Su Chen gently woke Kanao, who had been resting on his lap. They both stood up and went to get the Nichirin Swords.
Su Chen drew his sword and looked at it. The blade was long. Near the handguard, he saw four characters carved into the metal: "Destroy Evil Demons."
This was a Nichirin Sword made for a Hashira!
Su Chen was surprised. He thought Kyojuro would just bring a standard blade from a regular Demon Slayer Corps member. He didn't expect to be given a Hashira-level sword.
Kyojuro looked a little sheepish. "I apologize, Mr. Su Chen! We don't have many spare Nichirin Swords at home. We gave the other spare one to Miss Kanao. This one you have is my father's old blade. I hope you don't mind!"
Kanao took her sword and thanked him with a smile.
But Su Chen didn't even hear what Kyojuro said. His attention was completely focused on the blade in his hands.
Su Chen had studied sword-forging design before. To his eyes, this blade still had flaws, but its strength was in its simple, straightforward design. Because it was so simple, it was exceptionally easy to use.
When Su Chen used Kanao's blade, it had felt a bit awkward. That sword was designed for Flower Breathing. He had even damaged it by accident. But this Nichirin Sword, made for Flame Breathing, was different.
It was simple, direct, and powerful.
Su Chen tested the weight of the sword for a moment. Then, he suddenly swung it!
The blade hummed. The air was cut so cleanly that a faint, shimmering heatwave distorted the air in front of him.
Senjuro and Kanao didn't notice it, but Kyojuro saw it clearly.
He was shocked. What sharp swordsmanship!
The power of that slash wasn't huge, but it used a very light technique, he thought. It seems the rumors are true. Mr. Su Chen must have learned Flower Breathing and Insect Breathing. Otherwise, he couldn't have made a slash like that.
Kyojuro remembered his first meeting with Su Chen. Back then, Su Chen didn't even know any Breathing Styles. He had never even held a sword.
But now... Su Chen's progress was terrifying.
Senjuro muttered softly from the side, "He should go easy! He's going to ruin Father's blade."
"Senjuro, you can't say that," Kyojuro stopped his brother. He looked at Su Chen. "Mr. Su Chen, if you're ready, let's begin."
Su Chen nodded. He was confused when he saw Kyojuro draw his own Nichirin Sword. "Mr. Rengoku, didn't you say we were going to do a test first?"
"No need," Kyojuro shook his head. "I acknowledge your strength. You can fight me directly."
These words showed he truly recognized Su Chen.
Senjuro, standing on the side, was stunned. When did this happen? Why don't I know?
Su Chen didn't like to waste time. He came here to learn the Flame Hashira's Breathing Style, so starting the fight right away was even better.
"Kanao, step back a bit."
Clang!
Both swords were drawn. Su Chen and Kyojuro found an open area and took their stances.
Su Chen watched as Kyojuro took a strange opening stance. First, he settled into a horse stance. Then, his left hand made a grasping motion in the air, while his right hand held his blade. The Nichirin Sword was held horizontally, even with his shoulders.
From Su Chen's point of view, an invisible wave of heat seemed to roll off Kyojuro Rengoku.
He's so strong!
Su Chen's pupils contracted. He had still underestimated the strength of a Hashira. He activated his Butterfly Steps immediately, dodging to the side!
Boom!
A dragon-like burst of fire blasted through the spot where Su Chen had just been. Only then did Kyojuro's voice reach his ears.
"Flame Breathing, First Form: Unknowing Fire!"
"Yay! Big Brother is the best! Teach him a lesson!" Seeing Su Chen on the run, Senjuro couldn't be happier. He felt a sense of relief. Hmph! That's my big brother's strength!
But Senjuro stopped laughing. Kanao had suddenly appeared right beside him. A pair of cold eyes were silently staring at him.
Senjuro shivered, stuck out his tongue, and quickly shut his mouth.
Bullet Time!
Su Chen didn't dare to be cocky. He immediately activated his special skill. In his eyes, everything around him seemed to slow down.
Su Chen's brain started working frantically. He had been careless. Kyojuro's last move had definitely used his full strength. He had no intention of holding back. It seemed Kyojuro was confident Su Chen could block it, and he was treating him as a real opponent.
No, the man fighting him right now wasn't just Kyojuro. He was... the Flame Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps!
Su Chen held his breath and focused all his energy on his eyes. At that moment, he finally saw the Flame Hashira's movements clearly. His power was moving into his legs. The next attack would be another high-speed burst.
Now!
Butterfly Steps!
Su Chen twisted his body instantly. A split second later, a fiery attack shaped like a tiger brushed right past his waist.
"Flame Breathing, Fifth Form: Flame Tiger!"
The Flame Hashira had unleashed a giant slash that moved forward like a fierce tiger of fire. Su Chen knew this move. It was the one Akaza had blocked with his Destructive Kill: Chaotic Style. But even Akaza's body was nearly destroyed by the impact.
Su Chen was not a demon. If he was even grazed by this 'Flame Tiger', he would be killed instantly.
At that moment, Su Chen's footwork changed. A strange, black pattern spread rapidly from his neck. His steps were no longer light and quick. They changed into irregular, powerful twists.
Ghost Shadow Steps!
It was a footwork that used explosive power to move.
To everyone watching, it looked like Su Chen had eyes everywhere. Not a single one of the Flame Hashira's attacks could touch him.
Is that a Mark? A flash of anticipation appeared in the Flame Hashira's eyes. He clearly remembered how Su Chen's speed had suddenly increased. And his footwork...
The Flame Hashira was familiar with Su Chen's first footwork. He had seen that same light, quick feeling from Shinobu Kocho. But when Su Chen's Mark appeared, his footwork changed.
Kyojuro thought he actually saw the shadow of a 'demon' in those movements.
He looked at Su Chen, who was panting in the sunlight. The Flame Hashira widened his eyes.
It must be my imagination... right? After all, Su Chen couldn't possibly be a demon.
Whoosh!
The Flame Hashira slid his Nichirin Sword back into its sheath. He could tell that Su Chen was nearing his limit. If he attacked again, he might seriously injure him. That was something he did not want to see.
So, Kyojuro suppressed his desire to keep fighting and stopped his attack. Under the hot sun, the intense fighting spirit around the Flame Hashira faded away. He returned to being his usual, smiling self: Kyojuro Rengoku.