CP9 Captain vs. Former Water Hashira

Taisho is characterized by its harmony and compliance, its firmness and responsiveness, and its great prosperity through righteousness—this is the way of Heaven.

This was a relatively stable period for Japan, and its early period was also known as an unprecedented golden age since the Meiji Restoration.

A relatively stable and comfortable lifestyle has enabled many large cities to boast extremely vibrant and bright nightscapes.

The metropolitan area centered on Tokyo, in particular, can be described with words like brightly lit, bustling with people, and incredibly lively.

Cars drove along the main road, while groups of men, women, and children, some wearing haori, some wearing kimonos, and some wearing suits, strolled through the various shops on both sides, their laughter and chatter filling the air.

But where there is light, there is also darkness.

In those alleyways where the lights couldn't reach, a tense and frightening atmosphere permeated the air.

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed in the narrow, dark space.

One is chasing, the other is fleeing.

"Police, stop!"

"Hands up!"

Just then, at the intersection ahead of the fleeing man, another person suddenly emerged, shouting as he pointed a Revolver at the figure trapped in the alley with nowhere to hide.

At the same time.

The pursuer, also panting heavily, pointed his gun at his back and shouted righteously.

"We are detectives from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. We suspect you of involvement in several murder cases. Please come with us to assist in the investigation!"

As they spoke, the two walked forward at a steady pace, one after the other, while the person in the middle, draped in a black haori, remained motionless.

This eased their nerves slightly, making them think that the other side had given up resistance under the threat of gunfire.

[Pfft--]

Just as the detective was about seven or eight meters away, with a whoosh, the man vanished instantly. Before the detective could react, a horrifying bloody hole appeared between his eyebrows in the blink of an eye.

[Bang!]

The next moment, a bullet flew out of the barrel in Huoguang.

With a sharp clang, the detective who fired the shot from behind was dumbfounded, because he saw the man hold the red-hot bullet between two fingers.

[Call out----]

The bullet flicked between his fingers, then shot back at an even faster speed, piercing the detective's forehead in the blink of an eye, causing him to collapse with a thud in the dark alley.

At this moment, the figure had vanished without a trace.

About ten minutes later.

Police from nearby Police Station arrived at the scene and cordoned it off. After discovering a gold-framed red circular badge with the words "S1S mpd" in gold on the left side of the deceased's collar, they immediately reported it to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.

Because this is a mark that only detectives in the Criminal Affairs Division First Investigative Section possess!

[Smack!]

A hand covered in calluses from gunshots slammed heavily on the conference table as Wada Section Chief roared furiously at the dozen or so department heads in front of him.

"What are you all good for?"

"Not only have we made no progress in the previous dozen or so murder cases, but now one of our own has died, and we still have no leads?"

"This is Tokyo! And we are the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department!"

Faced with the scolding from their direct superiors, the department heads could only lower their heads and endure the reprimand. After the section chiefs had finished spewing their spittle, one of the investigation department heads hesitated before speaking.

"Chief, the autopsy results for Fukawa Assistant Inspector and Matsunari Assistant Inspector are in."

"It seems that Matsunari Assistant Inspector Fukawa Assistant Inspector, and the bullet is still inside. Fukawa Assistant Inspector's forehead wound is similar to the previous one, both of which were pierced by a stick-like object."

No sooner had he finished speaking than the Ninth Department Chief, whose subordinate had died, said with a grim expression, "Judging from their facial expressions, Bu Chuan must have died instantly, while Song Cheng looked utterly shocked; he must have seen something."

"Then what?"

Wada Section Chief asked with a dark expression.

"To this day, we don't even know what they look like, what weapons they used, or why they killed people!"

All the department heads fell into a deathly silence.

Really.

To date, there are no eyewitnesses, and the motive for the murder remains unclear.

The latter, in particular, involved a thorough investigation of the relationships among the victims in previous cases, only to find that there was absolutely no connection between them, as if the murderer had simply killed someone randomly.

"Increase patrols and searches, sweep through all the secluded alleys! But stop with groups of two, there must be at least three people!"

Meanwhile, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department was furious.

Corpses, some fresh and some rotting, were discovered in the shadows of the Army First Division's headquarters, Navy Yokosuka Port Army War College, the Naval War College, and even the Imperial Palace.

This attracted the attention and vigilance of various departments in the Japan military and political circles, who suspected it was a spy from overseas.

It must be said that these agents and spies of CIPHER POL have brought their domineering style from when they were carrying out missions in their home Affiliated Nation.

They would casually kill anyone who got in their way or witnessed their actions, and then leave the body in a secluded corner afterward.

They were very thorough in eliminating witnesses, but their handling of concealing the body was rather sloppy, or perhaps these people didn't care much.

So what if we get caught?

As the World Government increased the number of its exploration personnel—these powerful, lawless individuals with only the mission in mind—[the situation became increasingly complex].

Whether intentional or unintentional, proactive or reactive, it has begun to cause ripples, large or small, within Japan.

Interestingly...

