In the depths of the mountain, the wooden clone of Kei infused the method of magical training into the mind of Shinobu through an illusionary projection.
Sitting cross-legged in the palm of Kanae, he turned his head to look at the people present.
Although the clone could not fully utilize the power of [Destiny Chronometer], which allowed him to see in detail the karma, merits, and fortune of individuals, he could still perceive the dazzling power of merit emanating from them at a glance.
Even Sanemi, the most hot-tempered among them and someone who did not seem like a virtuous person at all, was no exception.
"Greetings, Kami-sama!"
Under the leadership of Kagaya, all the Hashira displayed the utmost respect.
This deity had granted them the power to slay demons, giving them the strength to overturn this broken world and correct its unjust fate. To them, such a being was worthy of reverence and worship.
"A god, a Buddha, an immortal... they are just beings with greater power. I was once an ordinary human, so… press forward. The power of humanity is limitless. What truly makes you stronger is an unyielding soul and a heart that fears nothing." Kei's gaze swept across everyone, a gentle smile always on his lips. As his words fell, the wooden clone transformed once again into a small wooden idol.
In his past life, he had been deeply fascinated by Demon Slayer for a time, captivated by the greatness of humanity reflected in every warrior. Demons possessed bodies far superior to humans, with regenerative abilities and Blood Demon Arts beyond human reach.
Yet, there existed such a group of people.
They pushed their bodies and strength to the limits, dedicating themselves to protecting ordinary people from the horrors of demons.
"The belief bestowed by the Divine One! I can feel it! Hiss—! Cough, cough—!"
Kyōjurō spoke in a spirited voice, but the moment he finished his sentence, he collapsed onto the wooden corridor in pain.
He had just undergone the baptism of nature's power. That he even managed to rise and pay his respects was purely proof of his sheer willpower and determination.
Giyū and Sanemi followed suit, collapsing one after the other. Their eyes met as they lay on the ground, biting their lips in silence. It was as if the first to make a sound would be considered the weaker one.
"That face of yours is really annoying! Why are you looking at me? Aren't you going to scream in pain? If you don't, how am I supposed to scream first?!"
Sanemi cursed internally, glaring fiercely at Giyū.
"Expressing pain is a sign of weakness, I will never be weak like I was in the past." Lying on the cold floor, Giyū ignored Sanemi's completely unfounded anger, closing his eyes to quietly feel the thin yet incredibly powerful energy flowing through his body.
"Is the power of humanity truly limitless? An unyielding soul, a heart that faces fear head-on… What a magnificent symphony!" Tengen leaned against the wall, his body trembling from the pain.
Having gradually become accustomed to such suffering, his condition was noticeably better than that of the Flame, Water, and Wind Hashira.
It hurt, truly, it did! But the energy now beginning to circulate within his body made this pain feel utterly insignificant!
If they could become even stronger, they would be able to accomplish so much more.
"A merciful god, transcending humanity, yet still acknowledging us as humans." Tears streamed down the blind eyes of Gyomei. How fortunate they were! To be acknowledged and watched over by such a benevolent deity!
"Onee-san! Have I become a miko now too?!" Shinobu awoke from the illusion, her face beaming with an uncontrollable joy.
The divine training method she had received was based on mental energy, allowing her to absorb the elemental forces of nature and fuse them into power that could strengthen her body and cast magic.
According to Kei's words, even a tiny fraction of this power would be enough to allow her to wield a Nichirin Sword effortlessly, severing a demon's neck with ease!
And, and... He had even told her that… If she trained well, she could be taught true magic in the future!
Didn't that mean she was now a miko?
"That depends on whether he acknowledges you~ Also, you should work on fixing your reckless personality!" Kanae said with a warm smile, gazing at the red mark on Shinobu's forehead where Kei had flicked her.
Feeling an unfamiliar sense of lightheartedness, she couldn't help but playfully flick Shinobu's forehead again.
"??? Onee-san!" Shinobu stood frozen in disbelief, her face turning red with anger as she realized what had happened. Her ever-gentle sister had actually learned bad habits! She had started flicking foreheads now!
"An angry Shinobu is adorable too!" Kanae clasped her hands to her cheeks, watching her sister puffed-up expression with a smile as warm as the spring sun.
"Hmph! Once I gain his recognition and truly become a miko, I'll definitely have him flick your forehead too!"
"Oh my, throwing a tantrum, it's been so long since I last saw this, especially after Kanao arrived."
Nearby, Kagaya watched the two sisters playfully bicker with a smile. After a moment, seeing that everyone was gradually recovering, he began arranging the next steps.
First was the location where Kanae had encountered Kei.
According to her, there was a portal there leading to the world where he resided.
This portal had to be protected.
The houses in the village could be purchased and torn down to build a shrine dedicated to him.
Given the current wealth and resources of the Ubuyashiki Family, constructing a large-scale shrine would not be a significant expense.
As for maintaining the shrine, the members of the family could handle it. With Kanae as a miko, the shrine would have rightful legitimacy.
However... They were unsure if Kei had any particular requirements for the design and style of the shrine.
He voiced his thoughts to Kanae.
"A shrine, huh? I will set out immediately for his residence. We can't always trouble him to come to us."
Kanae nodded lightly.
A figure flashed in her mind, Miroku. She had a feeling that asking the shrine priestess about this would be a better idea.
"Onee-san! Onee-san!" Shinobu immediately spoke up, her eyes full of eager anticipation.
Seeing Kagaya nod approvingly with a smile, Kanae gazed at her younger sister with affection.
"Then I will start overseeing the purchase of the properties, gather materials, and recruit workers."
After discussing the necessary arrangements, Kagaya watched the two sisters depart. His mind, however, was already pondering what kind of response Muzan would have.
Now that the Hashira had gained the power bestowed by Kei, did they possess the potential to surpass the marked swordsmen of the past? To surpass even the strongest swordsman who had created the Breathing Styles?
As he thought, Gyomei, who had been sitting cross-legged, slowly stood up and began moving his limbs.
"Have you already adapted?"
Gyomei could feel the profound weight of the new power surging through his body. He concentrated, channeling it to his fingertips.
With a sudden clench of his fist, a powerful shockwave exploded from his palm.
The Hashira still lying on the ground twitched involuntarily at the sight of this. They knew Gyomei was strong, but wasn't this difference a little too overwhelming?
They were still in pain, unable to move! Yet this guy had already adapted and could even use his power?
"How does it feel compared to before?" Kagaya pressed his lips together, suppressing the excitement in his heart as he softly asked.
"The strength of my muscles hasn't visibly increased, but with this dense power added, the force I can unleash has more than doubled. It enhances every physical attribute—strength, speed, reflexes, and destructive power. The only issue is that there isn't enough of it yet."
"Tamae, bring me the records of the marked swordsmen from the study." Kagaya's expression was filled with exhilaration.
A twofold increase in speed and strength, such an enhancement in real combat would result in far more than just double the power. And this was only the beginning of mastering this new energy.
This time… This time, they would definitely succeed! They would finally be able to kill Muzan and break this thousand-year curse!
Moments later, Gyomei took the scroll detailing the marks and crimson blades from Amane.
He picked up his axe.
Channeling his newly acquired earth-based power, he gripped the handle tightly!
His axe, made from the same scarlet ore as the Nichirin Swords, vibrated and rapidly turned crimson. It radiated a scorching aura, as if it could burn everything in its path.
The ultimate weapon capable of suppressing a demon's regeneration!
Story completed at Chapter 298!