[You observed Shinobu's sword swings and breathing rhythm, analyzed her motion, and began to imitate.]
[You studied Shinobu's Butterfly Dance.]
[You studied Shinobu's Bee Sting Dance.]
[You studied Shinobu's Dragonfly Dance.]
[You studied Shinobu's Centipede Dance.]
[You fully utilized your observation ability, analyzing the vibration of her blade, the timing of each step, and the flow of toxin across her weapon. You comprehended the principles of Insect Breathing!]
Lock's mind became crystal clear in an instant. Movements replayed themselves naturally in his head as if his body already knew the rhythm.
He lifted the wooden sword slowly, replaying Shinobu's elegant forms in the quiet courtyard.
Every turn of the wrist, every shift of the foot — it all flowed together with the grace of the Flower Breathing he had learned earlier.
Soon, his movements formed a dance of his own.
The soft sound of his breathing intertwined with the rustle of wind against the wisteria trees.
Shinobu watched from a distance, eyes narrowing slightly in quiet amazement.
It was the first time Lock had ever used Insect Breathing, and yet his control was frighteningly precise.
She herself had needed months of painful repetition to achieve the same rhythm.
Lock's talent… was the most extraordinary she had seen in years.
If he continued to grow at this pace, his potential would surpass even the Hashira.
But then —
"What is this?" Shinobu's eyes widened slightly.
Before her, Lock began merging the two techniques — the agility and finesse of Insect Breathing with the power and rhythm of Flower Breathing.
The balance was delicate, but he made it work.
Each step was light, yet powerful. Each swing, both graceful and decisive.
Even Shinobu felt a flicker of awe.
He had created something new.
Then Lock's tempo slowed again, his breathing becoming long and steady.
He flowed into the Flower Breathing forms — the promise he had made earlier.
Shinobu couldn't help but smile. "You really didn't forget," she murmured.
Her tone was light, but her eyes grew distant.
As Lock's movements continued, his silhouette overlapped in her mind with someone she had loved dearly — the one who had once danced through this same courtyard in the same light.
For a moment, Shinobu saw her again — the warm smile, the same calm grace.
Her vision blurred.
In the moonlit courtyard, a single tear slipped from her eye.
She smiled faintly.
"…Thank you, Lock."
The Next Morning
Lock woke up late — unusually late.
He and Shinobu had trained deep into the night, their sword practice lasting until the moon had long passed its peak.
As he stretched, he muttered to himself, "Never that late again…"
When he reached the courtyard, Kanao was already there, practicing.
She wore her white haori, a single purple butterfly pin glinting near her temple. The ponytail at her shoulder swayed with every movement of her blade.
Seeing Lock, she paused and smiled softly.
"Good morning, Lock."
"Good morning," he replied with an easy grin.
Before he could say more, three small voices echoed from the corridor.
"Lock, you're finally awake!"
"Xiao said if you didn't get up soon, she'd tell Lady Shinobu!"
"Hey, don't blame me! That was Naho who said it!"
The three little girls came running — Naho, Kiyo, and Sumi — crowding in front of him.
Lock laughed and ruffled their hair one by one.
"All right, all right. Where's Shinobu?"
Kiyo answered first: "She left early! A crow came and called her to see the Master."
Sumi added, "She said you could sleep a little longer!"
Lock nodded. That sounded just like her.
The sunlight was warm and bright today. He wandered to a nearby tree and sat beneath its shade.
Kanao approached quietly, wooden sword still in hand.
"Lock," she said, "shall we train?"
He shook his head. "Not today."
Her shoulders lowered slightly, the light fading from her eyes.
Lock smiled faintly. "I've got something to work out first. But once I'm done, we'll train together. That's a promise."
That was enough. Kanao's smile returned like sunlight after rain.
The three little attendants cheered. "Then we'll make something delicious for Lock!"
They dashed off toward the kitchen, giggling as they disappeared.
Kanao stayed where she was, kneeling beside Lock as he closed his eyes in meditation.
The images in his mind replayed endlessly —
Shadowless Hand.
Butterfly Footwork.
Flower Breathing.
Insect Breathing.
Coordination. Flexibility. Rhythm.
Each fragment combined, shifting and evolving in his thoughts.
[You reflected on all the techniques you have learned. You found the existing breathing styles incompatible with your body. You decided to develop your own breathing method!]
[You analyzed the structure of the Bee Sting Dance and discovered it suited your fighting style perfectly.]
[You began to think deeply about the use of poison.]
[You heard the buzz of bees nearby, gathering nectar, and inspiration struck. You started to design a sword form inspired by the motion of bees.]
Lock's breathing slowed as sweat trickled down his temple.
Black cloud-like marks spread faintly across his neck — the mark awakening once again.
Kanao watched him silently, her gaze calm but concerned. She didn't interrupt.
She didn't know what Lock was doing — only that he was focused, and that she wanted to stay beside him.
Meanwhile — The Ubuyashiki Estate
Far away, at the headquarters of the Demon Slayer Corps—
A soft breeze moved through the courtyard as a young woman knelt gracefully before the raised platform.
Her haori fluttered, patterned like a butterfly's wings.
Shinobu lifted her gaze toward the man standing in the shaded attic.
The leader of the Corps — Kagaya Ubuyashiki — stood there, serene and pale, his calm voice carrying through the still air.
"Shinobu," he said gently, "do you believe Lock has mastered the markings?"
His tone was mild, but his presence seemed to fill the air itself.
Shinobu bowed slightly. "Yes, Master. He's able to control the mark consciously. Each time he uses it, black lines appear across his neck."
Ubuyashiki's faint smile deepened. "I see… That is very promising."
Then his voice softened further.
"Tell me, Shinobu—have you awakened your mark yet?"
Shinobu lowered her eyes and shook her head quietly.