"Hah!"
The wooden sword slammed into the wooden post. Bare-chested, Haruto circled it in a strange stance, his footwork shifting unpredictably.
Elbows, knees, knuckles...
His attacks were not limited to his wooden sword. He used every part of his body that could inflict damage, leaving the sturdy post swaying under the storm of blows.
During these days of waiting for Hotaru Haganezuka to forge his blade, Haruto had been turning the experience he gained from fighting Doma into strength of his own.
Demon Slayers grew stronger against stronger foes. Anyone who survived a clash with a high-ranking demon could make tremendous strides in both their Breathing Style and swordsmanship.
Haruto had discovered that his swordsmanship, which had stagnated for a long time, had actually become sharper after that battle.
A small head poked out from behind a tree. Wearing a Hyottoko Mask, Kotetsu had been hiding there and watching for quite some time.
As his training drew to an end, Haruto flicked up a half-ripe green peach from the ground with his sword tip, then sent it flying that way with a smack.
The little green peach landed on Kotetsu's head, making him jump. He hurriedly straightened the mask on his face.
Haruto chuckled, hooked the uniform he had left nearby with his sword tip, slung it over his shoulder, and sauntered over.
His hair was soaked, and beads of glistening sweat clung to the muscles of his upper body. Kotetsu shook his head at the sight. "Seriously, do you all turn into savages once you head up the mountain? Why won't you wear your clothes? You're like this, and so is Mr. Haganezuka!"
"Hmph." Rather than answering, Haruto flexed his biceps. "How's my swordsmanship?"
"I mean, it's average."
"Average?" Haruto gave him a sidelong look. "When it comes to