Demon Slayer: Muzan, will you dance too?

There was no room for negotiation; Shinobu Kocho confiscated all of her hidden soda.

This was a huge blow to Kiyokawa Izumi.

During this time, he and his soda became inseparable, and they developed a very deep bond.

Although her face showed a very reluctant expression, what she was thinking was—you'll have to leave eventually, won't you?

As a pillar, you cannot stay here for long.

Once you leave, we'll find the mole first!

The soft drinks I bought can no longer be hidden under the bed; I need to find a more secluded place.

Kiyokawa Izumi and the hermit who stayed behind did have private dealings—not as sordid or dirty as one might imagine.

I was simply drawn in by the story he told.

In exchange for a bottle of soda, Kiyokawa Izumi wasn't at a bad deal. As a transmigrator and already a Pillar, he had plenty of stories to tell.

Whether it's what they've heard or seen in their past lives, or their own battles with the Twelve Demon Moons, it all captivates these young people.

After completing the routine check-up, Shinobu Kocho naturally had to leave.

Seemingly sensing Kiyokawa Izumi's thoughts, she suddenly said, "Aoi seems to miss you a lot. Why don't you let her come and take care of you for a while?"

"?"

Kiyokawa Izumi, quick to react, immediately refused, saying, "Wouldn't having her come disrupt the normal operation of the Butterfly Mansion?"

No way!

Kiyokawa Izumi didn't want to be stared at by that little girl all the time.

If we really send that guy over, how will he still be able to sneak a drink?

"Do you dislike Xiaokui?"

"How is that possible?"

"Then it's settled!"

"?"

Think it over, Sister Ren!

Won't you reconsider?

Is there absolutely no trust between the pillars?

I swear on Muzan, if I ever steal a drink of soda again, I'll make him suffer a terrible death!

Kiyokawa Izumi's objection was clearly ineffective.

Or rather, the more he opposed it, the more suspicious Shinobu Kocho became.

Although they hadn't known each other for long, they knew each other's personalities well—Shinobu Kocho wouldn't believe he would change his ways and stop drinking soda.

How could that be?

……

When Kanzaki Aoi appeared in front of him, Kiyokawa Izumi's lips twitched slightly. He could only silently complain in his heart, "She really has no trust at all!"

At the same time every day, Xiao Kui would bring medicine to his room and urge him to drink it quickly with a stern face.

You can't refuse to drink it, because this young woman is meticulous in her work. She'll just stand next to you and stare at you, and she won't leave until you finish it.

Kiyokawa Izumi was very distressed.

After all, they were acquaintances.

He wouldn't put on airs, and he certainly wouldn't say anything offensive.

He was completely helpless against Xiao Kui, who was supervising him as he drank his medicine; he was being thoroughly manipulated by this woman.

Ordinary members of the secret service certainly couldn't control him.

But Xiao Kui is different. Kiyokawa Izumi simply can't do anything about this earnest little girl. He has some principles, so he would never try to bully her in any way.

"Confiscate all of these!"

Not long after, Kanzaki Aoi walked into the room carrying several bottles of soda and said rather rudely.

"!!"

Another hidden soda cache was discovered, and Kiyokawa Izumi had a bitter face and couldn't say a word.

"How did she find it? It was hidden so well... Could there be a mole we haven't caught yet? That shouldn't be possible!"

"Um... could I have just one bottle? Just one!"

"No way! Don't even think about it!"

Xiao Kui stood with her hands on her hips and refused expressionlessly.

"..."

During his recovery, Kiyokawa Izumi didn't just focus on outsmarting these girls—ultimately, it was because he was too bored.

A small portion of my time is spent thinking about how to secretly hoard soda, while the majority is spent perfecting my breathing technique.

It mainly revolves around his own three forms.

The segmented burst breathing technique used previously is still too crude from today's perspective.

When facing the upper part of the screen, it has become somewhat of a useless tool.

While his rough breathing technique could enhance his physical functions, the improvement was not satisfactory. The burst of energy he unleashed with all his might was not enough to truly threaten the Upper Moon.

In addition, it will cause great damage to the body and seriously affect subsequent battles.

The shortcomings of not keeping up with the improvement are quite obvious.

Considering various factors, Kiyokawa Izumi decided to optimize the third form, and there are currently two options available.

The first approach remains explosive growth. Referencing the Seven-Day Breathing Method and integrating its essence, you can use a special breathing rhythm to increase your lung capacity to several times your normal level.

Ultimately, it's about unleashing power regardless of the cost, pursuing the ultimate breakthrough.

Regardless of whether it will affect subsequent battles, cause physical damage, or leave any aftereffects.

None of these are being considered.

The only consideration is how to possess the power to break through limits.

The second option is persistence.

It's normal to consider this, since both the Third Form and the Fourth Form are very short-lived.

Even if we don't talk about fighting a war of attrition with evil spirits, we should at least have the stamina to fight for several hours, right?

The goal is not to achieve an extreme burst of power, but to achieve a sustained burst of power and a comprehensive improvement in bodily functions.