The third to take part in Raiden's training was the Stone Hashira, Gyomei Himejima.
From the moment their training began, Raiden could feel the pressure rise sharply. On the surface, he remained calm and composed, but he knew better than to lower his guard.
Gyomei's Nichirin weapon, a chained axe and flail, was as effective in defense as it was in attack. More importantly, Gyomei adapted quickly to the intensity of Raiden's methods.
In less than two days, his progress with the Transparent World was already close to that of Sanemi Shinazugawa and Obanai Iguro.
Two days earlier, Raiden had already integrated Obanai's Snake Breathing, Fourth Form, Twin Headed Serpent. That integration not only refined his overall ability but also made his movements far more elusive.
Snake Breathing felt different from the others.
Unlike the depth and structure of other breathing styles, this one brought noticeable changes to his body. At first, the sensation was subtle, like fine currents slipping beneath his skin.
Then it grew clearer.
His limbs felt lighter, more flexible, as if something unseen coiled and moved within them. By the time the integration was complete, the change was undeniable.
His body had become harder to track, harder to predict.
Even Gyomei, at full strength and with access to the Transparent World, would struggle to land a clean hit on him.
"Namu Amida Butsu… your strength is truly humbling," Gyomei said, sensing his attack fail as Raiden slipped past his chain and deflected the flail with ease.
Though he could not see the exact motion, the feedback through his weapon told him everything. His full force had achieved nothing.
There was a reason Raiden could defeat multiple Upper Rank demons in succession.
"You give me too much credit, Gyomei," Raiden replied.
Before awakening his Demon Slayer Mark, he would not have handled this so easily. Now, with his strength steadily rising, the situation had changed.
If they fought seriously, Raiden could not end the battle instantly, but Gyomei's defeat would only be a matter of time.
As their training continued, Gyomei's thoughts about Raiden's strength grew heavier.
Near the end, Raiden's presence suddenly felt distant.
[Ding]
[Friendship level with Stone Hashira Gyomei Himejima has reached 'Friend'. Reward obtained]
[Rock Breathing, Second Form, Heavenly Rock Eruption mastered]
[Integrate now?]
[No]
Seeing the notification appear just before the session ended, Raiden let out a quiet breath. The timing suited him.
This technique involved stepping onto the chain and driving the flail forward with overwhelming force. While it had not achieved anything remarkable against Kokushibo in the original battle, that did not lessen its value.
Most of Gyomei's techniques were built around his unique weapon. For Raiden, integrating them was less about imitation and more about insight and growth.
"The training is over, Gyomei. You adapted to the Transparent World faster than I expected."
"That is thanks to your guidance, Raiden. Without it, I would not have grasped its essence so quickly."
Gyomei's tone remained steady, though there was a hint of confusion. Raiden sounded slightly more relaxed than usual.
Was he pleased that the training had ended?
Gyomei himself felt a trace of regret. These two days had done more than help him approach the Transparent World. His combat skill had also improved in ways that were difficult to achieve alone.
Raiden smiled faintly. The sincerity in Gyomei's words was clear.
Gyomei's strength was not just physical. His endurance and discipline stood out even more.
What should have ended early on the first day had stretched into evening because Gyomei refused to stop. Even when the intensity increased, he never complained.
Raiden and Gyomei exchanged a few final words before Gyomei left the courtyard.
Before leaving, he reminded Raiden not to push himself too far.
Gyomei's rapid progress meant the session ended in the afternoon.
After returning to his room and confirming the surroundings with Kagaya Ubuyashiki, Raiden sat down cross legged, preparing to integrate his new technique.
[Integrate Rock Breathing, Second Form, Heavenly Rock Eruption?]
[Yes]
Raiden closed his eyes and steadied his breathing.
This was not his first integration, so the process felt familiar. He guided his awareness inward, searching for the essence of the technique.
Deep within, he felt it.
A heavy, unyielding force, like solid stone.
He adjusted his breathing to match it.
With each breath, the air around him seemed to thicken, as if an unseen layer of rock formed around his body.
The power of the technique began to merge with him.
He refined his breathing, aligning himself with its rhythm. The sensation deepened, steady and immovable, like becoming a mountain rooted in the earth.
Time passed quietly.
Eventually, he grasped it completely.
The power flowed through him, ready to be called upon at any moment.
Raiden opened his eyes and assessed the change.
The improvement was greater than what he gained from Sanemi and Obanai. That result did not surprise him.
Gyomei's strength spoke for itself. Without Raiden's presence, he would undoubtedly stand as the strongest Hashira.
"Sanemi, Obanai, and Gyomei are done. Six remain."
"Shinobu Kocho is already at Close Friend. Raising that further in a short time will be difficult."
"Kanroji, Rengoku, Muichiro, and Tengen are all at Friend level. Pushing them higher through training alone might not be easy."
"Kanroji and Rengoku should be manageable. One is naturally open and warm, the other forms bonds easily. With enough time, their trust should deepen."
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