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Butterfly Mansion—Rooftop.
Kaidō stared at the sky intently.
[Host, why are you staring at the sky?]
'Nothing really. Just noticed a bunch of people looking at this line and saying "Holy shit!"'
[(╯‵□′)╯┻━┻ HOST, DON'T BREAK THE FOURTH WALL! THIS IS AN ALTERNATE DIMENSION!]
'Haha, just kidding! I'm bored today, that's all.'
"Ugh, so bored..." Kaidō lay sprawled on the Butterfly Mansion's roof, basking in sunlight after finishing his rehabilitation training. "I wonder when Muzan will agree to sunbathe with me. Maybe share some wisteria wine, get a nice Nichirin blade shave... sigh ("▔□▔)"
—————
Over the past two weeks, Kaidō had been doing rehabilitation training at the Butterfly Mansion. His body had fully recovered, so he planned to meet with Shinjuro Rengoku tomorrow to reclaim his patrol zone.
'I wonder how Mom and Reika are doing in that world? They won't be lonely during New Year... wait. New Year?'
The thought struck him. He'd been in this alternate dimension for several years now. After joining the Demon Slayer Corps and becoming a Hashira, he'd been either slaying demons or traveling to slay more demons. He'd never properly celebrated the new year.
'Right! Why don't I celebrate with everyone here? Sure, it's not the right month yet, but at least we can all gather together for one happy day!'
Decision made, Kaidō sprang into action. He headed straight for his estate to prepare everything needed for a proper New Year celebration.
—————
Kaidō's Estate.
His estate's living room was spacious enough to accommodate over thirty people. He'd already converted everything to Modern-style décor, thanks to the System Lifestyle Shop.
He arranged five square tables in the room. Each table had expandable corners that transformed them into circles, allowing seven chairs around each.
From the System Lifestyle Shop, he purchased mountains of New Year items: red lanterns, spring couplets, small sparklers (instead of large fireworks that might expose Headquarters' location), red paper, and various decorations.
'Everyone gets a sparkler! We'll play together and celebrate properly!'
Next, he asked the Kakushi to purchase massive quantities of ingredients. Though the Kakushi members didn't quite understand what Dragon Hashira was planning, they were happy to help. His reputation preceded him—everyone respected Kaidō deeply.
The System's rewards of Max-Level Culinary Skills and Max-Level Handicraft would finally see use.
—————
Retsuki returned home to find her brother bustling around frantically, surrounded by supplies.
"Oniichan, what are you doing? Why is there so much stuff?"
Kaidō explained his New Year plan. Though Retsuki didn't fully understand the concept, it sounded fun, so she eagerly helped.
Unfortunately, while assisting, she managed to tangle herself in red rope—looking like some kind of bizarre bondage situation.
"(?﹏?) Oniichan, help! This is so embarrassing!" Retsuki's face burned crimson.
"You're such a clutz! Haha, alright, alright, let me help you... There. Now go clean up—I'll handle the rest!"
"Okay!" She scurried away, face still red.
—————
As Kaidō continued working, the System's voice echoed in his mind.
[Ding! Host, I have a New Year gift package for you. Would you like to claim it?]
'Hm? A New Year package? Claim it!'
[Ding! Claim successful! Congratulations—you've obtained 2,000 New Year Gift Boxes!]
'Wow, that's amazing! Now every Corps member and Kakushi can have one! Perfect! Thank you, System!'
[(ˊ︶ˋ) You're welcome, Host!]
New Year Gift Box: Each contains five different exquisite pastries and one box of delicious milk.
'System, what happens to the packaging after they eat the contents?'
[Rest assured, Host. The packaging has been modified. If discarded, it immediately decomposes into plant nutrients. Environmentally friendly!]
'Phew, that's a relief! Thanks again!'
[You're most welcome.]
Kaidō worked until midday when the Kakushi arrived with the ingredients—an entire horse-drawn cart full.
"Dragon Hashira-sama, here's everything you requested."
"Perfect! Thank you for your hard work. Tonight, come back with a few others and bring several more carts. I have gifts for everyone!"
"Yes, Dragon Hashira-sama!"
After they left, Kaidō hauled the ingredients inside and began washing vegetables and meat, preparing everything for tonight's feast.
'Almost forgot something important!' He summoned his Kasugai Crow, Kuroha, instructing it to inform the Master he wished to meet. Kuroha flew toward the Ubuyashiki Estate.
"Retsuki, I'm going to see the Master. Watch the house for me."
"Okay, oniichan!"
—————
Ubuyashiki Estate.
"Child, what brings you here?" Kagaya's voice carried its usual soothing quality.
"Master, I'd like to ask a favor."
Kaidō explained his plan—gathering everyone to celebrate New Year together. He hoped Kagaya and his family would attend as well.
