But, Ryou's powerful strike broke Sanemi's bokuto and rushed towards his chest. Sanemi leaped back to avoid it, narrowly escaping the blow.
It was clear that Ryou had won. Of course, he hadn't used his full strength; doing so could injure the Wind Hashira heavily or leave a lasting memory. He had no plan to show his full strength!
"You win," Sanemi admitted his defeat but he was disappointed. His fierce expression softened slightly as he smiled. "You are strong. We'll have to spar again when we have time"
"Good!"
Kagaya Ubuyashiki, who had been observing the entire exchange, stepped forward with a serene smile. "An impressive display of strength, both of you. I'm happy to see the addition of a powerful Hashiral within our ranks!"
The other Hashira nodded in approval, recognizing Ryou's strength. Even the Stone Hashira, who was considered the strongest among them, acknowledged Ryou's strength.
"He's grown stronger since I last saw him," Gyomei remarked.
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