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71.06% With Ope Ope no Mi in Hunter x Hunter / Chapter 194: Chapter 193: Upper Moon Six (Part 3)

Chapter 194: Chapter 193: Upper Moon Six (Part 3)

"Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash." With the activation of Thunder Breathing, Daniel's figure instantly appeared several meters away.

Thunder Breathing, one of the five basic Breathing techniques, focuses solely on speed. Due to its specialization, it only has one fundamental form, which is then extended into various other forms. Unlike other Breathing techniques, which have multiple basic forms, Thunder Breathing's singular focus on speed epitomizes the saying "the best defense is a good offense." If one's speed is fast enough, there's no need for complex forms—one strike can decapitate a demon.

Because of its high demands, few Demon Slayer members choose Thunder Breathing. Those who do often switch to other Breathing techniques after finding the requirements too stringent. The explosive power required, both in terms of Breathing technique and physical fitness, is immense. If one can't meet these demands, using Thunder Breathing could result in self-injury rather than effective demon slaying.

In the Demon Slayer Corps, only the successors of the Thunder Pillar lineage persist with Thunder Breathing. Consequently, the Corps hasn't had a Thunder Pillar in several generations. Unlike the Twelve Kizuki, the titles of the nine Pillars are not fixed but are named after their respective Breathing techniques. If no one uses Thunder Breathing, there is no Thunder Pillar.

Given the high mortality rate among the Pillars, most die without passing on their techniques. Successors often have to rediscover and refine the forms on their own.

The most accomplished user of Thunder Breathing currently in the Corps is Zenitsu Agatsuma's senior, who is also one of the most prolific demon slayers. However, his arrogance and disdain for the basic form have made him unpopular. He dismisses the importance of mastering the first form, focusing instead on higher forms, despite his teacher's advice to hone his fundamental skills.

Zenitsu's senior believes that higher forms, with their greater power, are essential for decapitating demons, whose bodies are incredibly tough. Yet, he fails to recognize that Thunder Breathing's true strength lies in perfecting its initial form.

Giyu Tomioka's effortless defeat of Lower Moon Five, Rui, seemed simple but was achieved using the eleventh form of Water Breathing.

Had Zenitsu's senior trained in another Breathing technique, his approach might have been effective. However, his ignorance of Thunder Breathing's unique nature led to his eventual defeat by Zenitsu, despite his enhanced strength as a demon.

"It's a remarkable Breathing technique. Combined with Shave, it can further enhance my speed," Daniel mused, appreciating Thunder Breathing's explosive power. At its peak, it could unleash godlike speed.

Among the Breathing techniques housed at the Demon Slayer headquarters, Thunder Breathing is the most comprehensively documented. Daniel had trained in Thunder Breathing and collected the methods for the other techniques without practicing them.

"This means I might not need to ask Tanjiro for Sun Breathing after all," Daniel realized. Mastery of a Breathing technique's power depends not on the technique itself but on the user.

Like Devil Fruit abilities, a Breathing technique's potential is limited by the practitioner's skill and dedication.

Sun Breathing, the progenitor of all Breathing techniques, is formidable but notoriously difficult to master. Even Kokushibo, Yoriichi Tsugikuni's brother, only managed to master a derivative form, Moon Breathing, highlighting the immense challenge of mastering Sun Breathing.

Someone like Yoriichi, born with the ability to see the Transparent World, could fully utilize Sun Breathing's power. In many ways, the Transparent World is akin to a simplified version of Observation Haki.

In terms of raw power, Daniel could easily defeat Yoriichi, but in terms of innate talent, he couldn't compare to Yoriichi, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, or Kanao.

"There are no traces of Upper Rank demons. Muzan must be waiting for Tanjiro to make his move," Daniel noted, reviewing the Corps' intelligence. Lower Rank demons were occasionally sighted, but Upper Rank demons had been unseen since Shinobu's sister's sacrifice.

"Muzan probably noticed Tanjiro's hanafuda earrings, triggering his trauma. That's why he's staying hidden. Maybe I should get a pair of those earrings, though it wouldn't help much since I can't track Muzan by scent."

Daniel had no way of locating Muzan without Tanjiro's unique olfactory ability, making the earrings pointless.

"Thank you for your help these past few days," Shinobu said, appearing on the roof as Daniel lay down to stargaze.

