I don't know how much time passed.
A little girl wearing a white nurse's uniform and with her hair in pigtails pushed open the door and walked in.
With a serious expression, she walked to the patient's bedside closest to the door and began to skillfully examine the patient's condition. Her movements were gentle and swift, and every step showed great professionalism.
It was obvious that this wasn't her first time checking, and the Demon Slayer Corps members being checked cooperated, doing whatever she was told.
Shortly after, the little girl, having finished her check-up, moved on to the next team member.
Teiichi glanced at the little girl as she entered, but seeing that she was there for a medical check-up, he didn't pay her any more attention and continued to rest with his eyes closed.
Finally, the little girl arrived at Teiichi's left side.
Sensing the little girl approaching, Teiichi opened his eyes and looked at her.
The little girl skillfully lifted the blanket, stretched out a hand and gently pressed it on Teiichi's chest, then lightly lifted Teiichi's left hand.
Although these movements were slight, they still caused Teiichi a sharp pain, and his brows furrowed slightly.
After checking on Dingyi's condition, the little girl picked up a pen and started writing and drawing in her notebook, seemingly recording Teiichi's recovery progress.
A moment later, the young woman, having finished taking notes, put her pen away.
One hand gripped the corner of the blanket, preparing to Teiichi back up.
As the blanket was pulled up, the little girl's gaze unconsciously followed it upwards.
Finally, a pair of deep, dark eyes came into view.
Their eyes met for the first time.
The little girl paused for a moment, then screamed, her voice clear and loud.
"Ah!!!"
The piercing scream made Teiichi feel a slight pain in his ears.
After practicing Wind Breathing, his hearing improved somewhat. Although he didn't reach Tanjiro's level, it was still much better than that of an ordinary person.
"No, what's your name?"
Upon hearing Teiichi's words, the little girl seemed to realize what was happening. She immediately stopped screaming, put her hands together in a gesture of apology, and quickly apologized.
"Oh! I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry!"
Before Teiichi speak, the little girl exclaimed again.
"Hey! Wait, you're awake!"
"Wait a minute."
She seemed to have thought of something, and quickly ran to the window and opened it.
In the courtyard.
The dappled sunlight, like golden fragments scattered by nature, added a touch of life to this tranquil space.
A slender figure sat quietly under the eaves of the courtyard. She was a girl who was about 1.5 meters tall. She had her hair styled in a curly style and wore a large butterfly hair accessory at the back of her head. The ends of her hair were a light purple color.
She was dressed in the uniform of a Demon Slayer Corps member, with a pure white outer garment draped over her, making her appear both heroic and graceful.
This girl is none other than Kanae Kocho Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Hashira from the original work.
Shinobu Kocho watched intently as Kobayashi Kanon practiced Kobayashi Kanon Flower Breathing sword technique in the courtyard. Kobayashi Kanon's figure moved gracefully through the courtyard, each turn and sword swing so elegant, like a butterfly flitting among the flowers. With her movements, a faint floral fragrance seemed to fill the air, intoxicating all who beheld it.
Shinobu Kocho was quite satisfied with Kobayashi Kanon's training progress over the past two years.
Of course, it's not to say that it's perfect. Even a Pillar wouldn't dare say that their Breathing Style is perfect, let alone her, who isn't a Pillar.
However, in her opinion, it was already quite impressive that Kanon had been able to master Flower Breathing to this level within two years.
Shinobu Kocho thought to herself, at this rate, she could confidently let Kobayashi Kanon participate in the Mount Fujikasane trials next year. Although there were still areas where Kobayashi Kanon needed improvement, her hard work and talent were already enough to make her stand out in the Demon Slayer Corps.
After the drill, Kobayashi Kanon quickly walked up to Shinobu Kocho. A few beads of sweat glistened on her forehead, but her eyes shone with excitement. She eagerly asked:
"Sister Ren, how did my Flower Breathing practice go?"
Shinobu Kocho smiled and nodded, praising:
"You've practiced very well. With your current skill level, most newly promoted team members can't beat you."
Hearing such praise, Kobayashi Kanon smiled happily. She responded modestly:
"This is all thanks to Shinobu-nee and Kanae- san's excellent teaching!"
The Shinobu Kocho chuckled and shook its head, then continued:
"Alright, stop flattering me. Your practice has been quite good, but it's not without its flaws. When using the Second Form, Honorable Shadow Plum, you need to swing your sword faster."
Remember, the Second Form, Honorable Shadow Plum, unleashes an arc-shaped slash in all directions the instant the breath is activated. The intervals between your four slashes are still too long; you need to shorten the intervals as much as possible.
Kobayashi Kanon nodded as if she understood, but didn't reply, seemingly pondering how to make her sword swing faster.
Shinobu Kocho smiled helplessly and said:
"Alright, stop thinking about it. We've already taught you all the skills we could. These things aren't something you can just think about and do; you have to practice a lot, understand?"
"Understood!" Kobayashi Kanon nodded vigorously.
"Go practice your sword technique again and show it to me," Shinobu Kocho said.
Kobayashi Kanon nodded, turned around and returned to the center of the courtyard to begin practicing. This time, after practicing the First Form, she paused slightly, seemingly reflecting on Shinobu Kocho's teachings, before continuing to practice the Second Form.
Watching Kanon demonstrate her sword technique, Shinobu Kocho nodded slightly.
Kanon's Second Form practice this time was only slightly faster than the last time; it was almost imperceptible unless you looked very closely.
However, Shinobu Kocho understands that cultivation is not something that can be improved overnight; it requires persistent, gradual effort.
What she admired was not the slight progress Kanon made in her Second Form this time, but that Kanon had indeed listened to her words and worked hard to achieve them.
Soon after, Kobayashi Kanon finished practicing all the sword techniques and walked back to Shinobu Kocho's side.
"Sister Ren, how did the sword technique practice go this time?"
Shinobu Kocho nodded and said, "Not bad, you've improved. As long as you continue practicing like this, your strength will only increase."
"Take a rest," Shinobu Kocho said with concern.
"Um!"
Kanon laughed happily upon hearing this, and sat cross-legged next to Shinobu Kocho, placing her wooden sword horizontally on her thigh.
Suddenly, the smile on Kanon's face faded, replaced by a worried expression, and she asked in a low voice.
"Sister Ren, Brother Teiichi has been in a coma for seven days. When will he wake up?"
Upon hearing this, Shinobu Kocho smiled with relief. She gently patted Kobayashi Kanon's shoulder and comforted her:
"Don't worry, he's just exhausted from the battle. He'll wake up once he recovers!"
Kanon nodded upon hearing this, but the worry on her face did not ease.
The two sat under the eaves of the courtyard, enjoying the autumn breeze and watching the leaves fall from time to time.
Suddenly, a crisp sound came from upstairs.
"Sister Kanon, that big brother is awake!"