"What... is this?" Obanai Iguro's eyes widened as his attack, Serpent Breathing, Fifth Form: Slithering Serpent, froze in midair.
Sol Mirek spread his fingers and pushed forward lightly.
At that moment the nine Hashira felt an overwhelming force slam into them. Their bodies were thrown backward without control, crashing hard against the courtyard walls.
Bang!
Nine heavy impacts echoed almost at the same time. The Hashira fell to the ground in disorder, their Nichirin swords slipping from their hands.
Silence filled the courtyard.
Only the sound of heavy breathing remained.
One by one, the Hashira forced themselves back to their feet. The way they looked at Sol had completely changed.
Sanemi Shinazugawa wiped blood from the corner of his mouth. His sword hand trembled slightly as he stared at Sol.
"What... kind of power is that?"
Shinobu Kocho steadied herself as she stood. Her usual gentle smile had disappeared.
"It feels like standing in front of an impossible mountain."
Giyu Tomioka quietly picked up his fallen Nichirin blade. He looked at Sol with a complicated expression.
Even though he had witnessed Sol's strength before, what he had just seen still surpassed his expectations.
At that moment Kagaya Ubuyashiki slowly stood up. Supported by his daughter, he walked toward the center of the courtyard.
His voice remained calm and gentle, yet the surprise in it was impossible to hide.
"Mr. Mirek, your strength truly exceeds anything we imagined."
Sol lowered his hand and looked around at everyone.
"Good," he said calmly. "Now that we understand each other, can we start discussing how to hunt down Muzan?"
The Hashira exchanged glances. After a brief moment, they silently nodded. Even Sanemi, though clearly unwilling, could not deny the overwhelming power Sol had displayed.
Kagaya gestured politely.
"Please follow me. We should discuss the details indoors."
Sol followed Kagaya into a spacious tatami room. The nine Hashira entered soon after and sat down around the room.
The tense atmosphere from earlier had disappeared. In its place was a heavy, serious mood.
Kagaya knelt at the head of the room. After a light cough, he began speaking.
"Mr. Mirek, regarding your Blue Spider Lily plan, we have already made some preparations."
His daughter unrolled a map on the floor.
"We have spread false information across several key areas. The rumor says that Blue Spider Lilies capable of curing sun sensitivity have been discovered."
Shinobu added quietly, "However, Muzan is extremely cautious. He will not reveal himself easily."
Sol studied the map while tapping the table lightly with his finger.
"He does not need to appear personally. If he sends the Upper Rank demons, that will be enough."
"Upper Rank demons?" Kyojuro Rengoku frowned.
"Each of them is far stronger than ordinary demons."
"Exactly," Sol replied with a small nod.
"If we track them, they will eventually lead us to Muzan."
Sanemi snorted.
"Sounds simple when you say it. Upper Rank demons are not easy opponents."
Sol glanced at him with a faint smile.
"For me, it does not make much difference."
The room fell silent again. After witnessing his power earlier, none of the Hashira could argue with that statement.
Kagaya broke the silence.
"Then how should we move forward?"
Sol traced a path across the map with his finger.
"First, we create a trap that Muzan cannot ignore."
Over the next few hours, Sol explained the details of his plan.
At first the Hashira listened with doubt, but gradually their attention became serious. From time to time they offered suggestions based on their own experience.
By the time the discussion was nearing its end, Uzui Tengen suddenly spoke.
"One thing still bothers me, Mr. Mirek."
The room grew quiet again.
"Why are you helping us fight Muzan?"
Everyone turned to look at Sol.
Sol's gaze moved across the room before finally settling on Kagaya.
"As I said earlier, Muzan has something I need."
Shinobu leaned slightly forward.
"And what exactly is worth this much effort?"
Sol smiled faintly.
"You will find out after we capture him."
Seeing that Sol had no intention of explaining further, Kagaya smoothly changed the topic.
"Very well. The plan is decided. Beginning tomorrow, everyone will act according to Mr. Mirek's arrangements."
The meeting ended soon after.
One by one, the Hashira left the room.
Giyu Tomioka was the last to leave. He paused near the door, hesitating slightly before turning back.
"Tanjiro... how has he been?"
Sol answered casually.
"He is improving quickly."
"Before long he will become a proper swordsman."
Giyu nodded slowly. It seemed like he wanted to say something else, but in the end he simply turned and left.
Later that night, Sol stood alone in the courtyard, looking up at the stars.
Kagaya approached quietly, supported by his daughter.
"Mr. Mirek, there is one more matter to discuss," Kagaya said softly.
"It concerns your request to learn every Breathing Style."
Sol turned toward him.
"Is there a problem?"
Kagaya shook his head.
"Quite the opposite. I have already asked the nine Hashira to take turns teaching you their Breathing Styles starting tomorrow."
Sol raised an eyebrow with mild surprise.
"They agreed?"
"After seeing your strength, no one raised objections," Kagaya replied with a small smile.
"However, learning Breathing Styles usually takes a long time. I worry that our plan might be delayed."
Sol waved a hand dismissively.
"Do not worry about that."
"Learning the techniques will not slow the plan. Your only job is to teach. Whether I learn them or not is my own concern."
Kagaya nodded thoughtfully.
"In that case, I wish you a good night."
After Kagaya left, Sol remained in the courtyard, still watching the night sky.
He could feel it clearly.
The final battle with Muzan was approaching.
"Soon," he murmured quietly.
"Once I take Muzan's abilities, my strength will reach another level."
The next morning, Sol arrived at the training grounds early.
To his surprise, Sanemi Shinazugawa was already there waiting.
"You are early, Shinazugawa," Sol said casually.
Sanemi snorted.
"Save the small talk. The Master ordered me to teach you Wind Breathing, so let us not waste time."
Sol did not react to his attitude.
"Fine. Let's begin."
Sanemi stood in the middle of the training ground with his arms crossed. His white haori moved slightly in the morning breeze.
The scars on his face looked even harsher under the sunlight, and his eyes still carried clear distrust toward Sol.
"Wind Breathing is different from the other styles," Sanemi said coldly.
"It focuses on extreme speed and destructive force. If you cannot keep up, quit early."
Sol smiled calmly.
"Go ahead."
Seeing Sol's relaxed expression, Sanemi secretly laughed to himself.
Just wait until you fail to learn Wind Breathing. Then I will finally have something to laugh about.