After breakfast, Suzuki Makoto began instructing Tanjiro in the use of the Hinokami Kagura while continuing to practice his own technique cycles, exploring the Breathing Styles of Sun Breathing.
Their training lasted the entire day. They made and ate both lunch and dinner together, and Tanjiro Kamado's cooking skills were a pleasant surprise.
While eating dinner, the young boy hesitantly spoke to Suzuki Makoto.
"Mr. Suzuki, starting tomorrow, may I bring Zenitsu and Inosuke with me? I want them to train with us too. After all, if the Hinokami Kagura is really a technique from the original Breathing Style like you said, I think it could greatly increase their combat strength, right?"
"Tanjiro, the Hinokami Kagura is a Kamado family tradition. Even I learned it from you. If it's to be taught to others, I should be the one asking for your permission."
Tanjiro was taken aback, then scratched his head in embarrassment.
"It doesn't matter who you teach it to, Mr. Suzuki—I just want them to be able to learn from you too. Training with you today was so much faster than when I was trying to figure it out on my own."
"No problem, let them come along starting tomorrow. But I want to remind you first, Tanjiro, you must have noticed that using these forms has very strict requirements for one's Breathing Style. Therefore, these techniques aren't suitable for everyone, especially Zenitsu."
Suzuki Makoto naturally wouldn't refuse, but he still reminded Tanjiro not to have expectations that were too high.
"Zenitsu is a genius with Thunder Breathing. Although his personality might be a bit problematic, he doesn't lack aptitude at all. He's someone who could completely inherit the position of Thunder Hashira in the future. If we make him start learning the Hinokami Kagura now, it would be putting the cart before the horse, and even a waste of his talent."
Although he didn't know why Zenitsu, who had practiced Thunder Breathing to such a level at a young age, was such a loud but timid child in daily life, Suzuki Makoto had to admit that the retired old Thunder Hashira had taken on a prodigy after seeing the heroic figure of "Sleeping Zenitsu" that one time.
"Do you think that highly of Zenitsu?"
"Yes. This is because the unique nature of Thunder Breathing itself dictates that very few people can learn it, and even fewer who learn it dare to continue mastering it."
Suzuki Makoto put down his bowl and chopsticks, his expression serious.
"Although Zenitsu only knows the First Form, the strongest aspect of Thunder Breathing is the First Form. The other forms aren't as important. As long as he can eventually practice the First Form to its absolute limit, the Lower Rank Kizuki will be no match for him at all. As for the Upper Ranks, I don't know, since I've never met one."
Tanjiro nodded seriously, then remembered something Suzuki Makoto had said before.
"In that case, would it be better for you to take Zenitsu as your Tsuguko? I heard from Zenitsu that only someone who has mastered Thunder Breathing can succeed as the Thunder Hashira. If you think so highly of him, that should be the best course of action, right?"
"Hahahaha, I won't snatch someone else's good apprentice. Besides, I'm no longer planning to inherit the position of Thunder Hashira. After today, I will become the second Sun Hashira since the first generation of the Demon Slayer Corps."
This was an idea Suzuki Makoto came up with today after learning the Hinokami Kagura from Tanjiro Kamado.
In the ancient records of the Ubuyashiki family, it was clearly mentioned that ever since the death of Yoriichi Tsugikuni, everyone who had learned Sun Breathing, as well as all records of Sun Breathing, were jointly hunted down and eliminated by Muzan Kibutsuji and Upper Rank One. It reached a point where only mere fragments could be found in the family traditions of the Ubuyashiki and Rengoku households.
This was enough to prove just how much this Demon King feared Sun Breathing and its techniques; so much so that only by completely severing its lineage could they be at ease.
Now, if a new Sun Hashira were to appear in the Demon Slayer Corps, what would Muzan think?
Ever since learning from Shinobu Kocho that one of the Upper Rank Kizuki has an ice-controlling Blood Demon Art, Suzuki Makoto's killing intent towards these Upper Ranks had been stirring. However, no Upper Rank demon had been killed in a hundred years, and it was even difficult to find them—so it would be better to make them come find him!
"Then I'll go back and tell Zenitsu and Inosuke!"
Tanjiro was unaware of Suzuki Makoto's plans. He was simply happy that his companions would be able to receive guidance from a Hashira like Suzuki Makoto.
"There's one more thing I need to ask of you, Tanjiro."
"Please, ask away, Mr. Suzuki! I'll do my absolute best!"
"Miss Shinobu Kocho should return to the Butterfly Mansion to rest at night, right? I need you to pay attention and see if her tea smells of wisteria flowers. If it does, come and notify me."
"The smell of wisteria flowers? No problem, leave it to me!"
Although he didn't know why Suzuki Makoto wanted him to do this, he reasoned that if Mr. Suzuki needed him to do it, there must be a good reason!
After nightfall, Tanjiro Kamado returned to the Butterfly Mansion and saw Inosuke, who was still training, and Zenitsu, who looked as if his soul had been sucked out.
"What happened here?"
"Waaaaah, Master, I'm sorry, I'm just too weak! Someone else is going to inherit the Thunder Hashira position, and he even took Tanjiro as his Tsuguko! I've failed your teachings, and I've failed your expectations, waaaaah..."
"He's been like this all day. Nothing we say can console him. Lady Shinobu said if he's still noisy when it's time to sleep, we should tie him up—but that doesn't seem very nice."
The three little girls of the Butterfly Mansion complained as they gathered around Tanjiro.
"Leave it to me!"
The boy patted his chest confidently and walked over to Zenitsu's side.
"Zenitsu! Mr. Suzuki said he isn't planning to become the Thunder Hashira anymore."
"I'm sorry, Master... Huh?! What did you say, Tanjiro!"
The lifeless blond-haired boy instantly jumped up, grabbing Tanjiro's shoulders with both hands, his face completely serious.
"You said he's not going to be the Thunder Hashira?"
"Yes. He said he's going to become the second Sun Hashira. And he also praised you, saying you're very talented with Thunder Breathing."
"Really?! He's not tricking me, is he? I've only learned the First Form of Thunder Breathing!"
"Mr. Suzuki said that the most important part of Thunder Breathing is the First Form. As long as you can practice the First Form to its limit, you'll be able to defeat any of the Lower Rank demons!"
Tanjiro said very seriously.
Zenitsu's ears twitched—Tanjiro wasn't lying. Suzuki Makoto really did say that!
"R-Really? Defeat a Lower Rank demon? C-Can I really become that strong...?"
Tanjiro Kamado was a bit confused by Zenitsu's reaction. He had been so depressed about the Thunder Hashira matter before, so why was he even more dejected now that Mr. Suzuki wasn't going to be the Thunder Hashira and had even praised him?
_____
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