This indirectly affected the Demon Slayer Corps' operations in various locations. These people carrying Samurai began to be intercepted, investigated, and even arrested by the police.

Laskey and Mumei also met the Instructor sent by the Demon Slayer Corps.

"Thank you so much for saving Tanjiro's life during the final test."

Wearing a red Tengu Mask and Sakonji Urokodaki in the Cloud Sea, Mumei Sakonji's first words to Mumei were this.

Because Tanjiro is the first disciple to return to him alive in all these years.

"It's okay. I only intervened because I saw him foolishly risking his life to save others. He's just like a boy I know—both are complete idiots!"

Mumei touched the Den Den Mushi on his shoulder, raised his head, and said with a smug look on his face.

"Hehehe, I'd really like to meet another idiot. He seems like a very good kid," Sakonji Urokodaki praised.

At the same time, the nose beneath the mask sniffed, thinking to himself, "Tanjiro is right, this Mumei person does indeed have the scent of blood, but it's very fresh, not the smell of a demon. He must be carrying something containing fresh blood."

It was strange, but as long as it wasn't a ghost, he could treat the rest as a personal secret. Besides, the girl seemed to have a good character.

"Could you explain the Breathing Technique? I've practiced Swordsmanship for so many years, and this is the first time I've ever heard of such a thing."

At this moment, Laskey, dressed in Samurai attire, touched the scabbard at his waist and said in a deep voice.

"Of course, that's why I came here."

Sakonji Urokodaki nodded, but he had a question in his mind.

This father and daughter appear to come from an ancient Samurai family, but if so, why haven't they received invitations from the Demon Slayer Corps all these years?

Another point is, if they don't know Breathing Technique, how did they acquire such strength? Mumei was able to defeat the Hand Demon who ate more than fifty people, but this father gave him a strong sense of oppression.

Could it be some kind of special familial genetic condition?

"However, before we begin the Breathing Technique, you two need to understand what the Demon Slayer Corps is and what a demon is."

Laskey and the Mumei exchanged a glance, choosing to listen attentively to what the Instructor had to say next.

Although I had some prior knowledge of Koshimizu Fumi, it was too limited. It's much better now that a professional has come to explain.

The command center of the Otherworld Strategy Committee on the Sea Star Homeworld was also waiting silently via Den Den Mushi, and by then, someone had already prepared paper and pen to take notes.

"First is the Demon Slayer Corps, which has several hundred members. It's an organization that hasn't received official recognition from the Japanese Government, but it has existed for hundreds of years and has been hunting Demon Slayer Corps ever since."

"Then there are ghosts. Their main food is humans. They kill and eat humans, and they can appear at any time or from any place. They have strong physical abilities, and they can heal instantly when injured. They can also reattach severed flesh, and regrow limbs with ease."

"Some demons can change their physical form or gain strange supernatural abilities. They cannot be killed unless exposed to sunlight or have their heads cut off by Nichirin Blade."

"We, the Demon Slayer Corps, must fight demons with our fragile bodies. Since we are human, our wounds heal very slowly, and lost limbs will not return. But even so, we must still eliminate demons, just to protect humanity!"

Upon hearing this, whether it was Laskey, the Mumei, or the people in the command center, they only gleaned two new pieces of information.

The number of Demon Slayer Corps and the nature of the Demon Slayer Corps!

"Strange, since the Demon Slayer Corps has existed for hundreds of years, why are there only a few hundred members now? If those Breathing Techniques and Swordsmanship can be taught, why not expand the scale?"

"Furthermore, why don't they cooperate with the governments of previous nations? If the goal is to protect humanity, then both sides should be aligned; in fact, they could have controlled the Japanese Government many years ago!"

"I can't believe it," said Vice Chairman Bulwo Gabriel.

"Perhaps Breathing Technique and Swordsmanship have rather demanding requirements? As for the second point, I don't understand either, or perhaps I've tried it before but failed for some reason?"

Vice Admiral Kongming answered the other party in a low voice.

At this moment, Sakonji Urokodaki's voice continued to come from the virtual screen.

"And I am the 'Nurter,' which, as the name suggests, means the person responsible for training swordsmen. There are many Instructor like me, each in their own place, using their own methods to train swordsmen."

"To join the Demon Slayer Corps, you must first learn the Breathing Technique and the corresponding Swordsmanship, and then pass the final test at Wisteria Mountain. Of course, Mumei's situation is exactly the opposite."

"The full name of this Breathing Technique is 'Total Concentration Breathing,' which is a technique that allows oxygen to be delivered to every cell in the body by consciously taking deep breaths at different rhythms."

"It can not only temporarily enhance the body's natural healing abilities, but also stabilize and revitalize the mind. Most importantly, it can bring a person's physical abilities to a level that can contend with demons!"

After hearing the detailed explanation of the Breathing Technique, both Laskey and Vice Admiral Kongming, who were far away in Sea Star, immediately thought of 'Life Return'!

