Practicing Again (III)

After a long time of cultivating in the shade, Shinobu approached Kate. "Kate, what are you doing?" she asked.

Kate opened her eyes and looked at Shinobu. "It's about my personal sword, or the Saintess Weapon," Kate replied, then resumed her cultivation.

"Master said that we will provide you with the breathing techniques once everyone is finished with their current mission," Shinobu said.

"Please thank the master for me, Miss Shinobu. Master has helped me a lot," Kate said. Suddenly, the red blob glowed blindingly bright. "What!" Kate exclaimed as Shinobu immediately retreated by jumping back.

"Kate! Are you okay?" Shinobu shouted.

"I'm okay, Miss Shinobu," Kate said.

"What's going on?" Shinobu asked.

"Looks like I reached the top ordinary rank of my technique," Kate explained.

"What do you mean?" Shinobu asked as the blinding red light slowly disappeared.

"It's good that no one is currently in Butterfly Mansion," Shinobu thought to herself as she walked towards Kate.

"Miss Shinobu, this technique requires real material to upgrade to the next rank," Kate said.

"Huh?" Shinobu replied, confused.

"This technique is about forming a spiritual sword for me to use, and to form a sword, I need rare materials for it," Kate explained.

"I see, so this technique of yours won't improve anymore if you don't get these materials?" Shinobu asked.

"Yes, my Spirit Sword is almost at its final stage. I just need to form it into a sword, but this requires a material. You don't have to worry about it; I have the material now. The thing is, I need my private space for this," Kate said.

"I understand. Just tell me what you need, and I'll do what I can and ask the others and Master for it," Shinobu said.

"Having my own room in the middle of nowhere would be helpful. I don't need it to be large," Kate said.

"Hmm," Shinobu pondered. "I might know something like that, but I'll ask Master about it."

"I see. It's okay, Miss Shinobu, I'm not rushing. Plus, there's still more I have to do," Kate said as she stood up.

"We need to provide you with the things you need as soon as possible, so don't worry," Shinobu said. "I'll report it to Master now. You should rest for today."

"Then, I'll take your offer," Kate said as she headed inside the Butterfly Mansion. "There are still things that I don't know. Like, is this really my body? Or has my body's strength weakened?" Kate pondered as she walked towards her room.

After some time, Kate lay on her bed, looking at the quest panel. "I need to kill a demon as soon as possible for the rewards," she said. "I'm also at a bottleneck with my techniques. The Sword Spirit is at its final stage, and the Divinity Element is progressing. Now that I've started the Flower Breathing technique, I might be able to practice new techniques," Kate thought to herself as she held out her right arm and cupped it with her left hand, forming a yellowish gold orb in her palm.

"I need more skills to get stronger," Kate said to herself as she focused on understanding the Divinity Element. "Once I learn new Demon Slayer techniques, it allows me to master or learn skills related to the Divinity Element. This might be connected to my progression in this world," Kate thought to herself.

Meanwhile, in Shinobu's room, she sat deep in thought. "Master is right. Her power is two different things: the benevolent divine in her body and the sinister aura from her weapon. Master's vision is correct. Once we eliminate demons, the only anomaly that will remain is Kate. We still don't know if she's immortal like the demons. Even if her powers remain, will they disappear with the eradication of demons, or will they stay?" Shinobu pondered. "If Kate becomes a demon, what will happen?" she asked herself.

"Master said Kate works with us due to her personal goal. There's also the problem that Kate hasn't made any connection to anyone," Shinobu continued to think. "Master asked me to investigate Kate's power, but it looks like it will be hard. If I ask her, will she agree?" She shook her head. "This thinking will result in nothing."

Just then, a crow landed on her forearm with a letter tied to its foot. "Master's reply?" Shinobu said as she untied the letter and read it. After reading it, she smiled. "Looks like it's all set. I'll tell this to Kate tomorrow," she thought to herself as she got ready to sleep.

The next day in Kate's room, the place was full of slashes on the walls, ceiling, and floor, while the decorations were destroyed. As Kate stared at the place, she muttered, "It looks like two sword cultivators fought in this small space." Walking towards the door, she noticed a huge slash across it. "Whoa, the explosion of Sword Qi devastated this place last night, and it looks like the door was hit the hardest," Kate said. She tried to open the door, but upon opening it, it broke down into four pieces. "Looks like I'll be in a bad situation soon," Kate thought to herself as she went outside.

On her way, she saw Shinobu talking to the Kakushi who took care of her. "Miss Shinobu," Kate called out.

