Chapter 29: Fighting Against the Flame Hashira

Chapter 29: Fighting Against the Flame Hashira

After Ren woke up Kanoe, who was lying on his lap, the two of them went over to inspect the sword.

Ren unsheathed the Nichirin Blade and took a closer look.

The blade was long, with the words "Demon Destroyer" engraved near its hilt.

"This is a Nichirin Sword that a Hashira once used!" Ren thought, surprised.

He had assumed Kyojuro would bring an ordinary team member's blade for temporary use, but unexpectedly, Kyojuro had brought a blade used by a Hashira.

Kyojuro glanced at Ren and said with some embarrassment, "I'm sorry, Ren. I don't have many spare Nichirin Swords at home. The extra has been given to Kanoe"

"This sword belonged to my father. I hope you don't mind."

Kanoe accepted the sword with a polite smile, thanking him softly.

However, Ren wasn't paying attention to their exchange. His focus was entirely on the blade before him.

Having studied sword design and forging techniques, Ren could see the craftsmanship in this blade. Though not flawless, its simplicity and rugged structure made it exceptionally practical and easy to wield.

His previous sword, designed specifically for the Flower breathing, had never felt entirely comfortable in his hands. In fact, he had once accidentally broken Kanoe's blade during a battle on Mount Natagumo.

But this sword, optimized for the Flame breathing, was different—simple, direct, and devastating.

Ren couldn't resist giving it a test swing.

He suddenly slashed the air, and a faint sound of waves rippled through the atmosphere. The air around the blade distorted, almost as if heat waves were emanating from it.

Senjuro and Kanoe didn't notice, but Kyojuro caught sight of this phenomenon, his eyes widening in surprise.

"What a sharp blade!" Kyojuro thought.

Though Ren's slash wasn't particularly powerful, the technique behind it was incredibly refined. Kyojuro realized the rumors were true—Ren had indeed mastered techniques once thought exclusive to the Flower breathing

When Kyojuro first met Ren, he recalled how inexperienced Ren had been—not even knowing how to breathe properly or wield a blade. Yet now, Ren's progress was nothing short of terrifying.

Beside them, Senjuro muttered, "He doesn't know how to be gentle. My father's sword will end up ruined in his hands."

"Senjuro, don't say that," Kyojuro chastised lightly.

Turning to Ren, he said, "If you're ready, let's begin."

Ren nodded, though he was slightly confused. "Rengoku-san, didn't you say there would be a test first?"

"No need," Kyojuro replied, shaking his head. "I already recognize your strength. We can start directly."

This declaration surprised even Senjuro. When had his brother come to such a conclusion?

Ren didn't waste time. He gestured to Kanahu to step back before unsheathing his new sword.

The two combatants moved to an open area, each taking their stances.

Kyojuro's starting pose caught Ren's attention—his posture exuded an overwhelming sense of heat and strength.

Ren activated his Butterfly Footwork, dodging to one side just as Kyojuro attacked.

"Flame Breathing, First Form: Unknowing Fire!"

A fiery explosion surged through Ren's original position, and Senjuro cheered from the sidelines.

"Big Brother is the best! Teach him a lesson!" Senjuro yelled excitedly, only to fall silent when Kanoe shot him a cold glare.

Ren activated Bullet Time, heightening his senses and slowing everything around him. In this hyper-focused state, Ren analyzed Kyojuro's movements.

Despite his lighthearted demeanor, Kyojuro wasn't holding back. His attacks were swift, powerful, and precise.

Ren twisted his body, narrowly avoiding Kyojuro's next strike.

"Flame Breathing, Fifth Form: Flame Tiger!"

A massive, flaming slash roared toward Ren like a ferocious tiger. This was a move that had once been strong enough to force Akaza, an Upper Moon, to defend with everything he had.

Ren wasn't a demon. If this attack landed, it would be over for him.

At the critical moment, Ren's footwork changed. His steps, once light and airy, became erratic and powerful, resembling the movements of a ghost.

In the eyes of the onlookers, Ren seemed untouchable, dodging each of Kyojuro's strikes with precision.

"Is this… the Mark?" Kyojuro wondered, recognizing Ren's sudden burst of speed and power.

Eventually, Kyojuro stopped his attack, sheathing his sword.

Ren was visibly exhausted, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath under the blazing sun.

Kyojuro smiled warmly, his battle spirit subsiding.

"Well done, Ren," he said. "You've improved greatly."

The Flame Hashira had returned to his usual jovial self.

**

T/N:

Actually i wanted to include about history of flame breathing and about everything forms of it,in both languages. My phone is having some troubles so it is hard to add that from internet.

You could visit Wikifandom to get more details regarding this.it will be fun learning more about it.

Also I'm thinking about creating Patreon for this fic within this week so I can finish this fast.My other stories also will be available with it.

What do you guys think ???