With Horitake's command, the Hidden Corps ignited the fire. Soon, flames engulfed the pile of firewood and the entire house.
The blaze roared, flames soaring skyward. The intense heat kept the corps members at a distance, wary of burns.
Some dutifully monitored the surroundings, ensuring the nearby forest wouldn't catch fire.
Fortunately, the weather was ideal—dry but windless—and a wide treeless area around the house formed a natural firebreak.
The burning proceeded smoothly. Horitake activated his spiritual vision to assess the situation.
As expected, the flames reached the basement.
Though the sealed plague in the basement leaked slightly due to the heat, it was instantly consumed by the inferno, leaving nothing behind.
Through his spiritual vision, Horitake saw the basement gradually devoured by fire, the ominous red-black aura completely incinerated.
Satisfied, he deactivated his vision and instructed the Hidden Corps:
"It's done. The plague is burned away. No need to add more firewood."
"Yes, sir!"
"Let the fire die out naturally. Ensure it doesn't spread to the forest, and extinguish every last spark!"
"Yes, sir!"
With that settled, Horitake finally relaxed.
Leaning against a tree, he closed his eyes to rest.
Suddenly, a lingering doubt surfaced. He summoned the system in his mind and questioned it:
"Stupid system! Come out! Why didn't this major event trigger a mission? Isn't this a negative butterfly effect!?"
The system responded, explaining:
"This event, though significant, isn't a negative butterfly effect."
"You're kidding! If it's not negative, is it a positive butterfly effect!?"
"To be precise, this event isn't a butterfly effect at all!"
Horitake grew irritated, his tone sharp:
"What nonsense? Not a butterfly effect? This major event wasn't in the original story—not even mentioned! And you're saying it's not a butterfly effect?"
The system countered:
"Host, are all events not in the original plot butterfly effects?"
The question stumped Horitake. He instinctively wanted to say yes, but after a moment's thought, he hesitated.
The system continued:
"Host, when you transmigrated into the Demon Slayer world, it became a real, living world—not just a manga or anime, but a tangible reality! The Kusatsu incident wasn't recorded in the plot, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't happen.
In other words, even without your transmigration, this event would've occurred. Someone else would've resolved it."
The system's words sparked deep reflection in Horitake:
"So, whether I was involved or not, the Kusatsu incident would've happened and been resolved. Even if it's not in the plot, it's part of this world's fate, right?"
"Exactly, Host. You understand perfectly. The plot is part of this world's fate, but fate encompasses more than the plot."
Horitake finally got it.
In short, the Kusatsu incident was an unrecorded event that was destined to happen. He just happened to be the one to resolve it.
Wait! Horitake suddenly remembered something and hurriedly asked the system:
"System! I transmigrated into Kaiyaku's body and took the name Horitake, but this is still Kaiyaku's body. In the original story, Kaiyaku met Kokushibo and became a demon. Does that mean my encounter with Kokushibo was…"
The system affirmed:
"Yes, Host. Since you inherited Kaiyaku's body and identity, you also inherited some of his fate.
Kaiyaku's key fates were two: becoming Sojiro Sajima's disciple and joining the Demon Slayer Corps, and meeting Kokushibo to become a demon.
You've already passed the first fate, even altering it to some extent.
Just now, you passed the second fate without becoming a demon, significantly changing that destiny.
Congratulations, Host. Horitake is no longer Kaiyaku."
Horitake was stunned, a mix of shock and lingering relief washing over him.
Wait, something's off!
Horitake sensed a discrepancy and pressed the system:
"The timeline doesn't add up. In the original story, did Kaiyaku meet Kokushibo at this point? I don't think so."
The system's tone turned exasperated, as if scolding a stubborn child:
"You're too fixated on details! So what if the timing's a bit early!? Kaiyaku was going to become a demon sooner or later. You didn't want to become a demon, and now you won't—early or late, it's the same result!"
"Uh… fine, the timing doesn't matter much.
But another thing: I faced Kokushibo and didn't become a demon. Isn't that changing fate?"
"Yes."
"Then why didn't such a big deal trigger a mission?"
"Because this triggered a positive butterfly effect!"
The system's tone was so matter-of-fact that Horitake felt almost guilty.
It made sense. By not becoming a demon, he'd set off a chain of positive changes. Naturally, that wouldn't trigger a mission!
Scratching his head, Horitake mentally gave the system a thumbs-up:
Well played, system. You've explained it perfectly, covering all bases.
(Haha! This author patched the plot hole! Took so many brain cells, but I made it work—rough around the edges, but it's done!)
Through the system's explanation, Horitake understood everything and felt at ease.
Leaning against the tree, he stood up slowly and said to Shinobu:
"Shinobu-neesan, the critical tasks are done. I'll leave the firefighting and cleanup to you."
Shinobu raised an eyebrow:
"What are you off to do?"
"What?"
Horitake grinned, pulling Mitsuri up from the other side:
"Back to Kusatsu, of course!
We barely got to enjoy the day—ate a bit, then got stuck with this mess all night. What a waste.
Now that it's over, we're making up for it. Back to Kusatsu to relax and enjoy.
Oh, and to check on the situation in Kusatsu. But soaking in the hot springs is the priority."
Hearing Horitake shamelessly prioritize hot springs, Shinobu's face flushed—whether from embarrassment or irritation, she couldn't tell. Pointing an accusing finger, she said:
"Horitake-san, you're slacking off! I might just report this to Lord Ubuyashiki."
Horitake shrugged:
"Go ahead, Shinobu-neesan. A little break won't hurt. I'm sure Lord Ubuyashiki would understand. We've been slaying demons nonstop for two months. They call me a workaholic in the Corps.
Hey, why don't you join us, Shinobu-neesan? We could all soak in the hot springs and relax."
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That chapter ended on a bit of a cliff, didn't it? 😅 Don't worry, the next one's already on Patreon! [If you'd like to support my work, check out my: patreon.com/DaoistRoeoNQ]