For once, almost all of the Nine Hashira got up very late the next day.
Ubuyashiki and Lady Amane also enjoyed a rare lie-in.
After all, the fierce battle last night had thoroughly exhausted everyone.
But none of them had expected that, just when everyone was worn out...
Xia Xi would still be bursting with energy.
He had climbed out of bed at daybreak and begun intensive sword training alone in the courtyard.
After an hour or two...
He started tinkering with some strange things in the courtyard.
One moment, he was clinking and clanking away, assembling mechanical toys that looked like they were meant for children.
The next, he was holding a small carving knife, intently carving something resembling a mask.
By the time everyone came out one after another, rubbing their eyes...
He still had the energy to call them over to resume training.
And it was neither Bright Red Nichirin Blade training nor a medicinal bath.
It was pure swordsmanship fundamentals and sparring.
He looked as though he had no intention of wasting even a moment of their time.
No wonder he's known as the Northern Region's demonic drill instructor.
Some of the Kakushi members could not help thinking that.
But to the surprise of Ubuyashiki and most of the Kakushi members...
None of the Nine Hashira seemed surprised.
Every one of them looked thoroughly used to it.
In fact, apart from Gyomei Himejima, the other Hashira had already been put through Xia Xi's drills in the Northern Borderlands more than once.
So they all understood.
Even the most basic training, or seemingly unremarkable sparring...
Could always make their bodies, which were approaching a plateau or already stuck at one...
Feel a hint of the possibility of breaking through again.
It was truly remarkable.
Everyone had thought