Sometimes, Horitake's instincts were spot-on; other times, they were wildly off.
Horitake felt that this time, his gut was likely right—nine out of ten, something big would happen after lifting Yoyoi's curse.
With a soft sigh, Horitake led Mitsuri into the Ubuyashiki estate.
Finding Goto, who informed Yoyoi, Horitake and Mitsuri were soon ushered into the tea room used for receptions, where they met Yoyoi.
The Ubuyashiki family seemed to have anticipated something. Not just Yoyoi, but all seven family members appeared.
After exchanging courtesies—Horitake with his customary clasped-hand bow—they sat down to talk.
Yoyoi first praised Horitake's recent efficiency:
"Horitake, the Demon Slayer Corps often calls you a workaholic lately. Your demon-slaying efficiency is remarkable. Thank you for your contributions."
Horitake responded humbly:
"Lord Yoyoi, you're too kind. Slaying demons is a swordsman's duty, isn't it? As the Heaven Pillar, I must lead by example. Though I've killed many demons, they're mostly small fry. Few are heavyweights. I wonder when I'll face an Upper Rank again."
"No need to rush, Horitake. Such encounters are a matter of fate. Didn't you face an Upper Rank near Kusatsu?"
"Yes, Upper Rank One."
The mood grew heavy. Yoyoi frowned, asking:
"Horitake, how strong is Upper Rank One, Kokushibo?"
After a pause, Horitake replied:
"I'm not confident I could defeat him yet."
"I see…"
If even the Corps' strongest fighter lacked confidence against Kokushibo, how much harder would Muzan be?
The tea room's atmosphere grew heavier.
Horitake broke the tension with a smile:
"No need to worry. I may not be ready now, but I will be. With my growth, I'm confident I can catch up to Kokushibo—and even Muzan. Let's talk about something lighter! Lord Yoyoi, I believe the Corps can welcome a new Pillar!"
Yoyoi understood, smiling warmly at Mitsuri beside Horitake:
"You mean Miss Kanroji, don't you?"
"Exactly." Horitake detailed her achievements: "In recent months, Mitsuri has slain dozens of demons by my side. Near Kusatsu, she killed Lower Rank Three, Byouyo, resolving the plague crisis. Her contributions are outstanding. Her strength is exceptional, with a unique physique and her self-created Love Breathing, a branch of Flame Breathing. She's as strong as any Pillar. I believe she's ready to become one!"
Horitake was candid, recommending Mitsuri without reservation.
Yoyoi didn't mind the directness, knowing Horitake spoke truthfully. He smiled:
"Horitake, as the Chinese say, 'Recommend the worthy, regardless of foes or kin.' You're recommending kin, aren't you?"
Horitake laughed heartily, admitting it.
Yoyoi's words were clever, subtly assisting Horitake. The saying meant recommending talent impartially, but Yoyoi's emphasis on "kin" implied Mitsuri was like family to Horitake—closer than just lovers, almost like a spouse. A perfect assist.
Mitsuri caught the hint, blushing shyly.
Horitake mentally gave Yoyoi a thumbs-up. What a supportive boss.
After some laughter, Yoyoi turned to Mitsuri, his tone still warm:
"Kanroji Mitsuri."
"Yes!" Mitsuri sat up straight, serious but nervous.
"I heard about you from the Flame Pillar long ago—a remarkable female member of the Corps. I've had high expectations since. You've lived up to them, reaching Pillar-level strength and achieving great feats with Horitake. I'm delighted to see a new Pillar rising. Miss Kanroji, are you willing to become a Pillar?"
Mitsuri, barely containing her excitement, replied:
"Of course I am!"
Yoyoi beamed:
"Excellent. From now on, you are the Corps' newest Pillar, titled Love Pillar, after your breathing style!"
"Thank you, Lord Yoyoi!" Mitsuri bowed deeply in gratitude.
At that moment, Horitake heard the long-absent system prompt:
Ding! Confirmed: Kanroji Mitsuri has become the Love Pillar. Host has resolved a negative butterfly effect, completing the mission and earning rewards.
Ding! Congratulations, Host, for obtaining a special item: Substitute Doll.
Ding! As the Host suspected, the Substitute Doll's effect is to take the Host's place in death, granting an extra life. Keep the doll close, and upon death, it will trigger, reviving the Host unharmed at a specific, safe time and place in optimal condition. The revival location is determined by the Host's will before death, or subconscious if no will is formed, or the system if no subconscious decision exists. Note: Anyone can use the doll with the same effect if kept close. The doll has been placed inside the Host's inner chest pocket.
Horitake fell silent, deep in thought.
This reward didn't boost his strength but offered an incredible lifeline. Still, he felt uneasy.
Why? Past rewards were always used soon after being granted.
Would this be the same?
Previous rewards were techniques—used and done. But this…
Would he soon face a crisis lethal enough to need the Substitute Doll?
Horitake couldn't help but wonder.
He didn't distrust the system's intent, but after so long, he knew its (and the author's) patterns. Rewards were always things he'd need soon.
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