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"Amazing! She learned this technique so quickly!" Nojiko exclaimed, watching Tashigi's swordplay with admiration.
As someone who had mastered Water Breathing herself, Nojiko could tell that Tashigi's execution of the Third Form, "Flowing Dance," was much more proficient than Nojiko's own had been when she first learned it.
"Captain Ikki said this Marine has a natural affinity for Water Breathing," Nami remarked.
"You're right. At this rate, it won't take long before she completely masters the technique."
Nami shook her head, privately wondering about the implications.
Ikki sensed Nami and Nojiko entering the training room. After executing a powerful swing to counter Tashigi's attack, he called out:
"That's enough for today, Tashigi."
"You haven't slept for two days straight."
"No matter how determined you are, you need rest."
Hearing Ikki's words, Tashigi took a deep breath and protested, "Ikki, I'm fine—"
"Don't argue," Ikki interrupted firmly.
"When I tell you to rest, you rest properly."
"There's no need to insist you can continue."
"Besides, what I'm about to tell you is actually part of your training."
Ikki walked to Tashigi's side as he spoke.
He placed his hand on her back and guided her toward the exit of the training room.
"You've learned to use the breathing technique I taught you."
"But if you want to truly master this breathing method to its ultimate level..."
"You need to maintain the rhythm of Water Breathing at all times, even while resting."
"When you sleep, you must concentrate on maintaining this breathing pattern."
Unlike Nami and Nojiko, who had completely mastered their respective breathing techniques after defeating their sword shadow opponents, Tashigi couldn't access the system's resources. She wasn't a partner in Ikki's journey.
If Ikki wanted to make her stronger, he could only rely on conventional teaching methods.
Fortunately, having mastered the essence of various breathing techniques, Ikki knew how to teach others in the most efficient way based on their individual physiology.
"You want me to maintain this breathing pattern while sleeping? How is that even possible?" Tashigi asked incredulously.
"Don't worry, I'll supervise you," Ikki assured her with a smile.
"If you drift from this breathing pattern while sleeping, I'll wake you up."
He then looked back at Nami and Nojiko and added:
"You two should begin your own practice. Remember to use the items I gave you earlier."
Hearing this, Nami and Nojiko nodded in understanding.
They knew exactly what Ikki meant—the nutritional potions. Due to the festivities in Cocoyasi Village over the past two days, they hadn't had a chance to use them for training.
Now that their voyage had begun, they finally had time.
After Ikki and Tashigi left, they each retrieved two bottles of potion and began their training regimen.
Meanwhile, in the Explorer's guest cabin, Tashigi lay with a slightly flushed face, staring blankly at the ceiling.
After a while, she turned her head to look at Ikki, who sat upright in a chair beside her with his arms folded.
"Ikki, do you really need to watch me like this?" she asked uncomfortably.
"Of course! Nami and Nojiko are busy with their own training and navigating the Explorer. I'm the only one aboard with both the time and ability to monitor you," he explained matter-of-factly.
"But with you staring at me like this, I can't possibly fall asleep."
"Don't worry, you won't see me when your eyes are closed."
"That's not the point! Even with my eyes closed, I know you're still right beside me."
Tashigi felt exasperated.
Having a man her own age watch her sleep felt inappropriate no matter how she looked at it.
"This is problematic," Ikki mused, holding his chin thoughtfully. "How about I knock you unconscious with one punch?"
"Hey! That's too extreme!" Tashigi protested, bolting upright.
"You're right... it is rather violent," Ikki conceded. "If I knock you out directly, you probably won't maintain the proper breathing technique."
"And if your breathing becomes too forceful, water might flow around you and soak the bed."
After considering for a moment, he suggested:
"In that case, why don't we just talk, Tashigi?"
"Tell me about the Marines."
"I'll tell you about swordsmanship."
"You can't fall asleep because you're tense. Perhaps conversation will help you relax."
Hearing Ikki's proposal, Tashigi sighed in resignation.
Seeing that he had no intention of leaving, she lay back down.
Following his suggestion, she began recounting stories from her past.
Ikki reclined in the armchair, nodding occasionally and asking questions.
Gradually, Tashigi found herself becoming less nervous.
"...And that's how I ended up in Loguetown."
"That's pretty much my story."
"Ikki, I've shared mine—would you tell me yours?" Tashigi asked, turning on her side to face him with curious eyes.
"My story..." Ikki tilted his head back, gazing at the ceiling as if his mind had drifted to another world entirely.
"My story is rather complicated."
"Perhaps I should tell you about my swordsmanship instead."
"Tashigi, would you like to hear about the origins of techniques like 'Water Breathing'?" he offered with a smile.
"Yes, of course!" Tashigi nodded eagerly. Having learned Water Breathing, she was naturally curious about its origins.
"Actually, swordsmanship styles such as 'Water Breathing,' 'Thunder Breathing,' and 'Sun Breathing' weren't originally developed for combat against humans," Ikki began.
"They were created to battle demons."
"This story begins with a young charcoal seller named 'Tanjiro Kamado'..."
Ikki adjusted to a more comfortable position and began recounting the tale of "Demon Slayer."
Tashigi listened attentively, gradually becoming captivated by the story.