234 I Became a Jonin

After transferring the method of magical training into Shinobu Kocho's mind through an illusionary image, the wooden clone of Yamanaka Shinno sat cross-legged in the palm of Kanae Kocho's hand and turned to look at everyone present.

Although the clone couldn't access the full power of [Clockwork of Fate], and thus couldn't read detailed values like karma, virtue, or fortune, a single glance was enough to sense the radiance of virtue shining from each of them.

Even Sanemi Shinazugawa—whose explosive temper and rough demeanor made him seem like the furthest thing from a good person—was no exception.

"Greetings, Divine One!"

Led by Kagaya Ubuyashiki, everyone bowed with utmost respect.

To them, a god who could grant them the power to slay demons, who gave them the ability to overturn this twisted world and correct its unjust fate, was worthy of nothing less than worship.

"Gods, Buddhas, sages—they're just beings with greater power. I was once an ordinary human too. So... comrades, push forward with everything you have! The power of humanity is limitless! What truly makes you strong is a soul that never yields to fate—and a heart that fears nothing!"

Yamanaka Shinno's gaze swept over them all, a soft smile playing on his lips.

As his words fell silent, the Wood Clone crumbled once more into a tiny carved wooden statue.

In his past life, he had been truly obsessed with Demon Slayer for a time. It was because each and every character in it made him feel the greatness of humanity.

Demons possessed bodies far more powerful than humans, with regenerative abilities that vastly exceeded any human capacity, and terrifying Blood Demon Arts.

And yet, there were still those who chose to fight them.

People who squeezed every drop of strength out of their frail bodies, standing in defense of the helpless, protecting those plagued and devoured by demons.

...

"I can feel the conviction the Divine One passed down! Hssss~! Khh–ghkk!"

Kyojuro Rengoku shouted loudly, only to collapse painfully onto the floor of the corridor mid-sentence.

He had only just undergone the baptism of natural energy. The fact that he had managed to stand and speak at all was a testament to his sheer willpower.

Thump—Thump—

Giyu Tomioka and Sanemi Shinazugawa followed him to the floor one after another. The two exchanged a glance, both gritting their teeth and refusing to utter a single sound.

It was as if whoever made a noise first would lose.

"What the hell is that face supposed to mean?! What are you staring at me for? Just scream already! If you don't, how am I supposed to feel okay screaming?!"

Sanemi cursed inwardly, glaring murderously at Giyu.

"Crying out in pain is a sign of weakness… Sabito, I won't be weak ever again."

Lying on the cold wooden floor, Giyu ignored Sanemi's irrational anger. He closed his eyes, silently focusing on the delicate yet immensely powerful energy flowing through his body.

...

"Limitless human potential... A soul that defies fate... A heart that faces fear head-on… Such words are like the opening chords of a magnificent symphony!"

Tengen Uzui leaned back against the wall behind him, breathing heavily.

He had already begun to adjust to the pain, and it showed—his condition was clearly better than that of the Flame, Water, and Wind Hashira.

The pain was real.

But the power now slowly circulating through his body made it feel utterly insignificant.

If he could just get stronger—just a little more—he could do so much more.

...

"A compassionate god, transcending humanity... and yet, still choosing to place His faith in us humans."

Tears streamed down the blind eyes of Gyomei Himejima.

What incredible fortune they had... to be chosen and watched over by such a merciful being.

...

"Big Sister! Did I... Did I become a shrine maiden too?!"

Shinobu blinked as she returned from the illusion. Her small face lit up with unconcealable joy.

The Divine One had taught her a magical training method that used spiritual energy to draw upon the natural elements of the world—merging them into a force that could strengthen the body and cast spells.

According to Him, even just a tiny bit of magical power was enough to let her wield a standard Nichirin Blade and slice through a demon's neck with ease.

And what's more—He said that if she trained well, He might even teach her real magic in the future!

If that didn't make her a shrine maiden, what did?

"You'll need the Divine One's acknowledgment first~ And also, little Shinobu needs to work on being a bit less impulsive, okay?"

Kanae Kocho smiled gently, her expression soft.

She looked at the red mark on her sister's forehead—left by the Divine One's playful flick—and, unable to resist, gave her another one.

Thunk!

"?! Big sister!"

Shinobu froze in disbelief. When she realized what had just happened, her face flushed red with indignation.

Her kind, ever-gentle sister… had learned how to flick people on the forehead!

"Angry little Shinobu is adorable too."

Kanae brought her palms to her cheeks, watching her pouting sister with a smile as warm as spring sunlight.

"Hmph! Once I'm officially recognized as a shrine maiden, I'll have the Divine One flick your forehead too!"

"Oh my~ Little Shinobu hasn't acted this childish in ages. Not since Kanao arrived."

"Big sister!"

...

Off to the side, Kagaya Ubuyashiki smiled as he watched the sisters playfully bicker.

After a moment, seeing that the others had mostly recovered their composure, he began organizing the next steps.

First, the place where Kanae encountered the Divine One.

According to her, there was a gateway there—a portal that led to the world where the Divine One resided.

That gateway had to be protected.

The buildings in that village could be bought out and demolished. In their place, a shrine dedicated to the Divine One would be constructed.

...

With the Ubuyashiki clan's current assets and reach, building a slightly larger shrine wasn't much of an expense.

Its upkeep could be entrusted to the elders of the wisteria family. And with Kanae acting as a shrine maiden, it would all seem perfectly proper and legitimate.

There was only one concern...

What kind of style would the Divine One prefer the shrine to be built in?

Kagaya turned to Kanae and voiced his thoughts.

"A shrine, huh? I'll head to the Divine One's domain right away. We can't have Him coming here every time we need to ask something."

Kanae nodded lightly.

For some reason, the image of Miroku surfaced in her mind—perhaps he'd know more about matters like this.

...

"Big sister! Big sister!"

Shinobu instantly called out, eyes sparkling.

"You can come along too, little Shinobu."

Kanae turned to her with a look of fond indulgence as Kagaya gave a smiling nod.

"Then I'll start preparations on my end—buying the properties, gathering materials, hiring workers," Kagaya said, watching the sisters leave.

But deep down, he was already wondering what Muzan Kibutsuji's reaction would be to all this.

Now that the Hashira had received power directly from the Divine One… could they finally surpass the Demon-Slayer Marked Swordsmen? Could they even surpass the legendary founder of the Breathing Styles himself?

...

As these thoughts stirred within him, Himejima—who had been sitting cross-legged—stood up and began stretching his limbs.

"Gyomei, are you already adapting?"

"Ami… Yes, my lord."

Gyomei nodded as he felt the profound energy coursing through his body. Though he was still unfamiliar with it, he focused it toward his fingertips.

With a sudden clench of his fist, a sharp sonic boom echoed through the air.

The Hashira still lying on the ground twitched at the sound, staring at Gyomei with mixed expressions.

They all knew Gyomei was strong—but this strong?

They couldn't even move from the pain yet!

And this guy… had already adapted? Already begun using it?

What a monster.

"How does it feel compared to before?"

Kagaya pressed his lips together, barely able to contain the excitement in his voice.

"My muscles aren't visibly stronger. But with this heavy, concentrated energy layered on top, my strikes are more than twice as powerful. It boosts everything—strength, speed, reflexes…"