Chapter 61: Shinobu Kocho's Challenge
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Kanae Kocho and Shinobu Kocho were born into a pharmacist family and possess superb medical skills.
After joining the Demon Slayer Corps, the two founded the Butterfly House. In addition to hunting demons, they were also responsible for treating injured members of the Demon Slayer Corps. Now the Butterfly House has become the most important medical institution within the Corps.
Kanae Kocho is the owner of the Butterfly House, with Shinobu Kocho assisting her sister in treating the wounded. They are also supported by a girl named Aoi Kanzaki, who serves as a nurse.
Not long ago, Kanae and Shinobu picked up a little girl and named her Kanao Tsuyuri, who is currently living in the Butterfly House. Additionally, there are some "Hidden" members who help out.
The "Hidden" is a special organization within the Demon Slayer Corps composed of members who have no combat talent. They are responsible for post-battle cleanup and other support roles.
Although Aoki already knew this information, he still listened carefully to Kanae's introduction and finally said, "Then I'm sorry to bother you for the next period of time."
According to the agreement between him and Ubuyashiki Kagaya, he will temporarily live in the Butterfly House and wait for information from the Demon Slayer Corps.
"Mr. Aomura is my savior, there's no need to be so formal" Kanae smiled and waved to Shinobu and others who were walking toward them.
"This is my sister Shinobu Kocho, whom you've already met. The rest…" Kanae introduced Aoki to the main members of the Butterfly House.
Aoi Kanzaki was very busy, so she said hello and left quickly.
Kanao Tsuyuri sat beside them with a smile, listening silently like a delicate doll without self-awareness.
Shinobu, who knew something, asked about the meeting between Aoki and Ubuyashiki Kagaya.
After hearing the result of their competition, Shinobu couldn't help but exclaim, "What? Sister, the five of you still lost together?"
"Not only did we lose, but we lost miserably" Kanae said truthfully.
Shinobu looked at Aoki, her face full of shock.
She knew that Mr. Aomura was very strong, but she hadn't realized the extent. Understanding that he had overpowered all the pillars she was familiar with had a great impact on her mind.
Suddenly, Shinobu stood up, staring at Aoki with burning eyes, "Mr. Aomura, can I feel your power too?"
"Shinobu" Kanae said softly.
"It doesn't matter, I am happy to spar with the strong, Not only today, but as long as I live here, you can come to me anytime if you want to practice," Aoki said.
He then looked at Kanae and added, "Miss Kanae, including you and the other pillars, you are always welcome to challenge me"
Kanae's eyes lit up, "Really? Mr. Aomura, will this bother you too much?"
"Yes" Aoki nodded. Unlike most demons who rely on blood demon arts and fight on instinct, the pillars' moves are refined and their skills are very exquisite. Sparring with them will also be of great benefit to him in perfecting his own combat system.
"Then I will thank Mr. Aomura on behalf of the Demon Slayer Corps" Kanae said solemnly.
Being able to spar with a strong man like Mr. Aomura without life-threatening consequences is truly precious. It can also help the pillars adapt to the strength of the Upper Moons, increasing their chances of survival in real encounters.
The cold moonlight sprinkled down.
In the open space in the middle of the Butterfly House, Aoki and Shinobu stood opposite each other.
Kanae and Kanao stood in front of the door, looking at the two people in the yard.
"Mr. Aomura, do you really not need me to remove the poison?" Shinobu asked seriously.
"It's okay, just come at me" Aoki said.
"Then I won't hold back"
A flame seemed to rise in Shinobu's eyes, "Dance of the Bee Sting: True Flutter"
Her special long sword turned into a black streak as it quickly aimed at Aoki's face, a light blue glow flashing at the tip.
Her speed was impressive, and this move often took her opponents by surprise. Since she developed it, no demon had been able to dodge it.
However, Aoki merely turned his head slightly.
The sword tip passed by his face, and he took a step forward, gently pushing with his hand.
Bang!
Shinobu flew back, landing and gliding a distance before stopping. She looked up at Aoki with a very serious expression.
"It's like this again" Kanae stared at Aoki intently. In the previous battle, she felt that Mr. Aomura could always accurately judge their moves, seeing through them as soon as they were made. Now, as a bystander, this feeling was even stronger.
"Go on!" Aoki waved his hand.
Shinobu took a deep breath. He was really strong, but she would not give up.
"Dance of the Centipede: Hundred-Legged Zigzag"
Shinobu leapt forward, each landing causing the soil under her feet to explode. The sound of drums echoed in the yard with terrifying momentum.
Unfortunately, in the transparent world, all her movements were visible.
Dangdangdang!
The two fought quickly, their figures becoming blurred under the cover of night.
With a bang, a huge force surged, and Shinobu could no longer control it. Her sword flew out of her hand.
"Oops" she thought inwardly, her pupils shrinking. A fist appeared, quickly enlarging and occupying her entire field of vision.
No! I will die! I will definitely die!
Quick! Find a way to block it or dodge it!
No! There is no way!
Shinobu closed her eyes subconsciously.
Boom!
A strong wind swept past, blowing her hair.
Shinobu opened her eyes blankly, looking at the fist that stopped in front of her nose, memories flooding her mind. She almost forgot this was just a sparring match.
Aoki put away his fist. "Let's stop here"
Shinobu looked at him, absent-minded. She was not surprised she lost. The five pillars together couldn't defeat Mr. Aomura; how could she win alone?
However, she did not expect to lose so badly.
"No wonder he said there was no need to remove the poison," Shinobu thought, looking complicated. From beginning to end, she couldn't hurt him at all, not even having the chance to inject poison.
Aoki praised, "Although your strength is lacking, your speed is very good, especially the straight piercing, which is faster than some pillars."
Due to her petite figure, Shinobu's wrist strength was insufficient, and she wasn't good at slashing, but her thrusting force was strong (original evaluation). With the help of poison, her fighting ability was outstanding. She represented weak strength and strong fighting power.
"Thank you," Shinobu said, her face still serious. She picked up her long sword silently, her back looking a bit aggrieved and lonely.
"Did I hit too hard?" Aoki touched his chin. Shinobu was only 14 years old, with a childish face. He felt like he was bullying a child.
"Mr. Aomura, don't worry. Shinobu is just like that," Kanae said.
Aoki retracted his attention. "Miss Kanae, do you want to try too?"
"Okay" Kanae agreed happily.
A moment later, in the courtyard of the Butterfly House, the battle started again.
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