The next morning.
After Kūmachiza welcomed their emperor back, the swordsmen once again tasted that familiar, sweet flavor of training.
It was different from the training Sabito and Giyu organized.
It was different from Tengen Uzui's drills, too.
Xia Xi's training was the authentic stuff...
That fulfilling sense of every drop of sweat turning into a tangible increase in strength.
No other powerhouse could give them that.
It hurt, but they enjoyed it.
The only problem was that since the Dawn Hashira had returned this time, he had raised the training intensity by another huge notch.
He practically worked them half to death.
Then he used even more miraculous mystical arts to pull them back from the Gates of Hell.
Quite a few people also noticed that this time, Xia Xi revealed a much deeper foundation when instructing them in Breathing Styles and swordsmanship.
The swordsmen simply assumed Xia Xi had made another breakthrough during his battle with Upper Rank Three.
In reality, the levels of [Breathing Style Research], [Dawn Breathing], and [Thunder Breathing] had all increased.
It could also be called a new epiphany.
And once the high-intensity afternoon training began.
It was time for Xia Xi to spar with the various core members.
The swordsmen had long since grown tired of watching Xia Xi beat Sabito, Giyu, and even the Seventh Squad.
Now, though, there were a few good shows to watch.
The Dawn Hashira versus the Ninja King.
Xia Xi versus Kanae.
As for the former, if everyone hadn't already been taught a lesson by Mr. Flashy's strength.
The swordsmen might have thought he was only Fourth Rank or Tsuchinoto.
He enthusiastically declared that he would show the Dawn Hashira his current strength.
Then he charged in, swinging two huge cleavers.
Only for Xia Xi to pin