"As a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, it's my duty to assist," Daniel replied. During his time at the Butterfly Mansion, he witnessed the sacrifices of many Corps members, young and old, missing limbs or worse.

The power gap between humans and demons was stark, even with the aid of Breathing techniques. Injured members often couldn't continue as Demon Slayers but were supported by the Ubuyashiki family's numerous enterprises, which provided for them, collected demon-related intelligence, and funded the Corps' operations.

"By the way, what will you do if Muzan is killed?" Daniel suddenly asked.

"If I'm still alive then, I'll probably find a quiet place to live," Shinobu replied, though she kept her true wish—to be with her sister—unspoken.

In her heart, Shinobu didn't expect to survive until Muzan's defeat. Her goal was to kill an Upper Rank demon, especially the one who killed her sister, even if it meant sacrificing herself. Her body was already poisoned to the core with wisteria toxins.

"What about you?" Shinobu asked after a moment of silence.

"Me? The world is vast; I'll probably travel around," Daniel said. If not for the demons, he would have left this world long ago.

"That's a nice thought," Shinobu said, seemingly intrigued.

"By the way, I've noticed you've been researching certain areas. Planning to go there?" Shinobu asked, her eyes glinting with a hint of curiosity.

"That place? You've misunderstood," Daniel replied, recognizing her subtle accusation.

"Misunderstood?" Shinobu asked, her tone ambiguous.

"Yes, I was investigating whether demons might be hiding there. If demons were smart, they would hide in such places where they are hard to find," Daniel explained earnestly.

He didn't want Shinobu to think he was the type to frequent such places. The place in question was the red-light district, which was legal and thriving in this world.

Throughout history, vices like gambling, drugs, and prostitution persisted despite efforts to eradicate them. In this world, the red-light districts were legal and bustling, attracting many, including some Demon Slayers like Zenitsu's senior, who were regular patrons.

Daniel's interest in the red-light district was purely strategic, aiming to find the sibling duo who held the title of Upper Rank Six. The sister, Daki, was a courtesan in the district, having hidden there for over a century.

However, the chaotic nature of the district, where disappearances and deaths were commonplace, made it difficult to ascertain demonic activity.

"The master has considered that and sent people to investigate, but they found nothing conclusive," Shinobu said. The Ubuyashiki family was highly intelligent, and Daniel's suspicion had already been considered.

The Demon Slayer Corps focused solely on slaying demons, leaving societal issues and human conflicts to others.

"I know. But I hypothesized that if I were a demon, I would hide in such a place. Demons aren't stupid, especially the Upper Rank ones."

"Upper Rank demons are not to be trifled with," Shinobu said, her expression darkening. Her sister's death at the hands of an Upper Rank demon was a traumatic memory, and she considered herself lucky to have survived that encounter.

The semi-annual Pillar meetings were not just for discussing Corps matters but also to confirm the survival of the Pillars. Demons actively hunted the Demon Slayers, especially the Upper Rank ones.

"Don't worry. Even if Muzan himself appeared, I'd kill him for you," Daniel said, standing up. "I should rest now. I have a long journey tomorrow."

Daniel had no romantic intentions toward Shinobu; he merely didn't want her to die tragically as in the original story.

"Be careful," Shinobu cautioned the next morning as Daniel departed. He waved nonchalantly, confident in his invincibility in this world, even against Muzan and all the Upper Rank demons.

"I remember Tanjiro fighting Upper Rank Six in a red-light district. It must be this place, Yoshiwara," Daniel thought, arriving at the bustling district.

Due to its legality, many red-light districts thrived, each with varying degrees of prosperity. Even within the entertainment industry, there were hierarchies, from top courtesans to the lowest geishas.

Based on his recollection and investigation, Daniel had found the right place.

"No wonder men love coming here. It's quite captivating," Daniel observed. He had never visited such places in his previous or current life, despite having opportunities in various worlds.

"Sound Pillar Tengen Uzui has three wives. Impressive and enviable," Daniel thought, recalling his findings about the current state of the Corps. Except for Uzui, all the Pillars were single.

Uzui was Zenitsu's most envied figure.

"The top courtesans are in Tokito House, Ogimoto House, and Kyogoku House," Daniel noted, quickly gathering information on Yoshiwara. The courtesans were named Orie, Koinatsu, and Warabihime.

