**Chapter 313: CP9 Captain VS Former Water Hashira**
The Taisho era. Speaking smoothly, responding with firmness and moderation, great success comes from righteousness – this is the way of heaven.
This was a relatively stable period in Japan, its early phase was also known as an unprecedented golden age since the Meiji Restoration.
A relatively stable, moderately prosperous life allowed many large cities to have extremely prosperous and bright night views.
Especially the metropolitan area centered around Tokyo, which could be described with words like brightly lit, bustling with people, and extraordinarily lively.
Cars drove on the main roads, while Men, Women, Old and Young in twos and threes, some wearing Haori, some in Kimono, and some in Suits, strolled among the various Shops on both sides, their joyful laughter incessant.
But where there is light, there is also darkness.
In the Alleys where the lights couldn't reach, an atmosphere of nervousness and fear permeated.
Hurried Footsteps echoed in the narrow, dark space.
One was chasing, one was fleeing.
"Police, stop!"
"Put your hands up!"
Just then, at the intersection ahead of the fleeing person, another person suddenly appeared, and while shouting loudly, held a Revolver in both hands, pointing it at the figure trapped in the Alley with nowhere to escape.
At the same time.
The pursuer also panted heavily, pointing his Muzzle at the other's back, and shouted righteously.
"We are Detectives from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. We now suspect you are involved in several Murder Cases. Please come back with us to assist with the investigation!"
As they spoke, the two maintained a steady, slow pace forward, one in front and one behind, while the person in the middle, wearing a black Haori, remained motionless.
This caused their Minds to relax slightly, thinking the other party had given up resisting under the threat of the Muzzle.
[Swish—]
But just as the Detective in front approached within seven or eight meters, with a Swish, that person instantly vanished from the spot, and before the Detective could react, a terrifying blood hole appeared on his brow in the blink of an eye.
[Bang!]
The next moment, a Bullet flew out of the Gun Barrel in a flash of Gunfire Flash.
With a crisp Clink, the Detective who fired from behind was stunned, because he actually saw that person clamp the red-hot Bullet with two fingers.
[Whoosh————]
The Bullet was flicked from between the fingers, shooting back at an even faster Speed, piercing the Detective's forehead in the blink of an eye, and he collapsed with a bang in the dark Alley.
By this time, that figure had already disappeared without a trace.
About ten minutes later.
Police forces from the nearby Koban and Police Station arrived. They first sealed off the scene with Caution Tape, and after discovering a gold-framed red circular Badge with the words 'S1S mpd' in gold on the left collar of the Deceased, they immediately reported it to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.
Because this was a symbol only worn by Detectives from the Criminal Affairs Department, Investigation Division 1!
[Slap!]
A Palm full of calluses from guns slapped heavily on the Meeting Table. Section Chief Wada roared furiously at the dozen or so Unit Chiefs in front of him.
"What were you doing?"
"Not only has there been no progress on the previous dozen Murder Cases, but now one of our own is dead, and there are still no clues?"
"This is Tokyo! And we are the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department!"
Facing the scolding from their direct Superior, the Unit Chiefs could only lower their heads and take the lecture. After the Section Chief's spit had sprayed enough, a Unit Chief from the Investigation Unit hesitantly spoke.
"Section Chief, the Autopsy Results for Police Inspector Bukawa and Police Inspector Matsunari are out."
"Police Inspector Matsunari seems to have been shot through the forehead by Police Inspector Bukawa, and the Bullet is still inside. As for Police Inspector Bukawa's brow wound, it's similar to the previous cases, both were pierced by a Rod-shaped Object..."
As soon as his voice fell, the Unit Chief of the Ninth Unit, whose Subordinate had died, said with a terrible Expression: "From their facial expressions, Bukawa should have died instantly, while Matsunari was full of shock. He must have seen something..."
"And then?"
Section Chief Wada asked with a dark face.
"Up until now, we don't even know what they look like, what Weapon they used, and even less why they killed!"
At this, all the Unit Chiefs fell into a deathly silence.
Indeed.
