In Demon Slayer With Heavenly Insight

Chapter 41: The Training of the Wind Hashira

Kanoe raised her head and immediately recognized it.

It was the coin given to her by Sister Kanae.

The bronze coin exuded a golden luster, and paired with the smile on Ren's lips, it stirred something within her.

She took the coin, then slapped Ren's hand hard.

The girl's face flushed red again as she stammered, "Mr. Ren, can I give you this coin?"

Hearing this, Ren was a little surprised. "Isn't this your favorite thing?"

"I can't have it," Kanoe said, her voice soft but firm.

"Is that so?" Ren asked with a smile.

Kanoe's eyes sparkled. "Then, Mr. Ren, can you teach me the breathing method?"

Ren nodded, his smile widening. "Of course."

"Then this is my payment."

Kanoe placed another coin into Ren's hand.

Ren chuckled. This girl really thought she could "buy" a breathing technique for a single coin. But he didn't mind.

Looking at Kanoe, Ren felt amused. She's probably feeling quite clever right now.

He gently patted her head before slipping the coins into his coat pocket. Even a single coin has value, after all.

With that, Ren decided to teach Kanoe the Tyrant Flower Breathing technique. It wasn't entirely perfected yet, but it would be a good starting point for her to try.

Ren raised the wooden sword in his hand and walked toward the open space in the courtyard.

Noticing that Kanoe wasn't following, he turned and called out, "Come on, why are you just standing there?"

Kanoe hurried after him, innocence shining in her eyes. She had no idea what kind of training awaited her.

The two picked up wooden swords, and Ren began to demonstrate the technique seriously.

---

Meanwhile, at the Ubuyashiki Residence:

The sky was a clear blue, dotted with a few white clouds.

A noisy messenger crow flew into the room where Ubuyashiki Kagaya resided.

Lady Amane, Kagaya's wife, removed the letter tied to the crow's leg and allowed it to fly off.

"It's a letter from Rengoku," she said, opening the envelope as she knelt beside her husband with grace.

The letter detailed Rengoku's training with Ren, highlighting Ren's exceptional talent, character, and achievements.

When Lady Amane read the part about Ren creating his own Fire Breathing technique, her voice faltered slightly.

Kagaya smiled softly. "This child, Ren, truly knows how to surprise us."

Amane set the letter down and asked, "What should we do next? Tomorrow is the competition between Ren and Sanemi. Should we continue arranging training for Ren?"

"There's no need," Kagaya replied, though his words were punctuated by a fit of coughing.

His health had been deteriorating rapidly, and even speaking took a toll on him.

"Prepare a set of Demon Slayer Corps attire for Ren," Kagaya said weakly. "And allocate him a Nichirin Sword... Cough, cough..."

Lady Amane immediately moved to support her husband, patting his back gently.

"Are you certain?" she asked, concern evident in her voice. "The competition hasn't even started yet."

Kagaya's weak smile returned. "I have a hunch. This child will surprise everyone. I've already acknowledged him."

Lady Amane smiled softly. It had been a long time since Kagaya had spoken about someone with such confidence.

---

Elsewhere, Sanemi's Training Grounds:

"Wind Breathing, Fifth Form: Cold Mountain Wind!"

The powerful technique tore through the air, the wind howling like a raging storm in a deep valley.

Sanemi Shinazugawa had executed the move for the twentieth time under the blazing sun. It was the fastest form of Wind Breathing, one that pushed his body to its limits.

Despite the strain, his body felt only a slight feverishness.

"Sanemi, are you even trying? You haven't awakened the Mark yet," came a familiar voice.

Sanemi turned to see Iguro Obanai approaching.

"What do you want, Iguro?" Sanemi asked gruffly.

"I'm here to remind you of something," Iguro said, stopping beside him. "Do you even remember what tomorrow is?"

Sanemi looked confused. "Tomorrow?"

Iguro sighed. "Tomorrow is your competition with Ren. Have you forgotten already?"

Sanemi finally remembered but remained nonchalant. Competing with Ren wasn't a priority for him; unlocking the Demon Slayer Mark was.

Iguro shook his head in exasperation. "You know, I ran into Rengoku yesterday. Do you know what he told me?"

"What?" Sanemi asked, raising an eyebrow.

Iguro smirked. "He said he's learned a new technique. We sparred, and I lost."

"What?!" Sanemi's eyes widened in disbelief. "You lost in a single move?"

"Of course not!" Iguro snapped. "But his first move caught me off guard. It was strange—he conjured tangible flames. I couldn't counter it."

Sanemi was stunned. "Tangible flames? Has Rengoku already unlocked the Mark?"

Iguro shook his head. "No. He said Ren taught him the technique."

Sanemi's expression darkened. "Ren? Are you serious?"

Iguro narrowed his eyes. "You still underestimate him, don't you?"

Sanemi remained silent. He had never taken Ren seriously before, but now he couldn't ignore his achievements.

"If you're serious about awakening the Mark, maybe you should ask him for advice," Iguro suggested.

Sanemi's face turned red with indignation. "Ask Ren? Never! I'd rather die than seek his help!"

Iguro sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. This guy really has no self-awareness.

"You misunderstood," Iguro said, shaking his head.

**