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Chapter 96 - Chapter 96: Just You Wait, You Little Thing

What about everyone else?

No one would doubt Mizuki's strength; just based on the power she displayed moments ago, even the Hedgehog Head, Sanemi Shinazugawa, was thoroughly convinced.

If this woman were a demon, she would be, at the very least, a top-tier Upper Rank.

I wonder who is stronger between Mr. Gyoumei and her.

Ubuyashiki Kagaya said, "Regarding the activation of the Demon Slayer Mark, the Hashira have limited time, so I'm afraid we will have to trouble Miss Mizuki greatly."

Mizuki shook her head, "It's fine. All of your strengths are formidable, completely comparable to the Hashira of the Sengoku Period."

"If it's just the Demon Slayer Mark, it can be activated with a little training."

The Demon Slayer Mark is arguably the simplest part of the 'three-piece set.' Once one person activates it, the rest can easily activate it through resonance when facing a life-or-death crisis.

Facing a life-or-death crisis might sound difficult, but compared to the other two components, it's too simple.

First is the scarlet blade, which requires sufficient grip strength. Under Mizuki's observation using the Transparent World, only the blind Stone Hashira might be able to achieve it after activating his Demon Slayer Mark.

However, this person's age has likely already exceeded twenty-five.

After activating the Demon Slayer Mark, he probably won't last very long.

As for the others... especially the Kocho Sisters, Iguro Obanai, and Tokito, their arm strength and grip strength are the weakest in the corps, so it's unlikely they will be able to master the scarlet blade even if they awaken the Demon Slayer Mark.

Of course, nothing is absolute.

Sometimes, if people don't push themselves, they never know their limits.

Just like how she once unleashed astonishing grip strength to activate the scarlet blade when near death, almost cutting off Kokushibou's head.

This is just a judgment based on facts.

Mastering the Transparent World is even more difficult; it requires talent.

The purity of the Breathing Technique and the mastery of swordsmanship are necessary prerequisites. Only with sufficient strength is it possible to reach the Supreme Realm by skillfully mastering the opening of the five senses.

"Sengoku Period?" Everyone who heard Mizuki's words was stunned.

Mizuki gave a subtle smile, "Mhm, strictly speaking, it wouldn't be wrong for you to call me Old Ancestor."

Taking advantage of them truly makes one feel happy and content.

Sanemi Shinazugawa, that troublemaker, was the first to change expression, his face twitching as he was about to burst out yelling.

Mizuki cut him off in time, explaining, "Hmph, I developed the Snow Breathing myself."

"It's considered a product of the same era as the foundational Five Great Breathing Styles."

Everyone: "...Snow Breathing?"

Mizuki nodded, "Mhm."

Kanroji Mitsuri asked innocently, "Is that the Breathing Technique that used to make Kanae collapse in bed whenever she practiced it?"

Mizuki nodded, "Mhm... Huh?"

Kanae gave an awkward smile, "Mitsuri..."

Sanemi Shinazugawa sneered, his chest unnaturally puffed out, and he looked at Mizuki with contempt, "So you created that idiotic Breathing Technique."

"I'm curious how you managed to develop such a bizarre Breathing Technique."

"Not only is the Breathing Technique ridiculous, but the Sword Forms are also a mess."

Mizuki took a deep breath, a deadly smile spreading across her face, "Tell me, is it possible that your talents are just too weak?"

"My Breathing Technique is very easy for me to use. Someone once even said that my Breathing Technique could rival the Origin Breathing."

She wasn't bragging this time.

The key strength of Sun Breathing is its restraint over demons. When it comes to cutting people, Moon Breathing is definitely superior. As for her Snow Breathing, after hundreds of years of development, it touches upon a bit of everything.

It essentially gathered the strengths of various styles.

Mizuki's smile grew even brighter, "Just you wait, you little thing. I'll pay special attention to you when you activate the Demon Slayer Mark."

Sanemi Shinazugawa subconsciously swallowed, realizing belatedly that he felt a bit ashamed. His face flushed red, and he exploded in rage, "You've got guts! Bring it on!"

"Oh, right, and you, you gloomy little brat." Mizuki decided to handle it all at once, her smile turning cold as she looked at Iguro Obanai.

As soon as she finished speaking, Mizuki's smile returned, "You two, you had a lot of opinions about me just now, didn't you?"

Iguro Obanai: ...Is this person schizophrenic?

Uzui Tengen, standing nearby, swallowed. He seemed to recall saying something unfavorable earlier too.

Beside them, Kochou Kanae's demeanor instantly turned monochrome; she supported herself on the ground with numb hands.

She muttered to herself, "I'm sorry, it's all because my talent is too poor."

Kochou Shinobu shook her sister's shoulder, "Sister, pull yourself together!"

Ubuyashiki Kagaya wore a brilliant smile.

It's quite lively, everyone... The enhancement of Hashira-level combat power needs to be gradual. This is Mizuki's first time meeting them, and the resonance of the Demon Slayer Mark requires time.

Furthermore, the Demon Slayer Corps has heavy responsibilities, and the Hashira cannot stay at the Demon Slayer Corps indefinitely.

The current plan is for Mizuki to be responsible for instructing the Hashira who have free time, helping them awaken the Demon Slayer Mark.

Leaving the Hashira Meeting, Mizuki followed the Kocho Sisters to the Butterfly Mansion.

"Miss Mizuki, Little Shinobu told me about you a long time ago. It's just that I haven't had time until now. Since we finally meet today, please allow me to express my gratitude to you."

Kochou Kanae sat formally in seiza and bowed slightly.

Mizuki said straightforwardly, "No need to be polite. Your talent is excellent, and saving you is beneficial for defeating Muzan."

Kanae was slightly stunned, "My talent is excellent?"

Mizuki shrugged, "If you can even use my ridiculous Breathing Technique, doesn't that prove it?"

Kochou Shinobu secretly chuckled, "I didn't realize Mizuki held such grudges."

If she hadn't mentioned it, it would have been fine, but the mention made Mizuki rub her brow, "That Hedgehog Head is just too much of a headache."

He's the kind of person she is least adept at dealing with: energetic and unwilling to listen to reason.

Kanae hesitated for a moment, "Miss Mizuki, please forgive Shinazugawa for that, he is just..."

"Hm?"

Kanae pursed her lips lightly, "His younger siblings died at the hands of his mother... and his mother was killed by him."

Mizuki paused slightly, falling into contemplation.

So that was it. She had wondered why his hostility toward her was so inexplicably strong, especially when she mentioned that the call of a loved one could awaken a demon's consciousness.

With his mother turning into a demon and personally killing his younger siblings, how could he possibly believe such a thing happened?

At the time, considering that mentioning the spider lily would only confuse everyone more, she only provided the summarized result.

For a demon to be awakened by a loved one, prerequisites must be met.

Furthermore, based on Shinazugawa's Marechi Blood type, even if there was a possibility of restoring consciousness, they would probably be instantly overwhelmed by the scent.

Mizuki sighed, "I was just joking. I can tell that these guys are fundamentally good people."

The Taisho Nine Hashira—Hashira are pillars that support the heavens and the earth. How could anyone given such a title be an evil person?

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