Horitake didn't know how Muzan reacted to Yushiguro's death, but he could guess.
Hands behind his back, he gazed skyward, lost in thought.
Muzan's definitely seen Yushiguro's final memories. He knows how he died and the uniqueness of my Thunder Breathing. I'm on his radar now.
Probably as a thorn in his side—one he'll want to pluck out!
Being targeted by the big boss… what now?
The thought brought a twinge of pressure.
But no matter. Horitake knew his strength wasn't to be trifled with. If he couldn't win, he could always run. With Thunder Breathing's speed, no one could catch him.
Of course, fleeing was shameful. If push came to shove, he'd face the challenge head-on.
Muzan would likely come for him next, maybe sending Upper Ranks to hunt him down.
As for Muzan himself showing up? Possible, but unlikely.
Horitake knew Muzan's nature—arrogant yet cautious. Even if he saw Horitake as a threat, he probably wouldn't act personally.
The most likely move? Deploying Upper Ranks, especially the strongest ones.
Upper Ranks? That was manageable. Horitake was confident he could take them on—even turn the tables!
Muzan only knew his current strength. With the system's cheats and his own training, Horitake would keep growing, surpassing Muzan's calculations.
Picture it: Muzan sends an Upper Rank, Horitake defeats them, grows stronger. Another comes, he defeats them, grows stronger still.
Back and forth, Horitake would keep climbing, with Upper Ranks serving as experience points.
Of course, that was just a fantasy. How many Upper Ranks did Muzan have? How many could he send? And how many were even a match for Horitake?
Besides, Muzan didn't even know where Horitake was. The Upper Ranks might search for ages and come up empty.
As Horitake mused, the system chimed in.
And when the system speaks, what does it mean? Rewards—and a chance to grow stronger.
By the time Upper Ranks came knocking, they wouldn't expect how fast he'd progressed.
Were they here to deliver experience points? Hardly!
That was the unfair beauty of the system's cheats!
Horitake grinned at the system's melodious voice:
Ding! Tamayo has safely survived her crisis. The host has successfully resolved a negative butterfly effect, completing the mission. Mission rewards granted.
Ding! Congratulations, host, for acquiring Thunder Breathing, Third Form: Thunderbolt Ten Thousand Weights.
Ding! Friendly reminder: Thunderbolt Ten Thousand Weights is adapted from Sikong Zhen's ultimate move, reimagined as a Breathing technique.
In addition to Thunderbolt Ten Thousand Weights, derivative moves—Thunder Lure, Rushing Thunder, and Frenzied Thunder Strike—are also granted to the host.
No need to thank the system too much!
Horitake was momentarily speechless.
What… even Sikong Zhen's moves got swiped by this shameless system for Breathing techniques?
Impressive. Powerful. He didn't know how to react.
Still, it was the Third Form. Used well, Thunderbolt Ten Thousand Weights rivaled Chidori and Raikiri. It transformed him into an unstoppable force, wielding lightning to devastate enemies in a wide area, smashing through anything in his path.
Wait… adapted into a Breathing technique, it felt a bit different.
No matter. He'd study it later.
With the system's rewards, Horitake mastered Thunderbolt Ten Thousand Weights, his physical and mental strength surging, boosting his overall power significantly.
Savoring his newfound strength, he relished the thrill of cheating the system.
This was the joy of hacks—utterly satisfying.
After integrating his enhanced power, Horitake reflected on the battle's lessons.
If he had to nitpick, his only misstep was overlooking Tamayo, nearly letting Yushiguro take her hostage.
If not for his superior speed, the mission could've failed.
A point to watch for in the future.
He also marveled at how his training paid off. He wasn't entirely reliant on the system's cheats.
The battle proved it.
The system gave him two Thunder Breathing forms: Thunderbolt's slashes, Chidori, and Raikiri.
But through training and creativity, Horitake developed more.
Take Thunder Breathing, First Form: Godspeed. Inspired by Zenitsu's technique, it skyrocketed his speed, letting him intercept Yushiguro and save Tamayo.
Then the Second Form's innovations. Chidori Current became a versatile defensive shield, played to perfection.
Chidori Sharp Spear shredded Yushiguro's face—pure Sasuke vibes.
Other moves, like Thunderbeast Pursuit Fang and Thunder Tiger Annihilation, drew from Kakashi, giving Horitake an early edge and countering Yushiguro's ultimate move.
These techniques proved their worth. Without his self-developed moves, defeating Yushiguro wouldn't have been so smooth.
The battle cemented his resolve: build on the system's cheats with relentless training and innovation to grow stronger in every way.
Reflection done, Horitake turned his attention to the wrecked courtyard.
Pockmarked ground, shattered walls, and debris littered the once-pristine space.
He felt a pang of guilt for ruining it.
Approaching Tamayo and Yushiro, he noticed Yushiro's wariness, the younger demon stepping protectively in front of Tamayo.
Horitake rolled his eyes inwardly.
You saw my strength. If I meant harm, Yushiro, could your scrawny frame stop me?
Tamayo found Yushiro's move rude. Sensing no malice from Horitake, she whispered sharply, "Yushiro!"
Yushiro, like a scolded puppy, stepped aside, still glaring at Horitake suspiciously.
Facing the elegant, gentle Tamayo, Horitake bowed slightly. "Sorry, Miss Tamayo, for wrecking your courtyard."
Tamayo, ever gracious, returned a deep bow. "Not at all. I must thank you for slaying Yushiguro and protecting us."
Yushiro, bristling at his goddess speaking to another man, muttered, "Why thank him, Lady Tamayo? For all we know, he lured Yushiguro here!"
"Yushiro! That's rude!" Tamayo scolded, her tone firm.
Horitake shot Yushiro a dark look.
No wonder people can't stand this guy. That sour face and annoying mouth.
If not for Tamayo, Horitake might've given him a smack.
But… Yushiro was just a lovesick fool, pining hopelessly. Horitake let it slide.
Besides, Tamayo wasn't his target. Sure, she was beautiful, gentle, and the ideal wife type—but she was centuries old.
And before becoming a demon, she'd had a husband and kids.
Horitake wasn't into that.
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