The milky white Nen energy burst out of his body, forming a "Nen Shield" and instantly enveloping Kyojuro Rengoku from head to toe... He had not yet learned the art of "Ren," so he could only attach the Nen to his surface through "Ten."
But even so... Kyojuro Rengoku stood before everyone, his aura rising continuously, and in the eyes of the Hashira led by Gyomei Himejima, there was an indescribable air about him.
Once the acupoints are activated, from then on "mortal" and "Nen" become distinct.
"This is 'Divine Power.'" Rengoku knew that everyone only perceived it as mystical, yet they could not truly grasp the "Nen." He pointed a finger, attaching "Ten" to it, and lightly poked the wooden pillar beside him, "Pfft~"
His finger was like a blade, penetrating the pillar without any resistance, leaving a deep finger hole!
Their pupils contracted in shock, some even exchanging glances, unable to utter a word...
"Did you use 'Divine Power' in that strike just now?" Shinazugawa Sanemi glared over fiercely. Among the Hashira, he was the most combative and often sparred with Rengoku, Tengen Uzui, and others. That strike just now was powerful, yet as swift as lightning, beyond the limits of human capability; indeed, it was worthy of being called "Divine!"
Kyojuro Rengoku nodded.
Tengen Uzui, who was by the pillar, gently touched the finger hole and sighed, "Your physical prowess is already not inferior to an Evil Ghost, no wonder...."
"Amitabha Buddha," at that moment, a voice called the attention of everyone.
The Rock Hashira, towering no less than an Evil Ghost, softly chanted a Buddha's name, his gaze intense as he looked at Kyojuro Rengoku, "Rengoku, could I have a closer experience of it?"
Gyomei Himejima paused his Nen beads, immediately ordering someone to bring a table. He rolled up his sleeves, revealing his sturdy forearms, assuming an arm wrestling stance... Clearly, he wished to challenge Kyojuro Rengoku!
He was the strongest Hashira, renowned for his "Great Strength"... As shown in the original work, before mastering the Breathing Technique, Gyomei Himejima could solely rely on his monstrous strength, and fists as large as gongs, to crush Evil Ghosts, proving...
His physical strength and power were immense!
"Gyomei..." The monk quietly awaited, the Hashira watched in silence, Shinazugawa Sanemi struck a "clang" hand blade, stepping aside, soon... the spacious hall cleared enough room for the two of them.
"My Lord." Kyojuro Rengoku glanced at Ubuyashiki Kagaya, who smiled and patted his shoulder without saying a word.
Kyojuro Rengoku's gaze roamed, sweeping over everyone, pausing on Tomioka Giyu standing with his sword, then he stepped forward with a radiant smile, right hand opened, "Pa~" clapping Gyomei Himejima's large hand!
"Whoosh~" A gust of wind blew, stirring wisteria petals, dancing gracefully in the air....
Upon first contact with Kyojuro Rengoku's right hand, Gyomei Himejima immediately felt a warm current attached to the palm, according to... Rengoku's description, it indeed must be the "Divine Power" he mentioned.
Such gentle power... warm... and righteous... without bringing any evil, filthy, twisted madness to Gyomei Himejima....
Gyomei Himejima was somewhat surprised,
To one who studies Buddhism, emphasizing [Buddha Heart's Clarity], or [Clarity Zen], with "comprehending body, breath, and mind in unity" and "perceiving the emptiness" as the core, advocating breaking through the Five Hindrances (greed, aversion, etc.) to attain profound concentration and possessing the potential to awaken Six Supernatural Powers and Three Clear Insights.
Easiest to cultivate a "Buddha Heart," keenly discerning "righteous" and "evil" around, understanding others' hearts, and seeing their nature.
At this moment, in Gyomei Himejima's eyes, Kyojuro Rengoku remained that flame burning others, unchanged, except... he now burned more fiercely, having grown from a small flame into a "bonfire"!
And this... seemed somehow related to that earrings-wearing boy with landscapes and the sun and moon...
"Rengoku, though you're leaving, I cannot pretend not to see." The contest began!
The small table between them suddenly sank, visibly, Gyomei Himejima's robust forearm bulged with veins, snaking like small serpents, blood flow underneath visible, a terrifying sight!
"Master Rock Hashira... is serious!"
"He's always just humorously sparred with Master Rengoku and Master Tengen, never took it seriously... It seems... Master Rengoku truly saddened and angered him....."
Under the pine tree in the courtyard, by the door, beside the pillar, at the corner... the small squad of In members, some peeking, some craning their necks, some on tiptoes, gazing inside....
After Gyomei Himejima exerted his force first, Kyojuro Rengoku, whose Nen energy had been enhanced and fortified, silently felt the presence of this elder brother who once made it hard for him to breathe with his strength, found... he wasn't as formidable as he imagined... Kyojuro Rengoku's right hand remained unmoved like a rock, his elbow nailed to the table, no matter how hard Gyomei Himejima tried, he couldn't budge him an inch.
"I know, I know it all..." Kyojuro Rengoku moved his right hand, gently pressing Gyomei Himejima closer to the table,
Amidst Shinazugawa Sanemi's silence... Izuki Kobane's shrinking pupils... Mitsuri Kanroji's encouragingly raised fist... Tokitou Muichirou's burst of light from a void of stupor... Tomioka Giyu's tacit gaze... Ubuyashiki Kagaya's attentive ears....
With a swift application of force, he instantly slammed Gyomei Himejima's massive hand down!