Residence of the Ubuyashiki.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki gently stroked the feathers of the Kasugai Crow resting in his arms, listening quietly as it delivered its report.
When he heard that Raiden had dispatched Kyogai, the former Lower Moon Six, with ease, his hand paused mid-motion.
How long had it been since Raiden joined the Corps?
Only days, and yet he had already slain a former Lower Moon.
Such growth was astonishing.
It rivaled even Tokito Muichiro's talent.
Muichiro had become a Hashira in two months.
If this continued, how long would it take Raiden?
Sensing the sudden stop in affection, the Kasugai Crow tilted its head in mild displeasure before continuing its report.
"During his duel with Hashibira Inosuke, Raiden appeared to use something resembling a Blood Demon Art."
There was hesitation in the crow's voice.
It had never witnessed a human wield such power before.
Kagaya's calm expression tightened.
His eyes focused sharply on the Kasugai Crow, searching for certainty.
A human using Blood Demon Art was far harder to believe than a mistaken report.
Yet the Kasugai Crow did not avert its gaze.
"Blood Demon Art," Kagaya repeated softly.
The crow nodded.
Kagaya exhaled slowly.
He trusted this crow.
It had served him for many years and had observed countless demons in battle.
The distinction between normal techniques and the unique energy fluctuations of Blood Demon Art was not something it could mistake.
Then why could Raiden use it?
Was he connected to Kibutsuji Muzan?
Impossible.
Raiden had walked freely through Mount Fujikasane, surrounded by wisteria blooms.
Even Muzan himself would not remain at ease in such an environment.
Raiden was human.
Of that, there was no doubt.
And yet, the question remained.
What kind of human could wield a demon's power?
Kagaya felt a rare stir of anticipation.
He wanted to see Raiden with his own eyes.
Perhaps this young man would become a turning point for the Demon Slayer Corps.
---
Raiden followed the Kasugai Crow alongside Kamado Tanjiro and the others to the Wisteria Family Crest Home.
After sharing a generous meal, Raiden requested a separate room from the elderly hostess.
He still had not fully integrated the abilities he gained within the Drum Mansion.
This quiet window was perfect.
Within his awareness, several newly acquired techniques remained unassimilated.
Pending Integration
Water Breathing, First Form: Water Surface Slash (Complete Mastery)
Demon Drum (Complete Mastery)
Beast Breathing, Seventh Fang: Spatial Perception (Complete Mastery)
Raiden ignored the insignificant remnants left behind by the gluttonous demon.
His focus settled on Water Breathing.
He accepted the integration.
A cool presence spread across his body, calm and fluid.
It flowed through his limbs like clear spring water, soothing yet powerful.
Unlike the sharp intensity of Thunder Breathing, this power was gentle and steady.
The two did not clash.
Instead, they harmonized.
When the process finished, Raiden rested his Nichirin blade across his knee.
As he regulated his breathing, the pale gold of the blade gradually shifted.
A soft blue sheen surfaced, clear and reflective, like still water beneath moonlight.
When he raised the sword, the glow intensified.
It was as if a thin layer of flowing water clung to the blade.
With a controlled swing, the sword cut cleanly through the air.
Ripples of condensed moisture followed its path, scattering into fine droplets.
So it was possible.
Multiple Breathing Styles, seamlessly exchanged.
If mastered, even the Upper Moons would be caught unprepared.
Satisfied, Raiden moved on.
The integration of Beast Breathing was nothing like Water Breathing.
This power was raw.
Wild.
It surged through him like a beast sprinting through dense forest, untamed and relentless.
His senses expanded violently, pushing past the limits of normal perception.
The room unfolded in his mind.
Every shift in air, every subtle vibration, every movement within his surroundings mapped itself instinctively into his awareness.
This was not sight.
It was instinct.
The blade itself did not change color, but Raiden could now perceive its path down to the smallest fluctuation.
Even the disturbed air trembled clearly in his senses.
It was a perfect complement to Thunder Breathing.
Precision born from instinct.
Finally, his attention turned to the last remaining ability.
Demon Drum, Modified
A technique that altered the internal structure of enclosed spaces through sound.
The effective range depended entirely on the user's strength.
It was restrictive.
Outside of enclosed environments, its use was limited.
Still, Raiden recognized its value.
At the very least, it would prevent him from being completely dominated by Nakime's abilities within the Infinity Castle.
The integration was effortless.
When it completed, Raiden felt a quiet shift in how he perceived space itself.
Not forceful like Beast Breathing, but intuitive, almost natural.
He opened his eyes and snapped his fingers.
The sharp sound echoed softly.
In that instant, his awareness connected to the room.
It responded.
The space around him felt malleable, like something that could be guided rather than broken.
He snapped his fingers again.
An unseen force rippled outward.
One corner of the room subtly shifted, bending almost imperceptibly to his will.
Raiden restrained his power.
If he did not, Kyogai at his peak would not have stood a chance.
He relaxed.
This ability was situational, but in the right circumstances, it could decide a battle before it even began.
Raiden was satisfied.
____
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