Chapter 242: Arriving at butterfly house

In recent years, one instructor among the Demon Slayer Corps' cultivators has stood out particularly. The former Water Hashira, Urokodaki Sakonji, has trained four Hashira in the past few years.

The Hashira are the Demon Slayer Corps' elite fighters. For a cultivator to have even one disciple become a Hashira is already a monumental contribution. Let alone four.

The one who rose the fastest and fell the soonest needs no further mention.

Among the remaining siblings, the first to become a Hashira was Makomo.

She became a swordsman at the same time as Li Mo. However, compared to him, Makomo became a Hashira a few years later. Water Breathing was easy to use, but over time, Makomo realized it wasn't the most suitable Breathing Style for her.

She encountered the same problem as Kocho Kanae.

A compatibility issue. Even though she could unleash 100% of her combat power, using Water Breathing only allowed her to utilize 80%. Makomo could clearly feel that she had even greater potential to tap into.

Later, she learned that the creators of the Breathing Styles were almost all men.

Women using Breathing Styles would experience differences in performance due to physiological differences between the sexes.

So, two years ago, she and Kocho Kanae discussed the matter and decided to create their own Breathing Styles based on Water Breathing.

Thus, Flower Breathing and Flow Breathing were born.

Compared to Flower Breathing, which delivers a fatal blow amidst confusion and attacks, Makomo's Flow Breathing was simpler.

It was all about speed.

Flow Breathing drew inspiration from the flow of water. If Giyu's Water Breathing was like a calm lake, then Flow Breathing was like a babbling brook, constantly in motion.

"No matter how I think about it, Kanao would be perfect for my Breathing Style."

She should become my Tsuguko.

As she approached the gates of the Butterfly Mansion, Makomo thought this.

Kanao Tsuyuri was a genius. Her vision far surpassed that of ordinary people. From Makomo's own observations, even Kanae, another Hashira, had to guess her attacks, but Kanao could see and track her movements.

So, she needed to figure out how to get Kanao from Kanae and Shinobu... though Kanao should have her own opinions.

Hmm?

"Kanae, did you come out specifically to greet me?"

As she entered the gates of the Butterfly Mansion, she saw Kocho Kanae standing there. But she couldn't shake the feeling that Kanae's smile was somehow... irritating?

What was going on?

"Yes, Makomo, it's been a while."

Kocho Kanae stepped forward and hugged her dear friend.

Makomo could clearly feel the softness of Kanae's chest. This made a vein on her forehead twitch.

Three years had passed.

Both Kocho sisters had undergone significant changes in their figures.

But she, Makomo, seemed to have remained the same...

Patience, patience...

"Yes, it's been a while. Kanae-san, how long are you planning to hug me?"

"Of course, I'll hug you forever. Makomo-chan is so small and cute, like a doll. It's hard to let go."

"I'll take that as harassment. Later, I'll tell Shinobu."

When it came to dealing with Kocho Kanae, Shinobu and Makomo were on the same side. Kocho Kanae was gentle, and whether it was her colleagues or patients, everyone praised her.

But those close to her knew that this beautiful girl had a slightly mischievous side.

Makomo remembered that this should have been her junior brother's personality. When did Kanae get infected? It seemed to have started three years ago? After the incident three years ago, Shinobu put on a mask, acting more like Kanae. Meanwhile, Kanae remained her cheerful self, but with an added touch of mischief, much like her junior brother.

"Huh? Makomo-chan, your face looks a bit down. What's wrong?"

"No, it's just that talking to you is a bit exhausting."

"Too much, Makomo-chan, too much!" Kocho Kanae raised a protest flag—though she didn't actually have a flag.

So dramatic.

Makomo suddenly felt that her good friend Kanae had become like a child. Even though her figure was much better than hers...

"I just think teasing Makomo-chan is fun."

"Don't say things like that, my dear Kanae. Alright, as usual, let's do a full check-up."

When it came to serious matters, Kocho Kanae put on a more formal smile and led Makomo into a room to examine her. She asked what had happened.

Makomo's physical condition wasn't optimistic. On the surface, there didn't seem to be any major issues, but internally, she had many hidden injuries.

"Was it a Twelve Kizuki?"

Kocho Kanae's question wasn't unfounded. Non-Twelve Kizuki demons were mere playthings in front of a Hashira. Especially Makomo, who had an advantage against weaker demons.

Her fighting style was unique, relying on her high mobility to deliver one-hit kills to weaker demons. Against stronger demons, Makomo would engage in prolonged battles, using her high agility to dodge attacks in small movements and then strike.

"No, it wasn't a Twelve Kizuki. It's just that the demon's Blood Demon Art was... disgusting."

Makomo began to explain.

In short, the demon's Blood Demon Art was "words with power." The strength of the ability wasn't overwhelming, but it was disgusting. Makomo had gone there as support. The demon was clearly not a mindless foe; it cleverly used the incapacitated swordsmen to stall her.

The gap in strength allowed Makomo to eventually slay the demon. But the cost was these hidden injuries.

"You'll need to recuperate for a while."

"I don't have that much time."

Makomo refuted Kanae's suggestion.

She was now the Demon Slayer Corps' rescue team member, much like her junior brother three years ago. Based on past experience, Kocho Kanae wouldn't stop her. After some initial treatment, she would let her go.

But today was different.

"No, you must rest next." Kocho Kanae gave a serious evaluation.

"Is it that serious?"

"No, well... how should I put it? You'll find out later."

Kanae was hiding something from her.

Makomo keenly noticed this. She didn't directly ask Kanae what she was hiding. There would be plenty of time later to investigate.

However...

In the short time she was there, Makomo noticed that Shinobu's attitude toward her was a bit strange... So, was she also hiding something from her, like Kanae?

Why?

What were these two sisters hiding from her?

Baffled, Makomo remained silent even when the Kasugai Crow brought news of a "Hashira Meeting."

When would she find out the answer?

Could it be at this Hashira Meeting?

Staring at the black Kasugai Crow, Makomo fell into silence.