Chapter 109: The Enigma of Flames

As Jon's palm blazed with an ethereal fire, Shinobu and Kanae stood in silent awe. The spectacle before them was unlike any of their refined breathing techniques; it was as if Jon had conjured the flames through sheer will, a feat that bordered on the supernatural.

"Jon-san, is this your method of demon extermination?" Kanae inquired, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and disbelief.

Jon nodded, his eyes reflecting the dancing flames. "Indeed, this is no mere conflagration. These are the Flames of Hellfire. Any demon marred by this fire finds their regenerative abilities nullified, sealing their fate."

Kanae's eyes widened with understanding. "I see..." She paused, a memory flickering across her mind. "We had previously discussed imparting our breathing techniques to you. Should your commitments prevent the dedicated practice, we could document the training regimen and the intricacies of the techniques. This way, you can train at your own pace."

Jon considered the offer, his gaze dropping contemplatively. Without the ability to assimilate Kokushibo's memories, the written guidance of the breathing techniques was indeed his best alternative. Yet, he was reluctant to forgo the generosity extended to him.

"Your assistance is invaluable to me," Jon finally responded, gratitude lacing his words.

Kanae's smile was gentle, encouraging. "Think nothing of it. We are allies in this fight. And given your choice of weaponry, we believe that Rock Breathing would complement your style. However, your affinity for flames suggests that Flame Breathing could also be a match. We will consult with Gyomei-san and Rengoku-san to compile their insights for you."

Jon's thoughts drifted to Gyomei Himejima, the towering figure who wielded chains with a mastery that Jon aspired to emulate. Perhaps the Rock Breathing technique, with its emphasis on solidity and defense, would indeed harmonize with his own combat style.

"Your guidance is a gift. Thank you," Jon said, his smile genuine and full of respect.

At that moment, the sliding door parted with a whisper, and a young girl stepped into the room. She was in her mid-teens, her hair cut in a blunt fringe, with a single ponytail adorned by a green butterfly clip. Her smile was a permanent fixture, yet her eyes were deep and tranquil, betraying a wisdom beyond her years.

In her arms, she cradled a chain that seemed to defy gravity, its weight substantial yet effortlessly borne by her slender frame. She approached with a grace that belied the heft of the metal links, stopping before Jon to offer the chain.

"Is that... my Chain?" Jon's voice was a mix of surprise and recognition as he took the offered item.

With a nod of thanks, Jon accepted the chain, but the girl remained, her posture one of silent expectation.

Kanae's introduction was warm and filled with pride. "Allow me to introduce you. This is my younger sister, Kanao Tsuyuri~"

"Good morning," Jon greeted, his voice carrying a lightness that contrasted with the weight of the chain he now held.

"Jon-san..." Kanae's voice trailed off, a playful tone dancing in her words.

"What is it?" Jon turned, his brow raised in question.

With a wry smile, Kanae informed him, "It's already noon."

"Ah, have I truly lost sense of time? Huh~!" Jon chuckled at his own disorientation.

Redirecting his attention to Kanao, he corrected himself, "Well then, good afternoon, young lady~"

Kanao's smile persisted, a silent and serene fixture on her face. She glanced towards her sisters, seeking silent counsel. Finding none, she retrieved a coin from the folds of her kimono.

Her past, marred by the inability to make decisions due to her traumatic childhood, left her dependent on the coin's impartial verdict for even the simplest of choices. With a flick of her thumb, the coin spun upwards, but it never completed its descent. Jon, with a swift motion, had caught it mid-air.

Aware of Kanao's unique predicament from the tales he had heard, Jon's playful interception was meant in jest. Yet, the sight of Kanao's puzzled expression, her eyes searching his for an explanation, coaxed a mischievous grin onto his face.

Shinobu, perceptive as ever, intervened gently, "Jon-san, please refrain from teasing her. Kanao was saved from a life of darkness at the hands of human traffickers. She's still learning to socialize."

Jon's smile softened, a hint of regret coloring his tone, "Is that so? My apologies." He extended the coin towards Kanao, his curiosity piqued. "And what does the flipping of this coin signify?"

Shinobu's explanation came with a fondness for her sister's coping mechanism, "It was Kanae Onii-san's idea. Without direct instructions, Kanao struggles to make even the smallest decisions. The coin helps her choose a path when she's uncertain."

Understanding dawned on Jon, and an idea sparked within him. "How about this—" he began, holding the coin aloft in his palm. With a gentle breath, he blew across his closed fist. When he opened his hand, the coin lay there, unchanged yet somehow transformed by the gesture. He offered it back to Kanao, his voice imbued with a newfound warmth, "From now on, let this coin guide you. But remember, the choice is always yours to make."

Kanao's fingers closed around the coin, her expression a tapestry of confusion and curiosity. With a flick of her wrist, she sent the coin spinning into the air once more. It landed in her palm, and she peered at the outcome, then raised her eyes to Jon, her voice carrying the softness of a new leaf, "Good afternoon."

Jon's response was laced with encouragement, "Soon, you'll see that you won't need that coin to make decisions. But if you wish to keep it as a keepsake, that's fine by me."

Kanae, with the gentle authority of an elder sister, suggested, "Alright, Kanao, you go back and rest." Kanao offered a silent nod and retreated, her steps light and unburdened.

Once she had left, Kanae's curiosity found voice, "Jon-san, what did you do to that coin?"

Jon offered a casual shrug, his smile enigmatic, "Nothing much, just a little magic."

He continued, "Everyone has the capacity to choose. Kanao's past has simply cast a shadow over her ability to trust her own judgment. I've enchanted the coin to resonate with her heart's true desires. Now, no matter how it lands, it will reflect what she truly wants." Jon's explanation was a blend of truth and misdirection; the Darkhold had provided no such spells, but his own ingenuity had filled in the gaps.

Shinobu's skepticism was palpable, "You can perform such wonders?"

Kanae's spirits lifted, her voice tinged with hope, "If that's true, then we have one less worry. Kanao can start to heal."

Internally, Kanae harbored a burgeoning hope, "With Jon's formidable abilities, perhaps the end of Muzan's tyranny is within reach. A future where Shinobu and Kanao can embrace the simplicity of life..."

Her train of thought was interrupted by a pressing matter, "Jon-san, I've been assigned a mission. Kuroyanagi village has seen the fall of many demon slayers, including some of our elite. As a Hashira, I'm tasked with investigating. The presence of a member of the Twelve Moons is suspected. Would you be interested in joining me?"

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