The others as well?
No one thought Yuko's strength was lacking. Judging by the power she had just demonstrated, even the spiky-haired Shinazugawa Sanemi was thoroughly convinced.
If this woman were an evil demon, she would at least rank among the very best of the Upper Ranks.
It was hard to say whether even Himejima-san would come out on top if they fought.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya said,
"As for awakening the Mark, the Hashira have limited time. I'm afraid we'll have to trouble Miss Yuko to oversee it."
Yuko shook her head.
"It's fine. All of you are very strong—no weaker than the Hashira of the Sengoku era."
"As for the Mark, with a bit of training, it can be awakened."
Among the three techniques, the Mark was the simplest. As long as one person awakened it, resonance would occur, and the rest could awaken it naturally when facing life-and-death danger.
Life-or-death situations sounded severe, but compared to the other two, it was actually far easier.
First, the Red Blade required sufficient grip strength. Under Yuko's observation through the Transparent World, only the blind Stone Hashira would likely be capable of it after awakening the Mark.
However, his age had probably already exceeded twenty-five.
Once he awakened the Mark, he likely wouldn't last long.
As for the others—
Especially the Kocho sisters, Iguro Obanai, and Tokito Muichiro—their arm strength and grip strength were among the weakest in the Corps. Even if they awakened the Mark, they would most likely be unable to master the Red Blade.
Of course, nothing could be said with absolute certainty.
Sometimes, unless people truly push themselves, they never discover their limits.
Just like her—when she was on the brink of death, she had once unleashed astonishing grip strength, awakened the Red Blade, and nearly severed Kokushibo's head.
She was simply making judgments based on reality.
As for mastering the Transparent World, it was even more difficult—it required talent.
Purity of breathing techniques and mastery of swordsmanship were mandatory prerequisites. Only after reaching sufficient strength could one open the five senses to their fullest and step into the supreme realm.
"The Sengoku era?"
The others froze when they heard her words.
Yuko smiled subtly.
"Mhm. Strictly speaking, calling me your 'ancestor' wouldn't be wrong."
Taking advantage like this really was delightful.
Shinazugawa Sanemi, the resident troublemaker, was the first to change expression—his face twitching as he was about to shout.
Yuko quickly cut him off and explained,
"See? Snow Breathing was developed by me."
"It's from the same era as the five foundational breathing styles."
Everyone: "...Snow Breathing?"
Yuko nodded.
"Mhm."
Kanroji Mitsuri asked innocently,
"Is that the breathing style Kanae used to practice—the one where she'd collapse in bed all the time?"
Yuko nodded again.
"Mhm… mhm? (second tone)"
Kanae laughed awkwardly.
"Mitsuri…"
Sanemi snorted, his chest puffing out unconsciously as he looked at Yuko with disdain.
"So you're the one who created that brain-dead breathing style."
"I was wondering how anyone could come up with something so ridiculous."
"Not just the breathing—your sword forms are a total mess too."
Yuko took a deep breath, a deathly smile spreading across her face.
"Have you ever considered that maybe your talent is just too weak?"
"My breathing style works perfectly for me. Back then, some people even said it could rival the original Breathing."
And this time, she wasn't exaggerating.
The strength of Sun Breathing lay in its suppression of demons. For killing people, Moon Breathing was unquestionably superior. As for her Snow Breathing—after centuries of refinement, it had become a hybrid of sorts.
It incorporated the strengths of many styles.
Yuko's smile widened.
"Just you wait, brat. When it comes time to awaken the Mark, I'll be giving you special attention."
Sanemi swallowed reflexively. Only afterward did he realize how embarrassing this was—his face flushed red as he exploded.
"Bring it on! You got guts!"
"Oh, right—and you too, you gloomy little brat."
Yuko decided to deal with everything at once. The smile on her face faded into cold indifference as she turned to Iguro Obanai.
Then, just as quickly, her smile returned.
"You two had quite a lot to say about me earlier, didn't you?"
Iguro Obanai: …Is this woman schizophrenic?
Uzui Tengen swallowed hard. He suddenly remembered saying something rather dangerous earlier as well.
Nearby, Kocho Kanae's entire demeanor turned gray as she dropped to the floor, hands bracing herself.
She muttered blankly,
"I'm sorry… it's all because my talent is too poor."
Shinobu shook her sister by the shoulders.
"Sister, pull yourself together!"
Ubuyashiki Kagaya smiled brightly.
How lively everyone was.
---
Improving Hashira-level combat strength had to be done step by step. Today was Yuko's first meeting with them, and Mark resonance required time.
Moreover, the Demon Slayer Corps' workload was immense—the Hashira couldn't stay at headquarters all the time.
For now, Yuko would be responsible for training those Hashira who had spare time, helping them awaken the Mark.
After leaving the Hashira Meeting, Yuko followed the Kocho sisters to the Butterfly Estate.
"Miss Yuko, Shinobu has told me about you many times. Unfortunately, I was always busy before. Since we finally meet today, please allow me to express my gratitude."
Kocho Kanae sat upright and bowed deeply.
Yuko replied bluntly,
"No need. You're very talented. Saving you benefits the fight against Muzan."
Kanae blinked in surprise.
"I… have good talent?"
Yuko shrugged.
"You were able to use my completely messy breathing style. Isn't that proof enough?"
Shinobu chuckled quietly.
"I didn't expect Yuko to hold grudges so well."
The moment it was mentioned, Yuko rubbed her temple.
"That spiky-haired guy is just too much of a headache."
The type she was worst at dealing with—overly energetic and completely unwilling to listen.
Kanae hesitated for a moment.
"Please forgive Sanemi, Miss Yuko. He's just…"
"Hm?"
Kanae pressed her lips together softly.
"His younger siblings were killed by his mother… and she was killed by his own hands."
Yuko paused, falling into thought.
So that was it.
No wonder his hostility toward her felt excessive—especially when she spoke about family calls restoring a demon's sanity.
A mother turning into a demon and killing her own children—how could he ever believe something like that?
At the time, she hadn't mentioned the Blue Spider Lily, knowing it would only confuse everyone further. She had simply stated the conclusion.
That demons could be awakened by family—but only under certain conditions.
And with Shinazugawa Sanemi's rare blood, even if sanity could be restored, it would instantly be overwhelmed by the scent.
Yuko sighed.
"I was only joking. I can tell—none of them are bad at heart."
The Taishō-era Hashira were true pillars of support. Anyone worthy of that title could never truly be evil.
---
Currently at chapter 474 for advance chapters
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