If you extinguish your heart and mind, even fire is cool.

You caught Gyomei during his training, and that was the first word of advice he passed on to you. Considering that he was sitting on cindering ashes and surrounded by flames relatively unfazed, his words were almost believable — almost. Then you reminded yourself that he is a disciplined Hashira, and you had just begun your career in the Corps. You likely couldn't do that safely without prior training.

When you asked Gyomei to train you, he happily accepted your offer. A young slayer wishing to study under his guidance? The sentiment made him tear up — something you'd have to get used to seeing: a hulking man like him crying with a straight face.

Your first day of training began the next morning before dawn. After Gyomei finished his meditation and chants, he escorted you to his training grounds. The terrain was near a mountain range with a waterfall, the surrounding forest growing bare as it neared the rocks on the banks of the river flowing past.

Before you knew it, Gyomei began his teachings, "Most important of all is your body's core: your lower body. It will lead to accurate attacks and unwavering defense."

He began to walk toward the waterfall in the distance, not bothering to see if you were following him.

"My training consists of these three simple tasks," he continued. "You'll start off by cold plunging in the waterfall, after which you'll lift up three logs, and finally, you'll push a boulder, transporting it one cho away."

Once the two of you arrived at the waterfall, he turned to you, "You may begin."