Kapitel 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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Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
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