Demon Slayer: Can I add points to my Breathing Technique?

Chapter 21 Deep Blue! Let me see your limits!

The fire burned quietly in the stove.

The gentle, hazy light gradually softened everyone's expressions.

The conversation gradually shifted from the key to slaying demons to the lighthearted, everyday matters.

From the novel sights and sounds outside the mountains to the interesting stories within the Demon Slayer Corps, and even some amusing anecdotes from Xia Xi's own life outside the game.

Although Sabito and Giyu often only vaguely understood what they were hearing.

But they still listened with great interest.

Furthermore, I gained a new understanding of Xia Xi.

That senior is truly learned.

Later, the topic somehow shifted to Giyu.

Speaking of his excessive introversion and poor communication skills...

Xia Xi was eager to try, claiming she would personally give him a few "social lessons".

However, after listening to Xia Xi cite several examples that could be considered negative examples,

The rabbit smiled and shook its head gently but firmly.

Pink-haired boy: In a sense, Xia Xi-senpai and Yi Yong's way of communicating has a similar "shocking" effect.

Please don't bring Wai Yi Yong along.

It was only today that Xia Xi realized that Yi Yong had become even more closed off in the past.

Even Urokodaki Sakonji found it difficult.

If it weren't for Sabito's patient guidance and that one slap he couldn't bear, Giyuu would probably be even more difficult to communicate with now.

Yes, Sabito once used the slapping method on Giyu.

It was only because Yiyong was too depressed at that time that he always said, "I'd rather die."

Finally, one day, Sabito slapped him awake.

The pink-haired boy was very serious at the time. He stared into Yi Yong's eyes and said, word by word, "Your life was bought with your sister's life."

"You have no right to give up so easily. If you continue like this, I will break off all ties with you."

Seeing his past misdeeds being brought up, Yi Yong silently turned his head away.

She even muttered under her breath, "Sabito, so annoying..."

Xia Xi, as the listener, got really into it.

The slapping method of education.

He knows this very well.

One slap: Giyuu Tomioka, are you awake yet!

Two slaps: What's with that expression? What's with those tears?

It tastes just right.

Xia Xi's gaze involuntarily drifted to Yi Yong's still slightly chubby face, and her fingers twitched slightly, as if she was considering where to start to best demonstrate her teaching ability.

Realizing something was amiss, Sabito quickly stepped in and abruptly changed the subject.

Whether it's a cunning rabbit or a righteous warrior.

They have all lost everything they cherished under the claws of fate and experienced immense pain.

However, Sakitama was adopted by Urokodaki very early on, and thus found a place of refuge.

Giyu finally met the old man wearing the tengu mask after suffering two severe blows in succession.

Yi Yong's closest relative is his older sister, with whom he relies on each other for survival.

The eve of a wedding is also a crucial turning point in life, a time of transition towards happiness.

He died protecting the brave and righteous, but was devoured by the evil spirits.

Xia Xi had already noticed the obviously ill-fitting red haori that Yi Yong was wearing.

Xia Xi asked softly, "That haori... was it left behind by his sister?"

That haori was more than half a size too small; at least one more piece of fabric would need to be added to make it barely fit.

The rabbit nodded heavily.

Yi Yong did not answer, but simply hugged the bright red keepsake in his arms even tighter.

Then, Sabito turned his head and looked at Xia Xi with the same sorrowful and understanding gaze.

"Senior, you... are just like us, right?"

"You cultivate like that, risking your life."

"I suppose... the wounds in your heart are still bleeding, aren't they?"

Losing family members, a peaceful life torn apart by evil spirits.

They knew all too well the pain and confusion that entailed.

Looking at the two little ones, their expressions were almost overflowing with "It's okay, we understand, we feel sorry for you."

Xia Xi slowly typed a question mark in her mind: ?

Giyu, holding Haori, curled up by the fire and whispered a single word: "Your sister..."

But Sabito immediately stopped him with a look.

That's a wound that Senior Xia Xi can never get over. How could you touch it so casually?

Qiongtu hurriedly apologized to Xiaxi on behalf of Yiyong's abruptness.

Xia Xi: ...

Oh no, shouldn't we join in on this sad atmosphere?

younger sister?

By the way, I did have a younger sister in my character design.

I'm sorry, "Sister Jiuche" whom I've never met, I will remember to avenge you.

"It's ok."

Xia Xi lowered her eyes, letting her expression sink into a perfectly fitting darkness.

It's as if I'm tracing through time, caressing a wound that will never heal.

"It's not that Giyu is wrong."

"I am no longer someone who can be crushed by the past."

"As for the ghost that killed my sister..."

He raised his eyes, and a silent flame of revenge seemed to burn in his depths.

"I will make it understand what it means to repay a debt a thousandfold."

No one spoke for a moment.

The air inside the room, which had just been warm, suddenly seemed thin and heavy.

Just then, some footsteps could be heard outside the cabin.

It seems that Sakonji Urokodaki, who had gone down the mountain to buy supplies, has finally returned.

The wooden door was gently pushed open, and the old man wearing a celestial dog mask quietly swept over the three people in the room, taking in all the unspoken words and emotions.

"It's getting late, everyone should get some rest."

"Tomorrow's training will not be easy."

The pink-haired boy and the Uchiha both responded.

Xia Xi nodded as well.

This old man with scaly brows had clearly been listening outside the door for a long time, yet he chose this moment to push the door open and come in.

Is it thoughtfulness or cunning?

……

The next day.

Apart from Xia Xi, Sabito and Giyu were both standing on the training field with bruises on their faces.

Those were superficial injuries sustained during yesterday's sparring session.

It was almost dark last night, so I couldn't see very well.

It's definitely more visible in today's bright sunlight.

Xia Xi was a little embarrassed.

Faced with two determined young swordsmen, he couldn't resist the urge to fight.

After all, it's PVP, and it's about stomping and crushing noobs.

The gaming experience is top-notch.

But even he felt embarrassed to continue sparring with them in this situation.

He silently returned to the hut and took out the plaster that Shizi had brought.

Following the emergency procedures I remembered from military training, I helped the two men relax their muscles and improve blood circulation, applied ointment, and bandaged them. I only stopped when they both seemed a little embarrassed.

[Medical Skill LV.0 (10/250)] NEW

Oh? !

The guilt I felt just now vanished instantly.

"Yiyong, Sabito, extra training tonight! Continue with combat training."

The rabbit perked up and said, "Yes, senior!"