Itsuki was definitely excited.
How could he not be?
Yeah, it was kind of weird hearing about the Demon Slayer Corps from a martial arts Dojo master of all people, but that also meant he didn't have to go searching for a teacher like some clueless extra.
Someone was gonna come here, to Ren Dojo Hall, and teach him a real Breathing Technique. And not just anyone—Rengoku Shinjuro, the actual dad of the future Flame Pillar. That was insane. If he hadn't just heard it himself, he wouldn't have believed it.
By the time Itsuki walked out of the Dojo master's room, he felt like he was floating.
The next morning, he grabbed Kanao and pulled her aside.
"Hey, Kanao, listen to this. It's kind of crazy."
He told her everything—the Breathing Techniques, demons, the Flame Breathing style. Everything.
In the original story, Kanao had learned Flower Breathing just by watching Her two sisters Kanae and Shinobu. She passed the Demon Slayer entrance exam without breaking a sweat. Now that he was getting involved with all that, it felt wrong to keep her out of it. She was a really smart and talented person.
...When I learn Flame Breathing, I'll have figure out a way for her to learn it too. She can definitely learn it Aswell no doubt about it.
Kanao listened quietly the whole time, her eyes wide, clearly overwhelmed. It was a lot. But by the end, she smiled. She didn't get all the demon and Breathing Technique stuff yet, but she knew she'd still be training with Itsuki, and that was really enough.
Her goofy little smile made him laugh a bit. man, she still doesn't talk too much.
But wait—how was he supposed to convince Rengoku Shinjuro to teach her too? Would a guy like him even agree to something like that?
Did he have any hobbies? Well, probably drinking right? Could he bribe him with booze?
Hold on a sec…
Wasn't Shinjuro kind of messed up around now in the timeline? Like, his wife had already died, right? Wasn't that why he got all depressed and didn't even train his own kids?
So if he was already that far gone… why would he even bother coming here? Why would he even agree to teach me?
The more he thought about it, the more questions popped up. He scratched his head and decided he should just prepare for anything.
If Shinjuro was normal, cool. He'd train hard and earn the guy's respect definitely.
If not... well, then he'd have to get creative. Best-case, Shinjuro would at least show him the basics.
That night, Itsuki wrote down eighteen different plans.
Kanao sat next to him the whole time, watching in silence, like always.
Six days later, early morning, a man and a kid showed up at the Ren Dojo Hall.
"Welcome, Hashira-sama! I am the Dojo master, Marume Kurando. Please—this way."
Marume had come out alone to greet them, knowing the Demon Slayer Corps preferred to always stay under the radar. even from his own disciples.
"Mm. I'm just here to relax for now" Shinjuro grunted. "Don't make a fuss. Just give me a room where no one will bother me. Oh, and prepare a lot of sake."
Wait… that's the Flame Pillar? Why does he look like he just lost a bar fight?
"Understood. Right this way."
"Oh, this is my son, Senjuro. Let him join your dojo's training teach him whatever. Whatever works."
The kid bowed nervously.
"G-Good morning, Dojo Master."
They looked nothing alike Aswell as personality wise—besides the hair and those eyebrows really.
Marume pushed down all the questions in his head and led them to a quiet part of the hall.
"Would you like a servant to—"
"This is fine. Just bring me ten bottles of sake. I'm leaving Senjuro with you."
Shinjuro didn't wait for a reply and disappeared into the room with a flask already open.
Marume sighed. The guy barely seemed like a proper teacher.
"I'm sorry if my father was rude," Senjuro said, bowing again. "Please forgive him."
"No, no. You're a good kid. Come on. I can't teach you Breathing Techniques, but there's definitely good training here."
Marume Kurando helped Senjuro to his feet and led him toward the dojo, thinking to himself: Man, I really hope Itsuki can handle this. 0_0
The next morning, Itsuki and Kanao went to the courtyard Shinjuro was staying in.
Knock, knock.
After a few seconds, the door cracked open. A tired, unshaven man looked out. His hair was wild and red-yellow, unmistakably Rengoku Shinjuro.
"Good morning, Rengoku-san. I'm Itsuki. I came to—"
"Stop talking. I told the Marume to send you at noon, didn't I? Let me sleep."
He started closing the door again.
Yep. Still the same grumpy guy from the show. Itsuki wasn't mad though it's a little understandable with what he went through. He pulled out two sake flasks from behind his back.
"Please accept this—"
Before he could finish, Shinjuro snatched one, took a huge swig, then grabbed the other and took a big swig with that too.
"Ahhh… Good sake. You've got taste kid."
His face got a little red, and his eyes seemed brighter.
There's my chance.
"I'm glad you liked it! I'll come back again at—"
"No need. You wanna learn Flame Breathing, right? I don't have time to teach you."
huh? Wait, then why are you even here?!
Shinjuro rummaged through his clothes and pulled out a worn book.
"Here. Follow this. If you don't get it, figure it out yourself. If you really, really need something, bring me 5 bottles of good sake. Otherwise, don't bother me."
Itsuki caught the book. Before he could even read the title, the door started closing again.
"Wait! Can I show this to the girl with me please?"
He had to ask
Shinjuro blinked and finally noticed Kanao.
His eyebrows raised slightly.
Ah... So he's the type that brings his girl along to learn Breathing Techniques? This kid's got guts... or no sense.
He opened his mouth like he was going to say something harsh—but then paused. For just a moment, a memory flashed through his eyes.
Ruka.
He closed his mouth, sighed through his nose, and shook his head.
"Fine. Just the two of you. No one else. You get it?"
Click. Door shut.