Chapter 21: Training and Unexpected Guests

Yohan had finally managed to convince Kanroji Mitsuri to let him leave his bed.

The moment he stepped outside, the fresh air hit his skin, and he felt alive again.

He hated being confined to a sickbed, especially when he felt perfectly fine.

Mitsuri, on the other hand, disagreed completely.

She had insisted—no, outright refused—to let him move around, worried that his body hadn't fully recovered.

If he hadn't been so determined, he was certain she would still have him pinned to that futon, hovering over him like a worried mother hen.

But in the end, he won.

And now, they stood together in a secluded corner of the courtyard, where he had decided to properly train Mitsuri.

Their conversation earlier had deepened their bond.

Both of them understood each other's feelings now.

There was no more hiding.

No more hesitation.

Now—

It was time to hone her strength.

Mitsuri had a gift.

And Yohan refused to let that gift go to waste.

The Mitsuri he remembered from before he transmigrated—

She had so much untapped potential.

A woman who could lift a 15-kilogram stone for pickling vegetables as a child?

She was born to be a powerhouse.

And Yohan intended to bring out the best in her.

"Mitsuri, I've already taught you the full concept of Iron Body. Now, it's time for something new."

She perked up at his words, her green eyes shimmering with curiosity.

"What is it?"

"I'm going to teach you a martial technique called grappling arts."

Mitsuri tilted her head. "Grappling…?"

Yohan nodded.

"I'll demonstrate each move. If you don't understand something, ask me."

Unlike the other Demon Slayers, Yohan didn't rely on Breathing Styles.

But right now—

His main focus was building her foundation.

Strength without technique was wasted potential.

He wasn't about to let that happen.

And so—

After explaining the core concepts of grappling arts, Yohan immediately engaged Mitsuri in a sparring match.

As expected, she was still a beginner.

Her movements were raw, unrefined—her grappling attempts easy to predict.

He didn't even need to think—

His instincts guided his movements effortlessly.

This was another thing he had noticed since awakening the Sage Body.

His perception of the world around him had sharpened.

His body moved on pure reflex, almost as if he could see seconds into the future.

And so, while effortlessly dodging Mitsuri's attacks, a thought crossed his mind.

'System, I remember having two active quests.'

He asked casually while sidestepping a grab attempt.

[Affirmative, Host.]

[Active Quest: The Spread of Defensive Ideology (Incomplete)]

Quest Objective: As the host of the universe's strongest defensive system, you are obligated to educate others on the power of absolute defense.

Current Progress: 3/5 people convinced.

[Completed Quest: Battle Against Akaza (Completed)]

Quest Reward: A Random Gourmet Dish.

Reward Obtained: Fugu Dish (A special delicacy from Toriko's world).

Yohan froze mid-step.

Wait.

What?!

His eyes widened.

A dish from the world of Toriko?!

He still vividly remembered that anime from his previous life.

A world overflowing with supernatural cuisine.

A world where food didn't just taste amazing—

It made you stronger.

Just thinking about it made his mouth water.

He couldn't help but ask, "System, is the dish given to me directly?"

[All physical rewards are immediately available for consumption. Host may claim it anytime.]

Hearing that, Yohan's excitement skyrocketed.

This was too good to pass up.

He made a mental note—

After training, he was going to feast.

Unfortunately—

His brief distraction cost him.

By the time he snapped back to reality—

His arm was already locked in a firm grip.

Mitsuri had him.

A breath away from his face, she grinned mischievously.

"Got you."

She had noticed the way his focus wavered.

And though he had dodged every attack so far,

That momentary pause…

That tiny gap in his defense…

Had been enough for her to seize an opening.

Her hold wasn't perfect—her technique still rough—

But she had still managed to catch him.

For a beginner?

That was impressive.

Before Yohan could react—

A voice interrupted them.

"You two are training?"

It was soft, warm—like the gentle sunshine of spring.

Yohan turned toward the sound.

Standing nearby was a young woman with a calm smile.

Kanae Kocho—the Flower Hashira.

And she wasn't alone.

Behind her stood two more figures.

One was a serious-looking woman with long black hair, its tips dyed deep violet.

The other was a small girl with pink-lavender eyes, shyly clinging to the older woman's sleeve.

Yohan immediately recognized them.

Shinobu Kocho and Tsuyuri Kanao.

Sisters by bond, not by blood.

Shinobu, the Insect Hashira, known for her sharp wit and poisonous blades.

And Kanao—

The girl with a troubled past, still hesitant to act on her own will.

Kanae had learned about Yohan's recovery from Rengoku Kyojuro.

Hearing about his role in the battle against Upper Moon Three—

She had been deeply intrigued.

Even more so when Rengoku himself admitted—

Without Yohan, he would have died.

Now that she was here—

Now that she saw Yohan moving so freely after such a brutal fight—

She was even more convinced.

This man was not normal.

And that meant—

He was exactly the kind of person the Demon Slayer Corps needed.

Even if she had already heard that Yohan declined joining once before—

She wasn't about to give up.

True warriors were often proud.

But the Demon Slayer Corps needed strength more than anything.

Even if there was only a slim chance—

She would try again.

Yohan noticed the way she observed him.

Her eyes were calm, but beneath them was calculating intent.

Releasing himself from Mitsuri's hold, he turned to face them.

"Hello. Can I help you?"

He already knew what this was about.

But he wanted to hear it from them directly.

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