Infinity With You | T. Muichiro

8

Chapter 8
LAVENDER

The next few weeks were brutal. Kanao may not seem like it, but she is rather strict when she's teaching. However, it only made your determination stronger, and you were glad she was strict.

"Total concentration breathing is a technique which involves expanding your lungs to intake as much air as possible. This results in acceleration of your blood flow and heartbeat while increasing your inner body temperature. This also results in your bones and muscles becoming more excited."

Kanao begins by explaining the basics of the technique. 

"This is extremely important in increasing your combat abilities. A Hashira like Master, maintains this technique even during sleep."

You immediately grimaced at her words. It sounded difficult. Before you can complain in your head, Kanao cuts you off.

"Why don't you try doing it?"

You nodded. 

'Slow breathing...'

You breathed in, but before you can finish acting out your process Kanao stops you.

"You did it wrong, you were too stiff. Try doing it again."

"That's not how you do it."

"Wrong."

"Do it again."

"Again."

"Try it again."

"One more time."

 The sun set behind the Butterfly mansion, casting a golden glow over the garden. You lost count of how many times you attempted the technique before you grasped the concept of it and executed it perfectly. It was safe to say, you were more than exhausted. You yearned for your soft mattress and wish to sleep on it forever. Kanao gave you a bottle of water which you accepted it happily.

"You make a good teacher, Kanao."

You weren't lying about the fact. Because of her, you felt lighter, stronger. Under her guidance, you can even maintain the technique even when talking and eating.

Kanao's cheeks light up in a dust of pink, barely visible. She slowly munched the bread in her hand, mumbling out a small 'thank you'. 

The next day, ever since you mastered the total concentration breathing technique, Kanao shifted her focus into building up your stamina and strength.

...Which involves running around the Butterfly Estate for 10 times between meals. This also results in you trembling like a new-born deer from sheer exhaustion. Sometimes, she would also give you tips on how to improve your stamina in other ways than just running.

To further enhance your speed and strength, you had the idea of adding weight cuffs to both your hands and legs. You move and run around wearing those the whole day even while sleeping.

After a week, she made you swing a wooden sword for 1000 times a day. You thought she was a bit lenient, which caused you to step up and do 5000 times a day. You can proudly say, that sped up your progress quite a bit.

____________________

You sat behind Muichiro, gently brushing his long, dark hair. It was such to the touch. The room was quiet, bathed in the soft light of the setting sun.

"Won't having long hair get in the way of fighting?"

You curiously asked, looking at him to see his reaction.

"Not really."

You chuckled lightly, feeling Muichiro shift and lie his head down on your lap.

"Why is that?"

"Because I meet pathetic demons."

His choice of words made you snort before you can stop yourself.

"I remember....you told me you liked my long hair."

"I do."

You were glad that he was able to remember things more easily now, the therapy Shinobu suggested and your efforts were paying off. As your fingers glided through his hair, you decided to tell him about your training progress.

"I've finally managed to complete the 10000 sword swings without stopping,"  You beamed happily, a hint of pride in your voice.

"Kanao told me that my stamina has really improved."

Muichiro listened quietly, the rhythmic strokes of the brush calming and comforting.

"You didn't come to me to train."

He says as a statement instead of a question yet you felt compelled to answer.

"You were busy being a Hashira and all, when you are not on a mission. I want you to rest instead."

"I don't need rest."

Muichiro immediately retorted, you sense a tinge of annoyance in his tone.

"Yes, you do. No buts."

You booped his nose lightly, making him squint his face. His annoyance immediately melts away like snow under the sun.

"What're you doing?"

Muichiro shifted his head to look up at you when you stopped playing with his hair. But you immediately covered his eyes.

"I will show you when I am finished."

Muichiro decided to listen, shifting his attention to the fluffy clouds in the blue sky.

'That cloud shape...looks like a cat.'

After a few minutes of waiting, you grabbed his hand and he sees a small origami heart in his palm. He curiously looked at the heart-shaped paper quietly, seemingly lost in thought.

He blinked owlishly, feeling you boop his nose again wearing a cheeky smile on your face.

"It's a gift."

____________________

"I heard you were training under Kanao. I may not have seen your progress but, from the way Kanao talks about you, it seems you have great potential."

Hearing Shinobu's praise, makes you feel giddy inside.

"Why do you wish to join the corps, (Name)?"

The Insect Hashira asks you in a rather serious tone, catching you off guard.

"Oh..uhm well, everyone became dear to me. I wanted to protect Muichiro, and everyone else. Kanao, Aoi, Kiyo, Sumi, Naho, even you, Shinobu nee-san."

Shinobu seemed surprised at your answer, perhaps she wasn't expecting you to include her as well. She smiled softly at you, a happy flush on her face.

"That's a noble wish. You're a pure child, (Name). I wish you the best."

"Thank you..!"

Shinobu ushered you to come closer, which you did.

"Kanao is going to take the final selection exam soon. She's going to be a bit busy training herself."

Right, she needs to focus on her own training as well, you thought to yourself.

"Sparring with her will be beneficial for you both. However, there's another thing you need to know in advance."

The young woman continues, and you wonder where she was going with this.

"The Love Hashira was interested and was willing to take you in."

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Taisho Rumors

(Name) do not like Muichiro's crow, Ginko because of how loud it can be and sometimes interrupt her time with Muichiro. But a glare from Muichiro does effectively make it shut up.

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Author Notes

I love Mitsuri, she's so wholesome and pretty. Also Muichiro's jealousy 👀