Up until now, there hasn't been a single Eyewitness, and the Murder Motive is also unclear.
Especially the latter; they investigated the Relationship Network of the Deceased from the previous cases, but found that there was no connection between them whatsoever, as if the Murderer just killed someone randomly.
"Increase Patrols, increase Searches, sweep through all those secluded Alleys! But don't work in groups of two anymore, there must be at least three people!"
And while the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department was greatly angered.
In the hidden places of the Army First Division Base, Navy Yokosuka Port, Army University, Navy University, and even the Imperial Palace of Japan, corpses, some fresh and some decomposing, were discovered.
This attracted the attention and vigilance of various departments in the Japanese military and political circles, who thought they were Spies from Overseas.
It must be said that these Agents and Spies from Cipher Pol brought the Haki style they used when carrying out Missions in Affiliated Countries on the Homeland.
They would casually kill people who got in the way or people who witnessed them, and after killing, they would just leave the corpses in a secluded corner.
In eliminating witnesses, they were indeed very clean, but in terms of Hide Corpse, it was a bit crude, or perhaps these people didn't care much.
What if they were discovered?
As the World Government increased the number of Investigators, these guys who were very strong, lawless, and only cared about the Mission.
Whether intentionally or unintentionally, actively or passively, they began causing ripples, big or small, within Japan.
What's interesting is.
This actually indirectly affected the Demon Slayer Corps' Operations in Various Places. These people carrying Katanas began being subjected to Intercepts, investigations, and even Arrests by the Police.
Lucci and Mumei also met the Trainer sent by the Demon Slayer Corps.
"Thank you very much for saving Tanjiro's life during the Final Selection."
Sakonji Urokodaki, wearing a red Tengu Mask on his face and a White Cloud and Sea Wave Robe, said this as his first sentence upon walking up to Mumei.
Because Tanjiro was the first Disciple to return to him alive after so many years.
"It's nothing. I only acted because I saw him foolishly risking his life to save others. He's very similar to a Boy I know; they're both big Idiots!"
Mumei touched the Transponder Snail on her Shoulder, raised her head, and said with a face full of arrogance.
"Hehehe," Sakonji Urokodaki praised. "Then I'd really like to meet the other Idiot. I imagine he's a wonderful Child."
At the same time, the nose under the Mask sniffed, and he thought inwardly: "Tanjiro was right. This Mumei indeed has an Aura of Blood on her body, but it's very fresh, not the Scent of Demon. She should be carrying something containing fresh Blood with her..."
Although this was very strange, for him, as long as it wasn't a Demon, it was fine. He just considered the other things Personal Secrets, and this Girl's Disposition also seemed pretty good.
"Can you talk about the Breathing Style? I've been practicing Swordsmanship for so many years, and this is the first time I've heard of this kind of thing."
At this moment, Lucci, wearing Samurai Attire, touched the Scabbard at his Waist and said in a deep voice.
"Of course, I came here for this."
Sakonji Urokodaki nodded, but he had a question in his heart.
This father and daughter look like they are from an Ancient Samurai Family, but if that's the case, over so many years, how could they not have received an invitation from the Demon Slayer Corps?
One more thing, since they don't know Breathing Style, how did they gain such Strength? Mumei could defeat the Hand Demon that ate over fifty people, and this Father actually gave him a strong Sense of Oppression.
Could it be some kind of family-inherited Special Constitution?
"However, before the Breathing Style, you two need to first understand what the Demon Slayer Corps is, and what demons are."
Lucci and Mumei exchanged a glance and chose to listen carefully to the Trainer's following words.
Although they had learned a little through Gu Shiwen before, it was too one-sided after all. Now that there's a Professional here to explain, it couldn't be better.
The Command Center of the Otherworld Strategy Committee on the World Mainland was also silently waiting through the Transponder Snail. At this moment, someone had already prepared Paper and Pen, ready to record.
"First of all, the Demon Slayer Corps. The number of members is approximately several hundred people. It is a Tissue that has not obtained official recognition from the Japanese Government. However, the Demon Slayer Corps has existed as early as several hundred years ago and has been hunting demons until now."