He produced ten Improved Clone Talismans from his inventory, presenting them to Kagaya with instructions on their use.
"Since the Hashira don't always have free time, I'm giving each one a Clone Talisman. This way, even if they're away, they can respond to emergencies immediately."
"I understand. Thank you, child. This is very thoughtful."
"You honor me, Master. I hope every year moving forward can be like this—everyone together. I believe that day will come soon! Well then, Master, I'll take my leave."
Watching Kaidō depart, Kagaya turned to his wife. "Amane, please write letters for me. Have the crows deliver them to the other Hashira, along with instructions for the Clone Talismans."
"Yes, Master."
Walking home, Kaidō encountered Genya Shinazugawa. He greeted him and extended an invitation.
"Dragon Hashira-sama! Long time no see!"
"Genya! Looks like you've mastered Water Breathing quite well. Excellent progress."
"Only thanks to your help, Dragon Hashira-sama. Otherwise, I never could've done it." Genya scratched the back of his head, smiling.
"Genya, come to my estate tonight! Your brother will be there too."
"My brother's coming?? Yes, Dragon Hashira-sama—I'll definitely be there!"
—————
"I'm back."
"Welcome home, oniichan!"
"Retsuki, go to the Butterfly Mansion for today. Tonight, bring Aoi and the other three girls here with you."
"Okay, oniichan." Retsuki left for the Mansion.
"Now... it's showtime!" Kaidō pulled out five Clone Talismans—previous System rewards. Though they only lasted three hours, that was plenty.
He tore the talismans. Five flashes of light later, five identical Kaidōs stood before him. If Retsuki saw this, she'd probably faint from shock.
He assigned each clone specific tasks while he headed to the kitchen to prepare the feast.
The System observed this somewhat helplessly.
[Host, is this really the intended use for Clone Talismans? Seems wasteful...]
'I just don't want to leave any regrets in this world. Even though you and everyone here keep me company, I'll eventually leave. And when I return to my original world... you'll probably leave too, won't you?'
The System fell silent. Perhaps Kaidō was right. After returning him home, she might depart to find another host in another parallel world.
'System, I wish you were just a normal person. Someone who could live an ordinary, happy life. At least you wouldn't have to fear being erased for failing to complete your mission or violating some rule.'
[Perhaps you're right, Host. I wish I could be human too. But I'm just a system. Completing my mission is my duty and obligation.]
'Enough depressing talk! Come celebrate New Year with me! Even as a system, you can share my visual perception through my mental world, right?'
[Yes, Host.]
—————
The Corps.
"Oh my, Kaidō-kun is quite interesting!" Kanae Kocho smiled after reading the Master's letter. It mentioned everyone gathering at Kaidō's estate tonight, along with instructions for the Clone Talisman.
"Well then, I'm looking forward to what surprises you've prepared!"
"Hahaha! How flamboyant! Looks like I need to head back early!" Tengen Uzui laughed loudly.
"Tengen-sama, what's so funny?" one of his wives asked.
"That flamboyant kid Kaidō invited all of us to his place tonight! All four of us are going!"
"Really? The Dragon Hashira who killed Upper Rank Five? I heard he's adorable—I want to meet him!"
"Let's go, Hinatsuru, Makio, Suma! Tonight we're attending Kaidō's flamboyant party!"
Kyojuro Rengoku examined the Master's letter and the Clone Talisman, finding it fascinating.
"Mm! So this is a Clone Talisman? Young Kaidō's gathering... looks like I need to return early! Hahaha!"
All the Hashira received Kagaya's letters and Clone Talismans. The content was identical.
Everyone looked forward to tonight's gathering.
—————
Evening.
"Phew~ Almost done! This much food should be plenty!" Kaidō finished the last dish, placing it on a plate with a System-produced Heat Preservation Sticker underneath.
Heat Preservation Sticker: System product. Place under plate to keep food at freshly-cooked temperature for seven hours.
Looking at each table laden with thirteen dishes, his sense of accomplishment soared. Besides common home-style dishes from his previous life, he'd prepared various specialty items.
Sweet and sour pork ribs, braised fish, white fungus lotus seed soup, twice-cooked pork... Each table also had five large bottles of beverages.
He'd initially considered alcohol but decided against it—hangovers would interfere with missions the next day.
He'd also prepared a large pot of sweet treats—mochi and dango.
Thanks to Max-Level Culinary Skills, everything looked, smelled, and undoubtedly tasted perfect.
The living room decorations were complete too. Paper flower garlands hung from the ceiling. Various handcrafted paper cutouts decorated the windows. The coffee table overflowed with snacks. The atmosphere screamed celebration.
"Almost forgot—I need New Year clothes for Retsuki!" He opened the System Lifestyle Shop, browsing the clothing section.
"This one's nice! Perfect for her age. I'll take it!" After purchasing Retsuki's outfit, he bought one for himself as well.
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