Chapter 29: Chapter 29
I crouched down, trying to meet Genya's gaze. flashing my most friendly and non-threatening smile. "So, Whatcha doin' all alone out here in the woods? Shouldn't you be, like, training or something?"
Genya just glared at me, his eyebrows furrowed in a permanent scowl. He looked like a grumpy kitten, all puffed up and ready to scratch.
Okay, maybe a different approach, I thought, scratching the back of my head. "Look, kid, I know you're going through a tough time. Losing your family to demons, getting dumped in the middle of a demon-infested forest... it's not exactly a picnic."
Genya's scowl deepened, and he turned his head away, refusing to meet my eyes.
"But you want to get stronger, don't you?" I pressed on, my voice taking on a more serious tone. "You want to avenge your family, protect others from suffering the same fate. Am I right?"
Genya's body tensed, his fists clenching at his sides. He looked like he was about to explode.
"Don't act like you understand!" he finally burst out, his voice cracking with emotion. "You don't know anything about me! You don't know what I've been through!"
I raised my hands in a placating gesture. "Whoa, whoa, calm down there, kid. I'm not trying to pry or anything. I just... I see something in you. A spark, a fire that refuses to be extinguished."
Genya scoffed, his eyes filled with bitterness. "Yeah, right. You're just like all the others. You think you can swoop in and save the day, like some kind of hero."
I chuckled, a genuine smile spreading across my face. "Hero? Nah, I'm just a guy with a big sword and a knack for getting into trouble. Atleast, if I can help someone along the way, why not?"
Genya's scowl softened slightly, a flicker of curiosity replacing his anger.
"Look, kid," I continued, my voice firm but gentle, "I know you're hurting. But bottling up all that anger and pain isn't going to help you. You need to find a way to channel it, to turn it into something positive. Something that can fuel your strength and determination."
I paused, then added with a wink, "Besides, wouldn't it be awesome to show those demons what a real badass you can be? Imagine their faces when you slice them to ribbons with your own unique Breathing Style."
Genya's eyes widened slightly, a hint of interest peeking through his tough exterior.
"So, what do you say, kid?" I asked, extending a hand towards him. "Wanna learn how to kick some serious demon butt?"
Genya stared at my outstretched hand, his expression conflicted.
Genya's eyes narrowed even further, if that was even possible. He scoffed, crossing his arms defiantly. "How can you possibly teach me? You're not even a demon slayer!"
I blinked, genuinely confused. Did this kid have a vision problem? Or was he just trying to be extra difficult?
"Are you blind?" I asked, my voice rising in disbelief. "Or are you just plain stupid? Take a good look at this uniform, kid. I'm a Hashira, for crying out loud!"
I puffed out my chest, trying to look as imposing as possible, even though my height was somewhat lacking in the intimidation department. Fuyume, perched on my shoulder, let out a supportive hoot, adding a touch of gravitas to the situation.
Genya's jaw dropped, his scowl replaced by a look of stunned surprise. "What?!" he exclaimed, his voice cracking slightly. "You're... a Hashira?"
I smirked, enjoying his reaction. "Yep. The one and only Black Lightning Hashira, at your service. So, if you want to get stronger, if you truly want to avenge your family and kick some demon butt, then follow me."
I paused, letting the weight of my words sink in. Then, I added with a playful grin, "That is, if you don't want to sit here and cry like a baby. I'm not a saint, kid. I'm not gonna beg you to join me."
With that, I turned and started walking away, my footsteps echoing through the silent forest. Fuyume took flight, soaring ahead.
I kept walking, whistling a jaunty tune despite the fact that I was pretty sure I was butchering it. A few moments later, I heard a grunt behind me, followed by the sound of someone trying to sneak up on me but failing miserably.
I turned to see Genya, still sporting that signature scowl, but his eyes said something different. There was a flicker of determination.
"Don't get any funny ideas," he grumbled, his voice gruff. "I'm not following you because I like you or anything. I just... want to get stronger."
I grinned, giving him a playful nudge. "That's the spirit, kid! Welcome aboard the demon-slaying express!"
