Horitake repeated his oft-used line about his unique eyes, though he was growing tired of it. It felt like a catch-all excuse for anything inexplicable. My eyes have it rough, he thought wryly. His spiritual vision, meanwhile, played innocent.
Shinobu, puzzled, stared at his eyes. "You see things others can't? Like what?"
"I can see life energy, vaguely see through objects, pierce illusions… and more," Horitake replied.
"Really?" Shinobu's feelings were mixed. "So, you just looked and assessed the Master's condition?"
Horitake nodded candidly. "Sounds wild, but yes."
"Okay…" Shinobu, at a loss, kept smiling.
Amane, anxious, asked, "Horitake-san, how's my husband's curse?"
Horitake was honest. "It's deepened slightly."
Amane's heart sank, but Oyakata remained calm. Horitake quickly added, "The curse has grown, but thanks to the Master's rest, his body hasn't worsened. His spirit's stronger too. Overall, it's good."
Relieved, Amane asked cautiously, "Can you lift the curse now?"
Horitake raised his right hand, purple arcs crackling at his fingertips. "The Master's curse can be eroded. The timing's half-ready."
"Half?" Amane asked.
Horitake gestured to the arcs. "Master, Lady Amane, this is lightning from my Breathing Technique. Notice anything special?"
Oyakata mused, "Purple lightning, divine, rare."
"Exactly. It's my unique thunder, unlike ordinary lightning. Since my Breathing evolved into Heavenly Thunder, its power rivals natural lightning," Horitake explained.
The Ubuyashikis watched silently. Shinobu, staring at the purple arcs, felt their mysterious strength. Lightning matching natural thunder? Unbelievable, yet the arcs' aura was extraordinary. Her usual smile faltered, replaced by awe.
Horitake continued, "Heavenly thunder, pure and yang, counters all evil. The Master's curse is no exception. My lightning's quality can erode it, but his body's too frail to withstand the stimulation. If I tried now, the curse might outlast his body. Hence, half-ready."
The Ubuyashikis nodded, understanding. Amane asked, "What's the other half?"
"Experience," Horitake said seriously. "I need to practice dispelling curses in bodies, refining my control until I can erase a curse without harm. Only then will I touch the Master's."
Amane grew agitated. "Practice where? On what? Only Oyakata and Kiriya have this curse. You can't use Kiriya!"
Her distress was understandable—her husband and son were her world. Horitake soothed her. "Don't worry, Lady Amane. The Ubuyashiki curse is unique, so Kiriya's off-limits. But every demon bears a curse—Muzan's binding curse."
The trio instantly grasped it. Muzan's curse controlled demons, reading their thoughts and memories, forbidding his name. Oyakata, excited, said, "So, the demons' curse is similar."
"Likely related," Horitake confirmed. "With countless demons, I can capture them, practice on their curses until I master it. When I can erase a demon's curse without harm, I'll tackle the Master's. It'll work."
Amane exhaled, relieved. Oyakata asked eagerly, "How long?"
"No exact timeline, but I'll hurry. As a Pillar, I'll hunt demons to practice. Keep resting, Master—your improved spirit will help when the time comes."
Oyakata laughed. "Looks like my vacation's extended."
"Isn't that great, Master?" Horitake grinned.
With hope for the curse's removal, the Ubuyashikis' mood lifted. They chatted more with Horitake and Shinobu until Oyakata tired. The two bid farewell.
Oyakata reminded, "Horitake, don't forget tomorrow's Pillar meeting."
"Got it," Horitake replied.
Leaving the estate, Shinobu looked at Horitake, her expression complex. "Horitake-san, you're… a remarkable person."
With mysterious eyes, divine lightning, and enigmatic skills, "remarkable" was her only word for him. Horitake was thrilled—her curiosity was a step toward winning her over.
He opened his mouth to deepen their bond, then froze. "Wait! The Pillar meeting's tomorrow. Where am I staying tonight?"
-------------------------
🚀 Want to read the latest chapters early and get exclusive content?
Support me on Patreon to unlock advanced chapters and join me on this creative journey!
👉 [patreon.com/DaoistRoeoNQ]