Were they really... competing over this monster?
Xia Xi had initially intended to say he would handle him, but when he saw the fighting spirit quietly burning in Kanae's eyes...
He could only sigh softly and compromise.
"You can practice on him, but leave the finishing blow to me."
Xia Xi glanced again at the information panel floating above Doma's head.
He added a reminder. "He's Upper Rank Two, after all. Don't hold back. Activate your War Mark right away."
As the weakest of the Nine Hashira...
Kanae's current stats were only a little over 400.
She might have been stronger than the Hashira of the past, but if she went in as she was, she would certainly be no match for Upper Rank Two.
So she still needed to activate Sage Mode.
Hearing Xia Xi's words and seeing the silver-white Nichirin Blade already drawn in Kanae's hand...
Doma put on a deeply troubled expression.
"Let's not fight. I really don't want to hurt you."
Had the Transparent World not shown him the muscles and nerves inside Doma's body already changing as he went on guard...
Xia Xi might actually have believed his harmless appearance.
Xia Xi said, "What? Are you saying you'd let us leave if we didn't attack?"
Doma tilted his head, pretending to think. "Hmm... I suppose I couldn't. After all, if I did nothing..."
"That lord would certainly be very angry afterward."
With that, he looked at the two of them quite earnestly.
"So, could you please be good and let me eat you?"
"I'll try my best not to make it too painful."
As she listened to those rather mocking words...
An ornate, reddish-gold War Mark had already appeared between Kanae's brows like a blooming cherry blossom.
"Mr. Demon..."
The breath of Flower Breathing began