Yokohama.
In Igarashi's small courtyard.
The retired [former Mist Pillar] stood outside in the cold, wearing thin clothes.
He held a Bokken in one hand.
He had immersed his entire mind in it.
He maintained his Breathing Style at an extremely low output.
Now, he could no longer hold a sword with both hands, nor could he use his Breathing Style too strenuously.
After all, his battle with Akaza had left his right arm with severe lasting damage.
Half a lobe of necrotic lung tissue had also been removed.
By rights, he ought to have settled into retirement and enjoyed life with his family.
Igarashi himself had said as much.
Yet he was still young, and often found himself unable to completely abandon the Kendo he had studied so deeply.
At times, he would still walk into the courtyard alone.
He would practice Kendo and meditate.
Just as he was doing now.
Even as the cold night wind condensed a layer of dew on him.
Even as a burning pain stabbed through half his chest.
The Bokken in his hand remained as steady as a rock.
He had once been one of the Nine Hashira.
Even with only one hand left, he still possessed the strength to cleave iron and shatter stone.
But at this moment, Igarashi was no longer concerned with strength or physique.
Instead, he focused on the [Technique] of Kendo.
During his battle with Akaza, the [Pre-Initiative] he took such pride in had briefly touched the threshold of a higher realm.
Although it had still failed to carry him to victory over that Upper Rank Demon.
In terms of swordsmanship alone, he had indeed taken a great step forward.
After retiring, he finally had the leisure and energy to slowly ponder it.
It was not the [Bright