To be honest, Ieyasu himself felt somewhat reluctant.
After all, Yoriichi currently looked only fifteen or sixteen years old—barely older than himself. When Sayo suddenly took the lead and knelt down, Ieyasu was genuinely caught off guard.
Of course, Ieyasu didn't think kneeling to Yoriichi was inappropriate.
In the world of Akame ga Kill!, the Empire's culture placed great emphasis on respecting teachers and elders. A teacher was regarded as akin to half a parent, and aside from one's biological parents, the person most deserving of respect was the one who imparted knowledge and skills.
Therefore, if Yoriichi truly intended to teach them his Breathing Techniques, then Sayo and Ieyasu kneeling was entirely justified. In fact, if they had the means later, they might as well give a present for appreciation.
"This…"
"Miss Sayo, Mr. Ieyasu… this is far too formal."
"I don't appear to be much older than the two of you. There's really no need…"
Facing their kneeling bows, Yoriichi looked visibly uncomfortable.
Back when he was in the Demon Slayer Corps, when he offered to teach others his unique Breathing Techniques, everyone had been excited and grateful—but no one had ever treated him with such serious gratitude.
Even when meeting the Corps' leader, even kneeling on one knee was a stretch. Those who committed grave mistakes were required to kneel with both knees though.
Back then, Yoriichi himself had been forced to kneel after failing to seize the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to kill Muzan Kibutsuji, the origin of all demons.
Some even demanded that he commit seppuku to atone.
However, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps at the time did not go that far. Instead, he simply expelled Yoriichi from the Corps.
Compared to his narrow-minded comrades, the Corps' leader had clearly seen further into the future.
"No, Teacher."
"I don't know how important this Breathing Technique is to you…"
Sayo spoke earnestly as Yoriichi tried to help them up.
"But to Ieyasu and me, your Breathing Technique is extremely important."
"If we can truly learn it, our fates will definitely change."
"Ieyasu and I don't have any money right now."
"But once we earn some in the future, we will definitely prepare a proper payback for you."
Compared to Yoriichi, Sayo maintained an extremely respectful attitude.
Perhaps Yoriichi came from a remote place and wasn't familiar with certain customs—but as students, they had to uphold proper respect.
Since they wished to learn such a secret technique, they needed to treat the matter seriously.
From now on, Yoriichi would be their teacher, and their attitude had to reflect that.
Of course, in daily life, they could still talk casually. After all, there was such a thing as being both teacher and friend.
"Teacher, Sayo is right."
Ieyasu quickly straightened his attitude as well.
"No matter how unimportant this Breathing Technique might be to you, once you teach us, you'll still be our teacher!"
Though initially awkward, Ieyasu wasn't foolish. He understood just how valuable Yoriichi's Breathing Techniques were.
He didn't know what techniques the Empire's combat institutions might possess, but he felt that Yoriichi's Breathing Techniques were unlikely to be inferior to any of them.
After that, things naturally became simpler.
Unable to persuade Sayo and Ieyasu otherwise, Yoriichi accepted them as his students.
Truthfully, Yoriichi found the experience somewhat novel. Back in the Demon Slayer Corps, he simply asked whether others wanted to learn. If they did, he taught them.
No one had ever treated him with such serious formality.
Yoriichi himself didn't particularly care about formalities, yet something about Sayo and Ieyasu began to feel slightly different in his heart.
...
As evening gradually fell, the sky dimmed.
The once bustling streets became increasingly quiet.
Yoriichi, Sayo, and Ieyasu sat silently along the roadside, with no one speaking.
The day had ended, and Tatsumi still hadn't arrived. With no other options, they prepared to spend the night on the street. Though spring had already passed, the night air remained cool.
Fortunately, Sayo and Ieyasu were physically strong enough to endure sleeping outdoors for a few days.
Compared to the lively atmosphere during the day, the mood between the three now felt quiet.
Part of it was also because none of them had eaten all day, they needed to conserve their energy.
Especially Ieyasu, whose earlier sparring match with Yoriichi had drained nearly all his stamina. He fell asleep early, hoping that Tatsumi would arrive first thing in the morning.
As time passed, the night grew deeper.
Watching Sayo and Ieyasu gradually fall asleep, Yoriichi smiled faintly.
I should stay here a while longer.
Once Sayo and Ieyasu learn my Breathing Techniques… then I'll go search for that person.
Having made his decision, Yoriichi gently closed his eyes and entered a light doze.
Camping outdoors, even on the streets of a bustling city—required someone to stay alert. Yoriichi had no intention of sleeping deeply. A light rest was enough.
At the slightest disturbance, he could instantly unleash his full power.
Time passed quietly.
Then,
A faint, unusual sound reached Yoriichi's ears.
Yoriichi slowly opened his eyes.
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