In Demon Slayer With Heavenly Insight

Chapter 28: Test

Ren smiled and nodded. "Rengoku san, it seems the last time we met was at the lord's mansion, correct?"

Kyojuro Rengoku laughed heartily. "Hahaha, indeed! It's good to see you again."

The two exchanged pleasantries, but Senjuro, unable to contain himself, tugged at his elder brother's hand, signaling him to get to the point.

Ren glanced at Senjuro, recalling his timid and shy nature. While Senjuro could relax around family, he instinctively hid behind his brother when strangers were present.

Kyojuro patted Senjuro's head lovingly. "Let's talk inside, Ren."

Ren nodded. "Of course."

He followed Kyojuro and Senjuro into the training grounds with Kanoe by his side.

The moment they entered, Ren was met with a wave of heat. He surveyed the area and noted its similarity to the training grounds where the Sound Hashira trained in the original story.

It seemed that Kyojuro often used this space for basic training. But what exactly did Kyojuro mean by a "test"?

Curious, Ren asked, "Mr. Rengoku, could you elaborate on the test you mentioned earlier?"

Kanoe also looked up, her eyes questioning.

Kyojuro smiled warmly. "Ah, that. I received a summons from the lord yesterday. This test is his idea—to train you based on your current weak points."

Senjuro piped up, puffing out his chest. "That's right! This is training tailored just for you, Ren. Our lord values you greatly!"

"Senjuro, don't be rude," Kyojuro scolded, frowning. As a representative of the Rengoku family, he couldn't allow any impoliteness towards their guest.

However, Senjuro made a face and retorted, "Brother, the lord told us to start early, but Ren made us wait for hours!"

"Nonsense," Kyojuro replied sharply. "Butterfly already informed me that Ren would be arriving later. We arrived early on our own."

Kyojuro's gaze shifted apologetically towards Ren.

Senjuro huffed, "Fine! But I won't forgive him unless he accepts my challenge!"

"Enough, Senjuro!" Kyojuro raised his palm, clearly upset.

Ren quickly intervened. "Mr. Rengoku, please don't be upset. It was indeed my fault for arriving late. Why not let Senjuro express his thoughts first?"

Kyojuro sighed, visibly calming. "Apologies, Mr. Ren. My younger brother's behavior has been inappropriate."

Ren smiled, brushing it off. "No harm done. Let's hear what Senjuro has to say."

Surprised by Ren's willingness, Senjuro hesitated briefly before confidently declaring, "Since you're late, I want my brother to teach you a lesson!"

Kyojuro blinked in confusion. "Excuse me?"

Ren, however, immediately understood. Senjuro wanted Kyojuro to spar with Ren, hoping to see Ren defeated as a form of retribution.

Ren knew this was an opportunity to prove himself. Kyojuro's politeness stemmed from Lord Ubuyashiki's orders, but to earn Kyojuro's genuine respect, Ren needed to demonstrate his strength.

"I accept," Ren said with a smile.

Kanoe, standing nearby, tugged at Ren's sleeve, her worried eyes meeting his.

Ren reassured her with a quick blink and a small smile. "Don't worry. I've got this."

Still uneasy, Kanoe's fingers clung to the corner of Ren's clothes. Seeing her reluctance, Ren gently took her hand, her smooth, jade-like fingers trembling slightly but offering no resistance.

Kyojuro, now understanding the situation, exclaimed, ". Ren, how could you agree to such a request?"

Ren quickly explained the reasoning behind his acceptance, which cleared up Kyojuro's confusion.

"Hahaha! So that's what it was! I thought I'd have to actually teach you a lesson. What a relief!" Kyojuro laughed heartily, his earlier tension dissipating.

The misunderstanding resolved, Ren and the Rengoku brothers agreed to the sparring match after the test. However, noticing that Ren and Kanoe didn't have their own swords, Kyojuro decided to fetch two from home.

With some free time, Ren began to reflect on his abilities.

He had mastered three breathing techniques:

1. Flower Breathing

2. Insect Breathing

3. Bee Breathing (his original creation)

Ren planned to reserve Bee Breathing for his final battle with Upper Moon One, Kokushibo. However, having used it during his outdoor training, he suspected Muzan might have noticed. Knowing Muzan's vindictive nature, Ren anticipated being targeted soon.

From yesterday's battle, Ren had roughly gauged his strength. While he could easily handle Lower Rank demons—potentially even two or three at once—Upper Rank demons were a different story.

Aside from defeating Shinobu Kocho, Ren doubted he could overpower any other Hashira-level fighters. For now, he chose to keep his identity hidden and avoid using Bee Breathing unnecessarily.

Training under Kyojuro wasn't just about improving himself. Ren's goal was to learn Flame Breathing—a style vastly different from Flower and Insect Breathing.

While Flower and Insect Breathing prioritized speed and agility, Flame Breathing was aggressive, powerful, and highly destructive. It was a technique perfectly suited for someone like Ren.

Just as Ren finished his thoughts, Kyojuro and Senjuro returned with the swords.

**