The Breath Of The Sun

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"Uncle, what should we do to protect our happiness from being destroyed?"

Tanjirou's eyes shone with determination as he looked at Ryuji.

"The key lies in the legacy passed down by Yoriichi Tsugikuni," Ryuji replied solemnly.

"Tanjirou, I want you to work hard because you carry the weight of your family's honor on your shoulders."

He placed a steady hand on Tanjirou's shoulder, his expression firm.

"I understand, Uncle. I'll give it my all," Tanjirou nodded resolutely. "But… where can I find Yoriichi's legacy?"

"Didn't your father ever mention it to you?" Ryuji asked, a glimmer of something unreadable in his eyes. "Did he ever explain it to you that night?"

"He… he didn't," Tanjirou replied, shaking his head.

"In that case, tell me exactly what he said to you that night."

"Alright, Uncle," Tanjirou agreed without hesitation, recounting his father's words in detail.

As Tanjirou spoke, Ryuji occasionally glanced at him, observing his expressions carefully. When Tanjirou finished, Ryuji let out a quiet sigh, thinking to himself that Tanjirou's father had still kept certain things hidden.

In truth, when Tanjirou was learning the basics, his father, Tanjuro, could have included Ryuji in the training as well. They could have both learned the technique known as the "Transparent World." But in the end, Tanjuro had chosen to teach only his son.

Despite Tanjirou passing down his father's teachings, Ryuji thought, he had yet to grasp the level needed to truly understand the "Transparent World." Only someone like Tanjuro, who had mastered that realm, could share the experience.

After all, the "Transparent World" was a supreme state, achievable only through immense effort and pain. Without that level of understanding, its depths remained out of reach.

"Tanjuro… I thought of you as a brother," Ryuji murmured to himself. " I cared for your family, but you never trusted me with the same openness. You could have shown me the 'Transparent World,' but instead, you only taught Tanjirou. It saddens me."

"Uncle?" Tanjirou looked at Ryuji, concern creeping into his eyes as Ryuji fell silent. Had he upset him somehow? His mother had always taught him to show his uncle the same respect as his father, to listen carefully and not displease him.

"It's nothing," Ryuji said, snapping out of his thoughts. He smiled softly and placed a reassuring hand on Tanjirou's head. "Since your father didn't tell you about Yoriichi's legacy, I will."

"Really?" Tanjirou's eyes widened in surprise.

"Yes. Yoriichi's legacy is mainly the 'Breath of the Sun.' Alongside it are sword forms—the 'Hinokami Kagura' your father taught you to perform carefully."

"Sword forms?" Tanjirou repeated, puzzled. He didn't recall his father ever using sword techniques.

"Yes. Those forms are essential to truly unlocking the 'Breath of the Sun.' Without them, the breathing technique can never reach its full potential."

"But… sword forms?" Tanjirou asked, still unsure.

"The sword forms have been passed down in your family's 'Hinokami Kagura,' or Dance of the Fire God."

"Hinokami Kagura?" Tanjirou echoed, astonished. He knew the dance well.

Every New Year, his family performed the "Hinokami Kagura" to honor the Fire God and pray for protection. The dance contained twelve forms that his father would tirelessly perform throughout the day.

"This dance isn't just a prayer to the Fire God," Ryuji explained. "It holds the breathing techniques and twelve sword forms of the 'Breath of the Sun.' This is Yoriichi's legacy to the Kamado family."

He placed a firm hand on Tanjirou's shoulder, his voice serious. "But remember, Tanjirou, the twelve forms in the 'Hinokami Kagura' aren't just twelve sword forms."

Tanjirou's breath hitched as Ryuji's words sank in.

"They represent thirteen."

---

Tanjirou could hardly believe that the "Hinokami Kagura," a dance performed every New Year to honor the Fire God, concealed the legacy of the legendary swordsman, Yoriichi Tsugikuni. His heart filled with wonder.

"Tanjirou, do you remember the 'Hinokami Kagura' dance your father used to perform?" Ryuji asked gently, placing a hand on Tanjirou's shoulder.

"I do," Tanjirou nodded. His father had taught him the dance since he was young, and he remembered being scolded for his clumsy steps in the beginning.

"Good. Show me the Hinokami Kagura. I want to see how well you remember it," Ryuji said.

"Alright."

Tanjirou took a deep breath and began the dance, moving with precision. Ryuji watched him closely, noting each step and, most importantly, the rhythm of Tanjirou's breathing.

Once… twice… three times…

Tanjirou danced until he was almost out of breath, his movements growing sluggish. That's when Ryuji signaled for him to stop.

"Haa… Haa…"

Tanjirou was panting heavily, his hands resting on his knees.

"Now, tell me about the breathing techniques your father taught you as part of the Hinokami Kagura," Ryuji prompted.

Without hesitation, Tanjirou described the breathing patterns his father had emphasized.

Ryuji closed his eyes, mentally replaying Tanjirou's dance. He focused on the steps and breathing, feeling the breeze around him as he recalled the rhythm of "Sun Breathing."

Gradually, he began moving, his clothes rippling with each step. His breathing fell into rhythm, every movement flowing with precision.

In his mind, a strange, mechanical voice echoed suddenly.

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for learning 'Sun Breathing.'"

The voice startled Ryuji. He instinctively glanced at a mental display visible only to him:

Name: Ryuji

Physique: 1.0 (Average adult)

Dexterity: 1.0 (Average adult)

Strength: 1.0 (Average adult)

Spirit: 1.2 (Average adult)

Technique: Sun Breathing (0.1/100)

Attribute Points: 0.3

Ryuji's gaze lingered on the new "Sun Breathing" technique, processing the information.

The "0.1/100" beside Sun Breathing seemed to indicate his mastery, with 100 symbolizing full command of the skill.

After a moment's thought, he allocated 0.1 of his attribute points to Sun Breathing.

Immediately, a jolt surged through him, as if struck by a heavy blow. His vision blurred, and a wave of dizziness hit him.

Memories of training in Sun Breathing filled his mind as if he had practiced it relentlessly. With each memory, his understanding grew deeper.

Finally, he felt his breathing become steadier, more controlled. Now, with a single, focused breath, he could enhance his physical abilities.

After a few moments, the dizziness faded, and Ryuji opened his eyes, feeling stronger than before.

Curious, he looked at the panel again, noticing his attributes had shifted.

---

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