In Demon Slayer With Heavenly Insight

Chapter 59: Sanemi – Did I Win?

Despite the 300-point gap between Ren and Sanemi, it was evident that both Hashira had worked tirelessly.

"Huh?" Shinobu let out a soft sound of surprise. Her lavender eyes scanned the last line of the score sheet, her expression puzzled.

"Inosuke: -9 points!"

Shinobu blinked, checking the score again.

At that moment, Kanzaki Aoi approached. "Shinobu-sama, about Inosuke's injury earlier… Kanao and I decided to give him a point for attempting to heal himself."

Shinobu's eyes narrowed, almost in disbelief. Her thoughts briefly spiraled into chaos but she quickly regained her composure.

"It doesn't matter," she murmured to herself with a wry smile. "A point here or there won't change anything. Let's just think of it as giving him a little psychological comfort."

She nodded at Aoi. "Thank you. Clean up the room later, then take a well-deserved rest."

"Yes, Shinobu-sama," Aoi replied before grabbing a broom and heading off.

Ren glanced out the window at the setting sun. Darkness would descend in another hour or two. Though he had won, he wasn't entirely satisfied.

The competition wasn't just about solving the Butterfly House's financial issues.

It was also a chance to learn Wind Breathing from Sanemi.

Ren's mind whirred with a hypothesis: if he could master the five basic breathing techniques—originally derived from the Sun Breathing—could he reverse-evolve them into a new, superior version of Sun Breathing?

Sun Breathing was undeniably powerful, but Ren theorized that a technique combining the strengths of all five breathing styles could surpass it in efficiency and adaptability.

He also suspected that Tanjiro's Hinokami Kagura wasn't the perfected Sun Breathing. Yorichi's strength came from his innate abilities, while breathing techniques were merely tools.

Ren resolved to develop a unique breathing style through his deductions and efforts—something unmatched in history.

For now, Wind Breathing was his priority.

Just then, Shinobu called Sanemi and Kyojuro over. As soon as Sanemi saw her, he dashed forward, snatching the score sheet from her hands.

"Let me see! How many points did I beat Ren by this time?"

Sanemi's confidence faltered as his gaze fell upon the numbers.

198 points.

His eyes widened in disbelief.

"How is this possible?!" he muttered, feeling an inexplicable sense of defeat.

Shinobu smiled calmly. "Sanemi-san, it seems there's no need for a third round."

Kyojuro joined them, glancing at the scores before laughing. "Ren-kun's abilities are as impressive as ever!"

Sanemi clenched the paper in his fists, his breathing heavy. The thought of losing his cherished Hagi mochi to Ren drove him into a frenzy.

He looked at Shinobu with fiery determination. "The competition isn't over yet! Let's do the third round!"

Shinobu turned to Ren for approval. Ren nodded, a small smile playing on his lips.

Ren stepped forward. "I propose we modify the rules for the third round."

Shinobu raised a brow, her curiosity piqued.

"To ensure the best rehabilitation training for the Butterfly House's patients," Ren explained, "each competitor will design their own rehabilitation program. Patients will rate the training, and the number of positive reviews will determine the winner.

"Oh, and participants can use their breathing techniques to interfere with their opponents."

Sanemi raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Huh? What's this kid thinking?"

Shinobu hesitated, turning to Ren. "Are you sure? With interference allowed, your opponents could completely sabotage your efforts and eliminate you. That would nullify your current advantage."

Sanemi's eyes lit up. She was right! If he disrupted Ren enough, he could turn the tables.

Shinobu leaned closer to Ren, whispering, "If it's Wind Breathing you're after, others can teach it to you in secret. There's no need to take such risks."

But before she could finish, Sanemi's voice boomed, "What? You want to secretly learn my Wind Breathing ?Are you crazy!"

The entire group froze.

Shinobu's smile stiffened, her eyes narrowing dangerously.

Ren glanced at Sanemi, shaking his head. "You really have no filter, do you?"

Sanemi, oblivious to the tension he'd created, looked genuinely confused.

Shinobu's small hands gripped Ren's sleeve tightly, her expression icy yet composed.

Ren sighed, amused. Sanemi was truly a 'straight man.' Revealing a girl's whisper like that? No wonder his romantic pursuits were non-existent.

Ren placed a comforting hand over Shinobu's, silently vowing to handle the situation delicately.

The stage was set for the third round, and the stakes were higher than ever.

Would Ren's gamble pay off?

Or would Sanemi finally claim his long-awaited victory?