Demon Slayer: The Great Swordsman's System, Disciple of Yoriichi

The next morning, Si Shu bought some gifts and first went to the Ubuyashiki estate.

"Oyakata-sama has fallen ill?" Upon arriving, Si Shu was surprised to learn that Kagaya's illness had worsened, and he was now bedridden.

"Yes," replied Kagaya's wife, Amane, her face pale with worry.

"Sigh. In that case, I won't disturb him further. This is just a small token. I hope for Oyakata-sama's speedy recovery." He handed her the gift. "Please trouble Miss Amane to tell him that both my master Yoriichi and I are very concerned for his health, and that the Demon Slayer Corps needs him to lead us."

Amane accepted the gift and bowed her head. "Thank you for your concern, Lord Si Shu. I will be sure to pass on your words."

Leaving the Ubuyashiki estate, Si Shu then went to the Rengoku residence.

"Hahaha, Si Shu, I knew you'd come!" A familiar booming laugh greeted him. Rengoku Tojuro held out a flask of sake. "Today is my birthday, a rare day of rest! We won't stop until we're drunk!"

"Um, I'm only eight. I can't drink yet."

Tojuro blinked, only then realizing that Si Shu was indeed not yet of drinking age. Si Shu's mature demeanor and extraordinary strength were so shocking that he often forgot this fact.

"If that's the case, then I'll drink your share for you!" Without a hint of embarrassment, Tojuro tipped the flask back and poured the sake into his mouth. The liquid splashed down his chest, trickling over a flame-shaped mark.

In their conversation, Si Shu learned that Tojuro's birthday wasn't actually today. Due to the major reforms in the Demon Slayer Corps, he had moved his birthday forward to save time and resources, celebrating it with Ubuyashiki, whose birthday was a few days earlier.

"You enjoy your drink. I'll be going now," Si Shu said, shaking his head with a helpless smile at the half-drunk Tojuro.

Leaving the Rengoku estate, Si Shu went straight back to his small house. As he packed his belongings and prepared to leave, he noticed Michikatsu training in the yard.

A swing, a slash, a flick, a chop, a horizontal cut, a diagonal slice. Though they were simple, basic movements, in Michikatsu's hands, they held a different kind of meaning. As time passed, his sword techniques grew more and more complex. A draw-and-slash so fast the blade was invisible. A spinning turn that created two gusts of wind sharp enough to tear the air.

Without realizing it, Si Shu found himself captivated by Michikatsu's swordsmanship. Though it wasn't as exquisite as Yoriichi's Sun Breathing, Michikatsu's style possessed its own unique charm. It felt like the bright moon under the radiant sun: cold, lonely, and beautiful, yet fraught with killing intent.

Sheathing his sword, Michikatsu ended his training for the day. He turned his head and noticed Si Shu standing nearby.

"You can understand my swordsmanship?"

Si Shu nodded and spoke directly. "It's a type of Breathing Style, isn't it?"

"Yes. I have named it Moon Breathing," Michikatsu explained, turning his back to Si Shu as he placed the wooden sword back on the rack. "Just like the so-called five basic breaths of this organization, Moon Breathing is also derived from Yoriichi's Sun Breathing."

Though his words were calm, Si Shu could sense a deep-seated unwillingness to be defeated, a desire to surpass someone. He knew, of course, that this was Michikatsu's desire to surpass Yoriichi. It was only because Yoriichi was so powerful and dazzling that he was forced to name his own style Moon Breathing.

"Thank you for the explanation, Senior Uncle." After thanking him, Si Shu prepared to leave.

"Wait. Are you heading out?" Michikatsu called out, his curiosity piqued.

Si Shu didn't hide his intentions. "Yes. I'm going to the Swordsmith Village."

"The Swordsmith Village?" Michikatsu's brow twitched as if a thought had occurred to him. "Are the Nichirin Blades forged by the artisans there?"

"Yes. All Nichirin Blades in the Demon Slayer Corps are made by the swordsmiths."

"In that case, I will accompany you."

With that, Michikatsu walked towards his own room to pack his things.

He's coming with me to the Swordsmith Village? Si Shu thought for a moment and understood the reason. In both their brief clash and the training just now, Michikatsu had not used a Nichirin Blade. It wasn't that he didn't want to, but that he simply didn't have one. It was only logical that he would want to go to the village to have one forged.

I hope this journey doesn't cause any problems, Si Shu thought, rubbing his temples, feeling a headache coming on.

Once Michikatsu was ready, the two of them set off. Led by the Kakushi, they spent two days traveling to the Swordsmith Village.

"Once you cross that mountain, you'll see the Swordsmith Village," a Kakushi member explained, pointing to a peak ahead. "Due to our orders, this is as far as we can take you. We wish you both a safe journey."

Si Shu waved his hand in thanks. "Understood. You two be careful on your way back as well."

With a respectful bow, the two Kakushi guides departed.

As they headed towards the mountain, Michikatsu turned his head slightly to observe Si Shu. In just two short days, he had formed a very specific impression of the boy. He couldn't understand how his own brother, who seemed indifferent to everything, could have such a student. Though Si Shu's current strength was not yet on par with theirs, he saw great potential in his future.

Yoriichi, oh Yoriichi... is the gap between us truly that vast?

As Michikatsu was lost in thought, they had already crossed the small mountain. On the other side lay a village of modest size. Though they were still some distance away, the smell of metal already filled the air. If one listened closely, the faint ping, ping of hammers striking steel could be heard.

So this is the Swordsmith Village. There are indeed quite a few pieces of Tamahagane inside. Though it was faint, Si Shu could sense weak pulses of energy from that direction. They were, without a doubt, pieces of Tamahagane.

He quickened his pace, running towards the village. Seeing Si Shu speed up, Michikatsu followed suit.

Upon entering the village smoothly and having their identities confirmed, they were received by the village chief. When Si Shu pushed open the door and saw the chief, he couldn't help but feel surprised.