Horitake wasn't entirely sure how many stages of this counter-espionage plan could be successfully executed.
However, he knew that even if the scheme only proceeded to the first phase, it would still be beneficial with no downsides. As long as it weakened the demons' forces, who cared what kind of underhanded plot it was?
On this end, neither Horitake nor Shinobu was aware that within the Infinity Castle, Muzan was once again flying into a fit of rage.
Watching the slowly rising morning sun, Shinobu turned to Horitake and suggested, "Now that these two demons are dead, let us continue our journey. We should deliver Hantengu back to the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters as soon as possible."
Unexpectedly, Horitake stifled a yawn and shook his head, harboring a different idea.
"No, I think the plan needs to change a bit."
"Change what?"
"Those two demons possessed unique tracking and search abilities, allowing them to find Hantengu from thousands of miles away. That implies other demons might possess similar powers."
Horitake continued, "If we were to place Hantengu at the Corps Headquarters... well, if there truly are other demons with such tracking skills, wouldn't they follow the trail right to us? Our newly relocated Headquarters would be exposed all over again."
Horitake's concern was not without merit.
Following his logic, Shinobu fell into deep thought. "That is true. The Blood Demon Arts of demons are bizarre and varied; we cannot afford to be off our guard. But if we do not send Hantengu to Headquarters, where can we send him?"
Horitake yawned once more, speaking lazily, "That, I don't know. We'll have to ask Oyakata-sama about it."
As he spoke, Horitake waved his hand, summoning his Kasugai Crow. The crow flapped its wings and landed on a branch next to him, awaiting orders.
Horitake instructed the crow:
"Go to Headquarters and deliver a verbal message to Oyakata-sama for me. Tell him I have captured Upper Rank Four, Hantengu, alive.
The curse within Hantengu's body has already been completely purged by me; Muzan can no longer contact him no matter what.
I originally intended to send Hantengu back to Headquarters, but I didn't expect to encounter demons tracking him halfway there. Shinobu and I have already disposed of the two trackers.
To prevent Hantengu from being tracked again, and to prevent the Corps from being exposed, I believe Hantengu should not be housed at Headquarters.
Please ask Oyakata-sama to find a proper location. We will transport Hantengu there."
After giving the instructions, Horitake thought for a moment.
"Yeah, that's everything. Because this matter is critical, you must see Oyakata-sama personally and repeat these words to him. Do you understand?"
The crow strained its voice and cried out, "Caw! Understood! Understood!"
"If you understand, then go."
Receiving the order, the Kasugai Crow flapped its wings and flew off rapidly to deliver the message.
After the crow left, Horitake yawned again, looking utterly drained of energy.
"Alright, Shinobu-neesan, let's head back to the inn in town. It will take some time for the crow to return with a message, so let's not wander around during that time. I'm sleepy anyway. Another night without sleep... I need to go back and catch up on my rest."
And so, yawning as he went, Horitake walked back at a leisurely pace.
Shinobu shook her head, a strange sensation washing over her.
She felt that going on missions with Horitake required no brainpower; she only needed to follow commands. It was relaxing and worry-free.
However, this relaxation and lack of worry made Shinobu feel a bit dissatisfied with herself. Why was it that when she was by Horitake's side, she would subconsciously rely on him? Was she really that incompetent?
Carrying this strange yet slightly irritable mood, Shinobu followed in Horitake's footsteps.
Together, the two returned to the town.
Since it was early morning, there were very few people about.
Horitake and Shinobu attracted no attention. Avoiding prying eyes, they entered through the window, returning to the inn and slipping back into their respective rooms.
Neither the people at the inn nor the townsfolk had any idea that two demons had visited the previous night.
Thus, a day passed. Horitake had a good long sleep, and Shinobu took the opportunity to rest as well.
Day turned to night, and then it was morning again. Just as the two had fully recharged their energy, the Kasugai Crow returned with Ubuyashiki Kagaya's message.
Standing on the windowsill of the inn room, the crow strained its voice to relay Kagaya's words:
"Caw! Lord Horitake! Lord Horitake!
Oyakata-sama is extremely appreciative of Lord Horitake's magnificent feat of capturing Upper Rank Four alive!
At the same time, Oyakata-sama agrees with your assessment. Hantengu should not be sent to the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters."
Horitake nodded and asked, "Then where should we take Hantengu? Did Oyakata-sama provide a secure location?"
Next, the crow squawked out an address.
"Caw! It is here! Please deliver Hantengu to this location, Lord Horitake. Oyakata-sama says there will be someone meant to receive the captive there. It is sufficiently safe and secretive!"
Hearing the address, Shinobu didn't feel much of anything.
But when Horitake heard it, he was somewhat surprised.
"To think... it would be there!
I never expected Hantengu to be placed in that location. Oyakata-sama is truly... well, you have to admit, he really considers everything thoroughly!"
Beside him, Shinobu blinked in confusion. "Is there something wrong with this place?"
"Nothing. I just happen to know the people there."
As he said this, Horitake began packing his things, preparing to hit the road.
"Shinobu-neesan, let's go. We still have to travel with Hantengu, and this time we're going a bit out of our way. We need to turn around immediately and head in the other direction."
Just as mentioned before, partnering with Horitake on missions basically required Shinobu to stop overthinking; she only needed to follow instructions.
Anyway, Shinobu had made peace with it recently.
If she was to follow instructions, then so be it. It was better than exhausting herself with worry.
Besides, this guy, Horitake, was technically her boyfriend after all. If she couldn't rely on him, who could she rely on?
The two changed their clothes, packed their belongings, and immediately checked out of their two rooms. They left the inn, left the town, and hurried off in the new direction.
After another bout of travel, Horitake and Shinobu finally arrived at the Akasutsumi District in Tokyo.
That's right, the Akasutsumi District of Tokyo!
Do you all remember this place?
Exactly! This is Tamayo's hideout.
Previously, Horitake had slain Gyokko and aided Tamayo and Yushiro. Afterward, to avoid pursuit by demons sent by Muzan, Tamayo and Yushiro moved their residence from the Asakusa District to the current Akasutsumi District.
So, everything was clear. The location Kagaya spoke of was Tamayo's seclusion spot.
This meant Horitake was to deliver the captured Hantengu to Tamayo for safekeeping. At the same time, Tamayo would be able to conduct research on Hantengu.
It truly was killing two birds with one stone.
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