Kagaya's proposal was actually a plan he had discussed privately with Maple. Wanting to consolidate his strength and obtain a legitimate qualification, Kagaya wasn't surprised by the plan. After all, in this era, seeking "fame" was commonplace.
However, Maple, hailing from another world, had deeper considerations.
Firstly, after joining the demon-slayer corps, he had grasped the timeline. It would be about four to five months before Tanjiro participated in the team selection and before the main plot officially began. This understanding allowed Maple to remain patient.
Secondly, Kocho Shinobu's ability to self-create insect breathing demonstrated her remarkable talent. Furthermore, her expertise in pharmacology was commendable. Her wisteria flower poison could kill any demon, and Maple's potion system needed this knowledge for localization. If he could utilize this to devise a sequence 6 formula and even manage to advance, Maple would truly have "struck gold."
"I must avoid altering Tanjiro's trajectory to maximize the chances of uncovering Muzan, who fears death. Given this, I'll need to participate in the Fujikasane mountain selection early. Nevertheless, I still have two to three months to perfect my breathing technique."
Maple continued refining his plan while following Shinobu out of the courtyard.
"Ne, Mr. Feng, I hadn't anticipated your expertise in pharmacology," remarked Shinobu, her gentle voice pulling Maple from his thoughts.
"Being a solo traveler, I had to be versed in many things," Maple replied with a smile, providing a flawless explanation. This, however, seemed to pique Shinobu's curiosity.
"Just versatile in many things? Mr. Feng, you're being modest. Such an advanced breathing technique, even I envy you."
As they traversed the corridor, Shinobu jestingly conversed with Maple. But a touch of melancholy flashed in her lovely purple eyes, seemingly lost in thought.
"Had I possessed the strength of Mr. Feng and Mr. Himejima, would I have needed to study poisons to avenge my sister?"
This somber thought fleetingly crossed her mind. However, Shinobu, resilient and tenacious from countless battles, quickly snapped out of her introspection, embodying the esteemed and gentle "insect pillar" she was known to be.
While Shinobu believed she had masked her fleeting emotion, Maple's heightened sensitivity allowed him to detect her emotional shifts effortlessly.
"Is she...depressed?"
Though he couldn't fully empathize, Maple's analytical mind discerned Shinobu's emotions.
He remained silent, trailing behind Shinobu. But his thoughts shifted from his plans to a vivid memory of a brave butterfly who used herself to defeat demons.
Will she die? Some of the 'pillars' I observed in the courtyard will face death too, right?
As impulses surged within him, Maple grappled with his emotions.
It's odd. I'm reluctant to see them perish merely because I didn't suppress my 'despair'. Could this sentiment be called 'saintly'? Yet, I don't sense any overarching compassion within me.
Puzzled by his own feelings, Maple dismissed the need for further introspection.
Emotions are truly intricate. Given my newfound urge to 'protect them', maybe I'll uncover new emotions in the process.
Ruminating on key memories, Maple adjusted his plans.
The demon king, twelve moon demons, demon slayer mark, transparent world… All these factors would influence the entire sequence of events.
And so, lost in their respective contemplations, Shinobu and Maple progressed through the corridor. Their peculiar silent march was so striking that Sanemi, upon accidentally bumping into them, chose to detour just to evade the odd duo.
Unbeknownst to both Kocho Shinobu and Maple, Sanemi, in his annoyance, had punched a wall around the corner.
Maple's significant contributions to the demon slayer corps hadn't gone unnoticed by Sanemi. Although abrasive, Sanemi wasn't irrational. Approaching Maple with an apology might have been challenging but not insurmountable. However, the ill-timed encounter between Maple and Kocho Shinobu thwarted Sanemi's intentions.
"Chi… I'm simply not cut out for these situations!"
…
After receiving the systematic breathing teaching method from Kocho Shinobu, Maple quickly immersed himself in training. Two months passed in a flash.
At the Demon Slayer Corps' Butterfly Mansion, in front of "soul pillar" Feng's temporary residence:
"Sister Shinobu, is this where Mr. Feng lives?"
Kanzaki Aoi, with black hair and blue eyes, followed behind Shinobu. She curiously eyed the ordinary wooden door, trying to imagine what the young man, privately dubbed "soul pillar" by many, looked like behind this door.
"Ara, this is the residence of Mr. Feng."
Shinobu, clad in a butterfly haori, smiled gently at Kanzaki Aoi and Tsuyuri Kanao who trailed her.
"Aoi, were you wondering where some of the injured members were this past month? They've been undergoing rehabilitation training here with Mr. Feng. I must say, his soul breathing technique is especially suitable for this."
"Huh?! Breathing technique is a sword art. How can it help with rehabilitation?" Aoi exclaimed, covering her mouth in disbelief. Even Kanao, usually quiet, blinked her pin-purple eyes in confusion.
"Ah, my phrasing wasn't precise. But the reason I brought you here is because of Mr. Feng's suggestion. It's beneficial for everyone in the Butterfly Mansion to possess skills to defend themselves."
Shinobu explained her intentions softly, while also advising Aoi and Kanao on the precautions they should take.
"Mr. Feng's soul breathing technique is unique, but there's no need for concern. Simply listen to his guidance. It's essentially basic sword skill training."
"But, Sister Shinobu, neither Kanao nor I know any breathing technique!"
Upon hearing "sword skill training", Aoi instinctively tensed up and hesitated. She failed to notice, however, that Kanao beside her remained unfazed.
~~~
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