Seeing Horitake effortlessly defeat the enemy, Mitsuri Kanroji couldn't help herself. Realizing her enthusiasm, she sheepishly stepped back from Horitake's back, standing beside him, gazing adoringly.
Horitake didn't mind; the moment felt rather nice.
The system's voice echoed in his mind: "Ding! All present are safe, no losses. Earth-Diving Demon slain. Host has resolved the negative butterfly effect, completing the mission. Reward granted.
Ding! Congratulations, host, for acquiring Yasuo's full Stormblade swordsmanship.
Ding! Friendly reminder: Your arsenal has expanded. Be grateful to the system!"
Horitake's brow twitched. This cheeky system. Still, he was thankful. Feeling the mastered Stormblade techniques and his enhanced physique, he gave a slight nod of gratitude.
The Ubuyashiki siblings and others approached, treading the ravaged ground, gathering around Horitake with heartfelt thanks.
"You saved us again, Lord Horitake," they said earnestly.
"Thanks to you!"
"Such strength, slaying that terrifying demon."
"Could Lord Horitake already be Hashira-level?"
The Ubuyashiki siblings expressed the deepest gratitude, bowing formally. "We are profoundly thankful for your life-saving grace, Mr. Horitake."
Amid the chorus of thanks, a voice like a mountain rumbled behind Horitake: "Young man, I never expected such genius in the Final Selection. Slaying so dangerous a demon, purging its sins. Amitabha…"
Horitake turned to see a 2.2-meter-tall blind monk. Despite his serene aura, an undeniable presence radiated from him.
This was Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Horitake felt a bead of sweat. The strongest Hashira, and I didn't sense him approach. Truly, there's always someone greater.
Reining in his pride, he grew cautious.
The Ubuyashiki siblings introduced: "This is Master Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira, sent as reinforcement. Though…"
They trailed off, embarrassed. Gyomei arrived after the demon was slain, making his trip seem pointless.
Gyomei clasped his hands, chanting softly. "Amitabha. Meeting our Corps' young elite makes this trip worthwhile."
Horitake warmed to the monk's tact, greeting him. "Senior Himejima, I'm Horitake, disciple of former Thunder Hashira Jigoro Kuwajima. I've long admired you."
"So, you're Kuwajima's pupil? No wonder your Thunder Breathing is so refined. But…" Gyomei paused, then asked, "Though blind, my ears catch the battlefield's flow. Your techniques aren't traditional Thunder Breathing. They're stronger, grander."
Curiosity sparked among the others, all eyes on Horitake.
He laughed brightly. "Indeed, not traditional. I believe what suits me best is strongest. I've refined Thunder Breathing into my own version. I won't claim it's stronger, but it fits me perfectly."
Admiration filled their gazes. He slays mighty demons and reinvents Breathing Styles. A true genius.
"Creating your own Breathing Style?" Gyomei murmured, impressed. "A prodigy indeed."
Horitake humbly deflected, pulling Mitsuri forward. "Not at all, Senior Himejima. I merely refined Thunder Breathing. The real genius is Mitsuri Kanroji here, who derived her Love Breathing from Flame Breathing!"
Eyes turned to Mitsuri, who blushed modestly. "Oh, no, it's just a derivative of Flame Breathing, not my creation. And I'm far from Lord Horitake's level—he saved me yesterday!"
Gyomei "looked" at Mitsuri. "Rengoku's successor? Another genius. Amitabha, I see two future Hashira. The Corps grows stronger."
Horitake and Gyomei chatted, recounting the battle. With the demon slain and no losses, it was a joyous victory.
As the group prepared to leave, a Kasugai Crow landed, squawking: "Horitake! Mitsuri Kanroji! To Demon Slayer Corps headquarters! The Master summons you!"
Horitake was surprised. Ubuyashiki wants to see me? I thought I'd meet the Master only as a Hashira. But meeting the revered leader early intrigued him.
Mitsuri buzzed with excitement.
Gyomei, fingering his prayer beads, said, "Since the Master calls, join me to headquarters."
Horitake nodded. "Gladly."
Expecting a trek, they were surprised at the mountain's base by two carriages. The Ubuyashiki siblings emerged from the first, bowing. "No need to walk. Please join us to headquarters."
Horitake eyed the larger second carriage, clearly for Gyomei's frame, and stifled a chuckle. Accepting their kindness, the three boarded.
Inside the ornate carriage, Horitake marveled. The Ubuyashiki clan, funding the entire Corps, is truly wealthy.
Thus, they set off for Demon Slayer Corps headquarters.
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