"Muichiro…"
Raiden recalled how the relationship between Muichiro Tokito and Tanjiro had changed. After Tanjiro helped Muichiro regain his memories, nothing particularly dramatic followed. Their bond deepened naturally, driven by Muichiro's quiet gratitude.
Raiden wondered if he could achieve something similar. It should be possible. Training alone created opportunities, and building closer connections did not seem unreasonable.
Now, only Tengen Uzui remained.
Raiden lowered his head, thinking it over. If it did not work, then so be it.
Asking him to praise Uzui's flamboyance during training was not something he could bring himself to do. Random rewards came with risks. If he ended up gaining something useless like enhanced comprehension instead of real power, it would be a waste.
For Uzui, he would leave it to chance.
In any case, Raiden had already mastered Sound Breathing to a high level. What he truly sought now was improvement in his overall realm.
Training continued according to plan.
The fourth Hashira to train with him was Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira.
The increase in closeness went just as Raiden expected. By the end of the first day, Mitsuri looked at him with shining eyes, her admiration almost impossible to hide.
Raiden noticed Obanai Iguro watching from behind the courtyard wall. The man made no effort to conceal himself. When their eyes met, Obanai simply tilted his head upward, pretending to admire the sky.
Raiden smirked.
If you like her, just say it.
Still, he could not help but think, like master, like snake.
A system notification appeared.
Ding.
The bond between Mitsuri Kanroji and the host has advanced from friend to close friend. Reward obtained.
Skill acquired, Love Breathing Sixth Form, Catfoot Love Wind, mastered.
Fuse now?
No.
Raiden did not recall much about this technique. It had appeared briefly in battle against Hantengu, and its power was nothing exceptional. Still, a Breathing Form was a Breathing Form, and anything that strengthened him was worth keeping.
The next Hashira to train with him was Kyojuro Rengoku.
The moment training began, Rengoku approached him with bright, fiery eyes and pulled him into a firm embrace.
"Long time no see!"
Raiden chuckled, returning the greeting.
Rengoku's energy was infectious. Being around him naturally lifted one's spirits.
What surprised Raiden most was how quickly Rengoku grasped the Transparent World. By the afternoon of the first day, he had already learned how to enter that state.
Although he could not maintain it for long, he could consistently activate it. That alone placed him far above the others Raiden had trained before.
Akaza had been right. During the events of the Mugen Train, Rengoku had already brushed against this level.
Another notification appeared.
Ding.
The bond between Kyojuro Rengoku and the host has advanced from friend to close friend. Reward obtained.
Skill acquired, Flame Breathing First Form, Unknowing Fire, mastered.
Fuse now?
No.
Rengoku's bond seemed to deepen further after their training ended, especially when they spoke about the events aboard the Mugen Train. Whether it was natural progression or stirred memories, Raiden could not tell.
After Rengoku, it was Muichiro Tokito's turn.
Training Muichiro was the easiest and most comfortable experience so far.
Not only did Muichiro grasp the Transparent World with incredible speed, but their bond also grew effortlessly.
Muichiro spoke little, his thoughts difficult to read. Yet every time he corrected a mistake Raiden pointed out, a simple word of praise would make him smile in quiet embarrassment.
Once Raiden noticed this, he leaned into it.
The result was immediate.
Muichiro mastered the Transparent World in half a day. At the same time, his bond with Raiden rose rapidly.
As Raiden guided him through adjusting to his enhanced perception, another notification appeared.
Ding.
The bond between Muichiro Tokito and the host has advanced from friend to close friend. Reward obtained.
Skill acquired, Mist Breathing Fifth Form, Sea of Cloud Mist, mastered.
Fuse now?
No.
So far, all the rewards had been Breathing Forms. Not a single talent-based reward had appeared.
Raiden stepped back, creating some distance between them.
"That's enough, Muichiro. Your training is complete. You can head back."
Muichiro blinked in surprise, disappointment quickly appearing on his face.
"But you said three days. It has only been half a day."
"That was for the others. You mastered it in half a day. That speaks for itself."
Muichiro fell silent.
He should have slowed down. If he had, he could have stayed longer.
Raiden noticed the shift in his mood and smiled faintly.
With his memories restored, Muichiro sometimes showed emotions fitting for his age. It was a good sign.
But Muzan was still out there, waiting. There was no time to relax.
Reaching the level beyond Hashira was the priority.
"You do not need training as an excuse to see me," Raiden said. "You are welcome anytime."
Muichiro's eyes lit up instantly.
"Promise?"
"Promise."
With that, Muichiro left in far better spirits.
Next was Shinobu Kocho.
Compared to Muichiro, her progress was painfully slow.
Even though Raiden had prepared himself, the reality still tested his patience.
For three days, he focused on refining her breathing and guiding her step by step, trying to make his explanations as clear as possible.
Finally, near the very end, Shinobu managed to enter the Transparent World.
It lasted only a few seconds.
Still, it was progress.