Chapter 201: Practice
"But..."
There was still a trace of hesitation in Kanao's voice.
"But can I really do it? This Breathing technique was taught to me by my master."
Of course, Kanao's master was the former Flower Hashira, Kanae Kocho.
After the Kocho sisters adopted Kanao, Kanae passed Flower Breathing on to her.
Kanae had not left behind much of a legacy.
Kanao was one of the most important parts of it.
"Don't worry. You can use Flower Breathing alongside the Breathing technique I teach you. You don't have to give up Flower Breathing."
Ren knew that within the Demon Slayer Corps, swordsmen generally didn't practice two different Breathing techniques to increase their strength.
Swordsmen who developed themselves in multiple directions, like Ren, were exceedingly rare—almost nonexistent.
Most people already found learning a single Breathing technique difficult enough.
Let alone two.
For someone like Kanao, mastering even one Breathing technique was already challenging enough.
Kanao asked, "Ren, do I really have enough energy to practice two Breathing techniques?"
"Of course you do," Ren said confidently. "In a moment, demonstrate your techniques for me. Once I've observed your movements and breathing, I'll immediately modify a set of Breathing techniques specifically for you."
The moment he finished speaking, Kanao froze again.
What?
Modify it on the spot?!
Was he serious?
A huge storm churned through Kanao's heart.
Did Ren mean that he could adjust a Breathing technique according to her movements and breathing patterns?
Did I hear him correctly? Is something like that really possible?
But Kanao only hesitated for a moment before her gaze became firm.
Because Ren would never lie to her.
Ren nodded.
"Looks like our Kanao is ready. Let me briefly explain what you'll need to do."
"Mm."
"In a moment, Kanao, you'll demonstrate your Flower Breathing and Rafflesia Breathing separately."
"I'll correct the movements you're performing while also improving the completeness of your techniques."
"Then, based on your movements and breathing patterns, I'll create the Breathing technique that's most suitable for you. It should rapidly increase your strength."
Kanao blinked before nodding.
She understood.
Ren smiled.
"Kanao, you don't need to worry. A Breathing technique tailored specifically to your movements will definitely suit you. You'll also be able to train it much faster."
"You should know that, in fact, Flower Breathing isn't completely suited to you."
"Not completely suited... to me?"
Kanao blinked.
She then used Flower Breathing, circulating oxygen through her lungs once.
It felt extremely comfortable and natural.
There was no sense of obstruction whatsoever.
Isn't this already very suitable for me?
Or does Ren mean that it isn't the most suitable choice?
With that thought, Kanao couldn't help looking forward to what Ren would do next.
The two exchanged a glance.
Then Kanao stood in the courtyard, holding a genuine Nichirin sword.
She took a deep breath.
"Flower Breathing, Fourth Form: Crimson Hanagiri!"
Kanao's petite body trembled as her speed suddenly increased.
In an instant, a blurred figure appeared in the air.
Yet to Ren, those movements were unbelievably slow.
Ren sat quietly on the wooden veranda, gazing calmly toward the courtyard.
Every movement Kanao made in the air was completely visible to him.
Flower Breathing, Fourth Form: Crimson Hanagiri.
The Fourth Form of Flower Breathing used a special twisting slash that traveled from bottom to top, the trajectory of the blade graceful like the flowing hem of a feathered robe.
Kanao's mastery of the technique was already at a remarkably high level.
The Nichirin blade gently sliced through the air.
For a moment, it seemed as though a crimson spider lily had blossomed in the courtyard.
"Not bad."
Ren offered a brief assessment.
But it still wasn't perfect.
And those imperfections would become the direction of Kanao's future training.
About a minute later, Kanao finished demonstrating all of her techniques.
Next came Rafflesia Breathing.
Before performing it, Kanao secretly glanced at Ren.
Since Ren had been watching her the entire time, their gazes naturally met.
Kanao's fair little face immediately flushed bright red.
"Relax. Just do it as you normally would."
"Mm."
Kanao pursed her lips, but she was still somewhat nervous.
She usually practiced swordsmanship alone in the courtyard.
Although Aoi, Kiyo, Sumi, and Naho often passed through the area, Kanao never felt particularly nervous about them watching her.
But when Ren became her audience, everything was different.
Whenever Kanao was in front of Ren, she always felt extremely embarrassed.
Put simply—
She was afraid of embarrassing herself in front of him.
Kanao frowned inwardly.
This feels so strange.
"Don't be nervous, Kanao."
Ren's voice came from a distance.
His tone was gentle.
"It's only a Breathing technique, right? Do your best!"
Kanao smiled.
Her smile was as radiant as a flower.
Hadn't she been practicing swordsmanship day after day for Ren?
Was she really going to back down now?
Impossible.
Whoosh!
Kanao's figure suddenly leaped high into the air.
A sword technique descended from above.
With one simple movement, it was released instantly.
The dazzling light produced by the Nichirin blade scraping against the air captivated Ren for a moment.
"Rafflesia Breathing, Final Form: Momentary Bloom!"
The Nichirin blade thrust forward with a cold gleam.
The power behind the strike was astonishing.
This time, Ren was genuinely surprised.
Kanao's attack has already reached Hashira level!
If that attack actually landed, the flowering trees in the courtyard would be in serious trouble.
Through the Domain of Time—
The Domain of Time has been activated!
A transparent world moving at an incredibly slow pace appeared before Ren's eyes.
At that moment—
Ren moved.
The young man hurriedly rose to his feet, casting a black shadow across the ground.
You have assessed the damage and discovered that the attack possesses tremendous destructive power. You begin to act. You want to stop it!
By repeatedly contemplating what would happen after this sword strike within the Domain of Time, Ren suddenly gained an epiphany.
With a single thought, he grasped and comprehended the ability of Time Prediction.
Time Prediction: Within the Domain of Time, you may inadvertently catch a glimpse of a moment two seconds into the future!
Ren's eyes suddenly widened.
Relying on the impact of his opponent's Nichirin blade, he saw the courtyard reduced to ruins.
A fragmented image of the future appeared before his eyes.
Stop!
Ren suddenly appeared directly beneath Kanao.
He swung both arms.
Unarmed Style — Black Rope Cyclone!
A violent whirlwind erupted.
How could a young girl like Kanao possibly withstand the raging gale unleashed by Ren?
Almost the instant the two forces collided, Kanao was blown backward by the tremendous air current.
At the critical moment—
Ren leaped into the air and firmly caught Kanao in his arms.
Then, he safely landed in the courtyard of the Butterfly Mansion.
After the two landed safely, they discovered that Aoi, Kiyo, Sumi, and Naho had all gathered around them.