Horitake instantly mastered the Thunder Breathing versions of Chidori and Raikiri, rewards from the system. To wield these techniques, the system enhanced his physical prowess, boosting his strength significantly.
Horitake estimated his power now rivaled that of a Hashira. Confidence surged as he faced the lurking Earth-Diving Demon.
Activating his Spirit Vision, he glanced downward. As expected, beneath layers of bluestone slabs, the demon lay in wait, poised to strike.
Expressionless, Horitake calmly grasped Mitsuri's hand.
Startled, Mitsuri blushed. Is this moving too fast?
Horitake's steady voice cut through her thoughts: "Mitsuri, do you trust me?"
"Eh? I… I trust you, Lord Horitake!"
"Good. My eyes see what others can't."
Mitsuri, though lovesick, was sharp. She instantly understood: "Lord Horitake, you mean…"
"Exactly. Stay safe first. Help others if you can."
"I understand."
Unaware of the danger beneath, the Ubuyashiki siblings continued the Demon Slayer Corps proceedings.
"First, we'll prepare your uniforms," they said. "After measurements, your rank will be embroidered. Ranks range from Kinoe to Kinoeto, with all of you starting at Kinoeto, the lowest."
"Today, you'll select steel for your Nichirin Blades. Forging takes ten to fifteen days."
They clapped, and crows flew in, perching on the recruits' shoulders.
"These are your Kasugai Crows," Hinaichigo explained, "for communication and relaying orders."
The siblings stepped aside, revealing a table of jade steel blocks. "Choose the steel for your blades, to slay demons and protect yourselves."
Eager, the recruits hesitated, looking to Horitake to choose first.
Unfazed, he led Mitsuri forward, Spirit Vision scanning the steel. All were high-quality, worthy of Nichirin Blades.
He picked a medium-sized block for Mitsuri. "This is among the best."
Mitsuri took it. "What about you, Lord Horitake?"
He selected a block to his right, intrigued. "If I'm right, this was struck by lightning. It suits me."
With their choices made, others eagerly picked their steel.
Horitake stood aside with Mitsuri, seemingly indifferent but focused on the demon below. This Earth-Diving Demon is cunning, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Everyone finished selecting, and the Ubuyashiki siblings noted their choices.
At the torii gate, they bowed. "Your blades will be delivered once forged. Congratulations on passing the Final Selection."
Earth-Diving Demon, they're leaving. Will you act?
It couldn't resist.
Horitake's expression hardened. "Don't move! Danger's beneath us!"
His warning startled everyone. Trusting his authority, they froze, confused, awaiting his next words.
The Ubuyashiki siblings paled, guessing the truth. Kiriya asked urgently, "Mr. Horitake, is it below?"
Horitake nodded. "In the ground. The bluestone keeps it at bay, but—"
A violent tremor shook the ground, destabilizing the platform. Mitsuri gritted her teeth. "Earthquake?"
"No!" Horitake countered, Spirit Vision scanning. "A massive sinkhole!"
The demon, likely a Lower Moon, unleashed its Blood Demon Art, softening the earth into a swirling vortex.
The bluestone platform cracked, collapsing into the churning soil. The rookie swordsmen, unprepared, panicked, unsure where to flee.
Screams filled the air:
"What's happening?"
"A sinkhole? Here?"
"We'll be buried alive! Do something!"
Horitake took charge. "Don't panic! Climb the trees using the stone slabs before they sink! Falling means death!"
Guided, the recruits scrambled across the remaining slabs, climbing wisteria trees at the sinkhole's edge, relieved by their stability.
The Ubuyashiki siblings, physically frail, fell amid the chaos, helpless against the swirling earth.
Horitake, ensuring others' safety, grabbed their collars, using Thunder Breathing to flash them to a wisteria tree.
From the tree, they watched the platform vanish, its slabs spiraling into the vortex's center.
The siblings trembled, overwhelmed by the near-death experience.
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