After Madam Amane's explanation, the Pillars finally understood the true significance of the markings.
Madam Amane bowed gracefully to Lock. "Please, Master Lock, tell everyone the conditions for awakening the markings."
Lock was slightly surprised at her respect. He hadn't expected such courtesy.
Since he had already pledged to Kagaya Ubuyashiki, he had no reason to hide anything.
Standing up, he said, "Then I will explain."
Lock recounted his experiences on Nada Spider Mountain in detail, weaving in knowledge from the original timeline. The Pillars listened intently as he described how the stripes had awakened under life-or-death conditions.
As he spoke, he felt a strange energy stir within him. The markings on his chest began to spread, forming intricate black patterns across his neck and body, like strange, living shapes. Moments later, with a single thought, the patterns vanished just as quietly.
The Pillars gasped. If Madam Amane had not explained the markings beforehand, some might have mistaken the display for a Blood Demon Art.
"Is this… a demon's pattern?" Giyu Tomioka murmured, astonished. It was the first time he had ever seen such markings on a human.
Shinobu Kocho, ever the observant medic, asked cautiously, "Your heart rate exceeds 200 beats per minute, your body temperature reaches 39°C… can you still move in that state? It's life-threatening."
"Yes," Lock replied. "This is how the stripes awaken. I was pushed into a life-or-death situation, and my awareness was tested. That is what triggered them."
The Pillars fell silent, absorbing the weight of his words. Lock's awakening had come through sheer survival instinct and focus—his awareness rivaled their own.
"Isn't this easy to achieve?" Mitsuri Kanroji asked, intrigued.
Giyu Tomioka's sharp tone cut in. "You underestimate it. This is not as simple as it seems."
Lock smirked. "Your observation is correct. It's not something a simple mind can grasp instantly."
Mitsuri blushed, but the rest of the Pillars' attention sharpened. The power of the stripes was undeniable, but with such strength came consequences.
Madam Amane spoke softly, her voice carrying gravity. "The stripes have a cost. Those who awaken them do not live beyond twenty-five years."
A hush fell over the room. Even the Pillars, fearless in battle, were struck silent.
Lock met their gaze calmly. "As long as I can defeat Muzan Kibutsuji, the price is nothing."
The Flame Pillar, Kyojuro Rengoku, and the Sound Pillar, Tengen Uzui, exchanged excited glances. "So powerful… this is incredible!"
The other Pillars relaxed, understanding that such a potent ability must have a severe limitation. Now the stripes' power felt earned rather than arbitrary.
A playful competition quickly arose. Each Pillar's eyes gleamed with interest, seeing Lock not just as an ally but as a key to unparalleled strength.
"I'll take him back to my estate," Rengoku declared heartily.
"No, he must come with me! I'll treat Lock well," Tengen chimed in flamboyantly.
Muichiro Tokito, Mist Pillar, interjected quietly, "Lock and I are close in age. Perhaps he'll find affinity with me."
Mitsuri added shyly, "Or to my home… I have cream cakes," her cheeks tinged pink.
Obanai Iguro's expression darkened. "No. He will train under me, and I will ensure discipline."
Meanwhile, Sanemi Shinazugawa scowled, dissatisfied. He doubted Lock's strength matched the stripes' promise unless proven in combat.
Sanemi's concerns sparked discussion. "Although the markings are powerful, does Lock truly have the skill to become a Pillar? He may not even have wielded a sword properly."
This tension reminded everyone that Kagaya Ubuyashiki's decision, though justified by the stripes, still required proof.
Sanemi's insistence forced Kagaya to make a compromise. "Since Sanemi does not agree with my decision, Lock will undergo a two-month challenge. If by then he cannot earn the respect of Sanemi, he will participate in the standard selection exam."
Lock's eyes narrowed, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I refuse to wait that long."