After beginning the integration of Calmness, Raiden closed his eyes and took a slow, steady breath. His body gradually loosened as he slipped into a quiet, focused state.
His awareness turned inward. He sensed the flow of energy around him, subtle yet powerful, like ripples forming across still water. With each breath, the air around him seemed to shift. A faint breeze stirred, carrying soft traces of blue light that flickered like reflections on a lake's surface.
The glow deepened, gathering around him like a curtain of flowing water.
Raiden felt the energy within his body begin to move, steady and continuous, like a river carving its path. He guided it with intent, blending it with the surrounding atmosphere. It felt as if he hovered above a vast lake, everything calm and unmoving, the world itself falling silent.
In that state, his connection to the world sharpened. His mind settled into perfect stillness.
Then came the realization.
A unique power rested within him, one that could render his body untouchable, shielding him from any external force. No attack could reach his core once this state was fully invoked.
Raiden remained still, focusing on that flow. It was as if he had merged with everything around him. Strength and calm surged together inside him.
His condition had never felt better.
At the same time, his overall strength rose after integrating Calmness. The increase was similar to what he gained from Shinazugawa, around two percent.
He was now roughly sixty percent of the way toward breaking through to the level he called Super Pillar.
Under normal circumstances, reaching this point would have taken nearly a week. The benefits from Shinazugawa and Giyu had shortened that time significantly.
At this pace, even if the remaining Hashira did not provide as much improvement, he estimated he could reach that level within a month.
Not all of them were weaker than Shinazugawa. Gyomei Himejima still remained.
In Raiden's view, building a connection with Gyomei would be far easier than with Obanai. Gyomei was upright and kind. With a couple of days of training, reaching a friendly level with him would not be difficult.
And once that happened, as long as it was not tied to talent or comprehension, the rewards would still be substantial.
Having sorted his thoughts, Raiden adjusted to his improved strength. He stretched lazily, then lay down with a satisfied expression.
Another day of solid progress.
Two days later.
"That's enough. No need to continue this afternoon. From here on, you should focus on activating the Transparent World on your own. Whether I guide you or not won't make much difference anymore."
"Thank you."
Obanai Iguro spoke sincerely, his mismatched eyes fixed on Raiden.
Kaburamaru, coiled over his shoulder, gave a small, respectful nod.
In less than three days, the snake had come to understand just how overwhelming Raiden's strength was.
They had sparred countless times, well over a thousand exchanges, and not once had Obanai managed to land a hit. Worse still, whenever Raiden made a move, the fight ended almost instantly.
Kaburamaru had never witnessed anything like it.
As silence settled between them, Raiden caught a faint trace of emotion from Obanai.
Gratitude.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
So, should he ask now?
Snake Breathing had proven useful for refining his movements. He did not want to lose access to that advantage.
"I…"
"I…"
They both spoke at the same time, then paused.
"You go first," Raiden said.
Obanai looked away, his gaze drifting to the sky. Kaburamaru flicked his tongue, staring directly at Raiden as if urging him to understand.
Raiden studied Obanai's expression, puzzled. There was something unusual about it.
Why the hesitation?
"Let's… be friends."
Obanai's voice came out low and awkward as he kept his eyes on the clouds.
A notification echoed in Raiden's mind.
[Ding]
[Snake Pillar Obanai Iguro has sent a friend request. Accept?]
Raiden blinked, then looked at him more carefully.
"Why?"
He could understand Giyu. That man had his own way of thinking. But Obanai?
From the beginning, most of what Raiden sensed from him was respect. Not hostility, but distance. That distance had made Raiden hesitate.
And yet, Obanai was the one initiating this.
"Kanroji told me… you like making friends. Even with demons. She said… it makes you happy."
Obanai spoke in fragments, clearly uncomfortable.
"Kanroji?"
Raiden's expression stiffened slightly.
So that was it.
Curiosity really did have consequences. And this one came with a full serving of unwanted sweetness.
[Accept]
[Friendship level with Obanai Iguro has reached 'Friend'. Two rewards obtained.]
[Aptitude increased: Superior]
[Snake Breathing Fourth Form, Twin-Headed Serpent mastered]
[Fuse now?]
[No]
Under normal circumstances, Raiden would already be smiling. Two rewards at once was no small gain, even if one was not particularly useful to him.
But right now, his mood was… complicated.
Kaburamaru noticed the shift immediately and shrank back slightly. Whatever this was, it had nothing to do with him.
Obanai felt the movement and glanced at his snake, confused. Then he cautiously looked at Raiden again.
Something seemed off.
Could Kanroji have been wrong?
He frowned slightly, already thinking about correcting her later.
Kaburamaru nudged him sharply, as if saying, "Is that really what matters right now?"
Obanai snapped back to attention and glanced at Raiden again. Yes, something was definitely wrong.
Still, after a brief pause, Raiden spoke.
"I'm fine with it. We can be friends."
Obanai finally looked at him properly.
If one ignored the faint strain in Raiden's smile, Kanroji had not been entirely wrong. That expression should have been one of happiness.
Obanai considered it for a moment, then silently decided.
There was no need to correct her after all.