As we journeyed through the forest, Fuyume soared overhead, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings like a feathered surveillance drone. The air was still, the only sounds the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirp of a bird.
Suddenly, a chill ran down my spine. It was like someone had cranked the AC up to full blast in the middle of summer. I activated my Mind's Eye, peering through the trees.
There, partially hidden behind a thick trunk, stood a figure.
So that's the Kurorai Hashira, huh? Sanemi thought to himself, his gaze fixed on the retreating figures of Akio and Genya. He's got a strange energy about him, almost like... lightning. And that kid... Genya... He's got that same stubborn look in his eyes that I had at his age.
A flicker of a smile, rare and fleeting, crossed Sanemi's lips. I hope he can knock some sense into that idiot brother of mine.
With a final glance at the pair, Sanemi turned and vanished into the shadows, leaving behind only a faint trace of wind and a lingering sense of hope.
I turned back to Genya, who seemed oblivious to the whole thing. "Did you see that?" I whispered, nudging him with my elbow.
Genya just shrugged. "See what? Was there a demon?"
I chuckled. "Nah, just a... squirrel. A really big, angry squirrel with spiky hair and a bad attitude."
Genya rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Let's just get to your place already. I'm starving."
We finally arrived at my estate, its warm lights a welcome sight after the long trek. Hiroshi and Yumi greeted us at the door, their faces a mix of surprise and... slight panic?
"Akio-chan, who is this young man?" Yumi asked, her voice gentle but laced with a hint of worry.
"This is Shinazugawa Genya," I introduced, gesturing towards the scowling teenager. "He's going to be staying with us. I'm taking him on as my second Tsuguko."
Hiroshi and Yumi exchanged a look that screamed, Two teenagers? Are you sure you're ready for this level of chaos? But they knew better than to question a Hashira's decision.
"Welcome, Shinazugawa-kun," Hiroshi said, bowing respectfully. "Please, make yourself at home."
Yumi smiled warmly. "I'll prepare a room for you. And dinner will be ready soon. I'm sure you're both hungry after your journey."
I turned to Yumi. "Could you also show Genya the bathroom, please? He probably needs a good scrub after sulking in the woods all day."
The next morning, I woke up to the sound of... rhythmic grunting and the occasional clang of metal hitting wood.
Huh, that's weird, I thought, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. Did Hiroshi suddenly decide to become a blacksmith in his spare time?
I wandered into the training hall, expecting to find Hiroshi hammering away at a glowing piece of metal. Instead, I found Genya in the midst of a rigorous workout. He was doing push-ups, sit-ups, and squats with a focus and intensity that surprised me.
Okay, maybe this kid isn't all scowls and attitude, I mused, watching him from the doorway.
As he finished a set of push-ups, I decided to make my presence known.
"Not bad, Genya," I said, clapping my hands together. "Looks like someone's been hitting the gym."
Genya jumped, startled by my sudden appearance. He quickly scrambled to his feet, his face flushing with embarrassment.
"Akio-san!" he exclaimed, bowing his head respectfully. "I didn't hear you come in."
I chuckled. "Relax, kid. No need to be so formal. Just call me Akio."
Genya hesitated, then mumbled, "Hai, Akio... san."
I grinned. Progress! But I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at his sudden change in demeanor. Yesterday, he was ready to bite my head off. Today, he's bowing and calling me 'san.' What's with the sudden respect?
"So," I continued, crossing my arms and leaning against a nearby wall, "looks like you're taking this training seriously. That's good. But physical strength alone won't be enough to defeat demons. You need to master the art of breathing."
Genya nodded, his gaze unwavering. "I understand, Akio-san. I'm ready to learn."
Okay, this is definitely weird, I thought to myself. Where's the attitude? The defiance? The teenage angst?
I shook my head, deciding to focus on the task at hand. "Alright then, let's get started. Today's lesson: Total Concentration Breathing. It's the foundation of every Demon Slayer's power."
I proceeded to explain the concept of Total Concentration Breathing, demonstrating the proper techniques and guiding Genya through the exercises. He listened intently, his focus unwavering, his movements surprisingly precise.
