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Yuko's speed had slowed.
That was Shinobu's first thought after dodging the sudden strike.
But she immediately realized why—
Yuko simply wasn't taking her seriously.
And just as Yuko had planned, she never gave Shinobu enough time to think.
The next technique came.
"Snow Breathing, Fourth Form — Warm Snow."
Snowflakes filled Shinobu's vision.
Her instincts screamed: Don't let them touch you.
Her eyes darted around, searching for gaps in the falling snow.
She spun, trying to slip through—but the flakes were everywhere. She was completely surrounded.
No choice!
Shinobu grit her teeth and drew her blade.
Insect Breathing — Dance of the Centipede: Hundred-Legged Zigzag!
Her swift footwork struck the ground with force, stirring fierce gusts that scattered the drifting snow.
In most first exchanges, the one who adapts faster gains the advantage.
Shinobu lacked physical strength, yes—
But as a Hashira, she was never lacking in technique, flexibility, or composure.
Yuko steadily, incrementally increased her power and speed, giving Shinobu not even a breath to rest.
Shinobu's haori was torn in several places.
Shallow cuts appeared across her arms and sides.
Under the relentless pressure, Shinobu was forced into clumsy evasions.
She couldn't approach Yuko—barely even breathe between dodging strikes.
Her thoughts shattered each time she tried to form them.
All she could do was defend.
Meanwhile, Yuko used her Transparent World to watch Shinobu's posture and bodily reactions carefully.
Whenever Shinobu reached a point she could no longer withstand the pressure, Yuko eased off immediately.
Shinobu's heart rate had skyrocketed, her body temperature surging—
And then suddenly, a flush of markings bloomed across her cheek.
Yuko froze for a brief moment—
And in that instant, Shinobu seized her chance.
She stepped onto the back of Yuko's blade, pushing off and drifting backward.
In midair, Shinobu twisted her body, aligning herself for a counterattack.
Finally—an opening.
"Insect Breathing — Butterfly Dance: Caprice!"
She might not have realized it yet, but her speed and strength had both noticeably increased.
Yuko moved instantly, catching the slender blade in her bare hand.
Shinobu didn't panic—she pulled harder…
…and harder.
…It didn't budge.
She tugged again.
Nothing. Not even a tremble.
But in training, Yuko always released the blade after blocking her.
Why not this time?
Shinobu blinked, confused.
Yuko chuckled softly and pointed at her cheek.
"Shinobu—you've succeeded."
"Eh?" Shinobu's eyes widened blankly.
Yuko released her grip and dispelled her demonization. Using her blade as a mirror, she held it toward Shinobu.
Under the moonlight, Shinobu finally saw it—
On her delicate cheek bloomed a butterfly-shaped Mark. (The author wants Shinobu to have markings, so don't argue.)
She touched it unconsciously.
So this is a Mark…?
But then why—despite awakening it—was her blade still caught so easily?
Shinobu closed her eyes, attempting to feel her body more clearly. She wasn't sure how much she'd improved…
But her temperature and heart rate were undeniably intense.
Like running a marathon with a fever.
"D-Did… did I really awaken it?"
"You did."
Yuko stepped back, raising her sword in demonstration.
"Shinobu, try to feel your body's changes."
"…All right."
Shinobu gripped her blade tightly and launched another attack.
This time—positions reversed.
Yuko blocked and parried without countering, allowing Shinobu to test her ability.
And she could feel it—
She had truly grown stronger!
Her speed especially—already high before—had clearly increased.
As the fastest Hashira in linear thrusts, she now felt even lighter, even sharper.
But…
When she saw Yuko effortlessly blocking every attack, her momentary joy froze.
It's still no different…
Yuko was simply overwhelming.
Even so, Shinobu took a deep breath—feeling, for the first time, something like hope.
A being comparable to Upper Rank One had joined forces with the Demon Slayer Corps.
Their odds of victory had grown significantly.
Shinobu finally sheathed her blade.
The Mark on her cheek slowly faded.
Yuko pointed to her own face.
"A newly awakened Mark can't be maintained for long. But the moment you enter a combat state, it will manifest easily."
When Yuko awakened hers, she had been able to maintain it far longer—
The duration depended somewhat on physique, though not entirely.
Borrowing Yuko's sword, Shinobu checked her reflection.
The marking had indeed vanished.
Her temperature and heartbeat gradually settled.
"When my sister comes back, I'm definitely giving her a surprise."
Yuko smiled.
"Of course."
Through her senses, Yuko could tell:
Shinobu now rivaled Tomioka Giyu in combat ability.
In terms of speed alone, he wouldn't even touch her sleeve.
Shinobu suddenly lifted her gaze, her lips curving gently.
"Yuko… thank you."
Yuko smiled lightly.
"No need."
…
Shinobu's awakening was a tremendous boon to the Demon Slayer Corps.
Any increase in combat power, especially at Hashira-level, could tip the scales in the coming battle against Muzan.
With that, Yuko's routine eased.
Each day she either worked with Tamayo on strategic planning…
Or helped Shinobu consolidate her Mark.
Until—
One day, Shinobu came to her while she was discussing matters with Tamayo.
"Yuko, the Master has requested our presence."
"Me?"
Shinobu nodded.
"It seems to be related to the Lower Rank demon from Natagumo Mountain."
So Tanjiro had already defeated Lower Rank Five?
Yuko picked up her Nichirin sword.
"Are they asking for our support?"
Shinobu blinked.
"No, not that. Just that he wants us to come."
She added with a small smile:
"Apparently, a Demon Slayer has defeated that demon. If nothing goes wrong, we might soon have a new Hashira."
Yuko paused.
"A newcomer?"
"Yes. I heard he's a red-haired boy."
That was supposed to be Giyu's achievement in the original storyline.
Her memory had grown fuzzy, but she could not have misremembered that.
Which meant—
Tanjiro was growing even faster than before.
A smile spread over Yuko's lips.
"Then let's go take a look."
"It seems the Master has summoned the other Hashira too. He's probably holding a Hashira meeting. My sister should be returning soon as well."
At that thought, Shinobu couldn't hide her small grin.
"She's been wanting to thank you."
Yuko sighed softly.
"That part is…"
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Currently at chapter 423 for advance chapters
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