THE WHISPERING SHADOWS

CHAPTER 2

The cheers of the students faded into a dull roar as the adrenaline drained from Aera's body. The exhilarating duel with Sanemi had pushed her to her limits, and the unfamiliar strain of using Ice Breathing for such an extended period took its toll. A wave of dizziness washed over her, the world tilting precariously on its axis.

Her vision blurred, the training ground dissolving into a watercolor wash of greens and browns. Her legs wobbled, threatening to give way beneath her. Before she could crumple to the ground, a strong arm snaked around her waist, catching her weight.

"Aera!" Hyunjin's voice, laced with concern, cut through the haze. He gently lowered her onto a nearby wooden bench, his touch grounding her even as the world continued to spin.

A thin sheen of sweat dotted Aera's forehead, a stark contrast to the unnatural chill emanating from her body. Ice Breathing, while powerful, had a hidden cost - it drastically lowered her body temperature. Now, the after-effects were settling in, a wave of nausea accompanying the dizziness.

"Hey," Hyunjin murmured, his voice soft but firm. "Easy there. Just focus on your breathing. Slow and steady."

Aera closed her eyes, following his instructions. Each inhale was a struggle, the frigid air burning in her lungs. But slowly, with each controlled breath, the dizziness lessened, the world solidifying around her.

Meanwhile, the Hashira gathered in a huddle, their voices hushed in conversation. Gyeomi, his brow furrowed in concern, addressed the others.

"Did anyone else notice Aera? She seemed...off balance after the fight."

Giyu, his usual stoicism unwavering, offered a curt reply. "Ice Breathing is a powerful technique, but it comes at a cost. It lowers the user's body temperature significantly. The after-effects can be debilitating, especially for someone unaccustomed to it."

Shinobu, a knowing glint in her eyes, piped up. "True. But have you ever seen someone wield it with such control? The girl's a natural, even if she needs to work on her stamina."

Tengen, ever the flamboyant one, boomed with laughter. "Stamina? Give her time, Shinobu! That little firecracker will be a force to be reckoned with, mark my words!"

The other Hashira murmured their agreement, a mix of respect and curiosity evident in their gazes. Aera and Hyunjin, despite being newcomers, had made a significant impression. They possessed raw talent, honed skills, and a quiet confidence that had earned the respect of their elite peers.

"But," Iguro interjected, his voice raspy, "we can't ignore the elephant in the room. They're both purebloods using Breathing Styles. There could be repercussions from the Council."

A tense silence descended upon the group. The Council, the governing body of the purebloods, was known for its strict adherence to tradition. The idea of purebloods utilizing Breathing Styles, a technique typically associated with demon slayers, was likely to ruffle their feathers.

Gyeomi, a thoughtful expression on his face, finally broke the silence. "We'll address that issue when the time comes," he declared. "Right now, our priority is preparing them for the real battle ahead. Demons don't care about tradition, and neither should we."

The other Hashira nodded in agreement. Their duty was clear - to train Aera and Hyunjin to the best of their abilities, regardless of their heritage. The fate of the world, after all, rested on their shoulders.

Suddenly, a gruff voice cut through their conversation. It was Sanemi, the Wind Hashira, his usual scowl replaced by a grudging respect.

"Gotta admit," he rumbled, scratching his head with his free hand, "that newbie with the ice... she fought well. Didn't expect a pureblood to have such control over a Breathing Style."