Horitake's spiritual vision activated, revealing Shikeji Ro's dying memories.
After witnessing them, Horitake's mood soured.
Shikeji Ro, or rather A-Ro, was the product of an utter tragedy. Neither his parents nor A-Ro himself were pitiable—only lamentable.
Unlike the Earth-Hiding Demon, whose father was an utterly deplorable beast, Shikeji Ro's parents… were beyond evaluation, tragic and sigh-inducing.
Japan was frail, and even in the wake of the Meiji Restoration, most of its people remained steeped in ignorance.
Ordinary ignorance was one thing—at worst, it meant a family lacked ambition.
But stubborn, volatile ignorance could harm both others and oneself.
After seeing Shikeji Ro's memories, Horitake formed a vague, nascent idea.
He wanted to strive to change this, to prevent such tragedies.
While Muzan Kibutsuji was the root of all demonic calamities, not all blame could be laid at his feet. This chaotic era and society were the true sources of such tragedies.
Horitake wanted to challenge this era, to see if he could alter history.
Perhaps even… prevent that war, steering Japan away from the Pacific and toward the sea.
Of course, such thoughts were premature. He hadn't even faced Muzan Kibutsuji yet—his ambitions were a bit too lofty.
Reining in his heavy mood, Horitake set aside these impractical ideas.
"Hm?"
Horitake sensed something, glancing at Weiguang in his hand.
Feeling the blade's faint emotions, he chuckled, half-scolding.
"What, still not satisfied? That was a former Lower Rank Two, at least. Cutting him down doesn't tarnish your reputation. Don't be like me, aiming too high!"
Weiguang quieted, subdued.
No matter how proud, it wouldn't dare defy its master.
Horitake sheathed Weiguang and hung it back at his waist.
"Excuse me… are you Lord Takehaya Susanoo descended to earth?"
A timid voice broke the silence.
Horitake turned to see the rescued couple, who, seeing the demon slain, had mustered the courage to come out. The group of children trailed behind them.
Horitake found it amusing.
Just because he'd unleashed some lightning, they mistook him for Japan's thunder god? If he went all out, would they drop to their knees on the spot?
Shaking his head, he replied,
"I'm no Takehaya Susanoo. I'm a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, here to slay demons."
"The Demon Slayer Corps?" The husband was incredulous. "I thought they were just a legend. I didn't know they really existed!"
"With man-eating demons around, why wouldn't the Demon Slayer Corps exist?"
"Fair point."
Horitake glanced at the children. Their gazes toward him were filled with excitement, tinged with sorrow.
The nightmare that had loomed over them was gone, but their parents were lost forever.
Where would they go now?
Horitake wasn't a saint; he couldn't arrange everything for them. But he could speak on their behalf.
"You two, these children have lost their parents and have nowhere to go. They're pitiable. I hope the people of Higashimacho can help them, maybe even take them in."
The couple was about to nod when an elderly voice interrupted.
"I'll make that promise on behalf of Higashimacho!"
Everyone turned to see an old man leaning on a cane.
"Mayor!" the couple exclaimed.
It was the town's mayor.
The elderly mayor hobbled forward. Seeing him, Horitake couldn't help but express concern.
"Mayor, at your age, why are you out so late? Aren't you afraid of danger?"
The mayor struck his cane against the ground, his voice trembling with emotion.
"Higashimacho has been tormented by that monster for half a year. I couldn't take it anymore! Tonight, with all the commotion—screams, thunder, and lightning—I had to come see.
If the monster ate me, so be it. I haven't much time left anyway.
I never imagined I'd witness you, sir, vanquish that monster. I'm beyond grateful—our whole town is!"
Horitake sensed something, scanning his surroundings.
Countless lanterns converged from all directions, a crowd approaching.
As they drew near, Horitake saw Shintaro's father leading the townsfolk.
Looking closely, each person carried a lantern, some wielding makeshift weapons. Despite their fearful expressions, they stood with resolute courage.
Learning Shikeji Ro had been slain by Horitake, the townsfolk gazed at him with gratitude, their thanks echoing endlessly.
Horitake was struck, turning to Shintaro's father.
"Sir, what's going on here?"
Shintaro's father spoke earnestly.
"Sir, after you left, I couldn't sit still. The more I thought, the more I couldn't bear it. So I gathered my courage, rallied the neighbors and relatives, and planned to confront that monster!
It started with just a dozen of us, but more and more joined, and before we knew it, everyone was here, ready to fight the monster to the end!
We didn't expect you'd already killed it.
Heh, it's a bit embarrassing."
The once-despondent man now wore a sheepish grin.
Horitake surveyed the crowd. The townsfolk's spirit was a stark contrast to the lifeless air of the daytime.
When they'd arrived, each carried a resolute aura, their collective momentum less like townsfolk and more like an army!
Horitake marveled inwardly.
Indeed, where there is oppression, there is resistance.
Higashimacho had suffered under Shikeji Ro for half a year. The townsfolk seemed weak, but they were enduring. When they could endure no longer, their eruption was staggering!
The night's battle—thunder and lightning—combined with Shintaro's father as the spark, had ignited the entire town!
It might seem like they arrived too late, but their courage was commendable.
Horitake couldn't help but wonder: without him, would the townsfolk have risen up in desperation?
They would have, surely.
Could their uprising have defeated Shikeji Ro?
Considering the demon's strength and his tendency to flee at the first sign of trouble, Horitake believed that, even without him, the townsfolk's eruption could have driven Shikeji Ro away.
Of course, the cost would have been heavy casualties.
Even if driven off, Shikeji Ro might have retaliated, but Higashimacho would have raised enough alarm for the government to act, perhaps even contacting the Demon Slayer Corps discreetly.
Horitake sighed again: where there is oppression, there is resistance.
Never underestimate the power of ordinary people. When united and unleashed, they are formidable.
At that moment, the mayor grew even more emotional. Suddenly casting aside his cane, he shakily moved to kneel before Horitake.
"For ridding Higashimacho of that monster, I'm endlessly grateful. On behalf of the town, I thank you for your grace…"
"Whoa, old man, what are you doing!? Get up!"
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