Early the next morning, everyone gathered at the dojo in the Butterfly Estate.
All the Pillars were present, along with Zenitsu, Inosuke, and even Kanao.
"Tanjiro Kamado, please demonstrate the Sun Breathing technique for us." Said Gyomei, the Stone Pillar, "Take it slow and, if possible, explain the key points as well."
"Yes!" Tanjiro responded firmly. As he began the demonstration, he explained, "My father said the most important aspect of the Hinokami Kagura is the breathing, followed by the twelve dance postures."
Holding a small wooden stick, Tanjiro danced in the open space, explaining the postures and steps as he moved.
The demonstration was somewhat disjointed, as he had slowed it down for clarity. Afterward, silence fell as he caught his breath. His Sun Breathing technique was not yet perfected.
An awkward atmosphere settled over the group.
Mitsuri broke the silence, asking with confusion, "Um... is this really a sword technique? Although Tanjiro has used it against demons, it seems more like a dance."
Her own breathing technique, a combination of gymnastics and yoga-based sword techniques, allowed her to spot the issue immediately.
"Oh! That's why something felt off!" Kyojuro exclaimed, clapping his hands, "The Sun Breathing technique is a dance!"
"Hey! Is this really a sword technique?" Sanemi shouted.
Tengen slapped his forehead, "A beautiful dance, sure, but how can it be considered a sword technique?"
Muichiro, who had been observing intently, calmly stated, "It's a matter of angles."
"Angles?" Everyone asked simultaneously, except for Kanao.
Puzzled looks crossed their faces as they wondered about the relevance of angles.
"The angles of the hands and feet are slightly contracted, showing hesitation." Muichiro explained, "While it uses minimal effort to exert maximum force, it's not achieving optimal results. It seems the Sun Breathing technique has undergone subtle adjustments."
His frequent sparring with the mechanical dolls [Yoriichi Type Zero] at the Swordsmith Village had honed his ability to spot such nuances in Tanjiro's demonstration.
He noted subtle differences in both the footwork and wrist angles.
"Tanjiro, demonstrate it again at normal speed." Muichiro requested, "This will make the dance more fluid and allow me to clearly see these subtle differences."
"Yes!" Tanjiro complied, beginning his demonstration anew.
Thus began a series of repetitions:
After countless iterations:
"Ahem, let me take over."
Muichiro was about to ask for another repetition when Adam, noticing Tanjiro collapsed on the ground and unable to stand, stepped forward to take his place.
"Um... Suoh-senpai, do you know how to o it?" Tanjiro asked, panting heavily, "Let me continue. I can still keep going."
"You need to rest first. Look how out of breath you are. Your injuries have just healed — you shouldn't overexert yourself." Adam said, gently pushing him aside, "As for your Kagura dance, I've already learned it. I got it after seeing it once."
His words were astonishing! Tanjiro was momentarily stunned.
In truth, Adam had learned the dance after the first demonstration but hadn't mentioned it.
Taking the small wooden stick from his hand, Adam ushered him off the stage. Tanjiro walked to the side with a dazed expression and sat down, leaning against a large tree.
'What's going on?' Tanjiro thought, 'Learned it after seeing it once? Is someone really that talented?'
His face was full of disbelief.
Then he saw Adam begin to perform the Hinokami Kagura. The footwork, postures, and breathing were identical to his own, as if Adam were his clone! Tanjiro's vision blurred, and it was as if he were watching himself dance the Kagura!
"So... so scary!" He blurted out, feeling an inexplicable fear.
Zenitsu and Inosuke were equally shocked. They wanted to shout but were quickly silenced by others to avoid disturbing Muichiro, who was intently observing.
The Pillars, while surprised, didn't show any unusual reactions.
This was likely because Shinobu had already informed them about Adam's ability to fully learn any sword technique after seeing it just once.
"Once more." Muichiro repeated.
"Again." He insisted.
"One last time." He urged.
The sun traversed the sky, temperatures fluctuated, and Adam and Tanjiro alternated performing the Hinokami Kagura, repeating it tirelessly.
The others stood transfixed, watching the duo dance throughout the day until the sun kissed the western horizon.
"That's enough. I've learned it." Muichiro stated flatly, "I've reconstructed the Sun Breathing technique."
"As expected of Muichiro — a true genius!"
"Exceptionally gifted."
"Is this what genius looks like? Unbelievable!"
Everyone except Giyu showered him with praise.
"Let me demonstrate." Muichiro said.
He stepped forward, took the small wooden stick from Tanjiro's hand, and began to dance.
While the footwork and postures closely resembled the Hinokami Kagura, the angles differed noticeably. The once-hesitant movements now appeared more expansive and open. The dance lost some grace but gained a sharp, keen edge.
Such a slight difference in angles brought about a significant change!
Astounding! Everyone recognized this as the sword form of the Sun Breathing technique.
However, after completing one demonstration, Muichiro caught his breath and furrowed his brow. Sensing something amiss, he mumbled softly, "No, something's not right."
With that, Muichiro began to demonstrate again.
Once, twice, three times... No one dared interrupt him.
They recognized this as a pivotal moment — his success hinged on achieving enlightenment.
"I see now. It's the breathing." Muichiro stated matter-of-factly, as if grasping the principle were a given.
Everyone knew, of course, that this was simply his way — unable to express emotions.
Without responding, he began another demonstration.
The postures and footwork remained unchanged, but the breathing rhythm had subtly shifted, becoming more intense and fiery!
Gradually, the wooden stick in his hand began to ignite of its own accord.
By now, night had fallen — the hour when demons typically stir. Yet Muichiro danced like a flame sprite, performing the most magnificent display in the darkness.
The wooden stick in his hand radiated intense heat. Brilliant flames arose, swirling and rotating with his dance, piercing the night sky and the shadows in everyone's hearts.
It brought them a glimmer of hope's dawn.
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