Observing Oyakata, Horitake noted his good spirits and stable condition. "Looks like you've kept our deal, Master, resting well," he said with a smile.
Oyakata laughed heartily. "Yes, Amane and Kiriya barely let me work. I've been resting, and it's been years since I've felt this idle. It took some getting used to."
Amane looked at her husband. "Isn't some rest good for you?"
Oyakata smiled without reply.
Amane sighed, turning to Horitake. "Please check my husband's condition and his curse."
Oyakata gently held her hand, his tone firm yet kind. "Amane, duty first, then personal matters."
Horitake nodded. "The Master's priorities are admirable."
Amane relented silently.
They sat on the veranda—Horitake and Shinobu facing Oyakata and Amane—discussing business. Oyakata praised Horitake fervently. "Slaying Upper Moon Five, Yushiro, was a monumental feat. You broke centuries of Upper Moons' invincibility. Your contribution is immense."
Shinobu nodded. "It's truly remarkable, a first in centuries for the Corps."
Horitake chuckled. "You're too kind, Master. I'll take Shinobu's praise, though. Honestly, Yushiro wasn't that impressive. I haven't faced other Upper Moons, but he might be the weakest. Master Himejima could likely defeat him. One Pillar might struggle, two could win, and three, if cautious, would surely kill him. My victory's no big deal."
His calm assessment earned nods. Oyakata said, "If Yushiro's the weakest, the situation remains grim."
"Indeed," Horitake agreed. "The other Upper Moons, especially the top three, are tough. I'm not fully confident against them."
"I'd like you to share your battle with Yushiro at tomorrow's Pillar meeting to prepare the others," Oyakata requested.
"Absolutely, Master," Horitake replied.
On to lighter news: "Horitake, I'm promoting you to Pillar at tomorrow's meeting."
Horitake grinned. After years, finally a Pillar! "No false modesty—I'm thrilled. Becoming a Pillar was a goal. Thank you, Master."
"No thanks needed. You've earned it," Oyakata said.
Shinobu quipped, "If someone who slayed an Upper Moon can't be a Pillar, we'd all be ashamed. Congrats, future Thunder Pillar Horitake-san."
Horitake's face froze. Glaring at her, he fed her sharp wit's satisfaction. Turning to Oyakata, he pleaded, "Master, about 'Thunder Pillar'…"
"Don't worry, Horitake-san. I've got it handled."
Relieved, Horitake relaxed.
Business done, Amane spoke. "Please check my husband's condition and curse, Horitake-san."
Horitake nodded. "Leave it to me, Lady Amane."
Shinobu, unaware of Horitake's healing skills, watched curiously. Amane's words suggested he could not only treat Oyakata but possibly break his curse. That explained the Ubuyashikis' favor toward him.
As a medical expert, Shinobu was intrigued, eager to see Horitake's methods.
Horitake activated his spiritual vision, examining Oyakata's curse. Black miasma lingered at his brow, slightly stronger than before, growing over time. Yet Oyakata's physical state was stable, his rest effective. Normally, this rest would've improved his health, but the curse consumed the restored vitality, leaving his condition unchanged.
Preventing deterioration was a victory. Oyakata's spirit had visibly improved—a clear gain.
"Not bad," Horitake concluded, smiling at Amane's anxious face. "The Master's doing well. Keep resting like this."
Amane sighed in relief.
Shinobu was stunned. That's it? Just a look and a conclusion? Running the Butterfly Mansion for years, treating countless patients, she couldn't fathom Horitake's process. Was she outdated, or was he a fraud?
Unable to hold back, she asked, "Sorry, but how did you just… look at the Master and know?"
Horitake realized Shinobu was unaware of his abilities—a good sign. A woman's curiosity about a man marked the start of her interest. Smiling, he said, "These eyes see what others can't."
Shinobu blinked. "Huh?"