Chapter 126 - Blades clash

Ryuu doesn't know what level of sword skill that Cha Hae-in has and from his understanding it was a form of Kumdo, a form of kendo that Koren used.

The main difference between kendo and kumdo is that kendo style swordsmanship is more suited for one on one duels while kumdo is for combat swordsmanship to fight off multiple opponents.

Unfortunately, she uses it as if she's fighting human beings and forgets that they are monsters. Therefore it is better to have another form made to combat them.

The breathing style makes up for it since this is primarily used against demons that use an unorthodox way of fighting. They have more experience fighting monsters than any other hunters as most rely purely on their power than both.

"Oh, is she interested in learning Breathing style?"

Kanae remarked changing the way she looked at Cha Hae-In turned to a more serious mode. She could see that the woman before her was an experienced sword user.

"Breathing style?"

Cha Hae-in repeated curiously what it meant since she does know Breathing exercises but it was never called Breathing style.

"Breathing styles are swordsmanship styles that make use of an esoteric breathing technique known as Total Concentration Breathing."

Shinobu shared her knowledge in the matter.

"Total Concentration Breathing?"

Cha Hae-in muttered having learned a new piece of information on how Ryuu was able to execute his way of combat.

"Total Concentration Breathing is an advanced and esoteric breathing technique where a user inhales the maximum amount of oxygen within a specific breath pattern to raise their physical and mental prowess to their utmost limits. The effects include a plethora of enhanced physical and mental abilities, like superhuman physical characteristics i.e. strength, speed, stamina, durability and agility, faster thought processes, maximizing concentration and hyper-information processing. At a more advanced level, Total Concentration is also capable of clotting wounds from severe injuries and slowing down the circulation of poison in the bloodstream."

Shinobu continued her body explanation, surprising Cha Hae-in since it seemed fake and too unbelievable.

"Are you saying that by breathing in specific way you able to utilize your body at its fullest"

"Pretty much."

Ryuu said while Cha Hae-in was still doubting their words.

"Anyway, All known Breathing Styles are derived from Sun Breathing, the first one ever created. The majority of known Breathing Styles mimic a certain element of nature and replicate it with the user's movements, techniques and abilities."

Kanae added.

"This is the first time I heard of it. Does this derive from your hometown?"

Cha Hae-in asked.

"You could say that. If you're curious then how about a little spar after lunch?"

Shinobu suggested.

"Enough, chit-chat. Everyone eats!"

Kie scolds them having her mother instinct kicks in forcing everyone to stay quiet and eat having only small talk. Cha Hae-in was eager to spar then realize something in her life.

'When was the last time I ate with someone?'

Cha Hae-in thought looking at her surroundings and feeling included despite only being a guest and reminded of her parents who had already passed and she couldn't interact with people as often after becoming an S rank because of her status as well as her sensitive noise.

'How…pleasant.'

============

Everyone finished having lunch and the rest of them went to the back yard to demonstrate the Breathing style to Cha Hae-In. In another note, Erza had been teaching herself on how to perform the technique as well to compliment her own style.

Rias doesn't intend to learn it since she isn't well versed in swordsmanship but was interested in giving it to her peerage.

"What's going on here?"

Lucifer, Erza and Rias returned home after their own agenda. They saw everyone watching Kanae facing someone that was familiar to them.

"Isn't she Cha Hae-in?"

Rias remarked looking at the S rank huntress.

"Yeah, she was curious about my Swordsmanship and Kanae is going to spar with her to show the Breathing style."

Ryuu said, having his arms crossed watching intently pondering what the outcome would be. Kanae is extremely powerful when using her magic but at this moment is going to only use her Breathing style with [ Aura ] to strengthen herself.

The strength of an S Rank shouldn't be underestimated since their power could easily level the entire building and large part of the city.

Meanwhile Cha Hae-in the new arrival looking at the three women who gave off different scents. The lighter shade of red, more crimson hair young woman had the aroma of complete destruction and eeriness while the darker shade of red more like scarlet had the scent of battle and regal warrior.

'I can't sense her….'

The most eye-catching is the white haired woman who's aroma could only be described as malice. A bottomless malice.

"How long are you going to stand there?"

Kanae asked, twirling her weapon that was a katana that Ryuu won from the [ Gacha ] that is durable enough to be wielded by an S Rank hunter.

"True not to hold back."

"Are you sure?"

Cha Hae-in unsure if her opponent can handle her strength until Kanae's expression changed, becoming more serious that instantly made the S Rank Hunter see that she would lose if she didn't take it seriously.

"In count of 3…2….1."

Both took a stance prepared to clash with each other but instantly Kanae vanished from her position, shocking Cha Hae-In then barely blocking sword swing from behind her pushing the air around them.

Cha Hae-in moved to redirect her blade and took a step back to have better position with Kanae swiftly parrying her blade. The sound of their weapon sent ripples in the air.

'How can she keep up when her mana is noticeably weaker than mine?'

She was surprised how easily her strikes were redirected. Cha Hae-in felt that every step she took was countered by Kanae's unorthodox swordsmanship.

"You're quite fast and nimble."

"Uhmm thank you?"

"Alright, let me show you what Breathing style is all about."

Cha Hae-In heard a similar sound as Ryuu did, witnessing her opponent take a deep breath that sounded like a steaming kettle as Kanae blood circulated through her body increasing her base exponentially.

When she was a normal human and only used her Breathing style was already a capable fighting creature that can tear through metals and boulders. What would happen if she had a stronger base?

"Fifth Form: Peonies of Futility."

The result, her overall strength increased by several folds performing her breathing style and unleashed a flurry of nine consecutive attacks that flow and weave in on themselves.

Cha Hae-in caught off guard by the sudden rapid succession of attacks that she barely parried every single one. Her experience as Hunter shine allows her to manage to not get by any of the attacks.

'How can this be called swordsmanship when it's clearly a skill!'

She couldn't believe her eyes that it was possible for someone that was clearly weaker than her to fight on par with her. Kanae smiled seeing her taking their fight more seriously as she took deep breath once more but this time her Demon slayer mark started to appear.

"Tired already? We're just getting started."

In that moment, Cha Hae-In treated it more like a fight than a spar, causing their image to vanish where only a flash of their blade could be seen.

"Kanae is getting into it huh?"

Justine commented able to see clearly their movement since she is the strongest in terms of strength.

"That woman seems to have clearly relied heavily on her strength as well as using swordsmanship that doesn't much her strength."

Erza gave her opinion since she also changed her style as she got stronger to keep up since.

"It always fascinates me how humans are able to find ways to gain strength."

Lucifer was entertained seeing the two fight and fortunately Cha Hae-in was too distracted to hear her remark.

"Go Kanae!! Show what you can do!"

Nezuko cheered on while the fight was getting closer to its climax as Cha Hae-in couldn't keep up with her superior swordsmanship.

"Fourth Form: Crimson Hanagoromo"

It was at that moment Kanae unleashes a single sword slash that curves and twists gracefully that deflect Cha Hae-in sword and before she could move had the sword in her neck.

Cha Hae-in was speechless and couldn't see her coming. She was defeated by someone who had the power of a A Rank Hunter with only her swordmanship.