"Then there are demons. Their Staple Food is humans. They kill and eat humans. They can appear at any time and from anywhere. Their Physical Ability is very strong. Even if injured, they heal immediately. Flesh that is cut off can also be reattached, and regrowing Limbs is even easy."
"Some demons can also change their Body shape, or obtain Strange Ability. As long as they are not exposed to Sunlight or have their Heads cut off by a Nichirin Blade, they cannot be killed."
"And we, the Demon Slayer Corps, must use our Fragile Flesh to fight against demons. Since we are Human, the healing speed of our Wounds will be very slow, and lost Limbs will not regrow. But even so, we still must eliminate demons, only to Protect Humans!"
Hearing this, whether it was Lucci, Mumei, or the people in the Command Center, they only found two new pieces of information.
The number of Demon Slayer Corps members and the nature of the Demon Slayer Corps!
"Strange, since the Demon Slayer Corps has existed for several hundred years, why are there only several hundred people now? That kind of Breathing Style and Swordsmanship, since they can be taught, then why not expand the Scale?"
"Also, why don't they cooperate with the National Governments throughout history? If their Stance is to Protect Humans, then both sides should be aligned. They could even completely Control the Japanese Government many years ago!"
Vice Chairman Burwo Gabriel said in confusion.
"Maybe the Breathing Style and Swordsmanship have relatively strict conditions? As for the second point, I don't understand either, or perhaps they tried before but failed for some reason?"
Lieutenant General Kong Ming replied softly.
At this moment, Sakonji Urokodaki's voice continued to transmit from the Virtual Screen.
"And I am a 'Trainer'. As the name suggests, I am someone responsible for training Swordsmen. There are many Trainers like me who will train Swordsmen in their respective places using their respective methods."
"If you want to join the Demon Slayer Corps, you must first learn the Breathing Style and the Swordsmanship of the corresponding Style, and then pass the Final Selection at Mount Fujikasane. Of course, Mumei's Situation is just the opposite..."
"The Full Name of the Breathing Style is 'Total Concentration Breathing'. This is a Technique that allows Oxygen to be transported to every Cell in the entire Body, consciously performing Deep Breathing through different rhythmic Frequencies."
"It can not only temporarily increase the Body's Natural Healing Ability, but also cause Mental Stabilization and Activation. Most importantly, it can make a person's various Physical Abilities reach a level where they can Resist demons!"
After hearing the detailed introduction about the Breathing Style, Lucci at the scene and Lieutenant General Kong Ming far away on World, their First Reaction was to think of 'Life Return'!
Life Return is pouring Consciousness into every corner of the Body, thereby freely Controlling Body Muscles, Blood, Hair, and even Internal Organs, while greatly increasing Food Absorption Efficiency, natural healing Speed, and various aspects of Physical Ability, including, of course, the Oxygen inhaled into the Body.
"At the same time, the Breathing Style is also divided into five major Basic Styles: 'Water', 'Thunder', 'Stone', 'Flame', and 'Wind', along with Matching Sword Techniques."
"Later generations then developed New Styles with various Characteristics based on these five major Styles, such as 'Flower', 'Insect', 'Snake', 'Love', 'Sound', and 'Mist'."
"And what I will teach you next is 'Water Breathing' and all ten types of 'Water Form' sword techniques!"
At this moment, Lucci, who was playing Mumei's Father, suddenly raised an eyebrow and took a step forward.
He saw him gripping the Sword Hilt at his Waist with his Right Hand and said: "Sounds very interesting. I wonder if I could experience your Means?"
Although Lucci was used to using Six Powers and Haki for hand-to-hand Combat, he still had the basics of Swordsmanship. After all, whether it was the Marines or their Cipher Pol, the first practical Combat content they came into contact with was Swordsmanship.
Although this Trainer spoke about the Breathing Style in a dazzling manner, both the World Government behind the scenes and he himself wanted to experience it personally and also evaluate its Value.
"Alright, it just so happens that I am also full of curiosity in my Heart. Let's have a simple Sparring match."
