Chapter 42: The Challenge of Gyomei Himejima, Saeko Accepts

"But no matter how many allies you have around you, when you die, you'll be alone."

— Gojo Satoru, Jujutsu Kaisen

<><><><><><>

Sakonji Urokodaki's techniques were indeed impressive.

However, Roy had essentially mastered them after just one viewing.

"Thank you for your time, Mr. Urokodaki."

"Haha, it was my pleasure to be of assistance."

Urokodaki understood that his techniques were nothing special in Roy's eyes.

As night fell, everyone prepared for rest.

Early the next morning, Roy went to a mountaintop.

He was attempting to awaken the Demon Slayer Mark.

That's right, the Demon Slayer Mark.

He had skipped Total Concentration: Constant altogether.

After all, Total Concentration: Constant was just an advanced state achieved through prolonged Total Concentration Breathing. It wasn't difficult for Roy.

Since learning Total Concentration Breathing the day before, Roy had already been maintaining the Constant state.

The Demon Slayer Mark was a manifestation of human physical potential pushed to its limits.

However, Roy was a Devil. To awaken the Demon Slayer Mark, he had to use Total Concentration Breathing to elevate his Devil physique to its absolute peak.

Therefore, awakening the Demon Slayer Mark was even more challenging for him compared to ordinary humans.

That morning, under Roy's guidance, Saeko also successfully learned Total Concentration Breathing.

To Roy's surprise, Nezuko also grasped it with ease.

It seemed Nezuko possessed extraordinary talent, not just as a Demon, but in other areas as well.

Roy continued his attempts to awaken the Demon Slayer Mark.

Meanwhile, Urokodaki instructed Tanjiro in the techniques of Water Breathing.

The Final Selection for the Demon Slayer Corps was approaching.

Roy planned to take Makomo and Tanjiro with him to the Final Selection.

...

Several days passed.

The day after meeting Roy, Urokodaki had sent a letter to Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, informing him about Roy.

Upon learning of Roy's abilities, Kagaya immediately replied, expressing the Demon Slayer Corps' full support and dispatching Gyomei Himejima to deliver all the Breathing Style techniques.

Inside Urokodaki's house, Gyomei presented Roy with all the Breathing Style techniques.

Gyomei was a towering man with a monk-like appearance.

He often wept, had a long scar across his forehead, was blind, and wore a brown kasaya.

He was the strongest member of the Demon Slayer Corps. Despite his blindness, he could perceive people's hearts with his mind's eye.

This was why Kagaya had sent him.

"Thank you for the trust of the Demon Slayer Corps," Roy said with satisfaction. "Rest assured, in return, I will slay Muzan Kibutsuji within a month."

Since Kagaya had provided him with everything he needed, Roy didn't mind helping them eliminate Muzan.

Moreover, based on the original story, Tanjiro would soon encounter Muzan Kibutsuji in Asakusa while on a mission shortly after becoming a Demon Slayer.

In the original story, upon seeing Tanjiro, Muzan was reminded of the fear Yoriichi had instilled in him and fled.

He then sent two Demons, Susamaru and Yahaba, who claimed to be members of the Twelve Kizuki, to attack Tanjiro.

However, these two were small fry, not true members of the Twelve Kizuki.

This indicated that at that time, Muzan didn't have any other powerful Demons at his disposal.

It was the perfect opportunity to kill Muzan, and this window of opportunity wouldn't last longer than a month.

"On behalf of the entire Demon Slayer Corps, we thank you, Roy-san," Gyomei said, bowing deeply.

Then, he added, "I've heard that Roy-san is a legendary Devil. Forgive my impertinence, but could you perhaps allow me to witness your power?"

Is this a test? Roy wondered as he heard Gyomei's request.

He wasn't sure if this challenge was Kagaya's idea or Gyomei's own initiative.

But it was likely orchestrated by Kagaya.

As the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, Kagaya wouldn't simply believe such an unbelievable story based solely on Urokodaki's letter.

After all, he hadn't witnessed it himself.

Roy's expression remained unchanged.

He turned to Saeko and instructed, "Saeko, spar with Gyomei-san. Remember, no killing blows."

Roy had roughly compared the power levels in the Demon Slayer world.

The Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps were roughly equivalent to Low-Class Devils. With the Demon Slayer Mark, they could reach the level of Middle-Class Devils.

On the Demon side, the Lower Ranks of the Twelve Kizuki were easily slain by any Hashira, so their strength was negligible.

The six Upper Ranks of the Twelve Kizuki were roughly on par with Middle-Class Devils.

As for Muzan Kibutsuji, Roy estimated his strength to be at least that of an High-Class Devil.

Gyomei hadn't yet mastered the Transparent World.

Therefore, even with the Demon Slayer Mark, he wouldn't be a match for Saeko.

After learning Breathing Styles, Saeko was a formidable force among Middle-Class Devils.

"Yes," Saeko replied, a dangerous, bloodthirsty smile spreading across her face as she looked at Gyomei. "Let's begin."

She was eager to teach this man who dared challenge Roy a lesson.

Gyomei didn't underestimate Saeko just because she was a woman.

His mind's eye could perceive her immense strength.

They moved outside.

Gyomei drew his unique Nichirin Blade – a broadaxe and flail connected by a long chain.

"Devil-san, it's an honor to spar with you," Gyomei said, bowing respectfully.

"The honor is mine, Gyomei-san," Saeko replied, drawing her own sword.

<><><><><><>

If you're interested. you can read 18 advanced chapters, Up to Ch 61+ :

https://p@treon.com/dragonnx

Also a total of 8 fanfics available!

( Replace '@' with 'a' to access normally )

<><><><><><>