Although the Tokito Brothers are already very good, they still can't compare to someone like Shinazugawa Sanemi, who used to be among the top three in the Demon Slayer Corps.
Yes, it was in the top three in the past.
There's no need to say much about Himejima Gyomei; after Meikyō arrived, Shinazugawa lost another member. Now, Rengoku Kyojuro has also greatly increased his strength after mastering the Sun Breathing.
"Kyōjurō! This kid is yours to train from now on! By the way, his physical condition is good enough now, you can try to see if he can learn Sun Breathing with you! Remember, kid, as my stepson, don't embarrass me!"
Shinazugawa Sanemi reprimanded Ichiro and then leaned aside to rest and watch.
"Leave it to me!"
Rengoku Kyojuro enthusiastically accepted the task of instructing Ichiro, and also began to teach Ichiro to try learning the Sun Breathing.
"The Sun's Call... No, I still can't learn it."
Ichiro somewhat dejected.
Although the exquisite Sun Breathing brought him many insights, he still couldn't master it.
[Can't even learn this kid's talent... I wonder if, if that guy comes back, he'll still be able to learn my Breathing Technique after just one look, like before.]
Shinazugawa Sanemi looked at Tokito Yuichiro, who was asking Kyōjurō for advice, and a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes.
[However, even I, Lao Tzu, couldn't master the Sun Breathing. If Ichiro could achieve his current strength, with more experience, he should be able to become a pillar, thus not disgracing my reputation!]
Just as Shinazugawa Sanemi was lost in thought, the courtyard gate was pushed open, revealing Meikyō's figure.
"Meikyō, that's wonderful! You've finally returned after paying respects to your loved ones!"
Rengoku Kyojuro and Tokito Yuichiro finished their conversation and looked with delight at Meikyō who walked in through the door.
The explanation given within the Demon Slayer Corps for Meikyō's departure during this period is that he wanted to return to pay respects to his relatives during the New Year.
In fact, when he was in Konoha, Meikyō did personally visit the Memorial Stone.
"Kyōjurō, and everyone else, it's been a long time."
Meikyō greeted everyone with a faint smile on her face.
Shinazugawa Sanemi waved his hand in response, while Ichiro was quite excited about Meikyō's arrival.
After all, this was the person who saved his and his brother's lives.
Tanjiro felt a little awkward about the person who had knocked him unconscious and brought his whole family down the mountain, but he quickly and warmly welcomed Meikyō's arrival.
Now, he naturally no longer doubts the existence of Breathing Technique and demons. Having learned many things from Kyōjurō, he has decided to acquire powerful abilities to protect his family and eliminate evil spirits.
"I heard it outside just now, Kyōjurō. You've mastered the Sun Breathing before everyone else."
"Meikyō, I believe you can definitely learn it too! And speaking of which, maybe it's because I'm similar to Tanjiro and his family! Parts of my hair and eyes are red!"
What was said unintentionally may have been taken to heart by the listener.
"The Child of Blazing Crimson, whose hair and eyes are partly red, and who happens to come from a family that has been engaged in fire-related work for generations..."
Tanjiro has already demonstrated his ability to learn Sun Breathing in the original work. Now, looking at the other two people who have learned Sun Breathing, Tsugikuni Yoriichi and Rengoku Kyojuro, both have red hair and red eyes. The latter comes from the Rengoku family, who have been practicing Flame Breathing for generations, while the former comes from a noble family during the Sengoku period. Although it is unclear what they did, they may also be related to fire.
That's possible, but it probably depends on the person. Otherwise, if that's the case, then Tsugikuni Yoriichi brother Tsugikuni Michikatsu, who is currently Upper Rank One...
"The Child of Blazing Crimson?"
Tanjiro asked curiously.
"I have heard of the concept of the Child of Blazing Crimson."
At this moment, Shinazugawa Sanemi stood up and spoke.
"Legend has it that if a family that has been engaged in fire-related industries for generations has a child with red hair and red eyes, it means that the family has been blessed by the fire god and can bring good luck to those around them."
Is it only this Child of Blazing Crimson who can learn the Sun Breathing?
If that's the case, then even someone like Uchiha Meikyō, who can use the Other Shore Crimson Eyes as a regular technique, won't be able to learn it as easily as before, right?
Coincidentally, Meikyō also had the intention of Sharingan to copy the Sun Breathing.
"In that case, Kyōjurō, let's have a spar, and let me see the power of the Sun Breathing the Sun."
"I couldn't be happier! Although I was certainly no match for you, Meikyō, last year, I'm now eager to know if I've closed the gap between us."
With a faint smile on his face, Rengoku Kyojuro extended an invitation to Meikyō.
"Okay, but to avoid being scolded by Miss Shinobu after we tear this down, let's go outside."
Meikyō nodded and accepted Rengoku Kyojuro's invitation.
The wilderness Butterfly Mansion.
Uchiha Meikyō and Rengoku Kyojuro faced each other, swords drawn, staring at one another.
Not far away, Shinazugawa Sanemi stood on the other side, acting as the referee.
Even if he couldn't defeat those two, he still had the ability to intervene and stop the fight to prevent anyone from getting hurt.
On another occasion, Tanjiro and Ichiro sat on Taiseki, curiously watching the two people facing off in the arena.
"Ichiro, who do you think will win?"
"How would I know, kid? But if you ask me, it should be Uchiha Meikyō!"
Ichiro recalled the sword that Meikyō used to save him and his brother.
Even now, with his considerable combat prowess, he doesn't think he could achieve the speed that sword strike unleashed.
Not to mention that Meikyō was his savior. Although he had a good impression of Rengoku Kyojuro, Ichiro still chose to support Meikyō.
"But I still think Brother Purgatory is more powerful. He learned the Dance of the Fire God, which none of the other Pillars have learned!"
"Alright, it's about to start, stop talking nonsense."
Looking at the figure of Rengoku Kyojuro standing tall with his sword in front of him, Uchiha Meikyō also drew his sword and activated his Sharingan.
"Are you all ready? Let's begin."
Shinazugawa Sanemi looked at the two of them and raised his hand.
Almost the instant Shinazugawa Sanemi finished speaking, the sound of swords clashing rang out in the arena.
"Sun Breathing - First Form - Circular Dance Flash!"
"Flame Breathing - First Form - Unknowing Fire!"
The two figures vanished from their spots in an instant, their Nichirin Blade, each burning with orange-yellow and crimson flames, clashing rapidly together.
Indeed, very strong!
These were the first thoughts that flashed through their minds at the same time.
Adding a setting: the special effects from the anime actually exist in the Demon Slayer World.