"It must be Warabihime of Kyogoku House," Daniel deduced, matching the intelligence with his memories.

His guess was confirmed when he discreetly investigated Kyogoku

 House, sparing him the need to use Observation Haki.

"Orie's lucky to be leaving tomorrow," several geishas at Kyogoku House gossiped enviously about Orie's imminent departure.

For these women, becoming a top courtesan and being bought out was the best outcome. Though not always becoming a proper wife, it was a better fate than staying in the district.

Suddenly, a slap echoed through the room as Warabihime struck a maidservant. Despite her terrible temper, Warabihime's status as a top courtesan meant even the house mistress didn't dare to reprimand her.

"Men paying for a female demon's services. Wonder what they'd think if they knew. Maybe they wouldn't have the chance," Daniel mused.

That night, as the crowd thinned, Warabihime returned to her room, shed her clothes, and transformed into a ribbon-like form, darting through the rooftops.

"A Blood Demon Art. Fast. Heading towards Tokito House," Daniel noted, following her out of curiosity rather than intervening immediately.

"Orie, rest well. Tomorrow is your big day," several geishas at Tokito House said, leaving Orie alone.

"Big day, huh. Hmph."

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Chapter 195: Chapter 194: Upper Moon Six (Conclusion)

Upon seeing only Orie in the room, Warabihime slipped through the window's gap. In this era of primarily wooden structures, even tightly shut doors and windows couldn't block Warabihime's Blood Demon Art.

Orie, unaware of Warabihime's entry, sat calmly at her dressing table, smiling at her reflection. The prospect of escaping this life was a rare and precious opportunity for her. Becoming a courtesan didn't guarantee someone would pay to redeem her, as the cost for a top courtesan was exorbitant and not everyone was willing to pay it.

"You seem happy."

Orie, lost in her thoughts, was startled by a cold chuckle from behind. Turning around, she saw a familiar face—Warabihime. Recognizing her, Orie's body instinctively shrank back. As fellow courtesans in Yoshiwara, Orie knew Warabihime well. Unlike other courtesans who could only last a couple of years, Warabihime had held her position for several years.

Warabihime's contribution to Kyogoku House's prosperity was undeniable. Despite her terrible temper within, she excelled at entertaining guests, never showing displeasure even when annoyed, though she would seek revenge later. This behavior made the house owner tolerate her antics, as her financial value was immense.

While the public might be unaware of Warabihime's true nature, fellow courtesans like Orie knew all too well. Hence, seeing Warabihime made Orie instinctively recoil.

"Warabihime, what brings you here?" Orie asked after calming her nerves.

"To send you off," Warabihime replied, her sashes flying towards Orie. The sudden attack left Orie petrified, having never witnessed such horror.

Crash.

The window shattered, and a figure leapt into the room. With swift, precise slashes, Daniel severed the sashes, scattering them across the room.

"Demon Slayer," Warabihime muttered, coldly eyeing the intruder. Daniel, clad in the standard black uniform and wielding a Nichirin Blade, was unmistakably from the Demon Slayer Corps.

Warabihime's body erupted with four more sashes, targeting Daniel. To her, an ordinary-looking Demon Slayer wasn't worth much concern.

Daniel effortlessly sliced through the sashes, closing the distance in an instant. He severed Warabihime's right arm and kicked her out of the room.

"Don't speak of this to anyone," Daniel instructed the now-recovered Orie before darting out.

"Demon Slayers are real?" Orie whispered in shock once Daniel vanished. As a courtesan, Orie had access to information networks others didn't. Rumors of demons and the Demon Slayer Corps were common in Yoshiwara, though most considered them mere gossip.

"Could Warabihime be...?" Orie recalled a persistent rumor in Yoshiwara about a demon who disliked those who got in her way.

"I'll kill you," Warabihime seethed, launching eight sashes at Daniel after regaining her balance in the street. She had never suffered such an injury before, and though her arm quickly regenerated, the pain was excruciating.

As Warabihime's most powerful attack came, Daniel advanced, slicing through the sashes with ease. He then kicked her away from the town.

"Brother, help! Someone's bullying me," Warabihime cried, remaining seated as she called out.

A head appeared behind her, followed by the emergence of a male demon. 

"Don't cry, Warabihime. I'll kill him for you."

