When asked about his thoughts on his first Demon Slayer Corps mission, Horitake replied that he didn't have any particular feelings.
Truly, he felt nothing special. To him, it was just a routine task: head out, kill a demon, and be done with it. Simple enough!
It wasn't that Horitake was being arrogant. Ever since he cleaved heavenly thunder with Weiguang and his Breath of Thunder evolved into Heavenly Thunder Breathing, his confidence had soared.
*Any demon below the Upper Ranks of the Twelve Kizuki that crosses my path is as good as dead! Even an Upper Rank would need to think twice before facing me.
And if, by some stroke of terrible luck, I encounter Muzan KibShaoyayoshiuji, I'm confident I could make him suffer a setback!*
It wasn't hubris—he was just that strong now.
With this mindset, Horitake carried himself with the poise of a seasoned warrior and the bearing of a leader.
After a swift journey, he arrived in Higashimacho that afternoon, as directed by the Kasugai Crow.
With his blade at his waist and the crow perched on his shoulder, Horitake walked through the town, quietly observing its atmosphere.
He offered a berry to the crow, as if feeding a pet.
"Is this the town? The one where a demon's supposed to be lurking?"
The crow nodded with uncanny intelligence, taking the berry with its beak. After eating, it affectionately nuzzled Horitake's finger, acting every bit the sycophant.
Trained to be highly intelligent, Kasugai Crows knew Horitake's potential was boundless. Naturally, it wanted to cozy up to him.
"Alright, since it's not yet night, let's investigate. I'll ask the townsfolk and see if I can gather any useful information."
Horitake approached a random passerby, a hurried middle-aged woman.
"Excuse me, ma'am, may I ask you something?"
"Huh? What is it?"
"I was wondering if anything strange has happened in Higashimacho recently."
"S-Strange things?"
"For example, have people gone missing? Or perhaps heard terrifying noises at night?"
The moment Horitake asked, the woman's face darkened, as if she'd recalled something dreadful.
She backpedaled quickly, waving her hands, desperate to avoid the topic.
"I don't know! I don't know anything! Stop asking me!"
With that, she fled!
Horitake didn't stop her, merely watching her retreating figure with a knowing look.
Doesn't know anything? Who's she fooling? Not me, that's for sure.
It was clear—this town was hiding something unusual.
Horitake continued through Higashimacho, seeking another person to question.
Nearby, an old man was diligently plowing a rice paddy. Why not ask him?
Standing on the field's edge, Horitake called out as warmly as he could.
"Hello, sir!"
The old man noticed Horitake's wave, lifted his straw hat, and looked at him quizzically.
"Huh?"
"Sir, I was wondering if anything strange has happened in Higashimacho recently."
"Huh?"
"I'm asking if anyone's gone missing or if there's been any trouble in town!" (Extra loud)
"Huh?"
"…"
Horitake stood helplessly by the field, at a loss for words.
Don't think I can't see through you, old man. You're playing deaf and dumb, you sly fox!
The old man set down his hoe, cupping his ear and shouting,
"What'd you say? I didn't hear you!"
"It's nothing. Keep working."
"Alrighty!"
The old man resumed plowing with such intense focus it was as if he'd transcended the world itself.
Horitake fumed.
What kind of people are these!?
Fine, he'd just find someone else to ask.
Over there, a dejected-looking man sat under a tree by the roadside, lost in thought. He seemed reliable—men his age usually were.
Approaching, Horitake gave a slight bow.
"Hello, sir."
"Huh!?"
The man, startled as if snapped from a trance, looked up. Seeing a stranger, he stood quickly, forcing a smile uglier than a sob.
"What can I do for you, traveler?"
With keen perception, Horitake noticed the man glance at the blade at his waist, his eyes flickering briefly.
The moment was too fleeting to discern anything from the change.
Horitake had a hunch this man could provide some answers.
Keeping his tone friendly, he said,
"Sir, I'm a traveler passing through Higashimacho. It's getting late, and I was hoping to stay the night.
But the town's atmosphere seems off. Could you tell me what's happened here? Is it safe to stay?"
The man hesitated, then replied,
"Young man, it's not that I'm chasing you off, but… a few days ago, a couple from the Morihara family passed away. It's rather inauspicious, so you'd best not stay."
Horitake smiled faintly. A couple from the Morihara family died. Information +1.
"What's the harm in that? How's it inauspicious? I'm just staying one night. It's not like the whole town's been struck by tragedy, right?"
As he spoke, Horitake subtly shifted to reveal Weiguang at his waist.
The man's eyes flashed with excitement at the sight of the blade, though he quickly suppressed it, replying calmly,
"Well… over the past few months, quite a few people have died in our town. And they've all been couples, one pair after another. That's ominous, isn't it? So you'd better not stay."
Many deaths, all couples. Information +2.
Horitake feigned shock.
"What!? That's awful! So many deaths in just a few months, and all couples?
Could it be… some kind of plague!?"
The man's face paled, and he shook his head.
"No, it's not a plague. And it's not entire households—just couples. Their children are all fine."
Couples die, but their children are unharmed. Information +3.
"That's bizarre! Those poor children, losing their parents. What will they do now?"
"The children…"
The man started to follow the topic but suddenly shivered, his face whitening. He clammed up, giving Horitake an awkward look.
"The children will find a way! They'll find a way! They'll find a way…"
He repeated the phrase like a broken record, as if possessed.
The key seems to be the children. Information +4.
Seeing the man's state, Horitake knew he'd get no more answers.
"Papa!"
Just as Horitake was about to leave, a child ran over, clinging to the man, staring at Horitake with fear.
There was something off about the child's eyes!
Sure, children could be shy around strangers, but this level of fear was excessive. And in those eyes, beyond fear, there was… hatred!?
How strange. It's my first time meeting you, so why do you hate me?
In that moment, Horitake realized: there was something wrong with the children of Higashimacho!
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