"Open the panel."
Name: James
Strength: First Level – Extreme
Spiritual Power: 250 / 250 (Human limit in this world)
Basic Skills:
Japanese Grandmaster: 2500 / 7500
Swordsmanship – Grandmaster: 50,000 / 100,000
Medicine & Poison – Mastery: 1,000 / 100,000
Supernatural Abilities:
Extreme Yang Breathing – Full Concentration: Limit Broken
Sun Breathing – Full Concentration: Limit Broken (20,000 / 500,000)
Red Blade – Limit Broken
Transparent World – Perfect: 60,000 / 100,000
Breathing Fusion Technique – Proficient: 10,000 / 200,000
Breathing Method – Expanded
Temporary Talent: Almost Tao
Evaluation: First-Class Supreme!!!
After breaking through the limit of Yang Breathing, James evolved it into Extreme Yang Breathing. During the battle in the Infinite Castle, he had experimented with combining it with Sun Breathing, resulting in a mysterious and powerful fusion.
The red blade turned into blue flames, and a spinning lotus mark appeared in his eyes. It resembled Tanjirou's Red Lotus Breathing—but James knew this was something entirely different. A unique variation. Perhaps each fusion of Yang Breathing and Sun Breathing produces a result unique to the individual.
The red lotus belonged to Tanjirou alone. It was the symbol of his fate.
In the meantime, James's progress in medical and poison techniques surged thanks to frequent exchanges with Kochou Shinobu and Tamayo.
Most of his swordsmanship had reached its limit. The only areas left to improve were the Breathing Fusion Technique and breaking the limit of Sun Breathing. But his growth had slowed significantly—he had likely reached the pinnacle of this world's potential.
Looking at his luxurious panel, James smiled.
> "My sword is unstoppable. In this world, I am invincible."
He slowly drew his Nichirin Blade. The snow-white steel gleamed coldly under the sun. When he tapped it lightly, it rang out—crisp, proud, almost reluctant.
> "Not yet. I'm not ready to part with you, old friend."
---
Half a month later…
Kochou Shinobu appeared in James's courtyard with a strangely annoyed expression. Kanao followed closely behind her. In the yard, James and Tanjirou were chatting under a cherry blossom tree.
Without knocking, Shinobu pushed open the sliding door and marched in. James blinked in surprise.
"I've never seen you so forceful before," James said, raising an eyebrow. "Tell me the truth, Tanjirou—what did you do?"
He nudged Tanjirou toward her.
Scratching the back of his head in embarrassment, Tanjirou looked like a deer caught in the sunlight. Kanao stood behind Shinobu, calm and silent.
"We don't have many people at the Butterfly Estate," Shinobu began. "And now you've stolen away my apprentice, Tanjirou."
She walked up to him and raised her hand. Tanjirou's face flushed, but he didn't flinch. Instead of scolding him, Shinobu gently patted his head and began teaching him how to care for Kanao—offering him family wisdom, simple life advice, and comfort.
Her expression softened. Tanjirou and Kanao's eyes welled up with tears.
"Master…" Kanao started to speak, but Shinobu stopped her with a soft gesture.
She took their hands and gently joined them together.
> "Tanjirou is a good man. I trust him with you, Kanao."
Her voice trembled slightly. "Now that this is settled, I'll be opening the Kochou-ya Clinic in Kyoto. Please come visit often."
Kanao couldn't hold it anymore. She rushed forward and hugged Shinobu tightly.
> Beautiful.
James, standing nearby, smiled to himself as he watched the heartfelt scene.
"Oh, by the way," Shinobu added playfully, sticking out her tongue, "Inosuke is also part of the Butterfly Estate now."
She gave James a teasing glance with her sharp violet eyes and walked off, her usual elegance returned.
> "Wow… she's gotten lively after getting her revenge," James muttered, still stunned by the shift in her demeanor.
He turned to Tanjirou and Kanao, placing a hand on each of their shoulders.
> "I'm heading out soon. If you ever need me, send a messenger crow. Oh, and—"
"—I hope you two have a kid soon!"
He winked mischievously and vanished in a flash, leaving behind a blushing Tanjirou. Kanao, ever gentle, comforted him by softly rubbing his hand.
> It's a little sad to say goodbye... but I want everyone to live happily.
Tanjirou took a deep breath and held Kanao's hand tightly, his heart full of mixed emotions.
---
Elsewhere, James walked alone with a small map in hand. It marked the locations of cities and every known kendo dojo.
> "The Ubuyashiki clan really does have influence everywhere..."
He tucked the map away and strolled leisurely into the horizon, humming the Red Lotus Flower song, his steps in sync with the rising sun.
---
A Few Years Later…
"Did you hear? James is coming to our dojo!"
"Who?"
"The Sword Saint, James!"
"No way! You're joking, right?"
"Seriously! They say he's challenged every kendo dojo in the region—and never lost!"
Outside the Ota-ryu Dojo in Kyoto, a noisy crowd gathered.
"Calm down! He's not even here yet!" someone shouted.
Suddenly, the clang of metal echoed across the courtyard. The crowd fell silent.
From behind the screen stepped an old man—his long white hair swept back, his body straight as a blade, and his eyes sharp as daggers. Though aged, his frame radiated strength.
This was Yamada Ryosuke, known to most as Old Man Jie. He was the last living Menkyo Kaiden of the Ota-ryu school—a true master who, despite his humble dojo, had never been defeated.
"Old man, you think you can handle him?" a voice teased.
The spectators didn't believe in Yamada's strength. Most had never seen him fight.
But they didn't know the truth. Yamada Ryosuke was a legend in his own right.
Then someone in the crowd cried out, "He's here!"
People turned. A path opened as a lone figure approached.
He was tall and graceful, with icy blue eyes, tied-back black hair, a clean white samurai robe, and a Nichirin Blade at his waist.
It was James, the man who had once fought demons and saved the world. Now, he was simply a wandering swordsman—testing every blade in the land.
This was his final stop.
James stepped into the dojo.
"Please," he said, bowing gently, "grant me your guidance."
Without hesitation, Yamada Ryosuke drew his katana, standing in the traditional Ota-ryu stance. He slammed his foot into the ground, and a gust of air surged as he charged.
There was a flash.
Clink!
The sound of steel breaking echoed through the air. Yamada's sword split in half. A single strand of hair at his temple fluttered to the ground.
"I've lost," Yamada Ryosuke said, bowing in defeat.
His strength, even without any breathing style, had nearly reached the human limit. But James was something else entirely—someone who had surpassed all logic of this world.
James gave a respectful nod and turned to leave.
Behind him, the once-silent crowd erupted in cheers. The name Sword Saint James echoed across Kyoto.
He had conquered his final dojo.
> "Kochou-ya is nearby," he whispered. "Might as well visit some old friends before I go."
Without looking back, he disappeared into the crowd—his figure swallowed by the setting sun.
Øóffer going on for diamond tier
pàtreøn (Gk31)