The Way Breathing

The sun blazed high, and three youths sparred intensely in the training ground, trading blows back and forth. This match was Hiruma versus the other two.

"Hiruma, don't hold back!"

"Let's burn up!"

"Hahaha!"

Kyojuro, like a protagonist from a hot-blooded manga, roared like a lion. As the battle heated up, he initiated a sword technique.

Flame Breathing: First Form: Unknown Fire.

He took a step forward, his aura instantly surging. Then, his body transformed into a speeding train, engulfed in flames, as he charged towards Hiruma.

Hiruma's fighting spirit also soared, his bright golden eyes burning with intensity. He activated Flame Breathing.

Instantly, the two flames collided, and the powerful blade wind forced Iguro Obanai to retreat.

He gripped his wooden sword, his heterochromatic eyes like those of a hunting python, ready to strike unexpectedly at any moment.

Over the past year, Iguro Obanai had derived his own Breathing Style from Water Breathing.

He was also the first among his peers to create his own Breathing Style, his talent no less impressive.

Finally, he found the opening, right between the two clashing flames.

His body suddenly contracted, and then, like a venomous snake, he swiftly slid to Hiruma's side.

His agile movements caused the surrounding air to churn with his speed, creating currents that resembled a white venomous snake hunting.

Snake Breathing: Second Form: Fangs of the Narrow Head.

Iguro Obanai's wooden sword pierced between the two combatants, aiming straight for Hiruma's head.

He had done it!

The corners of Iguro Obanai's mouth curled beneath his bandages. Everything was under control. Of course, beating up that scoundrel Hiruma was the most enjoyable part.

The thought of Hiruma stuffing wasabi into his onigiri made him furious.

When there was no danger, Hiruma himself was the greatest danger.

Just as he was about to be surrounded and attacked, Hiruma's blade suddenly shifted. In an instant, dozens of fiery red blade winds formed a vortex around him.

Flame Breathing: Fourth Form: Burning Storm.

The immense power repelled Iguro Obanai and Kyojuro, but they had no downtime. Two fierce sword techniques simultaneously attacked Hiruma from the front.

Before the spar began, Hiruma had told them not to hold back, as he could take it.

These young lads were honest; once they started fighting, they put everything else aside.

Kyojuro unleashed Flame Breathing: Fifth Form: Flame Tiger. He thrust forward with almost all his might, and a fiery tiger awakened, its gaping maw lunging towards Hiruma.

Iguro Obanai also charged with full force, his wooden sword nearly splitting. He was serious about fighting and never faltered.

Snake Breathing: Fifth Form: Coiling Serpent was activated. Hiruma couldn't help but tremble. His perception was already strong, and the moment he met Iguro Obanai's gaze, it felt as if a python had coiled around his body.

On one side, scorching fire; on the other, an unexpected snake.

As the sword techniques were about to engulf Hiruma, the two realized they had gone too far.

"We're done for, we can't stop now!"

"Then we'll have to trust Hiruma!"

The sword techniques struck Hiruma like a raging storm, overwhelming him.

"Let me respond to you two properly!"

Hiruma's short, deep crimson hair fluttered. He smiled slightly, his blood boiling.

His sword moved with his body, and in the blink of an eye, he unleashed dozens of slashes. A massive crimson-gold blade wind condensed, appearing like a Kirin with its mouth open from afar.

Crimson-gold arcs of electricity ignited, spreading along the wooden sword and engulfing his entire body.

Hiruma had mastered Thunder Breath, condensing its speed and high-burst ultimate into a single sword technique. This was his own created Breathing Style—

Way Breathing.

Tendo Hiruma's self-created Breathing Style differed from the five major Breathing Styles and their derivatives; it lacked a specific target for each move.

This technique, derived from Thunder Breath, was named Kirin.

Way Breathing: Thunder Form: Kirin.

With the unleashed Kirin, Hiruma effortlessly shattered the combined sword techniques of Kyojuro and Iguro Obanai.

A powerful gust of wind howled, accompanied by rolling thunder.

Following that, Kyojuro and Iguro Obanai were sent flying backward, their wooden swords shattering into pieces.

"That was exhilarating, you're unbelievably strong, Hiruma!"

Kyojuro wasn't angry; instead, he laughed heartily. This was the fastest way to improve.

"Pervert!"

Iguro Obanai sighed. He used to think about catching up to this guy, but now he gave up.

But instead of being jealous, he was genuinely happy for Hiruma, and heaven knew how many alveoli that guy had burst.

No one could ever replicate this sword skill, because they lacked his perverted recovery ability and suicidal willpower.

The two lay spread-eagled on the grass, thoroughly defeated and convinced.

The wooden sword in Hiruma's hand was even more exaggerated, slightly scorched and also broken into several pieces. His hand was still shaking, and his lungs felt tingly.

As expected, it still consumed a lot of stamina.

Hiruma walked over to the two and lay down in the middle of them without a word.

"Hiruma, this is the Breathing Style you created yourself, isn't it!"

"It's like a calf riding an airplane!" Kyojuro spared no praise, his voice loud, though he had learned the phrase from Hiruma.

"Of course, hahaha!" Hiruma shamelessly accepted.

"You're getting ahead of yourself when I call you out, shed all your shame!" Iguro Obanai's usual venomous tongue lashed out, accompanied by a glare at Hiruma.

"And, you hit really hard!"

He was the kind of person who couldn't keep things to himself. If he had an issue with someone, he'd say it to their face, never gossiping or badmouthing them behind their back.

However, most of the time, words turned into sharp remarks when they passed through Iguro Obanai's mouth.

"And you're talking about me? You held back?" Hiruma rolled his eyes and complained indignantly.

"I definitely didn't hold back, I even gave it twelve points of effort, hahaha!"

"Otherwise, how could I have such a satisfying fight? I feel like I've gained a deeper understanding of Flame Breathing. In time, I'll definitely get stronger!"

"Hahahaha!"

Kyojuro raised his clenched right fist high, still the little sun. He exuded a warm aura like sunshine, infecting others.

Soon, Hiruma and Iguro Obanai joined their elder brother in laughter, the three youths chuckling heartily.

After a while, Kyojuro suddenly asked, "By the way, are you two going to this year's Final Selection?"

"Of course, I've been eager to kill those demons for a long time!"

"I'm participating too!" Hiruma gazed at the clouds drifting lazily in the sky. If he remembered correctly, those two boys with the fox masks would also be participating.

Even if he didn't meet them, he would kill the Hand Demon first to eliminate any future trouble.

"I remember Kanae and Shinobu Kocho aren't planning to participate in this year's selection," their elder brother said to Hiruma, mentioning it in passing.

"Also, that skinny girl hasn't shown up in a long time. Did she poison herself to death?" Iguro Obanai quipped. "I think she even asked me for Kaburamaru's snake venom."

Their words made Hiruma realize something: he hadn't seen Shinobu in a long time.

He couldn't help but worry a little, as Shinobu was a strong-willed person.

With a mighty spring, he got up, dusted himself off, and left without looking back.

PS: I went out for a meal and watched a movie today, so I'm posting a bit late, but I won't owe you anything. Look forward to the next chapter.

—Ling You's ramblings, muah! (*￣3￣)╭?