43. Total Concentration Breathing: Constant

It was natural for Kotaro to question the differences and similarities between Hamon and Breath Style. While there were numerous differences, he found a key similarity between them: both are breathing techniques.

Breath Style and Hamon both rely on controlled breathing. This means that the fundamental way to strengthen these techniques is to improve breathing itself. Kotaro remembered that in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Lisa Lisa trained Joseph and Caesar using a special modified mask that only allowed breathing if done correctly; otherwise, the mask would suffocate the user.

In essence, this training was quite similar to that used for Breath Style—specifically, Total Concentration Breathing: Constant. As the name suggests, this involves using Total Concentration Breathing all the time: during the day, at night, and even while sleeping. The difference between those who can use it and those who cannot is vast. And Kotaro intended to learn it.

To produce Hamon, he had to take a huge breath in one go, but after successfully learning the Constant state, he would be able to produce Hamon whenever he wished without needing such loud, deep breaths.

"Indeed, I want to learn this constant state. But…"

Pant! Pant!

"Why the hell am I still running?!"

"Running helps to improve lung capacity with fast movements. That's why, Kotaro, run faster! I believe you can do it!"

Kotaro looked at Kyojuro, who was running behind him with a smile that scared him more than anything. Damn! This is why no one wants to become his Tsuguko.

Bang!

"Why did you hit me?!"

"Kotaro, your breathing is disordered. Even while running, maintain that Hamon breathing! That's how you can learn the constant state. As promised, I will do my best to teach you! Let's go!"

As easy as it sounded, it wasn't at all. It was quite hard for Kotaro to maintain the constant Hamon breathing state. A bit of exhaustion, and his breathing became disordered.

But he was still managing it. Unlike normal Breathing Styles, Hamon also had medicinal uses. Kyojuro's eyes sparkled when he learned about it.

"That's great news. Kotaro, you can truly surpass your limits!"

And then he made the training even harder. If Kotaro complained of pain—heal it with Hamon.

As hellish as it was, the effects were also apparent. Kotaro could feel his overall abilities increasing dramatically. His body was adapting to Hamon more due to constant use, and he was becoming more proficient in using it.

Originally, he thought that Hamon could only generate the sun's energy, but he realized it also had the same effects as Breath Style—it enhanced the body's physical traits.

"I was mistaken. If Hamon couldn't strengthen physical aspects, then how could Jonathan and Joseph fight those monsters?"

Vampires and Pillar Men are monsters that exceed human capabilities. If Hamon only generated the sun's energy but didn't strengthen physical traits, then humans wouldn't have been able to fight those monsters in the first place.

Kotaro's memories of JoJo were fading a bit, but he still remembered certain iconic moments that showcased the physical strength gained from Hamon training.

The Sitting Jump—Kotaro still remembered it. Baron Zeppeli demonstrated it to Jonathan when he first visited him. How could a normal human jump so high while sitting cross-legged? Moreover, if he wasn't wrong, there was also a scene where a Hamon fighter created afterimages with his speed while fighting Dio.

Still, it was manageable with vampires. But when it came to the Pillar Men, it would be impossible to fight them if physical traits weren't enhanced by Hamon. Those guys were true monsters, possessing superhuman strength, toughness, speed, senses, and even intelligence.

"Hmm… I have to remember more details about Hamon."

While his power being much more powerful than Breath Style was an advantage, the fact that no one else used it made it harder for anyone to teach him about it.

Kotaro could only rely on his memories from his previous life to learn and master Hamon. So, every night before he went to sleep, he tried to meditate to improve his concentration and used this time to remember all the details he could about Hamon and write them down in a simple notebook.

"The smaller the area of contact, the stronger the Hamon is transmitted…"

All points, all moves, everything related to Hamon that he could recall from his memories, he noted them down so he wouldn't forget later.

For now, he was still training to learn the Constant state. But…

"Ack! Damn, who… Senjuro!"

Kyojuro's younger brother, Rengoku Senjuro, stood there with a wooden stick, looking at him with apologetic eyes.

"Sorry, Kotaro-san, but Ani-ue told me to…"

Damn! All that torture during the day and even now in his sleep… But Kotaro couldn't blame Senjuro, this kind-hearted boy, for that hellish Kyojuro.

Did both of them really come from the same mother? How can they be so different?! Kotaro was determined that once he became a demon slayer, he would never return to this place. Now, he had to sleep to prepare for the training tomorrow.

"Zzz… Ack! Damn, no!"

The stick fell on him again, and Kotaro woke up just as he was about to fall asleep because of Senjuro.

"Sorry, Kotaro-san."

'Don't say sorry, just spare me!'

Now tears were starting to form in his eyes. Did he really go through all of this to become a demon slayer? Why did he want to become one?

'Mitsuri! I will not spare you!'

Kotaro decided to punish Mitsuri for all his suffering some unknown night by making her cry all night. But that was a matter for the distant future.

For now…

"Ack!"

All Kotaro prayed for was a good night's sleep.

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A/N:

Really, nothing in this world is better than sleeping.