The Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, nestled among mountains, was so hidden that even Muzan Kibutsuji couldn't find it in a millennium. The headquarters was the Corps' brain, demanding utmost secrecy.
Logically, Horitake's group should've faced strict confidentiality measures en route, but none were imposed. Their carriages wound through mountain ravines, passing hidden Corps checkpoints. Horitake expected inspections, unbothered as he had nothing to hide.
Yet, whenever the Ubuyashiki siblings in the lead carriage showed themselves, checks were waived. The carriages proceeded unimpeded.
No blinds covered the windows, allowing Horitake to see the route. Anyone with a good memory could recall the path to headquarters.
As a newcomer, Horitake was stunned by this trust. Whether decided by the siblings or Ubuyashiki Yōya, it conveyed profound respect. No wonder the Ubuyashiki clan has led the Corps for a millennium. No wonder Yōya, despite his frailty, commands such loyalty. This leadership is extraordinary.
If Yōya were Chinese, and Horitake not a transmigrator, he might've knelt in allegiance. Even so, he felt deep admiration for the unseen Master.
Mitsuri, beside him, grew increasingly excited by this trust.
The carriages reached the legendary headquarters—a sprawling mountain town of multiple buildings and departments, not just a single structure.
They headed straight for Yōya's residence, the Corps' heart and mind.
Stepping off, Mitsuri marveled at the elegant residence. Horitake, well-traveled, was less awestruck.
Led by the siblings, Horitake, Gyomei, and Mitsuri entered, settling in a courtyard of white pebbles, where Hashira meetings were held.
The siblings went to fetch Yōya. The trio waited quietly.
Soon, a frail figure emerged, supported by the siblings, standing on the veranda. His handsome face bore severe scarring, a tragic sight.
Yōya smiled warmly at them. "At last, I meet my new children…"
His soothing voice and cadence radiated leadership. Horitake thought, A born leader.
Gyomei knelt first, saluting, "Lord Master."
Mitsuri, flustered but quick, followed, kneeling. "Lord Master."
Horitake, however, stood tall, clasping his hands forward in a grand Chinese clasped-hand salute. "Horitake, at the service of the Master!"
Not a fist clasp, but a traditional Chinese salute, exuding solemn respect, not subservience.
This gesture stunned everyone. It declared Horitake's stance: I respect you as the Corps' leader, admire your charisma and courage, but I am not your vassal.
Gyomei, though blind, sensed the gesture and was astonished.
Yōya, despite his scarring and deepening curse, had one functional eye. Seeing the salute, he recognized its cultural weight from the mainland across the sea.
Flustered, supported by his children, he bowed in return. "Horitake, you're too courteous."
Mutual respects exchanged, Mitsuri and Gyomei rose.
Curious, Yōya asked, "Horitake, you…"
Horitake, prepared, spun a tale: "I'm an orphan, but I recall my early years. My mother was Japanese, my father a Chinese refugee. He taught me his customs and knowledge."
Yōya believed him. Japan's isolation meant few knew Chinese etiquette, and Horitake's salute was too authentic to be mimicked.
Yōya, ever gracious, said, "A descendant of the mainland's heritage. My respects."
"You're too kind, Master," Horitake replied.
Thus, their relationship was set: subordinate, not vassal—more employer-employee than lord and subject. Even the Hashira's ties to Yōya weren't truly feudal, but Horitake's bond held an extra layer of equality.
Seated across the veranda, they began their talk.
Yōya first expressed gratitude: "This Final Selection brought great peril. Without your timely aid, my children would've perished. My deepest thanks."
Horitake grinned. "The demon aimed to take us all. I couldn't sit idle. Nor could I ignore your children's danger."
"My children said this Earth-Diving Demon was formidable," Yōya noted.
Horitake grew serious. "Indeed. It was strong, grown stronger by devouring many at Fujikasane Mountain. Its Blood Demon Art was the real threat—moving through earth, untouchable by sunlight, acting even in daylight. It could manipulate soil, causing sinkholes or forming rock giants and pythons."
---------------------------------------------------------
🚀 Want more?
📖 On Patreon you can read 10+ chapters ahead, plus there will be exclusive stories available only there.
💖 If you'd like to support me, check it out: patreon.com/DaoistRoeoNQ
🔓 Patreon will always stay ahead of the public release — and some stories won't be published anywhere else.
✨ All support is completely optional — even if you don't join, I'm still grateful to have you here reading!