First Kill Mission: I Only Need One Strike

This was an opportunity to prove oneself before a Pillar—one that might not come even once a year.

Before long, people began offering their answers.

Is it gaining energy from the air that we cannot see?

Don't talk nonsense. It must be stimulating the energy within our bodies—our little cosmos, for short!

I-I-I forgot because I got nervous.

Tōshirō waved a hand to help the nervous Corps member relax, then shook his head slightly.

Unfortunately, none of your answers have earned my complete approval.

Even those of you who have received instruction in Breathing Techniques before only have a vague understanding of the concept.

But I believe that in the days to come, all of you will certainly come to understand it!

After saying that, Tōshirō was the first to burst into laughter.

Watching Rengoku Tōshirō laugh to himself in the middle of the square, Scribe could not help inwardly complaining.

Are all members of the Rengoku Family this kind of teacher?

In order to get to the point as quickly as possible, Scribe had no choice but to speak up and break the awkward silence.

The principle of a Breathing Technique is to expand the lungs as much as possible, allowing the blood to receive a large amount of oxygen in a short time.

The moment he said that, everyone's attention was drawn to him.

Damn, that sounds so scientific!

Where did this guy come from? He's handsome, articulate, and most importantly, so young!

You don't know him? I recognized him the moment I saw him. He's my future husband!

Ignoring the final girl's remark, Tōshirō told everyone to quiet down.

Scribe's explanation greatly surprised him. Even Tōshirō himself could not find the slightest flaw in it.

Mm, his explanation is very good. Everyone should think it over carefully!

A minute quickly passed, and Tōshirō continued.

Now that everyone should understand the principles behind Breathing Techniques, let me explain exactly what you need to do.

The moment he said that, everyone in the square perked up.

Even Scribe himself listened with rapt attention.

Based on my personal experience, the specific steps are as follows. First—

In just a few minutes, Rengoku Tōshirō taught the Breathing Technique experience he had summarized without holding anything back.

It even included some of his personal tricks, allowing those listening to avoid many detours.

Everyone can follow what I just explained and try using a Breathing Technique for yourselves.

Crossing his arms, Tōshirō continued speaking.

If anyone still has questions, you may ask me next!

It had to be said that the Rengoku Family might all have a tendency to get carried away on their own.

But when it came to teaching others, they were all enthusiastic and patient.

Tōshirō carefully explained every question that was raised.

Before long, everyone closed their eyes and tried to use Breathing Techniques.

Tōshirō nodded, his face filled with satisfaction.

Though they were still weak and had only just entered the world of Breathing Techniques—

He believed that one day, they would surely be able to support the Demon Slayer Corps.

As he observed everyone's expressions, a child suddenly caught Tōshirō's attention.

The child's outstanding appearance alone was enough to make him the center of attention, but what concerned Tōshirō even more was his breathing.

Unlike the others, the child's breathing was steady and powerful.

Its rhythm was distinct, displaying great proficiency.

It was hard to imagine that breathing of this level could appear in an eight-year-old child.

If he were being honest with himself, Tōshirō had not been able to reach this level when he had first encountered Breathing Techniques.

Just as Tōshirō was growing curious, coughing gradually began to ring out across the square.

Soon, the others also opened their eyes due to getting out of rhythm and other reasons.

To use a Breathing Technique for a long period of time, talent was important, but long-term training was even more important.

Before long, Scribe was the only one in the square who still had his eyes closed.

Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale.

At that moment, Scribe was immersed in the world of Breathing Techniques, completely unaware of what was happening outside.

Detected that the host is training the Breathing Technique. Improving.

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As time passed, Scribe's understanding of Breathing Techniques deepened further and further.

Naturally, his prolonged use of the Breathing Technique made him the focus of everyone's attention.

Whether they were people encountering Breathing Techniques for the first time or reserve members who had practiced for several years, all of them watched Scribe as though they were looking at a monster.

At that moment, their thoughts were remarkably unanimous.

Is this guy really human?

First Kill Mission, I Only Need One Strike

At Tōshirō's signal, everyone lowered their voices.

This little guy is an excellent prospect.

If nothing unexpected happens, he may very well become a Pillar in the future!

