At the Butterfly Mansion, two days had passed since the events of the Mugen Train incident.
The morning air was fresh and filled with the sounds of nature, a peaceful contrast to the intense sword clash taking place in the courtyard.
Clang! Two swords collided in mid-air, the clash sending a slight shockwave through the backyard.
Kanae faced off against Ryou, her movements swift and intense. Kanae's blade shimmered with elegance as she performed the intricate forms of Flower Breathing, her every movement embodying beauty, agility, and deadly precision.
Ryou effortlessly mirrored her movements, using the same Flower Breathing technique, but with a level of mastery that surpassed her own.
Despite his overwhelming strength and skill, he held back just enough to push Kanae to her limits.
Kanae felt as though she was battling a superior version of herself. Yet, as she watched Ryou's movements and his breathing pattern, she began to absorb the knowledge.
With each sword clash, her own swordsmanship visibly improved by eliminating useless actions, the growth obvious even to the naked eye.
Ryou's using an enhanced version of Flower Breathing, created from the knowledge of Hinokami Kagura that he had copied from Tanjiro. It was refined and tailored to perfectly suit Kanae's physical limits.
'Shing!'
"That's it," Ryou said, nodding in approval as he parried her next strike. A smile tugged at his lips as he added, "As expected of my Kanae, you are good!"
Kanae blushed slightly at his words, but this time, she didn't refute it as she usually would. Perhaps it was because, deep down, without her knowing Ryou had already found a place in her heart.
--
After an hour of intense sparring, Kanae and Ryou relaxed in the courtyard, sipping tea and enjoying a moment of calm.
"You are truly amazing," Kanae remarked. "I sometimes wonder if there's anything you can't do."
Ryou chuckled softly. "Yes, there is one thing I haven't managed to do yet. I haven't captured the heart of the girl I love!"
"Is it?" Kanae blushed slightly at his words, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. The simple gesture once again invoked some kind of feeling within Ryou as he couldn't help but gaze at her in a trance.
Noticing his lingering stare, Kanae reacted and said. "It seems like I did it again."
Ryou simply looked at her. Feeling his hot gaze and the change in the atmosphere, she expertly shifted the topic. "If I practice according to your insights, I should be able to surpass my previous self within a month or two.
I've already made progress with Tekkai; I can now use it while moving, which minimizes the risk of injury from demons. It might be a bit clumsy, but it's useful."
"With your current strength and skill, even if you meet the Upper Moon, you can fight them without losing." Ryou nodded.
--
At that moment, the door to the courtyard creaked open and Tanjiro emerged, having healed from his injuries. He's full of energy and ready to fight the demons.
"Oh! Tanjiro. Is your injury okay?" Ryou asked, seeing his appearance.
Tanjiro greeted them with a respectful bow. "Yes, I'm fine. Kanae-san. Ryou-san, I've been looking for you."
"What is it?" Ryou asked interested to hear his reason for seeking him.
Tanjiro took a deep breath before speaking. "This...I had a dream about a Demon Slayer wearing hanafuda earrings and someone who looked very similar to me. I believe he's Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the one you mentioned."
Hearing his words, Kanae was surprised. It was unusual for someone to remember a dream so vividly, and from his explanation it felt more like a memory from the past.
This revelation made her consider the possibility that Tanjiro might have inherited his ancestor's memories. 'But, is it really possible? It seems like Tanjiro boy is special.'
Ryou, however, remained calm and thoughtful. "It seems you're starting to remember the legacy of Sun Breathing. From your description, it's indeed Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the creator of the original breathing techniques. The world is truly full of wonders.
Even though I don't fully understand why you've dreamed of events from so long ago, it might be a good thing for you. Don't overthink it. Keep focusing on your training, strengthening yourself, and the truth will reveal itself with time."
"Yes! I understand! I'll start practicing Hinokami Kagura!" With renewed motivation, Tanjiro left to gather his friends to train.
He doesn't want to feel the same helplessness again he experienced during the Mugen train mission. Just being in the presence of the Upper Moon demon, they felt weak and unable to fight.
He must improve his strength.
--
"No wonder Muzan Kibutsuji is sending his minions after him—there's something special about him," Kanae remarked thoughtfully.
"Indeed," Ryou agreed and said, "With the fall of an Upper Moon, there's a strong possibility that demon activity will increase. I've already informed Kagaya-sama. Be careful during this time, when you are on a mission."
At that moment, Ryou's Kasugai crow swooped down with an urgent message. A Demon Slayer team within his region was requesting Hashira support.
"It seems my free time is over," Ryou said, gazing at the distant sky. Then, with a teasing smile, he added, "I don't know how I'll pass the days without looking at you."
Before he could tease more, a soft touch brushed his cheek. Kanae had leaned in and kissed him. Ryou froze in surprise—he never imagined that a reserved girl like Kanae would take such an initiative.
"Is it enough? It's my reward for killing an Upper Moon," Kanae murmured, her face flushed as she averted her gaze.
Ryou smirked, "If I knew such a surprise awaited me, I would've killed Upper Moon One the last time we encountered. What kind of reward would I get for killing Muzan?"
"Who knows?" Kanae replied and slipped away using her breathing technique as if fleeing from Ryou.
Ryou didn't pursue her, a satisfied smile on his face as he gently touched his cheek where Kanae had kissed him. The warmth of the moment lingered, and for now, that simple gesture was enough for him.
With a final glance toward the direction Kanae had disappeared, he decided to leave for the mission informed by his Kasugai crow.
--
In her room, Kanae leaned against the door, her hand gently brushing her lips. Her heart raced as she replayed the moment in her mind.
'Oh my god... Why did I do that?' She wondered in her mind, her fingers resting on her chest, feeling the rapid beat of her heart. She couldn't believe she took her own initiative to kiss Ryou.
--
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