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

All the wounded have been properly bandaged and treated.

Xue Zou Shizi was gently comforting the frightened civilians, while Xia Xi squatted to the side, carefully bandaging the wounded.

The tension I had been holding in finally eased.

really.

What that evil spirit said earlier was nothing but slander against His Majesty the stepson.

He witnessed firsthand how Xia Xi fought with unbelievable fighting skills, overwhelming the demon that had put him in a difficult battle and even made him waver.

They also heard the evil spirit say that Xia Xi was actually just like it, a "murderer who disregards life".

However, at this moment, the stepson he had secretly speculated about was squatting on the ground without saying a word, cleaning the scrapes on the knees of a shivering child.

The technique wasn't gentle, but it was exceptionally skillful and adept.

He was even more meticulous and composed than the doctors Dojima had previously met at the Wisteria House.

How ridiculous.

How could someone who truly disregards life bend down to do such a thing immediately after a fierce battle?

I almost believed that evil spirit's instigation...

It's absolutely ridiculous!

Dojima stood beside Xia Xi and waited for Xia Xi to finish bandaging the child before speaking in a deep voice.

"My stepson."

Xia Xi raised her head.

Dojima looked him straight in the eye, then bowed deeply.

“I’m sorry, my stepson. Not long ago, I had some doubts about you because of what that evil spirit said.”

"I sincerely apologize to you for my previous unfounded speculation."

"You are by no means a cold-blooded and ruthless killer."

"Compared to me, I, who didn't defend you immediately, am the one who is truly not manly enough."

He kept his head down and spoke loudly and solemnly.

For a moment, the surrounding area fell silent.

Shiko, Kojiro, and even the common people all quietly looked over.

A hint of worry flickered in the girl's eyes, gently shifting between the two.

Did Natsuki-kun and Dojima-san have some kind of argument before?

Dojima continued speaking.

"Thank you for your rescue today, and... everything you've done."

“Stepson, you are the truly excellent Demon Slayer Corps swordsman.”

Xia Xi blinked.

So, do these NPCs really think I'm so righteous and noble?

I'm feeling a little embarrassed.

He then waved his hand and said, "It's nothing. Anyone else would have overthought it."

He was still somewhat unskilled at handling such formal occasions.

Dojima straightened up and nodded.

Although he didn't speak again, the suspicion in his eyes towards Xia Xi had disappeared, replaced by a respectful approval.

Then, he turned and directed the team members who were still able to move.

Together with them, they began to move the wounded and civilians to a safer, more open area.

Xia Xi continued to practice her skills on the other injured people who came over.

Occasionally, I would exchange a few words with Shizi, who came over to help out.

"Xia Xi-kun's wound treatment technique is amazing. He must have practiced it specially."

"This is the second time that Kojiro-kun has met Natsunishi-kun."

"Uncle, please don't worry. If Xia Xijun says it's alright, then it's definitely alright!"

Soon after, when the members of the Hidden Division arrived silently, they were met with a dozen or so civilians and swordsmen who had already been properly cared for.

Even the child's scraped knee was carefully bandaged.

This technique...

One of the hidden members looked at the few Demon Slayer Corps swordsmen still standing in the crowd, and his gaze quickly fell on Xia Xi.

As expected, it's this gentleman again.

It's already spread among their hidden members.

Whenever this swordsman goes on a mission, ordinary people who get caught up in demon incidents are able to receive immediate medical treatment.

I heard she's a person who seems cold on the outside but is warm on the inside.

After the Hidden Division took over the scene, the leader of the group came to Xia Xi and the other two.

He bowed and said, "Gentlemen, you have worked hard."

"We will immediately send the injured to the nearest 'Wisteria House' for emergency treatment and to stabilize their emotions."

"If the injury is beyond the capabilities of the local doctors, such as cases involving residual blood demon magic."

"We will immediately report to headquarters and request that a doctor from [Butterfly House] be sent for a consultation."

After speaking, he nodded to the several swordsmen who were seriously injured.

"Please rest and recuperate."

"In addition, after the on-site cleanup and intelligence recording are completed, we need to trouble the three of you to submit an operation report... just verbally."

"I wonder which official I should contact next?"

Xia Xi turned her gaze to Dojima without hesitation.

You're in charge of this operation, aren't you, the highest-ranking, hot-blooded hero?

Dojima:……

He had already seen what Xia Xi was thinking in her eyes, and could only helplessly take a step forward.

"Just contact me."

The swordsman nodded to Yin: "Dojima Kazuma, Rank D."

Shizi covered her mouth and chuckled softly.

The crisis was averted, and the tense atmosphere finally eased.

Seeing the many Hidden Division members gradually getting busy, Shiko seemed to suddenly remember something.

He tilted his head and looked at Xia Xi.

"Xia Xijun, have you forgotten something?"

Xia Xi became alert.

As expected, the creditor did remember?

He sighed and nodded, saying, "It's barbecue, right?"

A sly smile played on the girl's lips, while her eyes gradually brightened.

After letting out a barely perceptible sigh of relief, she continued to smile.

"Xia Xi-kun! This is what we agreed on before: to go out for barbecue to celebrate after the selection!"

"So you only remembered this now."

"Those who renege on their debts won't grow tall!"

Xia Xi scratched her head, trying to explain.

He said, "I haven't forgotten, it's just... I just haven't found a good opportunity yet. Oh, right, there are still two bowls of udon noodles left, right?"

Xue Zou Shizi seemed not to realize that this was a weak excuse.

Instead, she smiled brightly at him, full of anticipation.

“I believe what you say, Xia Xi-kun.”

Xia Xi: ...

Hey, hey, hey, if you do this, my conscience will bother me.

He cleared his throat and said, "How about we go out for barbecue today? It'll be a good reward for completing this mission."

The persimmon nodded excitedly.

He said in a brisk pace, "I know a really good barbecue restaurant!"

"It's in Shohoku, Kanagawa. If we rush there now, we might be able to eat before the restaurant closes tomorrow."

Xia Xi nodded.

Turning to Dojima Kazuma beside him, he asked, "Want to come along? It's on me today."

After all, they were teammates who fought side by side in this mission.

If it's a celebratory dinner, he certainly won't be left out.

Just as Dojima was about to agree, he saw Shiko turn around and give him a polite and courteous smile.

"Mr. Dojima, would you like to come along?"

You're basically saying, "Please, please don't come..."

Dojima changed his mind instantly and shook his head somewhat stiffly.

He very tactfully replied, "I still have mission reports to organize as soon as possible... Yes, that's right."