He had ventured into ancient, sprawling forests simply because someone had reported demons lurking there.
He had even joined battlefields where thousands clashed, all to confirm whether one side's commander was a man-eating demon.
This life continued for two years.
During that time, Yoriichi naturally passed his twenty-fifth birthday.
Though Yoriichi found it strange that he had lived past twenty-five, he did not dwell on it.
Scribe also tactfully refrained from saying or asking anything.
Perhaps, in Yoriichi's mind, he lived in order to atone for his failure to kill Muzan.
One morning, the two arrived at the foot of a mountain.
They had come here two years ago, and now they had returned to visit that friend once again.
Of course, this was also the last mission the two would undertake together.
After this, they would split up and hunt demons as they had discussed before.
As they entered the deep mountains, the two soon spotted a wisp of cooking smoke.
Seeing the two figures suddenly appear in the distance, Tankichi froze slightly.
Just as he was wondering who they were, a voice reached him.
Tankichi, long time no see.
Ah, it's Mr. Yoriichi, and little Scribe too.
Despite his surprise at their sudden visit, Tankichi was filled with delight.
After two years apart, he had missed them.
I'll prepare some tea.
Before long, Tankichi came out carrying hot tea and some snacks.
As Yoriichi drank tea, he told Tankichi about everything that had happened over the past two years.
As for Scribe, he was once again entrusted with an important task.
Watch the child!
The little girl had now learned how to crawl and was wobbling across the floor as she tried to walk.
Scribe followed behind her, keeping her from falling or bumping into anything.
As though she thought Scribe was playing with her, Kamado Sumire grew more and more excited as she walked.
Her tiny body swayed from side to side, until she stumbled and crashed into Scribe's arms.
Looking up at Scribe's face, Sumire broke into a happy smile.
She stretched out her *** little hand and gave Scribe's cheek another hard pinch.
Scribe could not help sucking in a breath. This little one's grip was getting stronger and stronger.
But he knew very well that this was simply Sumire's way of showing him affection.
Suddenly, Sumire pointed toward the grass outside.
Blinking her eyes, she put on an innocent, clueless expression.
Unable to refuse her, Scribe could only put on his shoes and take her out onto the grass.
Just as he held Sumire beneath her arms, intending to teach her how to walk, the little girl suddenly tugged at his clothes.
Up!
Hearing this, Tankichi smiled and said from the side.
If you can, Scribe, could you hold her up? This child really likes being lifted high.
Without saying anything, Scribe held Sumire in both hands and raised her high into the air.
With her small body lifted high, Scribe caught a ray of sunlight at the edge of the shadows.
Ya haha~ Ya haha~
It was not only Sumire who laughed happily. Scribe's face was also full of smiles.
Yoriichi watched Scribe and Sumire from the side, then suddenly froze.
Ten-year-old Scribe held two- or three-year-old Sumire high in the air, a perfect embodiment of young life and adolescent life.
Golden sunlight spilled across their bodies and cheeks, illuminating their innocent smiles.
At that moment, Yoriichi's heart was deeply shaken.
At that moment, he seemed to understand the meaning of life.
Drip~
At some unknown point, two streams of tears slid down Yoriichi's cheeks.
For the first time in his life, Tsugikuni Yoriichi, who had never known how to express his emotions, finally let them burst forth.
He cried.
Entrustment, Witness of Sun Breathing
At some unknown point, the teacup in his hand had fallen, yet Yoriichi stared unblinkingly at Scribe and Sumire.
Slowly rising to his feet, he walked over.
The next second, Yoriichi stretched out his arms and pulled them both into his embrace.
He said nothing. Scribe said nothing either, while Sumire simply sucked on her little hand with a dazed look.
Kneeling on the ground, Yoriichi held Scribe and Sumire tightly in his arms.
Tankichi could only watch quietly from the side, not knowing what to say.
Even Kamado Kie, who had just returned from picking pears, stood there in a daze.
Sunlight, tears, and people formed a perfect, harmonious scene.
Yoriichi had found peace. He was no longer lost over the past, nor would he remain bound by it.
