Chapter 41 - Shinazugawa, The Markings Haven't Been Awakened yet? Is That Okay?
Kanao looked up and recognized him immediately.
It was the one that Sister Kanae gave to me.
The bronze coin glimmered with a golden hue, and paired with the smile on Romeo's lips, it stirred something deep inside Kanao.
She took the coin.
Then—smack—she slapped Romeo's hand hard.
The girl's face flushed bright red. "Mr. Romeo, can I give you this coin?"
Romeo was a little surprised. "Isn't this Kanao's favorite thing?"
"I can't keep it anymore."
"Is that so?" Kanao's eyes sparkled. "Then... can Mr. Romeo teach me the breathing method?"
Romeo smiled and nodded. "Of course."
"Then this is my reward."
Kanao pushed the coin back into Romeo's hand.
This girl.
Romeo smiled to himself.
You're trying to "buy" a breathing technique for just one coin? You're seriously underestimating the price of my brainpower!
But seeing the joy dancing in Kanao's eyes, Romeo could tell she was secretly thrilled.
He reached out and gently patted her head.
Then slipped the coin into the inside pocket of his coat.
A coin's still a coin.
In that moment, Romeo
made up his mind—he'd teach Kanao the 'Breath of the Queen'.
He didn't have a perfect breathing method tailored for her yet, but this one was worth testing.
Romeo raised the wooden sword in his hand and started walking toward the open courtyard.
Noticing that Kanao wasn't following, he turned his head and called out, "Come on, what are you standing there for?"
Kanao trotted after him obediently.
At that moment, she had no idea what kind of training awaited her.
The two picked up their wooden swords.
Romeo began to demonstrate seriously.
At the same time.
At the Ubuyashiki residence.
The sky was a brilliant blue, dotted with a few lazy clouds.
A noisy crow flapped into the residence and landed in Ubuyashiki Kagaya's room.
Lady Amane untied the envelope from the crow's leg and gently released the bird.
"It's a letter from that kid Kyoujurou."
Lady Amane opened the envelope and knelt gracefully beside Kagaya, reading its contents.
It detailed Kyoujurou's training with Romeo.
It spoke of Romeo's talent, character, and accomplishments.
When she read the part about Romeo's self-created Breath of Flame, her voice caught for a moment.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya smiled softly. "Romeo is truly a remarkable child."
Lady Amane set down the letter and looked at her husband. "What should we do? Tomorrow's his match with Shinazugawa. Should we assign more training for Romeo?"
"No need," Kagaya said, coughing lightly.
His health had deteriorated noticeably. Even his speech was faint and weary.
"Amane, prepare a Demon Slayer uniform for Romeo and assign him a Nichirin Blade... cough cough..."
Lady Amane hurried to his side, patting him gently on the back.
As she eased his coughing, she asked, "Kagaya, the match hasn't even happened yet. Are you sure?"
Kagaya's voice trembled but was resolute. "Yes... I have a feeling he'll exceed everyone's expectations."
"I already recognize him."
Lady Amane smiled quietly.
It had been a long time since she'd heard Kagaya say something like that.
The last time was when they had brought Muichirou back.
She carefully helped Kagaya lie down, then left the room to prepare the standard gear of the Demon Slayer Corps—for Romeo.
"Breath of the Wind, Fifth Form – Cold Autumn Mountain Wind!"
Wind howled and roared through the lonely mountain.
Under the blazing sun, Shinazugawa Sanemi had just completed the twentieth consecutive execution of Wind Form Five.
It was his fastest technique.
Each time he used it, his body temperature climbed.
Yet even after twenty repetitions, aside from feeling slightly feverish, he experienced no major discomfort.
"Shinazugawa, that all you got? Your markings still haven't awakened."
A familiar, sarcastic voice drifted into the air.
Sanemi looked in its direction. "Iguro? You again?"
"I've got news." Obanai Iguro walked up to him. "Remember what tomorrow is?"
"Tomorrow?" Sanemi blinked. "What about it?"
"You blockhead." Obanai shook his head. "It's your match with Romeo. Don't tell me you forgot?"
Sanemi paused.
Then it hit him.
But his face remained indifferent.
Frankly, awakening his mark seemed more important than some match.
Obanai sighed, clearly sensing Sanemi's nonchalance.
"You know, I met the Flame Pillar yesterday. Guess what he told me?"
Sanemi turned slightly. "What?"
"He said he'd learned a new move. So we fought."
Sanemi scoffed. "Big deal."
"I lost."
"What?!"
Sanemi's eyes nearly bulged. "You lost in one move?!"
"Of course not!" Obanai huffed. "His opening move caught me off guard. I held back a little and paid for it."
"After that, I used my ultimate before he did. That's why I lost."
Sanemi frowned deeply.
"What kind of move?"
Obanai looked puzzled. "Something strange. It actually creates real flames."
"WHAT?!"
Sanemi's eyes went even wider.
"The Flame Pillar can do that now?! Has he awakened his markings?"
Obanai shook his head. "No. He said Romeo taught him the technique."
"...Romeo?"
Just like that, Sanemi's excitement deflated.
Obanai stared at him. "Still think Romeo's just some rookie?"
Sanemi went silent.
Originally, he hadn't taken Romeo seriously.
But now... even he had to admit Romeo might be more dangerous than expected.
"If you really want to understand how to awaken the markings, I suggest visiting the Butterfly House," Obanai said flatly.
Sanemi's face twisted.
You want me to go to the Butterfly House? To ask Romeo?!
Even if Sanemi died from overusing Wind Form Five, he'd never ask Romeo for help.
Obanai pressed a hand to his forehead.
He stared at Sanemi with a mixture of pity and disbelief.
"You misunderstood."
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