Tamayo and Horitake quickly reached an agreement. Tamayo was eager to help Nezuko return to human form.
"The wait of over a year isn't long. If I can do it, I'll do everything to help Miss Nezuko," Tamayo said. "Perhaps studying her blood will reveal a way to fully restore ghosts to humans. Thank you so much, Mr. Horitake."
"No, no, I'm the one who's grateful for your help, Miss Tamayo," Horitake replied.
They exchanged heartfelt thanks.
Horitake then proposed, "In a year or so, when Nezuko awakens and her transformation is complete, I'll bring her to you. Or her brother, Tanjiro, could visit. He's a fine person."
Having saved Tamayo and entrusted Nezuko to her, Horitake felt relieved, his two main goals accomplished. He stood to leave. "Miss Tamayo, you're busy with research. I won't disturb you further."
Tamayo instinctively tried to keep him. "Oh? Leaving so soon, Mr. Horitake?"
"Yes, there are still many evil ghosts to slay. Ghosts as harmless as you are rare. Plus, after defeating Yushiro, the Demon Slayer Corps will surely take action."
Tamayo smiled, congratulating him. "I see. Then, congratulations in advance on becoming a Pillar, Mr. Horitake."
Horitake nodded, accepting her words, and stepped out of the basement into the mansion's courtyard. Tamayo and Yushiro followed to see him off.
In the courtyard, a black crow swooped down, landing on Horitake's shoulder. It cawed, "Lord Horitake! Lord Horitake! The Master summons you to headquarters. The Corps plans to promote you to Pillar and hold a Pillar meeting to discuss important matters."
Horitake and Tamayo exchanged a knowing smile. Yushiro, annoyed by their rapport, scowled.
Feeding the crow a berry, Horitake bid Tamayo farewell. "Miss Tamayo, until we meet again!"
"Mr. Horitake, may fortune favor you all," she replied.
A purple arc of electricity sparked, and Horitake vanished in a flash, breaking through the surrounding Blood Demon Art barrier, speeding toward the distance.
Few in the Demon Slayer Corps matched Horitake's mobility. Maintaining a steady pace, he paused occasionally to rest and eat, reaching the headquarters nestled among mountains in just a few days. Last time, he'd arrived by carriage and hadn't memorized the route, but the crow guided him.
Checkpoints dotted the path, but Horitake followed protocol, passing through each. The Master, Oyakata, had given orders: upon recognizing Horitake, the guards waved him through without inspection.
No wonder he's the Master, Horitake thought. Always so considerate.
He arrived at headquarters unimpeded. To his surprise, someone awaited him at the entrance. Even more shocking—it was Shinobu Kocho!
Shinobu stood at the gate, her gentle smile unwavering as she waited for Horitake.
Horitake knew her smile often masked her true feelings. Since her sister Kanae's death, Shinobu had mimicked her sister's demeanor, hiding her emotions. Yet, Horitake found her smile beautiful, even if forced—especially when her sharp tongue revealed her cunning, venomous side. That contrast was captivating.
Of course, he hoped her sharp wit targeted enemies, not him. One day, I'll make her smile genuine, he vowed silently.
Approaching, he greeted her warmly. "Sister Shinobu, our second meeting! I'm flattered you're here to welcome me!"
Shinobu's smile held, but her words nearly floored him. "Horitake-san, why would you assume I'm here for you?"
"Huh? I… I got it wrong?" he stammered.
"Oh my, it seems so. I'm here for an important shipment of supplies arriving at headquarters."
Horitake's face fell. So much for avoiding her sharp tongue—it struck him square in the face. Yet, her biting charm only thrilled him more. Shinobu's unmatched! No masochist here, but conquering her wit would be incredible!
Snapping out of his daze, Horitake grinned, undeterred. Facing a girl like Shinobu required unconventional tactics. Matching her smile, he said, "Really, Sister Shinobu? Do you take me for a fool? What supplies are so vital a Pillar personally greets them? They're already at the gate! Calling this necessary is like mistaking your mother-in-law for your sister-in-law—pointless. You're clearly here for me. No need to be shy—I'm touched!"
His verbal barrage left even the sharp-witted Shinobu momentarily speechless. Her smile persisted, but a vein pulsed on her forehead. She'd never met someone so shameless. "Horitake-san, are you picking a fight? Your narcissism is incurable."
"Oh, Sister Shinobu, you flatter me. It's not narcissism—it's confidence in my strength and charm."
Such audacity! Even Shinobu, master of wit, was at a loss.
She studied him from head to toe, her smile unwavering. "I never imagined someone like you would become a Pillar. The Corps won't be dull with you around."
"I think so too, Sister Shinobu."
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