Horitake used his spiritual vision to examine Ubuyashiki Yoyake's physical condition.
Spiritual vision allowed one to gauge a person's vitality and health by observing their qi and blood flow.
Upon inspection, Horitake found Yoyake's condition dire—his qi and blood were so depleted that "frail" barely described it. His life force was critically weak.
If a person's health were likened to a candle flame, Yoyake's was not quite a flickering wick in the wind, but it wasn't far off either! His life's flame was so faint that a single gust could snuff it out.
In other words, Yoyake could manage if carefully tended, but overexertion or even a minor illness could prove fatal.
His body was in a deplorable state!
What could cause such extreme frailty?
Horitake continued his careful observation through spiritual vision.
Perhaps he stared too intently, as Miri, standing beside him, found his focus impolite. She tugged at his sleeve and whispered, "Lord Horitake… that's rude!"
Horitake's expression remained unchanged as he continued his scrutiny, explaining, "I'm using spiritual vision to assess the Master's condition, hoping to find a way to treat him."
"Really? Is there a way?" Miri asked, curious.
"If you can truly heal the Master, the entire Demon Slayer Corps will be in your debt!" Gyomei said, his voice trembling with excitement.
Miri and Gyomei were visibly stirred, but Yoyake remained calm. "Heh, this isn't an illness. It's the curse of the Ubuyashiki clan, unsolvable for a thousand years."
Horitake met Yoyake's gaze, hesitating. "It does… seem like a curse. A terrible one."
Through his spiritual vision, Horitake saw a dense, dark aura at Yoyake's brow—a malevolent force relentlessly draining his vitality and tormenting his body.
A sudden thought struck Horitake. Lightning, the purest and most righteous force in the world, was anathema to such sinister energies. Could the lightning unleashed by his Thunder Breathing dispel this dark aura? He hesitated to act rashly and consulted his inner system.
"System, come on! Will my idea work!?"
The system stirred, analyzing. "Ding! The host's idea has some feasibility."
"So it'll work!?"
"Don't get excited, Host. It's only somewhat feasible. If you act recklessly, the only outcome is electrocuting Ubuyashiki Yoyake to death!"
"…"
"System! Stop beating around the bush. Why won't it work? What do I need to do?"
"With your current strength, using lightning to dispel the dark aura in Ubuyashiki Yoyake's body might not succeed and could kill him instead! Two reasons: First, Yoyake's body is too weak to withstand your lightning. Second, your control isn't precise enough—you'd likely harm him while targeting the aura."
"Then what should I do?"
"Improve your strength to make your lightning more potent. Enhance your control to wield it with precision. Ensure Yoyake's body isn't overly frail. If you achieve these, there's a good chance you can break his curse. Note: this would only lift Yoyake's curse, not the clan's. To end it entirely, you must eliminate the source of evil: Muzan Kibutsuji!"
"Understood."
After consulting the system, Horitake faced Gyomei and Miri's hopeful gazes, Hina and Kiriya's pleading looks, and Yoyake's resigned demeanor. He gave a bitter smile. "Sorry, Master. I can't break the curse yet."
To his surprise, the group wasn't discouraged. Kiriya's voice rose excitedly, almost rudely, "Not now, but that means you can later!?"
Yoyake glanced calmly at Kiriya, who shrank back like a scolded quail.
Horitake smiled. "Exactly. Not now, but that doesn't mean never. Once I grow stronger, I can dispel the curse on the Master!"
Even Yoyake, with his serene composure, breathed faster. "Can you truly do it?"
Horitake answered solemnly, "Yes, given time, I can dispel the curse. But the Master must not let his body weaken further. If I'm strong enough but your body can't endure, it'd be a tragedy. Please, Master, take care of yourself and rest!"
The others were overjoyed at the prospect.
Yoyake, however, was both elated and conflicted. He wanted to preserve his health, but leading the Demon Slayer Corps was grueling. Half his condition stemmed from the curse, the other half from sheer exhaustion.
Horitake noticed Yoyake's hesitation and turned to Kiriya with a serious gaze. "Young Master Kiriya!"
"Yes!" Kiriya jolted, standing at attention.
Horitake spoke as if addressing a mature youth, not a six-year-old. "Young Master, I know you're young, but you possess maturity and wisdom beyond your years. As the Master's only son, I hope you'll start sharing his burdens, allowing him to rest."
Kiriya's voice, though childish, was resolute. "I will! I'll work hard to support Father!"
Yoyake, moved yet conflicted, began, "Kiriya…"
Horitake cut him off. "Master, though Young Master Kiriya is young, he's capable. Don't dismiss his devotion. Give him a chance. I understand your resolve to bear everything, but defeating Muzan isn't your burden alone. I don't want the final battle's commander to be only Young Master Kiriya."
Horitake's cryptic words hinted at the future.
Gyomei, tears streaming, bowed deeply. "Please, Master, take care of yourself!"
Miri added urgently, "Yes, Master, please rest more!"
Hina and Kiriya, clutching Yoyake's arms, pleaded tearfully.
Yoyake, usually composed, was overwhelmed. Even the calmest father couldn't stay firm against his children's tears.
As he wavered, Horitake added slyly, "Shall we ask Lady Amane to persuade you too?"
The final blow! Yoyake, defeated, laughed helplessly. "Fine, I'll rest!"
The group erupted in joy, the children cheering softly.
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