"Looks like you didn't cultivate this time, but it's good timing. Your custom uniform is here," Shinobu said as the Kakushi presented it to her. "Go on, wear it now and tell us if you want to change something," Shinobu added.

"Thanks, I'll try it now," Kate said as she returned to her room.

After some time, Kate came back out. "Wow, it suits you perfectly," Shinobu said.

"The uniform is just like Kanao-sama's, only longer. The black long socks fit the white string of the modified geta," the Kakushi said.

"With that black color, the pure white with the crimson spider lily design on your haori is perfect for you. You look like a real saint now," Shinobu jokingly said.

"With your jet-black hair, it looks perfect with your haori, Kate-san," the Kakushi added.

"Is the guide on the middle of my back your modification, Miss Shinobu?" Kate asked.

"Yes, just as I thought, it would be perfect for your haori design," Shinobu explained.

After some praise, Shinobu handed something to Kate. "Here, before I forget," Shinobu said, giving Kate a sword.

"MY SWORD!" Kate exclaimed excitedly. "With the black handle and red strings, and the white scabbard that has a crimson thorny art and spider lily design," Kate described with excitement. "With these designs, it fits perfectly with me."

"Indeed," the Kakushi said.

"I like the spider lily keychain at the end of your handle," Shinobu added. "Won't that be a problem?"

"You don't have to worry, Miss Shinobu," Kate replied. "Now that I'm complete, I can go on a mission. Once I kill my first demon..." Kate said eagerly.

"There's still one more piece of good news for you," Shinobu interrupted.

"What is it, Miss Shinobu?" Kate asked.

"We found a place for you," Shinobu said, which made Kate visibly excited. "The Water Hashira's house," Shinobu continued, surprising Kate. "The Water Hashira will stay here for now, and you can use the house to your heart's content."

"If that's the case, then I better start now. Since the sword is here, I can now infuse my Spirit Sword into this," Kate said.

"Then I hope you succeed without any problems," Shinobu said.

"Thanks, Miss Shinobu," Kate replied.

"Why don't we eat first?" Shinobu suggested.

"I'm okay, Miss Shinobu. I better go now," Kate said.

"Then please follow her," Shinobu said, indicating the Kakushi. "She'll take you to the Water Hashira's house."

"Then I'll be in your care," Kate said.

"Yes," the Kakushi replied as the two of them prepared to leave.

After some time on the way to the Water Hashira's home, the Kakushi tried to engage in conversation. "After a few days, it looks like the Saint hasn't made any friends yet?"

Kate replied with a cold tone and expressionless face, "The chances are high that I won't have any friends."

The Kakushi was slightly shaken by how cold Kate sounded. "H- How can the Saintess be so sure?" the Kakushi asked.

"Because I'm different," Kate explained. "I don't even know if I'll die of old age. Being different from others is the reason I don't have any friends. Even if you can't see it, I can see it. The very small, different look people give me. It's not noticeable to a normal eye, but someone with excellent eyesight will see it."

"I'm sorry if I said too much," the Kakushi said, bowing to Kate.

"It's okay. I don't mind," Kate replied.

As the two of them continued walking, a solemn silence fell between them, each lost in their own thoughts.

As Kate and the Kakushi continued walking, Kate's thoughts were preoccupied. "I don't have time to play friends in this world. This is my first transfer that mysterious being gave me. If the time I waste here is the same as the Martial World, I will be in trouble," she mused. "I also need to measure how strong I really am. I have to know my limit in this world before going into dangerous battles."

Suddenly, a sneak attack happened, but Kate dodged it effortlessly.

"Nice reflexes," the attacker said.

"Who are you?" Kate asked, pulling out her katana. "Demon Slayer uniform?"

"What's going on?" she thought to herself as she readied herself to fight.

"Looks like Shinobu trained you successfully in a short span of time," the attacker said.

"Are you the Love Hashira, the one who's supposed to teach me along with Miss Shinobu?" Kate asked.

"Yes, that's me, Kanroji Mitsuri, the Love Hashira," the attacker introduced herself proudly.

"I see. Then please teach me," Kate said, signaling the Kakushi to go.

"Oh? Looks like you're very ready, but we're not going to fight now. You still have something to do, right?" Mitsuri said. "Master sent me here to guard you. You will go cultivate, right? Sitting in one place while not moving for hours. Master said that you'll need a guide," Mitsuri explained.

