The demon's Blood Demon Art resembled the Marsh Demon's, which Tanjiro faced later—an ability to sink into the ground, creating a watery space to drag victims like girls underground to devour. But this demon's art was different, Horitake assessed. It allowed free movement underground, softening earth into a marsh-like trap. Stronger than the Marsh Demon's, it was a nasty trick.
Trouble was, Tanjiro could dive into the Marsh Demon's space to fight. Horitake couldn't burrow into solid earth to chase this one. The demon could strike from below, untouchable through thick soil. Its raw strength wasn't great, but its Blood Demon Art was a headache.
Mitsuri's waist was sinking fast, panic overtaking her. Her eightfold muscle density and strength were useless—she couldn't gain traction in the marsh. Feeling the demon's grip on her ankles, she froze, fearing worse sinking. Her only hope was Horitake.
Horitake, thinking fast, devised a risky plan. No ropes? Go hard. Speed could let someone run on water—soft marsh was no different. Thunder Breathing excelled at speed.
Drawing his Nichirin Blade, arcs of electricity crackled. Like a taut bow, he shot toward Mitsuri, a blur of lightning. To her, he was a thunderbolt incarnate, flashing to her side.
Feeling the ground turn soft, Horitake stabbed downward. Lightning surged through the blade, shocking the subterranean demon—let's call it the Burrow Demon. Caught off-guard in its dark haven, it had never faced electricity conducted through earth. Trembling, it released Mitsuri's ankles.
Horitake seized the moment. Still sprinting, he sheathed his blade, scooped Mitsuri up with his left arm, and with a burst of strength, yanked her from the marsh. Holding her close, he kept running—slowing risked them both sinking.
Mitsuri's softness registered briefly, but Horitake focused, racing past the marsh onto solid ground. With a mighty leap, he landed on a sturdy branch, Mitsuri in his arms.
Mitsuri felt like she'd ridden a rollercoaster—crushing weight, then weightlessness. Snapped from despair, she found herself in a stranger's broad embrace, standing on a branch. Saved… by a stranger.
The daytime demon attack, the marsh trap, the ghostly hands pulling her down—her strength useless—was a nightmare. Yet a hero had descended, pulling her from the abyss. Glancing at Horitake's profile, she realized it was him—the handsome, strong guy from before. Her heart raced. This is love.
Horitake, unaware of her swooning, peered at the ground with Spirit Vision, spotting the Burrow Demon faintly. Recovering from the shock, it raged at losing its prey but, fearing sunlight, retreated underground.
Horitake confirmed its escape. "It's gone," he said, releasing Mitsuri and meeting her gaze. Instead of fear, she blushed, staring at him with gratitude and shyness, pink hearts practically floating around her.
Horitake sighed. Big heart, this girl. Mitsuri, flustered, stammered, "Thank you for saving me! I'm forever grateful…"
Horitake blinked. Forever grateful? Next line: 'I'll repay you in the next life' or 'with my body'? But Mitsuri just introduced herself: "I'm Mitsuri Kanroji, stepchild of the current Flame Hashira. What's your name?" Her eyes sparkled with shy hope.
"I'm Horitake, disciple of former Sound Hashira Jigoro Kuwajima. Skip the 'savior' stuff—just call me Horitake."
"Yes, Lord Horitake!" Mitsuri chirped.
Lord Horitake? He let it slide, sitting beside her on the branch, chatting. Mitsuri's bubbly personality shone, though she was shy around her crush, subtly hinting at her feelings. "Lord Horitake, I thought I was done for! You swooped in like a divine messenger sent to save me!"
Horitake's back chilled. She's not wrong. The system was the "divine," he its messenger, tailing her to prevent this crisis. But he'd nearly failed, underestimating daytime threats. Deflecting, he said, "I was napping nearby, heard you, and came running. Bad luck meeting a daylight-hiding, burrowing demon. Good luck I was there—others couldn't have saved you."
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