Kyojuro excitedly clenched his fists and grinned brightly.
"That's incredible, Sol! Let's continue with the next form!"
For the rest of the session, Kyojuro demonstrated every form of Flame Breathing. After each demonstration, Sol Mirek repeated the technique almost immediately. Not only did he replicate the movements perfectly, he even refined certain details and executed them with greater efficiency.
When Kyojuro performed Flame Breathing, Ninth Form: Purgatory, the entire training ground filled with blazing heat. Flames surged outward as his sword carved through the air.
Sol stood nearby, watching quietly. His eyes tracked every motion, from the rhythm of Kyojuro's breathing to the subtle shift of his stance.
"So that's how it works," Sol murmured.
He slowly raised both hands.
"Flame Breathing, Ninth Form: Purgatory."
Flames burst to life around his hands, burning hotter and brighter than before. Sol's body shot forward like a streak of sunlight, racing across the training ground. His path formed intricate arcs of fire, scorching the ground wherever he passed.
Uzui Tengen's eyes widened.
"This is even flashier than Kyojuro!" he exclaimed, breathing faster.
Mitsuri Kanroji stared in amazement, her cheeks turning red.
"So cool!"
Shinobu Kocho narrowed her eyes slightly.
"This level of flame... it surpasses what a normal human body should be able to endure."
Sanemi Shinazugawa kept his gaze locked on Sol, cold sweat forming on his forehead.
"Just what kind of background does this guy have?"
When the technique ended, Kyojuro immediately grabbed Sol's hand with excitement.
"It's perfect, Sol! If you join the Demon Slayer Corps, you will become the greatest swordsman in our history!"
Sol smiled lightly.
"Your Flame Breathing is interesting. The Ninth Form especially. Concentrating all your power into a single explosive release... it has a lot of potential."
Unnoticed by many, Kagaya Ubuyashiki had arrived at the training ground, supported by one of his daughters. He quietly observed everything that had happened.
A calm smile appeared on his face.
"It seems our plan has gained another chance."
The stronger Sol became, the more hope there was in defeating Muzan.
---
Over the following days, the other Hashira arrived one by one to teach Sol their respective Breathing Styles.
---
On the third day, the Sound Hashira, Uzui Tengen, stepped forward.
"Sol! The flamboyant Sound Breathing is the most extravagant Breathing Style there is!" Tengen declared proudly, striking a dramatic pose as the decorations on his headpiece sparkled under the sunlight.
Sol looked at him calmly.
"Go ahead."
Tengen swung his unique Nichirin blades.
"Sound Breathing, First Form: Roar!"
The blades cut through the air with explosive force, producing a thunderous sound.
Sol watched carefully.
Moments later, he repeated the technique with even greater power.
Tengen burst out laughing.
"That's flashy! You're the most flamboyant genius I've ever seen!"
---
The fourth day belonged to the Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji.
She stood nervously in front of Sol, her face bright red.
"Um... Sol... Love Breathing might not be very suitable for men..."
Sol shook his head casually.
"That's fine. Show me."
Mitsuri took a breath and gripped her flexible Nichirin blade.
"Love Breathing, First Form: First Love Tremor!"
Her blade moved like a dancing ribbon, creating flowing arcs of pink energy.
After watching once, Sol repeated the technique.
His movements were smooth and precise. His flexibility even surpassed Mitsuri's.
Mitsuri covered her cheeks with both hands, her eyes shining.
"That's amazing..."
---
On the fifth day, the Serpent Hashira, Obanai Iguro, arrived.
"Serpent Breathing focuses on unpredictable and vicious attacks," Obanai said coldly. The white snake around his neck flicked its tongue.
Sol nodded.
"Show me."
Obanai moved forward like a striking serpent.
"Serpent Breathing, First Form: Winding Serpent!"
His blade twisted through the air in sharp, irregular curves.
Sol observed for a moment, then reproduced the attack perfectly.
His version was even faster and more flexible.
Obanai gave a quiet snort.
"Hmph... not bad."
However, the shock in his eyes was impossible to hide.
---
On the sixth day, the Mist Hashira, Muichiro Tokito, appeared.
"Mist Breathing," Muichiro said in a flat tone.
A faint haze seemed to surround him.
Without another word, he demonstrated.
"Mist Breathing, First Form: Low Clouds, Distant Haze."
His movements blurred like drifting fog.
Sol watched silently.
Then he repeated the form.
His movements became even more elusive than Muichiro's.
Muichiro stared at him for several seconds, a rare trace of surprise appearing in his eyes.
---
On the seventh day, the Stone Hashira, Gyomei Himejima, stepped onto the training ground.
"Amitabha," Gyomei said softly, pressing his palms together.
"Stone Breathing focuses on stability, like a mountain that cannot be moved."
Sol nodded.
Gyomei lifted his massive flail and axe.
"Stone Breathing, First Form: Serpentinite Bipolar."
Despite the weapon's enormous weight, Gyomei swung it with complete control.
After watching once, Sol performed the same technique.
His movements were effortless.
Gyomei lowered his head slightly.
"The benefactor's talent is truly astonishing."
---
On the eighth day, the final Hashira arrived.
Shinobu Kocho.
All the Hashira gathered to watch. Since Sol had already learned Water Breathing earlier, this would be the last Breathing Style he needed to observe.
After today, something unprecedented would happen.
Shinobu stood at the center of the training ground with a gentle smile.
"Insect Breathing is a little special," she said softly. "It requires poison."
Her thin Nichirin blade glowed faintly with purple light.
Sol met her gaze.
"Go ahead."
Shinobu suddenly moved.
"Insect Breathing: Dance of the Butterfly, Caprice!"
Her speed was extraordinary. The blade struck forward like the sting of a venomous insect. The poison on the blade shimmered dangerously in the sunlight.
Sol watched everything.
Her breathing rhythm. Her muscle tension. Even the flow of poison across the blade.
A moment later he spoke quietly.
"I see."
Shinobu returned to her original position and sheathed her blade.
"So, Sol? Insect Breathing requires very specific physical conditions, so you probably..."
Her voice stopped.
Sol raised his hand.
A faint purple glow appeared at his fingertips.
His movements became light and graceful, like a butterfly in flight, yet carried deadly precision.
"Insect Breathing: Dance of the Butterfly, Caprice."
He vanished instantly.
A split second later, he appeared behind Shinobu.
His fingertip gently touched the back of her neck.
Shinobu's pupils shrank.
She could feel the cold intent behind that single touch. There was no poison involved, yet it felt far more dangerous than venom.
If Sol had wanted to, that strike would have ended her life.
Around them, the Hashira watched silently.
At this point, they were already used to it.
Sol learned everything in a single attempt.
===
Sorry for the late update.
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