Demon Slayer: Seraph of Radiance

Kawanishi was able to quickly master the Hinokami Kagura thanks to their father Tanjuro's help, which allowed him to clearly recall the breathing lessons he'd once received.

Tanjiro, however, didn't have that luxury. Learning breathing techniques was never something accomplished overnight — it required countless hours of practice.

Yet as Kawanishi was explaining the principles of the breathing technique, he failed to notice Tanjiro's eyes growing increasingly bright.

Suddenly, Tanjiro interrupted, "Brother, like this, right?"

Huh? The airflow seemed to be gathering around Tanjiro's body.

Realizing what his younger brother was doing, Kawanishi froze and his jaw dropped open wide enough to fit a fist.

This sensation… it's the Hinokami Kagura!

White streams of air circulated through Tanjiro's mouth and nose, cycling into his lungs and circulating with his bloodstream before exhaling back out.

Tanjiro was breathing — breathing with the Hinokami Kagura's technique.

Kawanishi could see Tanjiro's body trembling slightly as the muscles and meridians under his skin strengthened and tightened with each breath.

This is… even more proficient than when I first used the Hinokami Kagura…

Kawanishi was left speechless, opening his mouth but unsure of what to say. Urokodaki beside him was equally shocked, his gaze fixed on Tanjiro.

It was the first time he'd ever seen someone master a breathing technique instantly.

This level of compatibility… it's as if this breathing style was made for him.

Kawanishi coughed awkwardly, trying to hide his astonishment, and then forced himself to act calm. "You've done well, little brother. That's the Hinokami Kagura breathing technique."

"Do you feel any changes? Does your body hurt?"

When Kawanishi first used Hinokami Kagura, it had been agonizing — his very cells felt like they were being devoured. He instinctively assumed Tanjiro would feel the same.

Yet Tanjiro's face remained calm, showing no signs of discomfort, making Kawanishi wonder if he was misunderstanding something.

With a joyful smile, Tanjiro answered, "I can feel my body getting stronger!"

"This sensation — it's burning, vivid, full of vitality… it makes me want to run, to swing my blade."

Then, tilting his head curiously, he added, "But… it doesn't hurt at all."

"Sure, after prolonged use it might become exhausting, but not at the beginning. Why would it hurt?"

"Brother, you didn't know that?"

Even Urokodaki glanced over curiously. Kawanishi finally realized something was different.

For him, activating Hinokami Kagura had been agony from the very first breath — as if every cell was being shredded. Only now could he maintain it without showing pain.

Leaning back slightly, Kawanishi maintained his composure and replied calmly, "Of course I knew."

"I was just worried the sudden transition might cause you discomfort."

But internally, Kawanishi's heart was pounding like a wild deer in heat.

Why the hell did it hurt so much for me?!?!

Hearing his brother's concern, Tanjiro smiled gratefully.

Brother is always so thoughtful…

Suddenly remembering something, Tanjiro asked curiously, "Brother, how was my breathing? Compared to your first time, am I very far off?"

His innocent gaze pierced straight into Kawanishi's heart like a spear, making his chest ache.

Kawanishi's temple twitched. Suppressing the urge to bonk Tanjiro on the head, he forced a smile. "Of course you're far off compared to me!"

"You'll need to train even harder."

"Don't you dare slack off in today's training."

To think my little brother would have such a natural gift for Hinokami Kagura — after just a few words, he's already mastered it and is using it skillfully.

And judging by his breathing, he's practically reached Total Concentration. The flaming aura around him is only slightly weaker than mine.

At this rate, it won't be long before he surpasses me…

Ugh! If my little brother grows stronger than me, where's my pride as the older brother supposed to go? This is painful.

No, I must hunt more demons to vent my frustration — and stock up on energy while I'm at it.

Kawanishi's cells were already hinting at hunger again — maintaining Total Concentration Constant burned through massive energy. The conversion efficiency was only about 20%, far less than the nearly 50% from absorbing demon ashes. But for rapid growth, sacrificing some efficiency was necessary.

Tanjiro nodded firmly, "I'll train hard! I want to help Brother as soon as I can!"

Seeing his brother's sincere determination, Kawanishi felt a pang of guilt.

He turned to Urokodaki, "Since Tanjiro has grasped the breathing technique so quickly, he's ready for training."

"You can take him to the new training ground now."

Using breathing in a calm state was one thing — but maintaining it under intense combat stress was far harder.

Kawanishi was secretly eager to watch Tanjiro struggle with the upcoming trials.

Urokodaki glanced at both brothers, then stood, grabbed six practice blades from the rack — dull, metal replicas of Nichirin swords used for form practice — and casually tossed them all into Kawanishi's arms.

Then, standing by the door, he said in a serious tone, "You two — follow me."

Huh… why am I being brought along too?

And why six practice swords?

Kawanishi accepted the swords reflexively, feeling confused. Urokodaki hadn't mentioned needing blades for Tanjiro's training — and six of them no less. Something didn't feel right.

Following behind Urokodaki, Kawanishi and Tanjiro soon arrived at a mid-mountain clearing.

Thick trees surrounded them, but a man-made open space had been cleared in the center.

In that clearing stood over a dozen wooden stakes, each about three meters tall and spaced two meters apart in a circle. Something seemed to be embedded in the ground beneath, but it was hard to see clearly.

The arrangement looked freshly constructed. Beside them sat a large, square boulder.

After leaning the swords against a nearby tree, Tanjiro asked curiously, "What's this for? Am I supposed to move between the posts to practice my footwork?"

Urokodaki smiled gently, "Of course. But not between the posts — on top of them."

Seeing the stakes, only as thick as his forearm, Tanjiro's smile froze.

Master… you're joking, right?

It's barely even wide enough to stand on…

But when he looked up and saw Urokodaki's serious gaze, Tanjiro swallowed nervously.

Yeah… this is definitely not a joke!

(End of Chapter)