Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari
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Tashigi and Nojiko did not hear the conversation between Ikki and Miss Hina.
At that moment, their attention was completely captivated by Tanjiro Kamado, who was wielding his flame-engulfed blade.
"Hinokami Kagura, Second Form: Rising Scorching Sun!"
After guiding the fire dragon through several movements, Tanjiro Kamado finally planted his feet firmly on the ground.
The flaming sword in his hand slashed in an arc, wrapped in brilliant flames as it cut from left to right.
Tashigi and Nojiko shuddered involuntarily. Though Tanjiro Kamado had merely swung his sword through empty air, both women felt as if they had witnessed the blazing blade pass directly over their necks.
"Hinokami Kagura, Rising Scorching Sun!" Tashigi repeated, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Despite her attempt at a calm tone, she couldn't hide her enthusiasm for the exceptional swordsmanship she was witnessing.
Nojiko pursed her lips and placed her right hand on the hilt of the blade at her side.
'Captain Ikki said that if I can defeat the swordsman shadow in the arena, I can obtain the corresponding swordsmanship knowledge,' she thought.
'Will I eventually be able to master both flowing water and flame techniques like him?'
Tanjiro Kamado paused briefly after performing the Rising Scorching Sun.
In that instant, several wounds burst open across his body, blood flowing from each gash.
This seemed to confirm what Ikki had mentioned earlier—forcibly changing breathing styles would cause severe damage to the body.
However, a moment later, Tanjiro Kamado's body healed completely.
He then resumed his demonstration, continuing from "Hinokami Kagura, Second Form: Rising Scorching Sun."
Clear Blue Sky, Burning Crimson Mirror, Raging Sun, and other Hinokami Kagura forms were displayed one after another through Tanjiro Kamado's sword movements.
The arena transformed from being covered in water to being engulfed in scorching flames.
By the time Tanjiro Kamado executed "Hinokami Kagura, Fifth Form: Flame Dance," the entire arena was ablaze with fire.
After a while, the flames subsided.
Tanjiro Kamado's shadow took a deep breath, returned his Nichirin Blade to its sheath, and turned to face Nojiko.
Then he dissipated under Nojiko's gaze.
This abrupt conclusion caused Nojiko, who had been preparing to challenge Tanjiro Kamado, to adopt a solemn expression.
"Is it... already over? The techniques of Hinokami Kagura?!" Tashigi blinked and looked at Ikki with bright, inquisitive eyes.
"Hinokami Kagura, also known as Sun Breathing, consists of thirteen forms in total," Ikki explained.
"The boy just demonstrated twelve of those forms."
"As for the thirteenth form, it's actually a continuous cycle through all twelve forms, creating an unbroken sequence."
Ikki walked up behind Nojiko, patted her shoulder, and said with a smile:
"If you can master the first twelve forms and practice them diligently..."
"I'm certain you'll be able to develop the thirteenth form through your own understanding."
"You're right, Captain Ikki."
Hearing this, Nojiko nodded solemnly.
"Although it seems challenging, I'll do my best."
She clearly understood Ikki's meaning—after defeating Tanjiro Kamado's shadow, she would need to perfect the thirteenth form of Sun Breathing through her own efforts.
"Ikki, are you saying you intend to teach Hinokami Kagura to Nojiko as well?" Tashigi asked curiously, blinking in surprise.
After witnessing the demonstrations of both Water Breathing and Sun Breathing, Tashigi recognized the excellence of both swordsmanship styles.
Learning just one would require tremendous time and energy, let alone mastering both Water Breathing and the obviously more powerful Sun Breathing.
"Haha, my training plan for Nojiko is based on the swordsman shadow of Tanjiro Kamado that you just witnessed," Ikki replied with a smile.
"The boy Tanjiro Kamado mastered the techniques of both Water Breathing and Sun Breathing."
"I want Nojiko to achieve the same mastery."
Tashigi was unaware that Nojiko could master both Water Breathing and Sun Breathing simply by defeating Tanjiro Kamado, so Ikki wasn't surprised by her confusion.
"Master Chief Petty Officer Tashigi, you've now seen these swordsmanship techniques," Ikki said, approaching Tashigi with a smile.
"Are you interested in dueling with Nojiko, with your famous sword at stake?"
"Win or lose, I can teach you swordsmanship."
Tashigi swallowed hard. After the demonstration she had just witnessed, Ikki's offer was powerfully tempting.
She looked down at Shigure, the famous sword at her waist. After a long moment of consideration, she finally nodded:
"I've made my decision!"
"Sir Ikki, I accept your terms."
"I hope you won't break your promise."
Upon hearing this, Ikki nodded with satisfaction.
After retrieving his own Zangetsu and Nami's Wado Ichimonji from Tashigi, he stepped back.
This created space for Nojiko and Tashigi to face each other.
Tashigi took a deep breath, drew Shigure from its sheath, and stood opposite Nojiko.
"Miss Nojiko, please guide me with your expertise!"
"You as well, Miss Tashigi."
Nojiko nodded slightly, drew the long blade from her waist, and gazed intently at Tashigi.
In the next moment, both women rushed toward each other with their blades at the ready.
"Shigure Style!"
"Water Breathing, Third Form: Flowing Dance!"
As the blades flashed, flowing slashes began to surround both Tashigi and Nojiko.
"Tashigi might be well-suited to learn Water Breathing," Ikki observed privately, nodding to himself as he watched Tashigi's swordsmanship, which resembled the gentle glow of cold light and spring rain.