At the mention of a competition, even those who'd been mediating stopped.
Countless eyes looked over brightly. Kagaya still smiled calmly: "What does everyone think?"
Tengen was first to raise his hand in agreement: "Excellent. This is quite flashy. Just so happens those two over there won't yield to each other. Let them settle it with real skills."
I didn't expect mentioning this topic would excite everyone so much. Even Kanae, usually so gentle, didn't object. Instead showed an eager expression.
Kagaya said it would take time to have people prepare. Then began today's meeting.
But those below were all somewhat distracted. Responses weren't as active as usual.
Fortunately there was nothing urgent. After talking briefly, Kagaya announced the meeting's end.
Amane walked over and whispered a few words in his ear.
Kagaya nodded: "The competition will be held in this mountain. Begin after nightfall. Everyone can prepare in the meantime."
So this group occupied a room in the estate. Seriously began conserving their energy.
I still didn't know what competition Kagaya prepared. Just saw that fool Ritsuka still standing in the courtyard provoking Shinazugawa. Asking if he dared compete with her.
Sabito also added fuel to the fire beside her. Put on a righteous face: "I heard you often bully Giyuu, right? Today let's settle that score properly. Only we can bully that guy."
Look at what you're saying!
And that idiot over there—why are you showing such a moved expression!
He's talking about bullying you, hey!
Shinazugawa's expression looked somewhat irritated. In the end still agreed: "If I win, you have to make that brat get out of the Demon Slayer Corps!"
"Who said I'd bet on that." Ritsuka wasn't provoked at all. "If you win, I'll admit you're amazing. Apologize, make amends, whatever. Bet on Genya's future? Absolutely not!"
Obanai, who'd been listening nearby, finally slowly walked to Shinazugawa's side. Showed a bit of good friend loyalty.
"You two both have Hashira-level strength. Speaking of it, we're also colleagues. Shouldn't quarrel endlessly over such things. Since it's like this, have a good fight. After all, that Tomioka guy—I also find him unpleasant."
Good grief. He also added fuel to the fire.
Seeing their high spirits, I felt a bit itchy. Secretly ran to ask Kagaya how they'd compete.
Kagaya didn't hide it from me. Took out a badge to show me.
When the time came, he'd give each participant a badge to wear. After everyone entered the arena, they'd snatch each other's badges. Even if your own badge was taken, you could still try to snatch others'.
When the competition ended, whoever had the most badges would be champion.
Though it sounded simple, adding the elements of night and forest made it quite challenging.
I didn't plan to participate. But I was very interested in watching.
When night fell, I went into the mountain first. Crouched in that forest marked out as the trial ground. Waited for them to enter.
They all entered from different positions. To avoid fighting right at the entrance when the competition started.
Though it was a trial, Kagaya didn't want them to fight for real. Injuring anyone wouldn't be good.
So he had everyone only use wooden swords. Also asked me to keep watch. If anyone got too heated, remember to mediate.
My first priority targets were obviously Ritsuka and Shinazugawa... But this area was quite large. I couldn't find anyone for a while.
The mountain forest at night was silent. Occasionally an unknown bird called out. Quickly returned to quiet.
But there were other sounds in the mountain. I carefully distinguished them. Followed these faint sounds to the other side.
Standing under the tree were indeed Kyojuro and Kanae.
Sensing movement, they both looked over. Greeted me.
"Why are you here?" My gaze swept over—didn't see badges on them.
Kyojuro answered vigorously: "Lord Uzui came earlier. Truly ashamed—Miss Kocho and I were no match!"
Kanae smiled. Explained carefully: "Mr. Uzui's speed is very fast. Actions quite decisive. Rengoku-san and I couldn't catch him."
Made sense. Speaking of who cared most about winning this competition's championship—definitely Tengen.
But this guy was quite cunning. Only after Kyojuro and Kanae engaged did he silently appear.
Caught them off guard. Snatched the badges and ran.
The two who lost their badges weren't dissatisfied. Only reflected on being too careless. Then discussed how to respond if encountering a similarly fast demon ambush.
To them, this competition's meaning was discovering their own shortcomings. Victory or defeat wasn't that important. So they didn't insist on chasing Tengen.
Flower Breathing emphasized lightness and agility. While Flame Breathing's offense was fierce and heavy. Completely different. Just right for them to learn strengths from each other.
Also thanks to demons appearing less frequently than before, everyone had energy to learn from each other.
How should I put this—thank Muzan for strongly supporting the Nine Hashira's special training?
The joke sounded so hellish.
Anyway, they happily discussed swordsmanship. Could be considered out. I turned to chase in Tengen's direction.
Don't know if this kid ran too fast or I chased the wrong direction.
Didn't find Tengen. Instead discovered two other people.
One was Obanai. The other...
Huh. Not Ritsuka. Not Sabito either.
It was Muichiro.
As the youngest Hashira, his strength was no less than his colleagues'. Obanai was clearly in a tough battle.
I remembered Mist Breathing's characteristic—using unpredictable techniques to confuse demons' vision.
And right now it was deep night. Obanai's eyes also had some weak vision. Dealing with Mist Breathing was obviously difficult.
If not for Kaburamaru on his shoulder constantly hissing, helping him dodge Muichiro's attacks, he might have already lost.
I wasn't in a hurry to find others. Sat in the tree watching them fight with great interest.
Though Muichiro's techniques were skilled, they had a weakness. His combat experience still couldn't compare to Obanai's.
No matter how talented, he inevitably revealed a slight opening in battle.
Even just an instant was enough.
Serpent Breathing's unpredictable sword path could bite onto any weakness.
The wind howled sharply. Only heard two consecutive sounds. Those two shining badges were tossed into the air.
I couldn't help it. Caught them.
Looked down at two pairs of eyes. I felt a bit embarrassed: "How about... I return them?"
"No need. I lost."
Obanai withdrew his wooden sword hilt. His blade had already broken.
Muichiro's sword was no exception.
I saw clearly just now. As Obanai attacked, Muichiro also charged toward his sword path.
If they'd used real swords, they'd both be mutually wounded now.
Obanai's haori sleeves were rather long. Could let him hide his hands. Prevent enemies from glimpsing his technique for changing sword momentum.
But normally, the sleeves were just to conveniently cover his face.
"Tokito, your Mist Breathing is quite good." Obanai gave a reserved compliment. "But too naive. Mutual destruction is the lowest-level tactic. You should know demons' recovery speed is extraordinary."
Well then. These two also looked uninterested in continuing the competition.
Seeing Obanai prepare to share his combat insights with his junior, I quickly interrupted: "Where's Ritsuka? Also, didn't you say you'd help Shinazugawa? Why haven't I seen them?"
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