The male demon, Gyutaro, was shirtless, with black and green hair, a hunched back, and a scrawny build marked by numerous black spots. As he separated from Warabihime, blood-red sickles formed in his hands.

"So, you're a Pillar. You'll be the sixteenth Pillar I've killed." The Demon Slayer Corps couldn't discern ranks by eye; strength was their only measure.

"I wondered why Upper Moon Six was so weak. Turns out there's another one. Twin demons, interesting. By the way, can you tell me where that coward Muzan is hiding?" Daniel mocked.

"You insult Lord Muzan! Brother, kill him! Don't let him die easily!" Warabihime screamed, enraged.

Muzan favored Warabihime, contributing to her position despite being the weakest Upper Moon. Her devotion to Muzan was absolute, explaining why she and Gyutaro had killed the most Pillars.

"Got it. Blood Demon Art: Flying Blood Sickles," Gyutaro said, launching his attack. His sickles generated a barrage of blood blades aimed at Daniel. These blades, controlled by Gyutaro's will, pursued their target relentlessly and carried potent poison.

A demon's blood regeneration was remarkable; while humans weakened from blood loss, demons remained unaffected. If not for their poisonous blood, demons could serve as blood banks.

Bang.

Daniel effortlessly dispersed the blood blades with a single sweep of his Nichirin Blade.

"Upper Moon demons are no big deal," Daniel remarked, appearing beside Gyutaro. He shattered Gyutaro's blood sickles and severed his arms.

"This ends now," Daniel said, binding both demons with Kamar-Taj's chains. The earlier battle was merely to gauge their strength.

"You're useless!" Warabihime screeched at her brother once they were both restrained. Despite their century-long lives, Warabihime's mentality remained that of a child.

"And it's your fault."

"Shut up," Daniel silenced them, sealing their mouths with chains. Unlike Tanjiro, he had no empathy for demons.

"The damage should be enough to seem like a major battle. I was overthinking it," Daniel observed, causing more destruction with a Rankyaku to make it look like a fierce fight.

He aimed to avoid Muzan's suspicion; a quick defeat might cause Muzan to retreat further into hiding. A scene of destruction would imply a hard-fought battle.

Muzan valued Upper Moon demons highly, unlike Lower Moons whom he discarded easily. A cautious boss, Muzan would react differently to Upper Moon losses.

"If Upper Moon demons are so weak, it's no wonder Lower Moons are expendable. Muzan must have realized Tanjiro's potential, prompting his current caution," Daniel thought.

Muzan's cowardice made him an unusual adversary. Unlike pirate leaders who sought immediate vengeance, Muzan preferred hiding.

"Warabihime captured so many people. She really is a child," Daniel discovered Warabihime's sash containing numerous faces of beautiful girls. These were not paintings but living captives.

Warabihime's sashes had a spatial dimension, allowing her to store people for later enjoyment. Her disdain for those more beautiful than her drove her to such actions.

"Let's get these people out." Daniel hesitated, knowing that freeing them without treatment would cause deformities due to prolonged exposure to the Blood Demon Art.

Daniel couldn't save everyone, but he could help those he encountered. The captives, if released in Yoshiwara, would likely face dire futures.

"It's better to take them to the Demon Slayer Corps. The Ubuyashiki family can provide for them," Daniel decided, considering the well-being of the captives. Pairing them with current Corps members might offer a better future than staying in Yoshiwara.

"Hang in there," Daniel said, deciding to keep the captives in the sashes until he reached the Butterfly Mansion. Warabihime's sashes had preservation properties, ensuring the captives' safety for a while longer.

In a secluded spot in the mountains near Yoshiwara, Daniel began studying the blood of the Upper Moon demons.

"Upper Moon blood can create demons, not just Muzan's. No wonder there's such a gap between Upper and Lower Moons."

"Should I create a demon for research?" Daniel pondered, holding Gyutaro's extracted blood.

The line between humans and demons lay in their actions. Daniel's intent was to find a cure for demons, but he needed test subjects.

"I have a way to reverse the demonic transformation, but I need experimental data. Creating demons seems too risky," Daniel decided to seek test subjects elsewhere, perhaps from Fujikasane Mountain.

"Fujikasane Mountain has plenty of demons. I'll find subjects there," Daniel concluded, leaving the idea of creating demons behind.

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