Horitake finally understood.
Oyakata's decision to name him Heavenly Pillar, with its envy-inducing weight, wasn't just about his deeds—it was a calculated move.
On one hand, Horitake's strength and achievements undeniably earned him the title.
He wasn't unworthy in skill or merit.
But there was one flaw: seniority.
Horitake was a fresh face in the Demon Slayer Corps, his tenure laughably short.
A rookie claiming a title that overshadowed veteran Pillars?
No wonder they bristled.
It seemed like Oyakata had been reckless, but that was far from the truth.
This was his masterstroke.
By crowning Horitake the Heavenly Pillar, Oyakata was deliberately provoking the other Pillars!
Horitake's title was legitimate—his feats and power backed it up.
The others, despite their grumbling, couldn't deny his worth.
Not convinced?
Fine. Either stew in your inferiority or rise up, chase Horitake, and surpass him!
These Pillars weren't pushovers.
Proud and fierce, none would settle for second place.
They'd make Horitake their target, pushing themselves to grow stronger, faster.
Exactly as Oyakata intended.
Horitake was the spark to ignite the Corps' elite, preparing them for the brutal battles ahead.
Oyakata's final words, his pointed questions, were pure provocation, and they worked like a charm.
Horitake watched, helpless, as the Pillars' spirits blazed.
Their eyes burned with resolve, their auras practically crackling with fighting spirit.
What could he do but laugh bitterly?
Master, you've set me up as a target to rile them up! You're roasting me over an open flame!
The Pillars were now howling with motivation, their sights locked on him.
He could feel their stares like daggers in his back.
No slacking now, he thought. I can't let these natives overtake a transmigrator like me!
In that moment, Horitake steeled his resolve.
He'd push harder, grow stronger, stay ahead.
Wait.
Something clicked.
Am I being played too?
Oyakata used him to provoke the Pillars, spurring them to chase him.
But their drive would, in turn, pressure Horitake, forcing him to keep advancing to avoid being surpassed.
A cycle of pursuit and growth, elevating the entire Corps' elite in a relentless race.
A master plan—not just a double-edged sword, but a triple-edged one!
Horitake stared at Oyakata, awestruck.
Ubuyashiki Oyakata, you sly fox! Under that frail exterior lies a cunning strategist, nearly roping me into your scheme!
Don't be fooled by his delicate appearance.
Leading a force like the Demon Slayer Corps?
No pushover could manage that.
Oyakata, still rallying the Pillars, didn't notice Horitake's stunned gaze.
But Kiriya did.
The young heir, sharp beyond his years, caught Horitake's realization.
With a wry smile, he gave a subtle bow of apology, hands clasped, silently pleading: You've seen through it—please don't spill.
Horitake glanced at the fired-up Pillars, then back at Kiriya, shaking his head in exasperation.
Look at these Pillars—powerful, but blind to the bigger picture, so easily provoked by Oyakata.
*Then look at Kiriya, a kid who already grasps the whole game.
Maybe this provocation was a father-son plot.*
No wonder they're the Master and heir, while the Pillars are just the muscle.
The hierarchy was clear.
To Kiriya's silent plea, Horitake shrugged and nodded, signaling he'd keep quiet.
Why would I expose Oyakata's plan? It strengthens the Corps—I'm all for it!
*So what if I'm the sacrificial bird?
So what if I'm on the fire?
If it helps the Corps, I'm in.*
I've got that much resolve.
Besides, being the Heavenly Pillar that provokes the others only proved his strength, his brilliance.
As long as he kept pushing—kept cheating the system with his transmigrator edge—could these Pillars ever catch him?
Horitake stood calmly, exuding confidence.
Meanwhile, Oyakata's provocation reached its climax.
His heartfelt speech, laced with strategic goading, had the Pillars roaring with enthusiasm.
They stepped forward, declaring their resolve.
Kyojuro Rengoku, the fiery big brother, boomed with unmatched zeal.
"Lord Master, rest assured!
I acknowledge Horitake's Heavenly Pillar title!
I'll chase that name with all I've got!"
Tengen Uzui laughed heartily.
"Heavenly Pillar? What a flashy title!
Perfect for a dazzling guy like me to aim for!"
Gyomei Himejima, hands clasped in prayer, spoke calmly but with resolve.
"Namu Amida Butsu.
Horitake's strength surpasses mine, if only slightly.
I'll strive to catch up."
Shinobu Kocho, smiling, her voice laced with quiet menace.
"Oh my, Heavenly Pillar? Sounds impressive.
But even as a girl, I'm not one to give up easily."
Obanai Iguro's eyes glinted coldly.
"Lord Master's words are etched in my heart.
I won't slack, and I won't let Heavenly Pillar dominate the Corps alone."
Muichiro Tokito, expressionless, spoke distantly.
"If it's Lord Master's wish, I'll comply…
Besides, I doubt Horitake's growth will outpace mine.
I became a Pillar in two months, after all."
Giyuu Tomioka, as usual, broke formation, his aura detached yet resolute.
He said nothing, but his presence spoke volumes.
Sanemi Shinazugawa, the most volatile, was hit hardest.
He'd already decided: train harder, grow stronger, and teach that smug Heavenly Pillar a lesson!
He didn't pledge to Oyakata, just shot Horitake sharp glances, his intent unclear.
Oyakata, seeing his subordinates' fervor, knew his goal was achieved.
The Pillars would train relentlessly, their strength surging in the days ahead.
He glanced at Horitake with an apologetic look.
Horitake shrugged, signaling he was fine, fully committed.
But then, Sanemi stepped forward, his fighting spirit ablaze, addressing Oyakata.
"Lord Master, I have a request—please grant it!
I acknowledge Horitake as Heavenly Pillar!
I recognize his feats!
But his strength? I haven't seen it with my own eyes.
You said none of us could beat him—I trust you.
Gyomei says he might not win—I believe him.
But words aren't proof.
Let me see the gap between me and this Heavenly Pillar.
Give me a target to chase!"
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