Later, I can report this to Master and ask him to pay more attention to the boy.

Tōshirō nodded in satisfaction, his eyes full of approval as he looked at Scribe.

But why do I feel like he looks familiar?

Tōshirō's teachings and techniques were only one part of the Breathing Technique, so they could not bring Scribe much improvement.

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The host's current knowledge and experience are insufficient to support further improvement in Breathing Technique level.

Detected that the host has improved by 400 points through his own efforts. The system grants an additional reward of 300.

Current Level: Novice Breathing Technique (9700/10000)

Sensing that the increase in level had ended, Scribe slowly opened his eyes.

The moment he opened them, he felt the strange looks everyone around him was giving him.

What the hell are you all staring at? Did a flower grow on my face?

The humorous remark instantly shattered the silence in the square. Everyone, including Tōshirō, burst out laughing.

After the laughter died down, Tōshirō looked at Scribe and spoke.

What is your name?

Scribe stood up and answered neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Scribe!"

Tōshirō nodded. Rengoku Tōshirō was very satisfied with his bearing.

He neither fawned over him excessively nor allowed his own presence to be suppressed.

Though he looked only seven or eight years old, he gave Tōshirō a steadier impression than those adult swordsmen.

His assessment of Scribe rose another level, and Tōshirō laughed heartily.

Today's instruction ends here. Gentlemen, you may return and properly absorb today's experience and lessons!

Hearing that, Scribe also stood up and prepared to leave.

Although Tōshirō's teaching had not allowed him to break through to proficient-level Total Concentration Breathing, he had still made considerable progress.

Even a mosquito was still meat. A few more sessions, and he might be able to break through.

Just as he took a few steps, the system's voice suddenly rang out in Scribe's mind.

Mission: Leave the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters and head to the forest northwest of here to hunt demons.

Scribe's eyes immediately lit up, and delight appeared on his face.

He had just been planning to find somewhere for some real combat practice, and the system had given him a mission.

The system really understood him. It knew he was sleepy and brought him a pillow.

Although children his age were not allowed to leave the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters on their own, how could Scribe possibly lack his own methods?

Time was of the essence. He planned to return, pack his things, and set off.

Just then, someone called out to him from behind.

Hey, little guy over there. Want to have a match with me?

The moment those words were spoken, they instantly drew everyone's attention.

Even Rengoku Tōshirō, who had been preparing to leave, stopped and looked over.

Turning around, Scribe saw that it was a twelve- or thirteen-year-old boy who had called out to him.

The boy had a sturdy build and a scar on his forehead that resembled a sword wound.

His strong arms were crossed over his chest, and a wooden sword hung at his waist.

You want to compete with me?

Scribe pointed at himself, looking somewhat helpless.

Ever since coming to this world, he had kept as low a profile as possible.

Although his master was Tsugikuni Yoriichi, it seemed that no one in the Demon Slayer Corps knew about it yet.

After all, he could not be bothered to brag about it everywhere, and Tsugikuni Yoriichi had that sort of personality as well.

So how had he ended up being hated by someone for no reason?

When the boy named Chizhong saw that Scribe did not answer, he assumed Scribe was already afraid.

A mocking smile appeared on Chizhong's face as he sneered.

If you're scared, just say so. I can let you off, as long as you don't run back later and cry to that useless master of yours!

The moment his words fell, Chizhong discovered that Scribe had suddenly turned around.

Random Mission: Defeat Chizhong. The point reward will vary according to the duration of the match.

The random mission flashing through his mind made Scribe, who had originally planned to ignore Chizhong, change his mind.

Now, he had a reason to accept this match.

Not to mention that Chizhong had just insulted his master.

Feeling as if the air had turned colder, Chizhong's heart suddenly skipped a beat.

What? Have you made up your mind?

Scribe stared straight at Chizhong, a trace of coldness flashing in his eyes.

Since you insist, then I shall grant your wish and accept.

As for the referee of this match, how about Lord Rengoku Tōshirō, the Flame Pillar?!

After saying that, Scribe looked in the Flame Pillar's direction.

Tōshirō was startled at first, then quickly understood and burst into laughter.