"I see. So it's Master's orders. Then please take care of me," Kate said as she sheathed her katana.

"Hmm, your custom uniform and Nichirin sword are indeed magnificent. Perfect for a saint like you," Mitsuri said.

"Thanks, Miss Mitsuri," Kate said.

"You can go now. I'll take Kate to Tomioka-san's house," Mitsuri said to the Kakushi.

"Thank you, Hashira-sama," the Kakushi said and left.

"Shall we go?" Mitsuri asked, looking at Kate.

"Right," Kate said as the two of them continued walking.

After some time, they arrived at the Water Hashira's house.

"We're here. This is the house of the Water Hashira, Tomioka Giyu," Mitsuri said.

"So this is the house of Tomioka Giyu, the Water Hashira," Kate thought to herself as she stared at the house.

"Should we go inside?" Mitsuri asked.

"Yes," Kate replied.

The two of them entered and saw Tomioka preparing to go out.

"Did you wait for us, Tomioka-san?" Mitsuri asked, walking towards Tomioka.

"No, I'm about to go," Tomioka said.

"It's nice to meet you, Water Hashira-sama," Kate said.

"Nice to meet you too, Saintess," Tomioka replied and started walking away.

"Don't get him wrong," Mitsuri said, but got interrupted by Kate.

"It's okay, he's a loner type," Kate said as she went inside.

"Should we eat now?" Mitsuri asked.

"No, I'd better start," Kate said.

"Right. Shinobu already told me that you don't need to rest, eat, or drink. Just do your thing. I'll protect you," Mitsuri said.

"Thanks," Kate said as she went to the largest room and sat in the middle of it. "First, I need to finish forming my Spirit Sword."

Kate started to cultivate her Sword Spirit again. After a day, Mitsuri was staring at Kate from the doorway.

"Looks like this will take a long time. The blob-like thing on her palm just transformed into a tube-like shape," Mitsuri said as she continued to observe Kate.

"The forming of my Spirit Sword has three steps," Kate thought to herself. "First, create a spirit by focusing your Qi and infusing it with a part of your body, which is my blood. The second step is infusing the spirit with your soul, and that is finished as well. The last step is forming it into the weapon you like. And for me, until now, I don't know what I want."

Kate pondered her past, thinking, "What weapon did I use often? Before I became a researcher, I was a normal High-Human and loved fighting. I used a long katana-like weapon back then. Should I just use that?" She decided quickly as the spirit weapon began to form itself, shaping it into a slightly longer katana.

Days turned into weeks and weeks into a month of cultivation. Outside the house, Shinobu visited Mitsuri along with her Tsuguko.

"Shinobu, how come you're here?" Mitsuri asked as the three of them drank tea at a table outside.

"It's been exactly a month and three days since the two of you got here, so I was curious," Shinobu said.

"I see, but you don't have anything to worry about. Kate's progress on her Spirit Sword is almost at its end," Mitsuri said.

"What weapon did she form?" Shinobu asked.

"It's a katana that's slightly longer," Mitsuri replied.

At the same time, Kate was about to finish her Spirit Sword. "Looks like it's time," Kate said as she pulled out one of the Enchantability Chips and infused it into her Spirit Sword before it finished forming. This action caused an immediate backlash, making Kate vomit blood due to the impurities in her Spirit Sword. Not long after, Kate began to lose consciousness. As she struggled, particles of her Divinity Element started to emerge from her body, attempting to heal her.

However, the pain was intense, and her eyes began to burn. "What's going on?" Kate thought to herself as she struggled. The pain overwhelmed her, and she fainted, collapsing near the door.

Outside, Shinobu and Mitsuri continued their conversation. Suddenly, they heard a loud thud from inside the house.

"What was that?" Shinobu asked, alarmed.

"I think it's coming from Kate's room," Mitsuri said, standing up quickly.

They rushed inside and found Kate unconscious near the door, her Spirit Sword glowing faintly beside her. Shinobu immediately knelt beside Kate, checking her pulse. "She's fainted," Shinobu said, her voice tense. "But her pulse is steady."

"We need to move her to a proper bed and let her rest," Mitsuri suggested. "She looks like she went through a lot."

With careful coordination, they lifted Kate and placed her on a bed. Shinobu examined the Spirit Sword, noticing the strange energy emanating from it. "This weapon... it's different," she said, frowning. "We need to keep an eye on her and see how she recovers."

As they tended to Kate, they couldn't help but wonder about the true nature of her powers and what had caused this sudden turn of events.