Born for the Sword

Ubuyashiki Kagaya, holding the calico cat Mi, stood quietly before Hiruma, a grateful smile on his face.

What the heck!

Hiruma was stunned.

Does Kagaya swing both ways? I just admire you and want to be friends, not a passionate affair.

"Hiruma, thank you for having the heart to protect those around you. Don't push yourself too hard!" Kagaya's lips curved upwards, his bright smile like the morning sun shining into Hiruma's heart.

As soon as he finished speaking, Hiruma's body trembled, and a storm raged in his heart, his brilliant golden eyes becoming even brighter.

Ubuyashiki Kagaya didn't know what a transmigrator was, nor did he know what it meant to hold the script.

But he saw a strong desire to protect in Hiruma's eyes, whether he looked at Gyomei, Amane, or himself.

It was an emotion that Hiruma himself hadn't even realized.

Eyes are the windows to the soul, and the desire to protect originated from his heart.

This was Kagaya's most powerful talent, the strength called empathy.

This was the Demon Slayer Corps' succubus Breathing Style, Heart Breathing.

Being approachable, or having a voice that relaxes people, these were just minor aspects of him.

Kagaya's empathy was his most dazzling trait; he could remember the names of every Demon Slayer Corps swordsman and accurately state what was on their minds.

It was a form of recognition; those who understood each other could always resonate.

"Oyakata-sama, demons are eternal, and I shall descend into hell!"

Hiruma knelt down, a sign of his recognition of Ubuyashiki Kagaya, but it was only this once.

Because he had spoken of another side of Hiruma that Hiruma himself hadn't noticed.

If he wanted to change the story's direction, he had to protect the people around him.

The ending of the story will be decided by me!

This was the true desire of his heart.

"Hiruma, I told you, just do as you please!"

"And Gyomei, this is the kitten you asked me to find. Here!"

Kagaya helped Hiruma up and handed the kitten to Gyomei.

"Thank you, Oyakata-sama. This child is so fluffy, I like him very much. Namu Amida Butsu!"

The moment he held the calico cat, Himejima Gyomei was moved to tears, and even his aura became like the warmth of spring blooming.

Especially the cat in his arms, not only was it not afraid of Gyomei, this muscular man, but it also made purring sounds.

"Meow meow meow!"

The calico cat licked Gyomei's arm, which was thicker than a bowl's mouth, and then rubbed against him.

For a moment, Hiruma felt his worldview collapse. He knew Gyomei liked cats, but what was with this inexplicably cute scene?

Imagine a tough guy, nearly two meters tall, holding an incredibly cute cat and wanting to snuggle.

His eyes were about to fall out!

"You're quite shocked, aren't you!"

Kagaya smiled slightly. He had been a bit shocked the first time he saw Gyomei like this.

"Indeed, this is called contrast!" Hiruma nodded, commenting blankly.

"Oyakata-sama, please give this child a name?" Himejima Gyomei returned to his usual self and said with a serious expression.

"Then let's call him Saiyan!" Ubuyashiki Kagaya replied without hesitation. The name was Gyomei's favorite food.

"Thank you, Oyakata-sama!" Gyomei was overjoyed, his respect for his master flowing like a mighty river.

"Brother Mei, can I call you that? After all, you're much older than me, and I'm just a junior!"

"Oyakata-sama said that you should do as you please, Tendo!" Gyomei didn't mind what others called him, but Hiruma calling him that made him feel closer.

"Then, Brother Mei, I want to see you demonstrate the Stone Breathing. I want to learn it!" Hiruma stated his purpose. He wanted to learn all five basic Breathing Styles.

As for his next steps, he would figure them out later.

As a prodigy of swordsmanship, he would eventually comprehend something of his own.

"Tendo, aren't you a disciple of Senior Kuwajima?"

"Learning two Breathing Styles at the same time is very difficult; it's best to specialize in one. Namu Amida Butsu!" Gyomei offered his sincere advice.

Hiruma knew he would say this and immediately replied with full confidence, "Brother Mei, you just need to demonstrate it once, and I can learn it."

"If I can't do it, I'll naturally give up!"

Hiruma's words were filled with unparalleled confidence, not only in every word he spoke but also in the powerful self-assurance radiating from the depths of his heart.

"Alright then, but not here. Come with me to my training place!" Gyomei didn't refuse. Or rather, he wanted to know where that confidence came from.

Ubuyashiki Kagaya took their words to heart. He was suddenly reminded of his predecessor's evaluation of his disciple.

Born for the sword!

Indeed, Jigoro Kuwajima's assessment of his disciple was summed up in those four words.

"I'll go with you all. I want to witness it!"

A moment later, Gyomei led the few people to a waterfall.

Beneath the waterfall was a swift stream, and on both banks of the stream were neatly cut logs and giant, waist-high round stones.

What is this! Σ(????)?

As expected of the strongest in physical body, the Stone Pillar's training method was more intense than torture.

Gyomei kindly tied a bell onto the Saiyan, settled him, and then picked up his Nichirin Blade.

It was a Broad Axe and a Meteor Hammer connected by a long chain. Just looking at it exuded a killing intent.

"Oyakata-sama and Amane-sama, please move further away from me!" Gyomei said to the Ubuyashiki couple, who were ten meters away from him.

After the two retreated another ten meters, Gyomei finally felt at ease.

As for Hiruma, he was quite close to Gyomei, only about ten meters away. He stared intently at Gyomei, not daring to slacken even slightly.

With everything ready, Gyomei clasped his hands together and bowed to them.

"Please excuse my poor display!"

"Stone Breathing, First Form: Serpentinite - Twin Poles!"

As the deep voice, as resonant as a mountain, rang out, the great sword and the Broad Axe collided, and in an instant, an aura as swift as the wind swept towards Hiruma.

This aura was like a fierce storm, carrying unparalleled power and might, making Hiruma's breathing difficult.

His heart jolted. Was this the strongest of the Demon Slayer Corps, even though he wasn't at his peak yet?

In an instant, his bright golden eyes became fiery, and his blood boiled.

Himejima Gyomei was like a giant bear, his solid muscles tensing and relaxing, like gnarled dragons, full of power.

The Broad Axe and Meteor Hammer crossed each other, emitting crisp sounds, like a brilliant percussion performance.

Second Form: Shattered Heaven.

Third Form: Stone Body.

Fourth Form: Flowing Rock: Swift Advance.

Fifth Form: Crushing Rock: Head Clamp.

Himejima Gyomei unleashed one move after another. Since Hiruma wanted to learn, he held nothing back, especially since the other party had made such bold pronouncements.

In Hiruma's eyes, Gyomei was a musician, and Stone Breathing was his instrument.

The striking sound of the weapons excited him, as if every cell in his body had come alive. He had entered a state of exhilaration.

The last time he felt this way was when his master performed Thunder Breath.

In the quiet valley, Stone Breathing echoed like a passionate symphony, captivating Hiruma.