Chapter 31 - Assessment

Ryuu explains having to change his world and have them evolve into an interstellar state. He would try to save up points to buy knowledge regarding these kinds of sofa things. It benefits him and the world if they reach interstellar.

"Oh right, have you investigated the Kamado family or Tamayo?"

"We still haven't found them but I've already sent people to investigate."

He nodded since it would be a loss if they were to die and trigger a cause and effect where Tanjiro as well. Ryuu might be lucky and trigger a mission to save them. 

Ryuu would feel slightly responsible for their death since he knew what was going to happen to them and did nothing. Sure, he doesn't have any relation to them and wouldn't risk his life but it still would leave a bitter taste in his mouth. 

He doesn't have a hero complex but is still a kind person. Ryuu would definitely save them if the system gave a mission to benefit him. 

"Is that so? Well hope they're fine but I've been wondering where's Kanao?" 

Ryuu hadn't seen the silent girl anywhere even after they ate. Furthermore, he hadn't sensed her presence by using his magic to feel the blood around him.

"Kanao-chan is currently training in the mountains alone, mastering my late sister's Breathing style."

Shinobu downcast after saying the last part that made Ryuu understand her pain quite a bit. Losing the one you love and respect to an unforeseen incident is traumatizing and would change you. 

He recalls her having a similar personality as Aoi and only changes when her sister died in the hands of the 2nd upper moon, Doma. It was a miracle that Shinobu is still alive and escapes his grasp considering how powerful that Demon is. 

'Wait!? Is there a way to revive my brother!?? Maybe there is!'

Ryuu recalls that it was possible to pull an item that could revive the dead from the [ Gacha ]. He set out to acquire something that could revive the dead even if it's against nature. However, his intuition is telling that there is more to it than just reviving him.

'That's the Afterworld! I'm not sure but those who manage that realm might be troublesome.'

He understood that his world is intertwined with the supernatural after killing that demon contractor a while back. 

"What if you could revive your sister? Would you do it?"

His words caught Shinobu's attention looking at him in confusion but then sadness hidden by her stoic expression.

"Of course not a demon but like reviving her back to life."

"I would. She didn't deserve to be killed like the rest."

"Then perhaps if you continue to use the [ Gacha ] function of the Chat group you might acquire a way to revive her."

Her eyes widened in realization then saw the sadness contained in Ryuu eyes as if looking at herself. Shinobu understood he had lost someone as well and even if she had seen many deaths in her life she still felt sympathetic toward them. She only had her emotion deep within to move forward. 

"....Did you also have an older sibling?"

Shinobu asked reluctantly, which made Ryuu pause for a moment looking at the clear sky before smiling. 

"Yeah…."

Ryuu softly received sympathy from Shinobu and both took the silent understanding of each other.

============

Before the break of dawn, Ryuu was woken up by Shinobu to start his training. Normally, he would feel sluggish from the lack of sleep if his preview changes. 

In terms of strength and endurance then his not far from the Hashira with only difference was their combat skills and technique. 

He is able to maintain his stamina by constantly using the breathing technique in order to reach the Constant state. It was rather progressive thanks to the [ Peak Human Condition Physiology ] leveling the technique the more he used it. 

Ryuu frowned as he still hadn't eaten breakfast but knew it would be part of training and discipline. He yawned while following Shinobu into the mountains to train. 

They soon arrive in an open space where there were sword slashes in the trees and stones showing it was a place often used to train. 

He observed the slashes and found that they were coordinated and that every mark had a specific way. Ryuu is a natural in using his basic instinct to determine things but it is still far from perfect.

"This place was previously used by Kanao-chan. We'll be using this for the time while she is away for training."

"Alright, is there anything I need to do before starting?"

Ryuu gave a wide grin, excited to learn how to properly utilize the breathing technique and form his own style. 

"We'll start by removing your clothes."

A moment of silence sang through the forest before Ryuu confused and warily smiled.

"What!?"

"Remove your clothes so I can examine them."

Shinobu bluntly said. Ryuu forgot that she was a physician and understood the human body but he is reluctant to get naked in front of a beautiful woman like her. 

He took a deep breath to calm himself before nodding. Ryuu tried to control his blood to avoid arousing himself.

"Hold on."

Ryuu slowly removes his clothes leaving only the lower part. He revealed his toned body, giving the spotlight to the individual muscular. It was then his body shiver when Shinobu went closer unreluctantly touching his body making him blush a bit. 

He may be able to control his emotions, but that does not mean he was perfect. Ryuu could feel his small delicate hands yet had rough texture in them from her training with the blade.

"You're body seems much denser compared to a normal human nearly several times compared to Mitsuri-chan."

Shinobu commented showing how powerful his body is considering Mitsuri muscles are extremely dense despite her small frame. Adding her flexible body makes her a formidable opponent. 

"It's probably from the Cleansing pill that I've used."

Ryuu recalled the pill that he used which rather than eating made it into a medical bath. The reason for it is due his body wouldn't be able to be taken by swallowing it considering he lives on Earth and not some Wuxia world where normal people are much stronger. 

"A cleansing pill?"

"That's right, it's a pill that cleanses the body removing its impurities while improving the quality of the body. Similarly, the Low grade Body Tempering Pills that I bought from the shop may be useful for the Hashira. I'll give you some to share with the others."

Ryuu's reason for not eating one yet is he needed time to train his first after being exposed to the Cleansing pills. He doesn't understand the in and out but knew it would be bad for his health. 

It sounds illogical thinking you consumed or use pills constantly after using them but wouldn't it be more logical that it is doing more harm than good? For example, eating vitamins is healthy and nourishes the body but it is also dangerous if you intake a large quantity in a short period of time.

"But I suggest eating it at least once a week or it could cause the opposite effect.*

The Insect Hashira nodded and soon finished her assessment of his body, finding it was extremely sturdy and dense. 

"Your body already seems to surpass a normal human and could easily contend with a lower moon. The only thing you lack is proper training and a regimen to follow. "

"Then what will I do? I've already learned Kenjutsu."

"Well my Insect Breathing style primarily mimics poisonous insects therefore I only know striking techniques. You don't have formal training in swordsmanship, correct?"

Ryuu may have acquired knowledge on how to use a sword did not mean he was an expert at it. There's a big difference from doing to knowing. 

"I know how to wield a blade but it's hardly called ' A swordsmanship'."

"Then how about we spar for now and see how you do? It would help me find any flaws you may have."

Ryuu nodded, taking a distance from her as they stood several meters away and immediately started to touch weapons, preparing themselves with his hands crossed to easily wield the blade. His gaze was fixed into her taking a deep breathing using the Total Concentration Breathing to increase his strength and instantly both unsheathed their blade.