Seeing Horitake's uncharacteristically solemn expression, Kagaya couldn't help but feel a flicker of curiosity.
"Missions are easy enough to handle—after all, there aren't many tasks that truly require the personal intervention of the Heaven Hashira. But what exactly is this research you're planning? To speak of it with such gravity..."
Horitake hesitated for a moment before deciding to let the Master in on the secret. He leaned in closer, keeping his voice barely above a whisper.
"Oyakata-sama, this matter must be kept strictly confidential. I must ask that you do not mention this to a fourth person."
Kagaya's expression mirrored Horitake's seriousness. He nodded solemnly. "Very well. I give you my word. It will remain between us."
And so, Horitake quietly explained the details of the formula, the reagents, and the grim reality behind the manifestation of the Marks.
As Kagaya listened, his gaze grew increasingly heavy, his posture stiffening with the weight of the revelation.
"I see... Developing a medicine to replenish the life force of those who manifest the Mark is indeed a matter of paramount importance. This must be kept secret at all costs. If the existence of a way to extend one's lifespan were to be leaked, it would undoubtedly trigger massive social upheaval."
Horitake nodded in agreement. "Exactly. If word got out, it wouldn't just be an issue for the Corps; it could lead to chaos and bloodshed as people fought to get their hands on it. We would be living through a storm of violence."
"Horitake, rest assured. I will not breathe a word of this to anyone—not even to my own family. I leave the medicine in the hands of you and Shinobu."
"Don't worry, Master. I have full confidence in Shinobu's abilities."
With their plans fully coordinated, Horitake and Shinobu bid farewell to Kagaya and left the Ubuyashiki estate to return to their respective homes.
Shinobu, naturally, headed straight back to the Butterfly Mansion. She had been away for quite some time and was anxious to check on how her girls were doing in her absence.
Horitake, meanwhile, finally returned to his own home.
His residence sat right next door to the Butterfly Mansion—an exquisitely renovated, sprawling estate.
As he walked through the gates and looked upon his beautiful garden, the finely crafted house, and the high-quality furniture and decor within, he almost felt like crying.
It hadn't been easy. It had taken so long, but he finally had a large, new house to call his own!
He remembered when he first became a Hashira; he was supposed to move into a grand house then, but because the interior wasn't quite finished, he had gone out on a few missions. By the time he returned, the Corps headquarters had been forced to relocate. He had lost his first grand house before he'd even spent a single night in it.
After arriving at the new headquarters, he had finally found a similar estate in a prime location. After all this time, he was finally stepping across the threshold as the master of the house.
From now on, this was his nest.
The old saying was right: A golden nest or a silver nest is never as good as one's own doghouse.
Having a place to truly belong brought a profound sense of peace to his heart.
Overwhelmed with excitement, Horitake explored every inch of the property—upstairs, downstairs, inside and out. He was thoroughly satisfied with the layout and the decor.
No matter what happens, I am not losing this house! he vowed to himself.
After he finished admiring his new home, Horitake wandered over to the Butterfly Mansion next door.
Why go there? To see the girls, of course. It had been a long time, and he missed them dearly.
The five girls of the Butterfly Mansion—Kanao, Aoi, Sumi, Kiyomi, and Naho—were as charming and diligent as ever. Even without Shinobu there to supervise, they had taken excellent care of the estate and themselves.
They were all delighted to see Horitake again.
However, one among them felt a mix of joy and a very distinct, complicated suspicion.
That person was Aoi.
Aoi was efficient, sharp-tongued, and arguably the most capable girl in the mansion after Shinobu. She was also more mature than the others and possessed keen powers of observation.
Kanao hadn't noticed anything due to her naturally reserved and detached personality. The "button-eyed" trio of Sumi, Kiyomi, and Naho were simply too young to pick up on the nuances.
Only Aoi noticed.
And what did she notice? She saw that their Lady Shinobu was... different upon her return.
Aoi couldn't quite put her finger on what had changed. She just felt that Shinobu seemed more "womanly," more charming, and somehow... more mature.
Aoi knew exactly what that signified. It likely meant that Shinobu had crossed a certain threshold—that she had been "devoured" by someone!
And by whom? Shinobu had returned with Horitake. The answer was so obvious it didn't even require thought.
Horitake and Shinobu thought they were hiding it well, but they had already been found out by the sharp-eyed Aoi.
Knowing that Shinobu was easily embarrassed—and also her superior—Aoi didn't dare ask her directly. Instead, she cornered Horitake, pulling him aside and whispering cautiously:
"Horitake-sama... did you do something 'bad' to Shinobu-sama while you were away? I can tell she's different now that she's back."
Horitake looked at Aoi in surprise, showing no sign of guilt at being caught.
"You've got a sharp eye, Aoi. It's just as you think. Shinobu is my woman now."
"So soon?! Horitake-sama, don't you think you and Shinobu-sama were a bit... hasty?"
"Hasty? Not at all. Shinobu and I have known each other for a long time, and we've been in a relationship for a while now. Isn't this just the natural progression of things?"
"Is it really 'natural'? I can't help but feel like something is off."
Horitake was secretly impressed by Aoi's intuition, but he kept his face neutral. "What feels off?"
Aoi massaged her temples, looking troubled. "I'm not entirely sure, but something feels wrong. Oh! Wait! I've got it!"
She pointed a finger at him. "Horitake-sama, you and Shinobu-sama were out on a mission, weren't you? I know Shinobu-sama's personality better than anyone. When she's working, she is incredibly serious. She would never slack off to do other things. If she won't even slack off, there's no way she'd do... that. That's what's wrong!"
At this realization, Aoi's gaze turned cold, looking at Horitake as if he were the lowest form of scoundrel.
"Horitake-sama... on a mission, Shinobu-sama would never initiate something like that. That means the only one who could have pushed for it was you. You didn't... force her, did you? That would be beyond terrible!"
Faced with her accusation, Horitake grew indignant. "Aoi! Is that really what you think of me? Do I look like the kind of bastard who would force himself on a girl?"
"I suppose not..." Aoi hesitated. "But then how did it happen? I just can't imagine Shinobu-sama and you doing that while out on the road..."
Horitake let out a long sigh.
"Sigh... it was an accident. Both Shinobu and I were too careless and fell into a trap set by that demon. At that time..."
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