As the [Demon] responsible for pursuing all the Swordsmen, Xia Xi entered half an hour later.
The others could form teams or act alone.
Defeating Xia Xi or lasting until time ran out would both count as success.
Looked at another way.
Xia Xi was practically taking on more than thirty Swordsmen single-handedly, including opponents at the level of the Nine Hashira, such as Sabito.
Was it fair?
Xia Xi thought it was perfectly fair.
Once the Ninjas announced the official start of the match with a signal gun.
The Dawn Hashira immediately opened his eyes and activated [Simulated Transparent World].
Even without anyone in sight.
He could use the faint breathing carried on the wind and the vibrations of footsteps through the ground.
To sense the positions of everyone moving within nearly a hundred meters.
"Three to the northeast."
"Two to the southwest, no... three, and their breathing is quite impressive."
"Two more to the east. Hm? Why are they coming toward me instead of running away?"
Xia Xi tried to extend his perception farther.
But...
"The wind is too loud. I can't hear clearly... I'll go take a look."
The Dawn Hashira drew his training Nichirin Blade.
He walked unhurriedly toward the nearest pair.
Soon, two familiar figures came into Xia Xi's view.
It was Charcoal Seller and the fox-masked rabbit.
The Dawn Hashira whistled and smiled at them. "What? Have you come up with some new tactics?"
Tanjuro silently took the specially made Nichirin greataxe off his back.
Xia Xi had permitted him to use this weapon in the match.
"After losing to you so many times in a row, Mr. Kurumaji, even I can't help wanting to prove myself to you properly."
Beside him, Sabito had already begun driving his Breathing Style at full speed.
[Waterfall