'It seems like someone is talking in my ear... what were they saying? Am I going to die?'
Kiyokawa Izumi instinctively wanted to grip his nichirin blade, but found his body difficult to move—the Third Form he created was not perfect and had enormous side effects.
To put it simply, it involved long dashes and short dashes, finally converging in one place for a full-power eruption.
Due to insufficient physical strength and a low level of mastery over his Breathing Technique, multiple overloaded breaths in a short period had caused him to be directly paralyzed here.
His blinded eyes had not recovered. A familiar voice sounded in his ear, and he was still thinking that lower rank six was still nearby.
Clearly, the sensation was right; the nichirin blade had indeed sliced through its neck.
Was it some other strange Blood Demon Art?
Breathing—blood welled up once more; Kiyokawa Izumi had indeed reached his limit.
With a hint of unwillingness, he completely passed out.
This time, would he really die?
_______
...A certain winter,
Her small, thin figure curled up on the bridge. The sound of a wooden clogs treading on the snow passed by, and a copper coin wrapped in the scent of powder fell by her feet.
Before she could pick it up, a roar mixed with kicks and punches erupted, "You blind girl, stealing money again!"
The drunkard vented his anger, finding any excuse to strike her. She tightly protected her head, silently enduring it.
Amidst the dull thuds against her ribs and the sound of cracking teeth, she tasted the faint flavor of blood.
She didn't know how much time had passed when a cold voice sounded in her ear.
"Are you looking for this?"
Her frozen palm touched a cold coin.
"Do you feel resentment?"
The voice seemed to possess a bewitching magic. She instinctively gripped the coin, not knowing how to answer.
After a moment of silence, the owner of the voice seemed to find it boring. "Do you want to see this world?"
Hearing this, she nodded blankly.
"Then, as you wish."
Under the shroud of shadows, the man's sharp fingertips sliced across her neck.
The moment Muzan's blood dripped into the wound, intense pain appeared. Her small body expanded at that moment. Curled into a ball, she gripped the coin tightly and desperately raised her head, wanting to see this world.
"Do you want more? Interesting!"
Muzan's light laughter came... "Actually, I don't hate That Lord; after all, this world is truly beautiful."
______
"Swordsman Sir, are you sure you want to continue walking with me? There's no turning back on the road ahead!"
Kiyokawa Izumi looked at the young girl beside him wearing a bright kimono, showing a thoughtful expression.
It was probably a dream.
If he hadn't won, he would probably have been eaten by Demons by now... He was actually quite curious: if the Sharingan were transplanted into a Demon, could it be developed to be even stronger?
After all, the physical constitution of Demons is stronger than that of ordinary humans.
Obtaining his Sharingan would be roughly equivalent to a small Golden Finger; maybe there would be a chance to become even stronger in the future.
Reaching Upper Rank might be a bit of a long shot, but it's not impossible.
"I really haven't figured this world out; it's truly mysterious... By the way, I don't have any connection with you, do I? Why are you entering my dream?"
The girl was slightly stunned and was about to explain, but was interrupted by Kiyokawa Izumi.
"Can I swap for someone else?"
"Is it a relative?"
The girl asked curiously.
"None of your damn business! If you're going to leave, then leave quickly, stop dawdling."
"Swordsman Sir, you've probably never been liked by a girl, have you?"
The girl looked at him with a somewhat pitying gaze. Kiyokawa Izumi didn't bother explaining anything and said with a roll of his eyes.
"Does it have anything to do with you? You talk too much nonsense!"
With a light chuckle, the girl walked forward, her figure remaining blurred.
"The world didn't treat you well, and that's not your fault. When you needed help the most, you actually met him; it's tragic and ironic."
..."Mr. Kiyokawa Izumi, can you hear me? Are you still breathing?"
"Not dead yet..."
Kiyokawa Izumi forced his eyes open. His vision was blurry, and his mouth was filled with a strange taste.
"Come, open your mouth!"
"??"
A gentle and familiar voice sounded in his ear. Kochou Shinobu, who was preparing an antidote on the spot, spoke with a slightly relaxed tone.
"Did the news spread so quickly?"
Kiyokawa Izumi was somewhat surprised. Was the support efficiency of a Hashira-level Swordsman really this fast?
He had just discovered a Lower Rank, and as dawn broke, a Hashira-level Swordsman had already arrived.
Impressive!
"Yes, it's being spread everywhere... Team Member Kiyokawa Izumi, successfully subjugated lower rank six!"
"Do you know what I'm thinking right now?"
"What?"
"This medicine is so damn bitter!" Kiyokawa Izumi said weakly, his breathing a bit labored. "I just left the Butterfly Mansion a day ago, and I'm already going to be recuperating again?"
A clear chuckle could be heard.
Kiyokawa Izumi inexplicably suspected that she was gloating.
He didn't have time to care about that right now; he was hesitating whether he should go and worship the gods and Buddhas.
Was there a more reliable ritual to change his luck?
He met a Lower Rank as soon as he stepped out; he'd better not meet an Upper Rank the next time he went out.
"Command! Team Member Kiyokawa Izumi is to proceed to the Headquarters after recovering from his injuries!"
An unfamiliar Kasugai Crow stood on a branch, looking down at the two and speaking loudly.
"Mr. Kiyokawa Izumi, it seems I should congratulate you in advance."
Kochou Shinobu said with a smile, having thought of something.
Having caught his breath, Kiyokawa Izumi glanced at her and replied gloomily, "Please don't. I don't want to become the weakest."
________
I've thoroughly reviewed the first 20 chapters and made sure they're completely error-free. There's only a little left to finish for the extra chapter... I hope you enjoy it!