Life Return involves infusing consciousness into every corner of the body, thereby freely controlling the muscles, blood, hair, and even internal organs, while significantly improving food absorption efficiency, natural healing speed, and overall physical fitness, including the oxygen inhaled.

"At the same time, the Breathing Technique are also divided into five basic styles: 'Water,' 'Lightning,' 'Rock,' 'Fire,' and 'Wind,' each with its corresponding sword moves."

"Later generations developed new schools with various characteristics based on these five major schools, such as 'Flower,' 'Insect,' 'Snake,' 'Love,' 'Sound,' and 'Mist.'"

"And what I'm going to teach you next is 'Water Breathing' and all ten 'Water Form' sword techniques!"

At this moment, Laskey, who was playing the Mumei father, suddenly raised an eyebrow and took a step forward.

He gripped the hilt of his sword with his right hand and said, "That sounds interesting. I wonder if I could experience your skills?"

Although Laskey is used to fighting unarmed using the Rokushiki and Haki, he still has basic Swordsmanship skills. After all, whether it is the Navy or their Cipher POL, the first practical combat they are exposed to is Swordsmanship.

Although the Instructor described the Breathing Technique in glowing terms, both the World Government behind the scenes and the trainer himself wanted to experience it firsthand and assess its value.

"Very well, I've also been quite curious, so let's have a simple spar."

After considering it for a moment, Sakonji Urokodaki agreed, wanting to see what was so special about this Mumei Samurai father.

How could someone who doesn't know Breathing Technique possibly exert such pressure on his Former Water Hashira?

Soon.

The two entered the courtyard. Mumei closed the gate and stood on the steps, watching the upcoming battle with expectant eyes.

Laskey and Sakonji Urokodaki stood facing each other, about five or six meters apart, both with their right hands resting lightly on the hilts of their swords, and the atmosphere gradually became solemn.

[Sigh!]

Seeing that the former did not intend to make the first move, Sakonji Urokodaki drew his sword and charged forward. With a melodious sound of the sword being drawn, the poetic sound of waves and splashes appeared out of thin air as he swiftly swung his Nichirin Blade.

"Total Concentration: Water Breathing!"

It was obvious that he was holding back intentionally, not even using his sword techniques. Although the aura that Laskey gave him was strange, he was, after all, someone who didn't know Breathing Technique.

"These waves, this sound... so interesting!"

Laskey's lips curled into a slight smile. Come to think of it, it had been a long time since he had used a knife.

In the blink of an eye.

The two were locked in a fierce battle, their rapid movements creating afterimages and accompanied by a constant clanging and clashing of weapons.

Their attack and movement speeds are both very fast, but the arena is only so big, so they all consciously control their movement range, which makes the frequency of knife-to-knife collisions extremely high.

In the Mumei's eyes, Laskey looked like he was fighting against the ever-emerging waves, and the scene looked quite beautiful.

No way.

Although she could use a knife, she had never received professional training and couldn't understand its intricacies. However, Sakonji Urokodaki's feelings were different.

He was now utterly shocked.

"How could this person keep up with my speed? And his strength, his reflexes, but his breathing rhythm definitely doesn't seem like he knows any Breathing Technique."

"Since that's the case, then I'll have to use my true abilities."

Suddenly, Sakonji Urokodaki began to move at high speed, several times faster than before.

It even left behind realistic Shadow Clone wherever it went, its movements looking exceptionally beautiful, like dancing. The key point is that the water flow on its Nichirin Blade seemed to have become even more rapid.

"Water Breathing: Third Form: Flowing Dance!"

But after he used this move, the clashing of swords still lingering in his ears caused his expression to change drastically, because Laskey had intercepted all of his swords.

The opponent was clearly standing still, holding an ordinary Samurai sword, yet his exquisite Swordsmanship perfectly embodied the word 'defense'.

It should be noted that Laskey's Swordsmanship, although only the basic Swordsmanship within the Cipher Pol, was not particularly good at.

However, it is, after all, a basic Swordsmanship that has been continuously improved over hundreds of years by countless sword masters, even Great Swordsman. You may not become Great Swordsman by relying on it, but you can still become a sword master through hard work.

The fundamental differences between the two worlds were revealed silently at this moment.

"Water Breathing Second Form Water Wheel!"

"Water Breathing First Form: Water Surface Slash!"

"Water Breathing Seventh Form: Drop Ripple Thrust!"

Laskey remained indifferent, effortlessly dealing with the waves of water unleashed by Sakonji Urokodaki, but a plan was forming in his mind.

"So that's how it is. Those flowing water and sounds were just illusions."

"Their Breathing Technique can activate their mental energy, and then, through the accompanying sword techniques, they can attach their Divine Power to the blade and the Berserk to create corresponding water wave effects, which can confuse their vision to a certain extent, somewhat like the projection ability of Visual Den Den Mushi."

"Furthermore, he was clearly anticipating my movements intentionally. This should be the sensory effect brought about by mental activation, similar to the basic function of Observation Haki."

This chapter has 4700 words, don't say it's too short!