The teacup in his hand had fallen at some point, but Yoriichi's eyes remained fixed on Si Shu and Murasaki. He slowly stood up and walked over. The next second, he stretched out his arms and pulled both of them into his embrace.
He said nothing. Si Shu said nothing. Murasaki just gurgled, chewing on her little hand. Kneeling on the ground, Yoriichi held them tightly. Sumiyoshi just watched quietly, not knowing what to say. Even Suyako, who had just returned from picking pears, stood there in a daze.
Sunlight, tears, and people formed a perfect, harmonious picture.
Yoriichi was at peace. He was no longer lost in the past, no longer bound by it. With a small smile, Suyako walked over and patted Yoriichi's head. "Don't cry. I'll make sure you both eat until you're full. Cheer up, okay?"
Yoriichi turned to look at her, wiped his eyes, and released Si Shu and Murasaki. "Okay. Then... I'll be in your care."
"Oh, leave it to me!" Suyako flexed her arm, making a muscle.
In this light and cheerful atmosphere, lunch arrived. Suyako kept piling food onto Si Shu's and Yoriichi's plates, chatting about amusing things that had happened in the village. Sumiyoshi watched quietly, laughing occasionally, like an observer.
After the meal, Si Shu helped Suyako with the dishes. Watching Yoriichi, who was now teasing Murasaki with a pinwheel, she suddenly spoke. "Mr. Yoriichi, I heard from Sumiyoshi that your swordsmanship is extraordinary. If it's possible, could you let me see it?"
Hearing this, Sumiyoshi looked a bit embarrassed. He knew that for a powerful swordsman, revealing their techniques was like showing their hand. Moreover, he had previously expressed a desire to pass on Yoriichi's story. With Si Shu here, wouldn't it seem like he was trying to poach his master?
Just as Sumiyoshi was about to say something, Si Shu spoke up. "Master, I don't think there's any problem with that."
Yoriichi looked at his student, pleased with his generosity. He gently ruffled his hair and smiled slightly. He walked to the side and drew his Nichirin Blade.
He began with the First Form: Waltz.
He ended with the Twelfth Form: Flame Dance.
Again and again, a continuous cycle, becoming the Thirteenth Form.
Seeing such astonishing sword skill, Suyako and Murasaki clapped their hands, their faces alight with happy smiles. Sumiyoshi watched with rapt attention, trying to burn every detail into his memory. The sheer beauty of Sun Breathing was enough to make him forget to breathe.
Si Shu also sat there, quietly watching Yoriichi's technique. Although he had unlocked the Thirteenth Form in the bamboo forest two years ago, he was still far from Yoriichi's level. Over the past two years, he had asked for his master's guidance hundreds of times, all to perfect the Thirteenth Form. The subtle difference in wrist angle, the minute gap in footwork, the rhythm of his breathing—all were factors that affected the use of the sword style. After so many explanations, Si Shu felt he had touched that thin membrane. And now, that perfect answer was right before his eyes again.
Sun Breathing, demonstrated by Yoriichi himself.
Without realizing it, his spirit became completely immersed. When he opened his eyes again, he had successfully broken through that membrane.
[Influenced by the Host's own abilities, Master-Level Swordsmanship has broken through to Grandmaster-Level Swordsmanship (1,000,000 / 10,000,000)]
[Influenced by the Host's own abilities, Master-Level Breathing Method has been promoted to Grandmaster-Level Breathing Method (1,000,000 / 10,000,000)]
The moment he truly understood the Thirteenth Form, Si Shu had successfully promoted his swordsmanship and breathing method to the Grandmaster level!
He gripped his sword, stood up, and walked into the courtyard. As Sumiyoshi and Suyako watched curiously, he drew his Nichirin Blade.
Sun Breathing, First Form: Waltz.
Sun Breathing, Second Form: Blue Heaven.
...
Sun Breathing, Twelfth Form: Flame Dance.
Si Shu also used the twelve forms, then repeated them, fusing them into the Thirteenth Form! In the courtyard, two swordsmen were dancing. The superb swordsmanship, like fire spirits, was like a dance of the gods.
Yoriichi's swordsmanship was mature, stable, and simple.
Si Shu's swordsmanship was soaring, sharp, and valiant.
Watching the two styles of Sun Breathing, not entirely the same but each with its own unique charm, Sumiyoshi, Suyako, and Murasaki were entranced.
By the time the demonstration ended, it was already twilight.
! Their dazed minds cleared, and Suyako hugged Murasaki, laughing happily. Hearing their sincere laughter, Yoriichi lowered his head slightly, as if a little shy. As for Si Shu, he just smiled, saying nothing. He knew this was Master Yoriichi's last moment of peace.
After today, the two of them would once again embark on a life of hunting Muzan and slaying demons.
After dinner, Yoriichi and Si Shu prepared to leave.
"Mr. Yoriichi, we'll always be here waiting for you. You're welcome back anytime!" Sumiyoshi shouted, his face tinged with sadness. Yoriichi paused. Then, he took off the earrings from his ears and placed them in Sumiyoshi's hand. These were the earrings his mother had made for him as a child, praying for his frail body to survive. Giving them to Sumiyoshi was a form of protection for his family.
"Well then, we'll be going, Mr. Sumiyoshi." Si Shu waved goodbye to the Kamado family.
Watching their departing figures, a wave of sadness washed over Sumiyoshi. He felt that Si Shu and Yoriichi would probably never return. As their lonely figures grew smaller in the distance, Sumiyoshi could no longer suppress his emotions. He ran forward and shouted at the top of his lungs.
"Mr. Yoriichi! Si Shu! We will definitely... continue the lives you both have protected! I promise you, I will pass down both the earrings and Sun Breathing forever! For all the days to come, may your journey be blessed with fortune in battle!"
With that, tears welled up in Sumiyoshi's eyes.
Hearing his shouts, Si Shu and Yoriichi both turned to look back. Their eyes met, and a silent understanding passed between master and student.
"Thank you."
There were no thousand-word speeches, no dramatic emotional outpourings. There was only the simple, unadorned gratitude from the bottom of their hearts. The light of dusk fell on their figures, looking both lonely and sacred.
With a final wave, they left. The master and student once again embarked on their journey to hunt demons.
-------
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