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

He knew perfectly well that Urokodaki, as the previous generation of the "Water Pillar," had already left room for maneuver.

Whether it's the force, speed, or the rhythm of breathing, everything is deliberately kept within a certain limit.

Even so, Xia Xi still tried his best, pouring all the understanding he had gained in the past few days and all the breathing techniques and sword skills he had mastered into every exchange, but he still could not break through the old man's defense, which was as steady as a deep pool.

This victory was achieved even when the opponent was old and weak, and had deliberately held back.

So, the nine Pillars who are currently at their peak, and the Upper Moon demon who surpasses them...

With my current level and skills, I probably wouldn't even have a chance to stage an accident.

Sure enough, it was a bit of wishful thinking to challenge the final boss right after leaving the starting village.

However, this is in stark contrast to Xia Xi's clear understanding of his own strength.

Sabito and Giyu, who were watching the duel from the sidelines, were already experiencing a storm of emotions.

They simply...can't see it.

The sparring and guidance they've received these past few days have unknowingly created a misconception in them:

There was no significant difference in strength between Xia Xi and them.

I'm just a little faster, a little stronger, and a little more skilled with my sword...

They are rivals of equal standing.

Xia Xi is better than the two of them, but only by a narrow margin.

If they train harder, or if two more "selves" join forces, they might be able to turn the tide of the battle.

It wasn't until they witnessed his battle with Urokodaki-sensei that they realized how utterly wrong they had been.

That's not "slightly better" at all.

If we meet on the battlefield, and it's a fight to the death...

Sabito and Giyu saw the same answer in each other's eyes: they probably couldn't even withstand a single blow.

He'd probably be killed in a single encounter.

"Qiangtu, you're much weaker than him. (And as for me, who's even weaker than you, I'm even less of a threat.)"

Yi Yong's voice was soft, yet exceptionally clear in the silent air.

The rabbit did not deny it.

He snapped out of his brief daze, and a calm yet burning light gradually gathered in his eyes.

"Yes, the seniors were much stronger than us now."

He turned to look at Yi Yong.

"Therefore, we must work harder and strive even harder to catch up. Only in this way can we stand beside him in the future, instead of just looking up at his back."

Yi Yong gazed at his friend.

This perpetually earnest, gentle, and cheerful pink-haired boy is like a steadfast and warm rock, always standing by my side.

It dispels his confusion and gives him the courage to move forward.

Even faced with such a huge gap in strength, he would not be discouraged.

It was as if, in his eyes, all difficulties were merely steps to be climbed.

I can't imagine what my world and life would be like if the rabbit were gone one day.

However, given how strong Sabito is, the one who might encounter an accident is probably his weaker and less articulate "younger brother."

His gaze involuntarily drifted toward Xia Xi, who was preparing dinner not far away.

The firelight outlined the boy's focused profile, his movements crisp and efficient.

Also, are you going to keep up with Senior Xia Xi?

Giyu Tomioka couldn't help but imagine the scene of the three of them fighting side by side in the future, battling powerful demons.

He lowered his head, and a slight curve appeared at the corner of his mouth, unseen by anyone.

The future will no longer be so bleak.

a few days later.

Xia Xi's [Sewing] skill has just been upgraded to LV.1.

The members of the Hidden Sect arrived at Mount Sagiri amidst the cacophony of crows.

Along with Natsumi's uniform, they also brought Natsumi's first mission as a Demon Slayer Corps swordsman.

"Six! Six carts of Xiaxi! Hurry to the southeast, to the Rain Village! Ga!"

"Hunting demons! This is your first job! Gaa!"

It was that black bird that called itself "White".

The hidden member below said somewhat helplessly, "Xiao Bai, can you let me finish explaining things first?"

"Hey! Cross the store! Hurry up!"

Amidst the rustling of bird feathers, the Hidden Member bowed to the group from Misty Mountain, then took out two items from his backpack.

Black Demon Slayer Corps uniform with a stand-up collar.

And a Nichirin sword that has not yet been drawn.

Xia Xi asked in confusion, "Didn't I use the stones I gambled on to make fist blades and gauntlets? Why did they give me a samurai sword instead?"

The hidden member hurriedly explained, "Mr. Kusha, the structure of the Nichirin Blade you requested is somewhat... novel. The craftsmen have had many discussions about how to make this weapon."

"But the plan has not yet been decided, so we can only trouble you to use the standard Nichirin sword for now."

"The craftsmen also said that they would invite you to the knife-forging village to discuss the matter after they have reached a conclusion."

Is customizing a weapon really that complicated?

Disappointed, Xia Xi picked up the Nichirin Blade.

He drew his sword from its sheath, gazing at the brand-new blade that had just been forged.

Ok?

"It changed color?"

Xia Xi looked at Yin with some surprise.

Could there be something wrong with the quality of this knife?!

Seemingly noticing Xia Xi's confusion, Lin Long took the initiative to speak up and explain on behalf of the Hidden Members.

"Nichirin swords are also known as color-changing swords, which is due to the special nature of the raw materials used in Nichirin swords."

"Gorilla Crimson Iron Sand and Gorilla Crimson Ore are special ores that have absorbed a huge amount of sunlight. In addition to their demon-slaying effects, they also have some other magical properties."

"For example, right now, it will change to a unique color depending on the first swordsman."

Does this mean that stones that absorb sunlight will turn into flashy colors like red, yellow, blue, and green, depending on the situation?

What prism effect?

Yin also said from the side, "We in the Yin Clan have long heard of Mr. Xia Xi's powerful swordsmanship. If it is the Breath of the Wind, it must be an emerald green."

"But it could also be the same blue as your hair..."

Then his words got stuck in his throat.

Because at this moment, Xia Xi's Nichirin Blade was shimmering with a hazy, iridescent sheen, as if it had been soaked in water.

It was initially a light metallic color, which was then quickly coated with a deep blue like lake water.

But before the lake-like blue could be filled in, layers of crimson lines gradually separated from the blue edges...

Then came orange, golden orange... all sorts of shimmering colors intertwined and blended like oil paints dropped into water.

In just a few seconds, Xia Xi's Nichirin Blade displayed an extremely complex mixture of rainbow colors.

It's like being sprayed with a layer of gasoline.

It shimmered with a multicolored black under the sunlight.

Not to mention Xia Xi himself, even "Yin," who has handled swords for many years, and Urokodaki, who has taught for decades, have never seen such a situation.

Is the color of this knife a bit ugly? Can I return it?

Just as Xia Xi was thinking this.

The "gradient gasoline" on the knife began to fade slowly, eventually returning to its original color.

"No, the color is different."

Urokodaki spoke up first, pointing to the blade and saying, "It's much brighter than before."

The original Nichirin Blade was a deep metallic gray, with dark blue patterns left by quenching on the sides of the blade.

At this moment, the blade had turned a clear, silvery-white color.

The marks of the tempering on both sides were not concealed, but rather faintly visible against the bright background, like starlight peeking through gaps in the night clouds.

"It's a white knife."

He breathed a sigh of relief.

Putting aside the unconventional and random colors at the beginning, the final appearance is still quite upright and dignified.

When held in the hand, the blade emitted a soft, clear sound.

It was as if it were responding to Xia Xi.

After hesitating for a long time, Xia Xi finally replaced the oldest of his three swords with it.

Then, as if remembering something, he said, "Speaking of which, katana... isn't there a tradition of naming them?"

Urokodaki asked, "This wind certainly exists. What would you like to call it?"

Xia Xi: "The third generation of Master Kong, I guess."

He named the previous games "Jinmaiqie" and "Tongyiwan" respectively.

And then there's the replaced [Tang Daren Gang].