With a faint smile, Kie walked over and patted Yoriichi on the head.
Don't cry anymore. I'll make sure you eat your fill.
Cheer up, okay?
Yoriichi turned to glance at Kie, wiped his eyes, and released Scribe and Sumire.
All right, then... I'll leave it to you.
Oh, leave it to me!
Kie patted her arm and struck a pose, flexing her muscles.
In this relaxed and cheerful atmosphere, lunchtime arrived.
Kie kept piling food onto Scribe's and Yoriichi's bowls as she told stories about amusing things that had happened in the village.
Tankichi simply watched quietly, occasionally chuckling, like an observer.
After the meal, Scribe helped Kie clear away the dishes.
Watching Yoriichi hold a pinwheel and tease Sumire, she suddenly spoke.
Mr. Yoriichi, I heard from Mr. Tankichi that your swordsmanship is exceptional.
If possible, could you let me see it?
Hearing this, Tankichi showed a slightly awkward and shy expression.
He knew very well that for a powerful swordsman, displaying their swordsmanship was no different from exposing their trump card.
What was more, he had previously expressed his desire to pass down Yoriichi's swordsmanship.
With Scribe here now, would that not seem like poaching someone else's disciple?
Just as Tankichi was about to say something, Scribe suddenly spoke.
Master, I don't think there's any problem with that.
Yoriichi turned to look at Scribe, feeling gratified by his disciple's generosity.
He gently rubbed Scribe's head and smiled.
Walking to one side, he drew his Nichirin Blade.
First Form: Dance as the opening.
Twelfth Form: Flame Dance as the closing.
Repeating in a cycle, it became the Thirteenth Form.
After witnessing such astonishing swordsmanship, Kie and Sumire both clapped and cheered, smiles blooming across their faces.
Tankichi watched with complete concentration from the side, doing his utmost to sear every detail into his eyes.
The breathtaking beauty of Sun Breathing was enough to make him forget to breathe.
Scribe also sat nearby, silently watching Yoriichi's swordsmanship.
Although he had unlocked the Thirteenth Form in the bamboo forest two years ago, he was still far inferior to Yoriichi.
Over those two years, he had sought Yoriichi's guidance hundreds of times, all to hone the Thirteenth Form to perfection.
The slightest difference in wrist angle, the smallest gap in footwork, the pace and intervals of breathing—these were all factors that affected the use of sword techniques.
After so many explanations, Scribe felt that he had touched that thin barrier.
Now, that perfect answer appeared before his eyes once more.
Sun Breathing, personally demonstrated by Yoriichi himself.
Without realizing it, his mind became completely immersed in it.
When he opened his eyes again, he had already broken through that barrier.
Affected by the host's own abilities, Master Swordsmanship advanced to Master Swordsmanship (1,000,000/10,000,000) Affected by the host's own abilities, Master Breathing Technique advanced to Master Breathing Technique (1,000,000/10,000,000)
At the moment he fully comprehended all thirteen forms of Sun Breathing, Scribe successfully advanced both his swordsmanship and Breathing Technique to the Master level!
Gripping his blade, Scribe rose to his feet and walked into the courtyard.
Just as Tankichi and Kie were wondering what he was doing, Scribe drew his Nichirin Blade.
Sun Breathing: First Form: Dance
Sun Breathing: Second Form: Azure Sky
Sun Breathing: Twelfth Form: Flame Dance
Scribe likewise used the Twelfth Form, repeating it over and over until he combined them into the Thirteenth Form!
Within the courtyard, two swordsmen danced.
Their superb swordsmanship was like fire spirits dancing, like gods walking the earth.
Yoriichi's swordsmanship was mature, steady, and unadorned.
Scribe's swordsmanship was soaring, sharp, and fierce.
Watching the two different yet distinctive versions of Sun Breathing, Tankichi, Kie, and the others were entranced.
By the time the swordsmanship demonstration ended, it was already dusk.
Kie's stunned mind finally recovered. Holding Sumire in her arms, she laughed happily.
After hearing their sincere laughter, Yoriichi lowered his head slightly, as though a little embarrassed.
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