Chapter 22: After All, I Am Big Sister Kanae
She didn't expose Tatsu's clumsy lie, but instead followed his lead and gave him a way out.
This quiet consideration moved Tatsu deeply.
"Tatsu, I understand."
Kanae turned around and continued along the mountain path, her silhouette looking exceptionally soft and beautiful under the moonlight.
"Since you know about Sun Breathing, you must also know of its power.
However..."
She suddenly stopped, looked back, and confusion reappeared in her eyes.
"What does learning a dance have to do with Sun Breathing?
Did that Taoist tell you that you could learn Sun Breathing by dancing?"
Tatsu quickened his pace to catch up and walked side-by-side with her.
"Kanae, you are truly clever, but sometimes you are bound by common sense."
Tatsu looked at the looming shadows of the mountains ahead, took a deep breath, and said firmly:
"The Hinokami Kagura is more than just a dance."
He turned his head, looking at Kanae with burning eyes, and dropped the shocking truth word by word:
"The Hinokami Kagura is the vessel for the inheritance of Sun Breathing.
Or rather, it is Sun Breathing itself!"
"What?!"
This time, Kanae Kocho was truly shocked.
Her originally elegant and composed steps came to a sudden halt, and her entire body froze in place.
"A dance... is a Breathing Style?"
This concept completely overturned her understanding.
In the traditions of the Demon Slayer Corps,
Breathing Styles were taught through rigorous swordsmanship training, physical conditioning, and specific breathing rhythms.
She had never heard of any Breathing Style being hidden within a dance.
Moreover, that was Sun Breathing!
The origin of all Breathing Styles!
How could it be a ritual dance?
But looking at Tatsu's certain expression, the once indestructible wall of common sense in Kanae's heart
actually began to show a crack.
What if... what if what he said was true?
What if that long-lost Sun Breathing had really been passed down in such an inconceivable way
within an obscure family of charcoal sellers?
But immediately, another more serious problem surfaced in her mind,
instantly turning her shock into deep concern.
"Tatsu..."
Kanae's face turned somewhat pale. She stared intently at Tatsu and said in an urgent tone:
"If that Hinokami Kagura really is Sun Breathing,
then you... are you going to learn it?"
"That's right, I'm going to learn it."
Tatsu nodded.
"No! That's too dangerous!"
Kanae shouted almost subconsciously.
She grabbed Tatsu's sleeve, her fingers trembling slightly from the force.
"Tatsu, have you forgotten? You are a demon!"
"Sun Breathing... although I haven't heard descriptions of it for a long time,
as the name suggests, it is a Breathing Style related to the'Sun'.
According to ancient records, the sword strikes of a Sun Breathing user contain energy as scorching as the sun,
a power specifically designed to counter demons!"
Kanae was so anxious that the rims of her eyes turned red.
"To a demon, the sun is a lethal poison, a taboo that brings death upon contact.
Since Sun Breathing can simulate the power of the sun, wouldn't practicing it be like lighting a fire inside your own body?
Are you sure your body can withstand it?
Are you sure you won't be burned to ashes by that energy the moment you learn it?"
She couldn't imagine that scene.
A demon with sun-like energy circulating through their body.
It was like ice trying to wrap around a flame, or gunpowder trying to embrace a spark.
It defied the laws of nature; it was seeking one's own death!
"I know, Kanae, I know it all."
Seeing the emotional Kanae, a warm current rose in Tatsu's heart.
He reached out and gently patted the back of her hand that was clutching his sleeve.
"I know Sun Breathing has a lethal counter-effect on demons.
I also know this might be a path of no return."
"But, Kanae, I am truly too weak."
He pointed to the position of his heart.
"By only eating human food, I can survive, but I will never be able to grow stronger.
In this world where demons run rampant and danger lurks everywhere, weakness is a sin.
If one day I encounter the Twelve Kizuki, or even Muzan Kibutsuji..."
What will I use to protect myself?
What will I use to... protect the people I want to protect?"
As he spoke the last sentence, his gaze swept over Kanae's face almost imperceptibly.
"I want to try."
Tatsu looked into Kanae's eyes, his own showing no sign of retreat.
"I have a special constitution.
Maybe I can find a way to let a demon's body adapt to the power of Sun Breathing.
Maybe I can create a miracle."
"And..."
A free and easy smile curled at the corner of his mouth.
"I'm not someone who lacks a sense of proportion.
If I truly feel my body cannot handle it,
if there is a real danger to my life, I will stop immediately.
I haven't lived long enough yet; why would I throw my life away just to become stronger?"
"If it really doesn't work, I'll just think of other ways to get stronger then.
But this is Sun Breathing; if I don't try, I'll regret it for the rest of my life."
Tatsu's words carried a strong sense of ambition.
He was not the type to be satisfied with the status quo; even if he had become a demon, he wanted to be the strongest one.
Kanae Kocho watched Tatsu quietly.
She saw the light flickering in his eyes and his face, slightly flushed from excitement.
She suddenly realized that this demon, who was usually a bit lazy and improper,
actually looked so dazzling at this moment.
He clearly knew there was a cliff ahead, yet he still wanted to see the scenery at the edge.
This kind of courage and persistence moved her.
After a long silence, Kanae slowly let go of Tatsu's sleeve.
She lowered her head, gently tidying her hair that had been ruffled by the wind,
then raised her head, her face once again showing that smile as gentle as water.
"Okay, I believe you."
"I believe Tatsu knows his limits.
Since you've already decided, then as your companion, I can only support you."
Kanae reached out and gently patted Tatsu's shoulder.
"Go then, go to Mount Kumotori.
Regardless of the outcome, at least you tried."
"However..."
Her tone shifted as she held up a finger, feigning seriousness.
"If there is danger, you must stop immediately.
If you dare to be reckless and get yourself hurt, I will be very angry.
When that time comes, I'll lock you in the Butterfly Mansion and make you drink the bitterest medicinal soup every day!"
Seeing Kanae's expression, which was both gentle and carried a small threat, Tatsu couldn't help but laugh.
"As you command, Lady Flower Hashira."
He gave an exaggerated bow, making Kanae unable to resist a soft giggle behind her hand.
Under the moonlight, their shadows were stretched very, very long.
"Let's go, Tatsu."
"Mm."
"It's almost dawn. Should we find a place to rest?"
"I know there's a Wisteria House nearby... ah, wait, you're a demon, you can't go there."
"Ahem, it's fine. I'll just make do with any place where the sun can't reach. I'm not picky."
"That won't do. Let's find a cave; I'll help you start a fire."
"Kanae, you really are too kind."
"Of course, after all, I am Big Sister Kanae."
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