How does a man pursue the girl he likes? Three words: Be shameless!
To win a girl's heart, especially a tough one, you must shed pointless pride. For someone like Shinobu Kocho, who hides her heart behind a smile, you need even more audacity. Conventional methods won't work—only bold, unconventional tactics will.
Since making a good first impression on Shinobu is impossible, Horitake aimed to leave a lasting one instead. Make her remember him, notice him, never forget him. Then, he could adapt to her moves.
(Author's note to single guys: Can't leave a good impression? Leave a deep one. I'm single too, so take this with a grain of salt. If it backfires, don't blame me!)
For now, Horitake had left a strong impression on Shinobu—not necessarily a bad one. With no clear next step, Shinobu didn't dwell on it and led the way into Demon Slayer Corps headquarters. "The Master did ask me to greet you. Let's go—he's waiting."
Horitake followed, deliberately walking close to Shinobu—not as close as friends, but closer than strangers. This distance might annoy her slightly, but her pride would keep her from objecting outright. It was a delicate balance: neither too reserved nor too forward.
As they walked, Horitake chatted, "Sister Shinobu, you admitted you're here for me! I'm truly honored—no joke. Seeing you at the gate really touched me."
His sincerity softened Shinobu's expression. "The Master asked me to greet you, not my idea," she clarified.
When talking to a girl, discern truth from pretense. Shinobu, no tsundere, meant what she said. Horitake didn't push further. "Got it. The Master's kindness is appreciated. He's something else."
Shinobu noted Horitake's term: "Master," not "Lord." Rumors were true—his bond with the Master was more like friendship than subordinate-superior. She glanced at him discreetly. Decent looks, strong presence, solid aura. Qualified to be a Pillar. But why did the Master favor him so? Just for slaying Upper Moon Five, Yushiro? Was the Master humbling himself?
Puzzled, Shinobu voiced her thoughts. "Horitake-san, I don't get it. Why does the Master regard you so highly? I see nothing special about you."
"Special? Sister Shinobu, spend time with me, and you'll see," he replied.
Her smile held, but a vein ticked on her forehead. "Horitake-san, can you not act so familiar? Calling me 'Sister Shinobu'—we're not that close."
"Huh? But I called you that when we met at the laundry. You didn't object, so I thought it was fine. It suits you—you're older, my senior. 'Sister' feels right."
Rarely, Shinobu felt exasperated. "Your personality… it's almost as irritating as another Corps member!"
Horitake's guard went up—not from "irritating," but because Shinobu mentioned someone else, someone significant to her, not the Master. Who?
With foresight, he guessed instantly. "Another irritating person? Let me guess—Water Pillar Tomioka Giyuu, right?"
"How'd you know?"
"Giyuu-senpai's famous, not for his strength, but his… uniquely terrible personality."
Shinobu felt a spark of connection. Giyuu's oblivious "I'm not disliked" attitude was a running joke among the Pillars, causing headaches. This rare rapport with Horitake was small but vital—a potential bridge to closeness.
Horitake, meanwhile, grew warier of Giyuu. That stoic, deadpan man was a rival! In the original story, Shinobu and Giyuu had a subtle, almost romantic dynamic. Now that Horitake was here, that pairing was doomed. Sister Shinobu is mine! Giyuu, you stagnant pond, step aside!
Luckily, Giyuu's personality meant he'd never openly pursue Shinobu. They likely had no spark yet. Horitake kept his guard up.
Chatting sporadically, they walked through headquarters toward the Ubuyashiki estate. Whether it built affection or not, Horitake ensured Shinobu wouldn't forget him.
Soon, they reached the estate. Horitake had been here before and knew the way. They navigated to the white pebble area where Oyakata Ubuyashiki met important guests.
Oyakata and his wife, Amane, awaited on the veranda. Shinobu bowed respectfully. "Lord, Lady, Horitake is here."
Horitake gave his usual clasped-hand greeting. "It's been a while, Master, Lady Amane."
The Ubuyashikis, Oyakata still with one seeing eye, smiled warmly. "Good to see you, Horitake."
Shinobu was quietly shocked—not just by Horitake's casual greeting, but by the Ubuyashikis' warmth. The rumors were true.