Cherreads

Chapter 23 - The Thunder Hashira

Under Xia Feng's slightly complicated gaze, Jigoro Kuwajima continued speaking.

"When he first fell from the tree, I examined him myself. There didn't seem to be any problems."

"Later I sent him to the Butterfly Estate for further examination, and the result was the same."

"The only unusual thing is that ever since he was struck by lightning… his hair changed from black to gold."

Xia Feng: "..."

Lightning hair dye. Got it.

"If it were just the hair color, I wouldn't care," Kuwajima continued.

"But ever since that incident, Zenitsu has developed a strange ability."

"He often falls asleep during battle—especially when he's under extreme pressure or terrified."

"Normally that fool is timid and can barely use his sword techniques."

"But once he falls asleep, his combat strength skyrockets, and his swordsmanship becomes flawless."

As he spoke, Kuwajima's expression became complicated.

He had already accepted this reality.

But saying it out loud still sounded ridiculous.

It was practically like describing a dream!

He secretly glanced at Xia Feng.

To his relief, Xia Feng simply listened calmly.

There was no look of pity toward a confused old man.

Kuwajima instantly felt relieved.

Then admiration began to rise in his heart.

This is what a divine doctor looks like.

Ordinary people would laugh after hearing such nonsense.

But a true master would listen seriously.

No wonder someone so young had already gained such fame.

"Doctor Xia Feng," Kuwajima said carefully, "I would like to ask you to examine Zenitsu."

"I want to know what exactly has happened to him."

"And whether this change could bring any negative effects."

The old man looked at Xia Feng with both hope and nervousness.

Xia Feng forced an awkward smile.

He really wanted to tell Kuwajima:

This isn't an illness.

It's the natural talent of the future Sleep Hashira.

As that thought crossed his mind, Xia Feng suddenly realized something.

The Demon Slayer Corps was becoming increasingly bizarre.

Sleep Hashira — Zenitsu Agatsuma.

Headbutt Hashira — Tanjiro Kamado.

If he joined the Corps himself…

They could add a Healing Hashira.

That would be terrifying.

Under Kuwajima's gaze, Xia Feng smiled slightly.

"I understand the general situation now."

"From your description, the problem shouldn't be serious—at least not for the time being."

"As for examining him, I will have to wait until later."

"I've been invited to visit the Ubuyashiki residence, so I'll need to handle that first."

Hearing this, Kuwajima's face lit up.

"No problem! That's perfectly fine!"

In his mind, Xia Feng was already being incredibly generous by agreeing to make a trip for such a small matter.

At that moment, a system notification sounded in Xia Feng's mind.

[Affection gained from Jigoro Kuwajima — Level: Recognition]

[Reward: Silver Card Draw ×1]

Xia Feng felt a little surprised.

He had only agreed to help.

He hadn't even done anything yet…

And he was already recognized?

Meanwhile, Kuwajima suddenly realized something.

He had overlooked an important detail in Xia Feng's words.

After thinking about it for a moment, his eyes widened in shock.

"Y-you're going to headquarters?"

He stared at Xia Feng as if looking at a monster.

Xia Feng nodded.

"Yes. Is there a problem?"

Kuwajima's eyelids twitched.

He had served as a Hashira for many years.

The Master who had personally invited him to become a Hashira had long since passed away.

The current Master was the son of that man.

Because of this, he clearly understood what it meant for someone who was not a Hashira to be invited to headquarters.

Such an invitation might not happen even once in several years.

Anyone who received such treatment possessed something extraordinary.

After thinking for a moment, Kuwajima suddenly understood.

Perhaps the Master wanted Xia Feng to treat his illness.

If that was the case, then interrupting Xia Feng now would be a serious mistake.

He quickly said,

"Doctor Xia Feng, there's absolutely no rush on my side."

"Come whenever you have time—when you're free and not busy."

"That boy Zenitsu is running around happily every day. He's fine!"

Xia Feng nodded instinctively.

He had been thinking the same thing.

After chatting for a bit longer, Xia Feng intended to invite the old man to rest at the Butterfly Estate and have something to eat before leaving.

But Kuwajima firmly refused.

At the moment, he was afraid of delaying Xia Feng even one minute.

Seeing how determined he was, Xia Feng stopped insisting.

But then he suddenly remembered something.

"Oh, right, Mr. Kuwajima."

"If someone wanted to learn Thunder Breathing from you, what would they need to do?"

"I can promise not to reveal any information about Thunder Breathing to others. I simply want to broaden my understanding and give myself a bit more security."

Kuwajima froze.

He had never expected that a doctor like Xia Feng would want to learn swordsmanship.

Only then did he notice—

There was a Nichirin sword hanging from Xia Feng's waist.

He felt confused.

"You… are a swordsman?"

Xia Feng smiled and nodded.

"Yes. I've learned Insect Breathing and Flower Breathing from Shinobu."

Kuwajima's mouth fell open.

He had watched Shinobu grow up.

With that girl's personality, she had actually taught such important breathing techniques to someone who wasn't her Tsuguko?

What was happening in this world?

Still—

Since Shinobu trusted Xia Feng enough to teach him her techniques, that indirectly proved Xia Feng's character.

After thinking for a moment, Kuwajima replied,

"If you only want to learn some basics, you're welcome to come anytime. I can teach you."

"But if you want to master it deeply, it would be better to choose one breathing style and become my student."

"After all, a person's energy is limited. It's very difficult to master two or even more breathing styles at the same time."

Xia Feng nodded.

This explanation was basically the same as what Shinobu had said.

"I understand. Thank you for the advice."

Kuwajima nodded.

Then his figure flashed away into the distance.

Despite his age—and even with one leg missing—his speed and agility were astonishing.

After returning home, Xia Feng told Shinobu about what had just happened.

Shinobu nodded.

"Senior Thunder Hashira is a good person."

"If he needs help, we should assist him if we can."

Xia Feng had already agreed, so naturally he had no objections.

Thus, the next morning—

Xia Feng changed into a new yukata-style outfit, strapped his Nichirin sword to his waist, and set out with Shinobu.

Their destination:

The Ubuyashiki residence.

🌟 The story is already written… waiting to be unleashed.

Claim early access on Patreon: patreon.com/c/LuneWriter

🔓 You hold the keys to bonus chapters:

💬 10 reviews ignite 1 bonus chapter

🔷 200 Power Stones summon another

🔥 Your power determines how fast the tale unfolds.

More Chapters