Chapter 55: Inheritor of the Stone Breathing

Chapter 55: Inheritor of the Stone Breathing

Chu Yang immediately changed his expression, saying fiercely, "We've come this far, so we've done our duty. What's wrong with keeping some leverage? If they want to settle accounts, then let's not play anymore. Flip the table and fight it out to see who wins."

Uchiha Izuna laughed, "The young have quite the temper, but I like it."

Uchiha Madara nodded in agreement, "Yang is right. We must keep some leverage. We desire peace, sure, but not at the cost of sacrificing ourselves."

Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama exchanged glances and soon agreed with Chu Yang's allocation plan.

Both Hashirama and Chu Yang had some private thoughts that they didn't express.

The Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques were incredibly powerful, ranking highly in the Naruto world. They could seal not only Tailed Beasts and ninjutsu but even things at the level of world rules.

However, the Uzumaki clan's combat power was relatively weak, making them vulnerable to forces that feared them. With the power of the Nine-Tails, the safety of the Uzumaki clan could be ensured.

Additionally, Chu Yang was also wary of Black Zetsu.

The Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques could pose a direct threat to Ōtsutsuki Kaguya.

Once the Tailed Beast capture plan was set, Hashirama officially issued the order, assigning the Anbu to track down the Tailed Beasts.

There would undoubtedly be some casualties along the way; after all, Tailed Beasts were not easy to deal with and wouldn't just stand still to be captured.

Another wave of enthusiastic Uchiha youths rushed forward, as Chu Yang's plan to thin their ranks was in full swing.

Tobirama was tasked with contacting the Uzumaki clan. Their help was crucial for sealing the Tailed Beasts, and they also needed to formalize their alliance.

For millennia, the Senju and Uzumaki clans had stayed united through their blood ties.

When it came time to sign the alliance, Hashirama, as the Hokage, had to personally attend.

As for Lord Madara, he was Konoha's golden enforcer.

His job was just to beat people down. Once a Tailed Beast appeared, he would be the first to arrive and take control.

And Chu Yang...

He was the tireless teacher of the people, nurturing the village's future with no particularly special contributions. Everything proceeded in an orderly fashion.

In the Demon Slayer World.

After returning to reality from the Soul Palace, Chu Yang's body experienced explosive growth overnight.

Once thin and frail, he suddenly sprouted eight hard abs and grew five centimeters taller!

This was thanks to his counterparts in other worlds selflessly sharing their talents and abilities, giving him a dramatic transformation from being a weakling.

Of course, if he learned a breathing technique, it would also benefit his counterparts in other worlds.

To avoid revealing the secrets of his sudden physical change, Chu Yang wrapped himself up tightly. Fortunately, the weather had recently turned cooler, so no one grew suspicious.

During his recovery at the Butterfly Mansion, Chu Yang spent his days devouring food and training hard. A week later, he was informed that he could be discharged, meaning he could leave the Butterfly Mansion.

Naturally, Chu Yang didn't want to leave.

He approached Shinobu Kocho and asked, "Lady Shinobu, could you teach me how to become a swordsman?"

This request seemed to stump Shinobu. She stood before him, hesitating, as if she wanted to speak but stopped herself.

Not falling for it?

Gritting his teeth, Chu Yang loudly shouted, "Lady Shinobu, please take me as your successor!"

In the Demon Slayer world, a "successor" refers to someone inheriting the title, essentially the direct disciple of a Hashira-level swordsman.

Typically, Hashira would take on swordsmen with similar breathing techniques as their successors, though there were exceptions where different breathing techniques were passed down.

Hashira had the authority to command any Demon Slayer, but if they wanted to assign someone else's successor, they needed that Hashira's approval.

A successor held a unique and special status within the Demon Slayer Corps.

Upon hearing Chu Yang's wish to become her successor, Shinobu's pale face quickly turned crimson.

Flustered, she waved her hands in front of him.

Chu Yang smacked his lips, feeling that this Shinobu seemed quite different from the one in his memory.

"Hahaha, someone actually wants to become Shinobu's successor? How amusing!"

A bell-like laugh sounded behind Chu Yang. Turning around, he saw a girl who looked about 70-80% similar to Shinobu, but she seemed more mature and gentle.

The girl had a pair of lively, light purple eyes, long, glossy black hair that reached her waist, and butterfly-shaped hairpins on either side of her head. She wore a colorful butterfly-patterned haori.

The girl bounced playfully up to Chu Yang and teased, "Shinobu isn't a Hashira, so she can't take on a successor. But I could, if you're interested, little brother."

Chu Yang stared blankly at the girl, not because of her beauty, but because she was...

Kanae Kocho!

Kanae Kocho was still alive!

This meant that the current timeline was at least four years before the main storyline started!

No wonder Shinobu looked like a baby—she practically was...

"It's rude to stare at a girl like that," Kanae whispered in Chu Yang's ear as she stepped closer.

Startled, Chu Yang quickly retreated, apologizing profusely. His mind was spinning in chaos.

"I can sense your aura. For someone who hasn't undergone training, your physique is quite remarkable. You have the potential to become a strong swordsman," Kanae said with a gentle smile. "Just teasing you earlier. Your body isn't suited for learning my breathing style, but if you truly want to join the Demon Slayer Corps, I can introduce you to another Hashira."

Chu Yang, finally snapping back to reality, quickly nodded. "I would appreciate that."

"You're in luck—he'll be coming by shortly," Kanae's eyes gleamed with amusement, clearly eager to see how Chu Yang would interact with this Hashira.

Shinobu seemed to guess which Hashira her sister was referring to, and she subconsciously looked surprised.

Chu Yang, confused by their cryptic exchange, stood there in bewilderment.

A moment later, a towering figure entered the room, chanting "Amitabha." He had a long scar across his forehead, was completely blind, and wore prayer beads around his neck and in his hands.

A monk!

Himejima Gyomei!

Chu Yang glanced at the grinning Kanae Kocho, exhaling deeply.

Gyomei was incredibly strong!

He was arguably the strongest of all the Hashira!

The moment Gyomei entered, he sensed Chu Yang's presence. Though blind, his heightened senses were exceptional. If not for the absence of a demonic scent from Chu Yang, Gyomei might have already swung his weapon.

Kanae smiled and said, "Master Gyomei, if it weren't for the Hashira meetings, it'd be rare to see you. Still training every day?"

Gyomei nodded and then quickly asked, "Who is this beside you?"

"A survivor," Kanae succinctly summarized Chu Yang's situation. "He wishes to stay in the Demon Slayer Corps."

Normally, Gyomei would have advised such a person to return to an ordinary life. But the immense aura emanating from Chu Yang was too hard to ignore.

In a deep voice, Gyomei warned, "This path will be far more arduous than you can imagine."

Chu Yang responded, "I understand."

Kanae suggested, "I believe you should personally train him. A cultivator might not fully unlock his potential."

After a moment of hesitation and once again sensing Chu Yang's aura, Gyomei finally nodded.

At last, the Stone Breathing had a successor!