Maybe this kid has more potential than I thought, I mused, watching him practice. Or maybe he's just really good at faking it. Time will tell.
A week flew by in a whirlwind of training montages, gruelling exercises, and the occasional dramatic collapse mostly Genya's. But hey, progress is progress, right?
And Genya was making some serious progress. The kid was like a sponge, soaking up every bit of knowledge and technique I threw at him. In just a week, he'd gone from barely being able to breathe without scowling to mastering the basics of Total Concentration Breathing.
"Alright, Genya," I announced, clapping my hands together. "You've graduated from Breathing 101! Now it's time for the advanced course: Total Concentration Breathing - Constant."
Genya's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of apprehension crossing his face. "Constant?" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. "But that's... that's really difficult, isn't it?"
I grinned, patting him on the back. "Of course it's difficult, kid. That's why it's called 'advanced.' But you've got the potential, I can see it. Just keep pushing yourself, and you'll get there."
Just then, the front door slid open, revealing a familiar figure. It was Hikari, back from her Butterfly Mansion boot camp, looking surprisingly refreshed and energized.
"Akio-sama!" she exclaimed, rushing towards me with a bright smile. "I'm back! And I've mastered Total Concentration Breathing - Constant!"
I chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately. "That's my girl! I knew you could do it."
Hikari's gaze then fell on Genya, who was still standing awkwardly in the middle of the training hall. "Who's this?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.
"This is Genya, my second Tsuguko," I explained, gesturing towards the scowling teenager. "And your kouhai, by the way."
Hikari bowed politely. "Hello, Genya-san. I'm Hanamura Hikari. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Genya grunted a barely audible "Usu" in response, then turned back to his breathing exercises, his face a mask of concentration.
Smooth, kid. Real smooth, I thought, rolling my eyes.
I turned back to Hikari. "Hikari-chan, since you're back and all powered up, how about you help Genya out with his training? You can teach him the ropes of Total Concentration Breathing - Constant. It'll be good practice for you too."
Hikari's eyes lit up. "Yes, Akio-sama! I'd be happy to help!"
I grinned, giving her a thumbs-up. "That's the spirit! Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some Black Lightning Breathing to perfect. Don't let this guy slack off, okay?"
With a wink, I headed to another training room, leaving Hikari and Genya to their own devices
(To be continued…)
Camera pans dramatically to reveal Over9000words lounging on a plush armchair, sipping tea with a smug grin.
Over9000words: (Clears throat theatrically) "And now, ladies and gentlemen, let's welcome back our esteemed protagonist, the escape artist extraordinaire, Asakura Akio! The man who leaves his students to fend for themselves in the name of 'self-study'."
Akio's eye twitches, a visible vein throbbing on his forehead.
Akio: (Voice dripping with sarcasm) "Oh, really, Over9000words? You're gonna throw me under the bus like that? I left Hikari-chan to teach Genya, not abandon him in the wilderness! Besides, I had to come up with a new Breathing Style for the kid, didn't I?"
Over9000words raises an eyebrow, feigning innocence.
Over9000words: "A new Breathing Style? You mean the one you just conveniently thought of while strolling through the forest?"
Akio throws his hands up in exasperation.
Akio: "Hey, give me some credit! I didn't just pluck Breeze Breathing out of thin air! I had to brainstorm, conceptualize, and come up with techniques that actually make sense! That takes time and effort, you know!"
AI-sensei, observing the exchange with a hint of amusement, interjects.
AI-sensei: (Monotone voice) "While Akio's creative process may be somewhat unconventional, I must admit that his dedication to his students' development is commendable. Perhaps a bit more recognition for his efforts is in order, Over9000words."
Over9000words sighs dramatically.
Over9000words: "Fine, fine. You're right, Sensei. Akio, my apologies for the snarky comment. You're doing a great job as a sensei. Keep up the good work!"
Akio grins triumphantly.
Akio: "That's more like it! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a Breathing Style to perfect. See ya later, folks!"
End of Chapter 29
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone