The news was monumental. Kagaya's usual composure vanished as he tried to stand in excitement!
His frail body betrayed him. Halfway up, dizziness struck, and he sank back down.
Amane rushed to his side, steadying him while soothing his breathing. "Husband! Are you alright?!"
Leaning into his wife's arms, Kagaya, though dizzy, smiled. "I… I'm fine. Just… too thrilled!"
"Husband, remember the doctor's words—no intense emotions. Stay calm," Amane urged.
"With news this big, Amane, can't I be excited just a little?"
Amane worried for his health but shared his joy. Seeing him so elated, she reassured herself.
Better great joy than great sorrow.
Kagaya's condition was decent compared to the original story, where news of Upper Rank Six's defeat left him bedridden, coughing blood. A bout of dizziness was progress.
After a moment, Kagaya regained clarity. With Amane's support, he sat up and addressed the Kasugai Crow. "Is the news confirmed?"
The crow hopped excitedly, cawing, "Caw! My lord, I saw it myself! Caw! I witnessed Lord Horitake slay Upper Rank Five, Yushiguro!"
Kagaya's heart surged, his smile radiant. "Wonderful! Wonderful!
"At last… an Upper Rank falls to our Corps! The century-long stalemate is broken!
"Amane, I feel it—the tragedy spanning a millennium will end in our generation!"
Amane, both joyful and cautious, steadied him. "Yes, yes, it will end with us. But you must care for your health, husband. Don't you want to see Horitake lift your curse and Muzan's end with your own eyes?"
"Of course I do! I want nothing more!"
"Then stay calm, dear…" Amane coaxed.
Dear? Kagaya and Amane clearly weren't always so formal in private.
Calming down, Kagaya eagerly questioned the crow about the battle's details.
The crow, sharp as ever, recounted everything it knew in fits and starts.
Kagaya's smile grew as he listened. "So, it happened at Miss Tamayo's estate, where he encountered Yushiguro."
Amane, no ordinary woman, pieced it together. "Husband, perhaps Horitake foresaw this during his time at Kirigoe Mountain and rushed to Asakusa to save her."
Kagaya nodded, impressed. "Horitake's a remarkable man—formidable strength, uncanny eyes, mysterious methods. Could he be the one to end Muzan?"
He paused, puzzled. His premonitions pictured Muzan's end in blazing, sun-like flames, not the majestic, punishing thunder of Horitake's strikes.
Odd.
Then he chuckled, self-mocking. Why fuss over premonitions? Since meeting Horitake, his foresight had grown unreliable, as if Horitake himself was the ultimate variable.
Flame or thunder—whatever ended Muzan was fine by him!
Amane called for Kiriya, who was working, and their four daughters. The family erupted in cheers at Horitake's feat.
Kiriya quickly composed himself, showing the poise of a future leader. "Father, should we promote Brother Horitake to Hashira?"
Kagaya didn't hesitate. "Absolutely!
"Kiriya, send word for Horitake to come to headquarters. We'll prepare his promotion to Hashira.
"Then convene a Hashira Meeting. After his promotion, we'll discuss this unprecedented shift!"
Kiriya nodded and turned to leave.
Kagaya stopped him. "Kiriya!"
"Yes, Father?"
"Nothing. At this Hashira Meeting, you'll join me. We'll host it together."
Kiriya's eyes lit up. His father's words meant full recognition, a step toward leading the Corps' core.
"Yes, Father! I'll work harder!" Tiny Kiriya vowed with determination, then happily left to send the message and resume his duties.
Hearing his son's vibrant voice, Kagaya smiled. "Such energy… I hope it lasts forever…"
Amane sensed his mood, grasping his hands and meeting his gaze solemnly. "It will, Kagaya. We'll watch our children grow together. You promised me, didn't you?"
"Amane, I'm afraid I might—"
She pressed a finger to his lips, earnest. "No such talk. You trust Horitake's extraordinary gifts, don't you? Believe he'll break your curse! Your premonitions fail around him, don't they?"
Kagaya smiled faintly. "True enough."
Their daughter Hinatsume broke the heavy mood. "Father, Mother, what title will Lord Horitake take as a Hashira? Um… Thunder Pillar?"
The six froze.
Thunder Pillar wasn't bad, but in Japanese, it doubled as "electric pole."
This was why Jigoro Kuwajima was the former Roaring Pillar, not Thunder Pillar. The term was too awkward.
Imagine introducing yourself: "I'm the Demon Slayer Corps' Electric Pole!"
Cringeworthy.
Amane fumbled. "Well… Thunder Pillar doesn't sound quite right, does it?"
Kagaya laughed, brimming with confidence. "Don't worry. I've got a grand title in mind for Horitake. I'll announce it at the Hashira Meeting."
While the Corps buzzed with joy, Horitake rested in Tamayo's new estate, sleeping deeply.
He slept until… nightfall!
Yes, night, not morning.
After battling Yushiguro and moving all night, dawn was breaking when he crashed. He drew the curtains and passed out.
Waking up, he opened them—still dark!
He'd slept through the entire day!
Horitake sighed, resigned. Whatever. I'm used to it. Demon Slayers are night owls—sleep by day, work by night. Normal stuff.
Changing and freshening up, he headed downstairs to the basement.
He had matters to discuss with Tamayo.
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