Sakonji Urokodaki agreed after considering for a moment. He wanted to see what was so special about this Samurai Father of Mumei.
A person who doesn't know Breathing Style could actually give him, a Former Water Hashira, a Sense of Oppression?
Soon.
The two came to the Yard. Mumei was responsible for closing the Gate, and then stood on the Steps / Stairway, looking with expectant eyes at the following Combat.
Lucci and Sakonji Urokodaki stood facing each other at a Distance of five or six meters apart. Both had their Right Hands lightly placed on the Sword Hilt. The Atmosphere gradually became Solemn.
[Clang!]
Seeing that the former had no intention of attacking first, Sakonji Urokodaki immediately drew his sword and rushed forward. In the melodious Sound of Drawing Sword, poetic and picturesque Sea Waves and Splashing Sound suddenly appeared out of thin air, accompanied By the rapidly swung Nichirin Blade.
"Total Concentration, Water Breathing!"
It was obvious that he was intentionally holding back. He didn't even use a sword technique. Although the Aura Lucci gave off was very strange, he was, after all, a person who didn't know Breathing Style.
"These Wave, this sound... Really interesting~"
Lucci's mouth curved up, and he smiled slightly. Speaking of which, it's been a long time since he used a Blade.
In the blink of an eye.
The two became entangled In the Court. Fighting fast against fast, accompanied By trailing Afterimages, the clanging sound of ding-ding-dang-dang was incessant.
Their attack Speed and movement Speed were both very fast, but the Court was only that big, so they both intentionally Controlled their own movement range. This made the Collision Frequency of the Clash of Swords extremely astonishing.
In Mumei's eyes, Lucci was like he was Resisting the continuously surging Sea Waves. The Scene looked very beautiful.
There was nothing she could do.
Although she knew how to use a Blade, she hadn't received Professional Training after all and couldn't understand the Mystery within at all. But Sakonji Urokodaki's mood was different.
He was now shocked beyond belief.
"This person can actually keep up with my Speed? And his Strength, Reaction... But his Breathing Rhythm indeed doesn't look like he knows Breathing Style..."
"Since that's the case, then This Old Man will also use his True Skill."
Sakonji Urokodaki suddenly began moving at High-Speed Movement. His Speed was several times faster than before.
He even left behind realistic Afterimage Clones in his wake. His Posture looked particularly beautiful, like he was dancing. The key was that the water flow on his Nichirin Blade seemed to become even more turbulent.
"Water Breathing, Third Form: Flowing Dance!"
But after this technique was performed, the Clash of Weapons still gently echoing in his ears caused the Expression under his Mask to change drastically, because Lucci actually intercepted all of his Sword Edges.
The opponent clearly just stood still, and the one he held in his hand was also an Ordinary Katana. But that Exquisite Swordsmanship displayed the word 'Defense' to the fullest.
You should know, Lucci's Swordsmanship, although it was just the Basic Swordsmanship within Cipher Pol, and he himself wasn't very good at it.
But after all, it has been a Basic Swordsmanship continuously improved by countless Sword Masters and even Great Swordsmen over hundreds of years. Relying on it might not make one a Great Swordsman, but one can still reach Sword Master through Effort.
The Foundation Gap between the two Worlds was revealed so silently at this moment...
"Water Breathing, Second Form: Water Wheel!"
"Water Breathing, First Form: Water Surface Slash!"
"Water Breathing, Seventh Form: Drop Ripple Thrust!"
Lucci's Expression was indifferent. He dealt with the waves of water Sakonji Urokodaki swung out with ease, but an idea formed in his Heart.
"So that's how it is. Those water flows and sounds are just Illusory Deception."
"Their Breathing Style can activate the Spirit, and then through the Matching Sword Techniques, allow Mental Power to attach to the Blade and Sword Wind to manifest corresponding water wave Special Effects, serving to Confuse Vision to a certain extent. It's a bit like the Projection Ability of a Visual Den Den Mushi."
"Also, he is clearly intentionally Predicting my Actions. This should be the Perception Effect brought by mental Activation, similar to the basic function of Observation Haki..."
(End of this chapter)