As the two lights approached him, Kagaya felt a long-lost sense of ease. It was as if his entire body was bathed in warm sunlight, and the illness that had been tormenting him constantly seemed to melt away like ice and snow. If not for his resilient spirit, he might have moaned in comfort just now.
As time passed, the rotten skin on his face visibly became clean and neat again. After about fifteen minutes, Takeru stopped the treatment and purification. On Kagaya's side, apart from a patch of worsened skin on his forehead, all other areas had recovered to their original state. Most importantly, his eyes had regained their luster.
"I never thought I would be able to see the moon again in my lifetime." Looking at the moonlight and feeling the long-absent sense of lightness in his body, Kagaya shed tears. Then, he looked deeply at Takeru once more.
"The kindness of giving me a new life, I will never forget it." After respectfully performing a kneeling bow to Takeru, Kagaya spoke gratefully.
"Although I have purified the curse within your body as much as possible, completely purging it is beyond my current ability. Also, at this rate of deterioration, in about ten years, you will return to your previous state. The source of the curse is undoubtedly Kibutsuji Muzan."
Regarding Kagaya's gratitude, Takeru just gently shook his head and directly offered a reminder.
"I understand. Having another ten years of life is already enough." Hearing Takeru's words, the 25-year-old Kagaya showed no disappointment. Instead, he revealed a faint sense of joy. For him, this was already sufficient...
"Alright, the matter is concluded. I'll head back first." Taking another look at Kagaya, Takeru bid farewell.
"Please rest well. If you have any needs, please feel free to instruct the servants." Upon hearing this, Kagaya performed another kneeling bow to Takeru.
Takeru waved his hand and disappeared from the courtyard where Kagaya resided, returning to the temporary lodgings arranged for him. Takeru then began his training.
On Kagaya's side, when his wife, Ubuyashiki Amane, saw the change in him, she also showed an expression of excitement. Upon learning that Takeru had also disclosed some important information about Muzan, she was even more thrilled.
…
The next day, after his morning training, Takeru enjoyed a delicious breakfast under the guidance of a servant. Soon, Tanjiro also sought out Takeru.
After briefly informing Yukino and Sylphin, Takeru took Tanjiro to a quiet, secluded place.
"Takeru-san, you said you know about the Hinokami Kagura, right?" Upon reaching the secluded spot, Tanjiro couldn't hold back and quickly asked Takeru.
"Correct. The so-called Hinokami Kagura is actually Sun Breathing." Looking at Tanjiro, Takeru got straight to the point.
"Sun Breathing?" Hearing the unfamiliar term, Tanjiro was stunned.
"Sun Breathing is the original breathing style, the progenitor and foundation of all breathing styles. It was created and used by Tsugikuni Yoriichi, the creator of breathing styles. It contains immense solar energy, consisting of thirteen sword forms. It is the most effective breathing style against Muzan." Takeru continued.
"But... my father, and my ancestors, have always been charcoal burners. There's even a family register as proof!" Hearing Takeru's words, Tanjiro was evidently still in a state of extreme shock.
"Because your ancestor was once saved by Tsugikuni Yoriichi, the creator of Sun Breathing, and they became friends. To prevent the lineage of Sun Breathing from being severed, at your ancestor's earnest request, Yoriichi demonstrated the twelve combat forms of Sun Breathing to the Kamado couple."
"Your ancestor watched with full concentration, imprinting all the movements in his eyes. Afterwards, it was passed down as the Hinokami Kagura. Also, the earrings you wear were given to your ancestor by Tsugikuni Yoriichi, and then passed down to you along with the Hinokami Kagura."
"And this is also the important reason why your family was harmed. Kibutsuji Muzan is an extremely cowardly person, deeply terrified of the damage Tsugikuni Yoriichi once inflicted on him. So, upon discovering that you were likely connected to Tsugikuni Yoriichi, he took action against your family."
Looking at Tanjiro, Takeru spoke with a serious expression.
"The reason my family was harmed... is actually this... Kibutsuji Muzan!" After a moment of shock upon hearing Takeru's words, Tanjiro's hatred for Muzan reached its peak.
"Tanjiro!" Seeing the enraged Tanjiro, Takeru suddenly called out to him in a low voice.
"Takeru-san?" Hearing Takeru's call, Tanjiro dumbly raised his head to look at him.
"Tanjiro, I know your heart is filled with anger. But the more so, the more you need to stay calm. Although Sun Breathing is hailed as the origin of breathing styles, you also know your own strength is weak, right?" Looking at Tanjiro, Takeru spoke directly.
"Mhm." Hearing Takeru's blunt criticism, Tanjiro lowered his head.
"So, Tanjiro, strive to become stronger. Whether you can avenge your family, protect Nezuko, and bring peace and light to the world… you can play a very important role. Make good use of the power of Sun Breathing."
"Oh, one last point. The so-called Thirteenth Form of Sun Breathing is to continuously execute the forms from the First Form to the Twelfth Form in succession, forming a cycle, and continuing it endlessly. That is the Thirteenth Form." After saying this to him, Takeru left the spot.
"I understand. Thank you for telling me." Towards Takeru's departing figure, Tanjiro also performed a kneeling bow.
…
After parting with Tanjiro, for the remaining time, Takeru, under the hospitality of the Ubuyashiki Family, properly toured this world and also experienced the local customs and culture of this era.
He also met the group of lovable girls at the Butterfly Mansion. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, Takeru could only become acquainted with them.
During the final two hours before departure, Kagaya, accompanied by all the Hashira, bid farewell to Takeru and the others.
Under Kagaya's instruction, the nine Hashira all performed a single-knee kneeling bow to Takeru and his companions.
Takeru responded with a gentle nod, then accepted the two sets of Demon Slayer Corps uniforms handed to him by Kagaya.
[Demon Slayer Corps Uniform: Constitution +4, Strength +4, Defense +10; Made from special fibers, it has good breathability, is not easily dampened or burned. The claws and teeth of weaker demons cannot even tear the uniform!]
Yukino and Sylphin also received a set of Demon Slayer Corps uniforms designed for them. Apart from the quality, the design was clearly very thoughtful. After Takeru changed into his, his level of handsomeness rose another notch.
"I'm very sorry. Due to time constraints, we could only make these few sets of clothing." Kagaya looked at Takeru with apology.
"It's fine. Two sets are already enough. By the way, these three potions are for you. They can save a person's life at a critical moment." After storing the Demon Slayer Corps uniforms, Takeru took out three Life Recovery Potions and handed them to Kagaya.
Afterwards, without waiting for Kagaya to refuse or be polite, Takeru signaled Yukino and Sylphin to follow him as they left the spot...
It was only long after Takeru and the others had left that Kagaya carefully stored the Life Recovery Potions.
After leaving, Takeru and the others searched for a quiet place to wait for the time to arrive. Only when the countdown reached zero did their figures disappear from the spot.