"Although I don't quite know what it was," Muichirō began, "when I entered that state, I felt as if my entire being was drastically enhanced."
"A state that comes with heavy consumption?" Kagaya Ubuyashiki contemplated Muichirō's words carefully. Anything capable of significantly boosting a Hashira's strength was certainly worth deeper attention.
"Muichirō, do you remember exactly how it happened?"
The Hashira all surrounded him, eyes glimmering with curiosity. Something that could dramatically enhance even a Hashira's power was no small matter.
Just as Muichirō was about to explain, Yohan's calm voice cut in.
"I believe I can answer that question."
All eyes turned to him.
"The Mark," Yohan said. "When awakened, it can massively enhance physical capabilities. However, once activated, body temperature spikes rapidly, placing immense strain on the body. And those who awaken the Mark… don't live past twenty-five."
"How do we awaken it?"
None of the Hashira even flinched at the part about dying before twenty-five. They skipped right to the core — how to activate it.
Yohan smiled faintly. "You could ask Muichirō how it felt when it happened to him. I'm sure each of you could do the same under the right circumstances."
Muichirō nodded. "I still remember the sensations clearly. I can describe it to everyone."
The mention of death hung silently in the air. No one brought it up again. Looking around at the Hashira, Yohan understood — they had long been prepared for death. These were people who had already laid their lives on the line.
And for those with such resolve, who was he to stop them?
"I don't mind if you study the Mark," Yohan said gently. "But I do hope you'll refrain from recklessly using it."
"Thank you for understanding, Yohan," Himejima Gyōmei said, tears already streaming down his face. He could sense that Yohan truly cared about their lives.
"If you're looking to strengthen yourselves further," Yohan added, "you might want to call back Tanjirō. There's something you can learn from him."
"Kamado Tanjirō?"
Kagaya picked up on it immediately. Not a single word Yohan spoke could be taken lightly.
"Someone, send word to Kamado Tanjirō," he instructed. "Have him return to headquarters as soon as possible."
Seeing the confusion lingering in some eyes, Yohan went on. "The Transparent World. It's something passed down in Tanjirō's family. His father likely taught it to him — he just hasn't fully realized it yet."
"When he returns, ask him about the things his father once taught him."
The Transparent World — a realm Yohan knew from his previous life. Tanjirō had learned it as a child from his father Kamado Tanjurō, but only truly awakened it near the end of the original timeline.
A realm where the world turned transparent, where one could perceive the body's internal workings with crystal clarity. A supreme domain, achieved only by pushing one's limits, enduring pain, and surpassing the threshold of mortal perception.
By shutting off unnecessary senses, it heightened reaction time, prediction of attacks, and evasion.
Still, Yohan chose not to elaborate. These were not skills he could spoon-feed them. Only true combat would unlock such power. Besides — when the time came to face Muzan, he would be the one to fight him. That battle was his to bear.
But even so, he wouldn't dampen the spirit of the others.
The meeting lasted long, stretching until the sun dipped beyond the horizon.
"Everyone," Kagaya offered warmly, "would you care to dine together?"
Yohan was already looking for a way out. "Ubuyashiki-sama, I promised Kanroji I'd have dinner with her tonight. I should head back now."
He'd been itching to leave since the halfway point — but had stayed only because Kanae had made him promise to stay until the end.
"We've been waiting for this!"
Kanae and Rengoku's eyes lit up like stars.
"Come to think of it, I also promised my sister I'd help her in the lab tonight. I'll go with Yohan," Kanae said sweetly.
"Perfect timing, Yohan! I had something I wanted to discuss with you," Rengoku added, laughing.
Two voices echoed together.
"You!" x2
The two locked eyes in a dramatic stare-off.
"You two go ahead," Kagaya said, smiling knowingly. He saw right through their little ploy — clearly just an excuse to tag along for food. It wasn't like headquarters meals were bad!
Granting the three of them a pass, he forbade anyone else from leaving. The remaining Hashira had to stay for dinner.
Yohan sighed. Couldn't they at least be subtle? Their faces basically screamed 'we're coming for your hotpot.'
"You two..." he started.
"Hehehe, it's not like that, Yohan~" Kanae giggled.
"The truth is, dining with the Hashira always feels so serious! It's not like the light and cozy mood of the Butterfly Mansion."
"And of course," Rengoku laughed, "the food at the Butterfly Mansion is way better! HAHAHA!"
The three exchanged grins and strolled off toward the Butterfly Mansion.
"Yohan, Yohan, Yohan!"
The moment they arrived, Kanroji pounced, flinging herself at Yohan and hugging his arm like a koala.
"Mmm! That scent — it's Yohan's!" she sighed happily. Lately, she missed their travels more and more. While peaceful days had their charm, nothing beat being by Yohan's side.
But Kanroji, being considerate, never voiced it aloud. She knew Yohan had important things to do.
"Alright, alright. I was only gone for the afternoon."
"You're getting way too clingy with this guy," Shinobu's cold voice cut in from the side.
Kanroji glanced over, grinning cheekily.
"Shinobu, if you like him, he's still got another arm. Don't let this opportunity pass~"
Having spent so much time at the Butterfly Mansion, Kanroji and Shinobu had grown incredibly close. If she could, Kanroji wished to stay with them — always.
Of course, Yohan was still her number one.
"You… Wh-what are you even saying?!"
Shinobu's cold facade shattered completely, her cheeks turning bright red as she huffed and ran inside.
"Pfft—HAHAHAHA!"
"Yohan, your relationships really are something else!" Rengoku roared with laughter. He truly admired the bonds Yohan had formed. That sense of family — he envied it from the bottom of his heart.
"Rengoku, I believe your father will come around one day," Yohan said quietly, glancing at him. He knew Rengoku had been reminded of his own family.
"You're right!" Rengoku bounced back with renewed cheer.
….
Inside the Butterfly Mansion, a small room was packed with people — Yohan, Kanroji, Tamayo, Shinobu, Kanae, Rengoku, Aoi Kanzaki, and the trio of little ones.
Everyone huddled around the dinner table, which now hosted a bubbling hotpot — Yohan's idea.
Outside it might have been cold, but inside the room, laughter and steam filled the air. They fought over bites, teased each other, and ate until their faces flushed with heat.
"Spicy! It's spicy! Give me water!!"
Kanroji shrieked, having just popped a piece of fiery meat into her mouth.
"Hey! Don't hog all the tofu, Kanzaki Aoi!" the three little ones shouted in unison.
"You three can't even out-eat me. So suck it up!" Aoi stuck out her tongue playfully.
"Hmph!" ×3
"Delicious! Absolutely divine!"
Rengoku beamed as he shoveled more meat into his bowl with zeal.
Yohan, watching the chaotic scene, turned to Tamayo at his side. "Tamayo, are you used to this kind of noise?"
Sipping from the blood pack in her hand, Tamayo narrowed her eyes in contentment. "It's truly wonderful, Yohan-kun."