"Just as they say, my strength hasn't reached the Pillar level yet, I apologize," Lucien said calmly.
"If possible, I hope to become the Love Pillar's Tsuguko," he added.
Lucien Graves politely declined Oyakata-sama's offer to become a Pillar. He wanted to keep a low profile; stepping into the spotlight so suddenly would attract too much attention. However, becoming Mitsuri's Tsuguko was a manageable choice.
In the Demon Slayer Corps, a Tsuguko is a disciple personally trained by a Pillar. Only the most talented and exceptional members are chosen; ordinary fighters cannot qualify.
"Oh… become my Tsuguko?" Mitsuri blinked, her large eyes wide with surprise. She hadn't expected Lucien to choose this path.
"In that case, I'll leave him in Mitsuri's care," Oyakata-sama said with a gentle smile, unfazed by Lucien's refusal.
"Yes… I will do my utmost," Mitsuri replied, straightening, her expression serious. Lucien simply nodded in acknowledgment.
"This fellow is still so rude," Sanemi Shinazugawa muttered, his face darkening with displeasure. In his eyes, Lucien had shown disrespect—refusing the Master and not even offering gratitude.
"Since that's settled, everyone may return to their respective duties. I'll entrust Lucien to Mitsuri's guidance," Oyakata-sama said, signaling the end of the meeting.
"Yes," everyone responded respectfully, bowing before leaving the room.
"Does he truly have the strength to become a Pillar?" Amane asked, assisting Oyakata-sama.
"Yes, he surpasses them all," Oyakata-sama replied confidently, as if he could perceive Lucien's power firsthand.
Outside in the courtyard, Lucien was about to leave with Mitsuri when Sanemi Shinazugawa stopped him.
"Is something wrong?" Lucien asked, expression calm.
"You insolent fool. Don't think you can act arrogantly just because you killed a Lower Moon."
Without warning, Sanemi lunged forward, intent on teaching Lucien a lesson.
"Sanemi, he's my Tsuguko," Mitsuri exclaimed, stepping in front of Lucien, one hand raised to block Sanemi. Her cheeks puffed adorably in anger.
"Move aside," Sanemi warned, eyes glinting fiercely.
"It's fine," Lucien said, placing a hand on Mitsuri's shoulder, giving her a reassuring smile.
"But…" Mitsuri fretted. She hadn't witnessed Lucien fight before, yet she knew Sanemi's strength and worried for him.
"If I can't win, then you can step in," Lucien said, gently stroking her head.
"Then… alright!" Mitsuri agreed, heart racing and cheeks flushed.
Kyojuro and Shinobu watched, incredulous. Mitsuri had never displayed such a shy expression before, and now a man was dotingly caressing her head—an unmistakable sign of love.
"Coward, letting a woman protect you" Sanemi muttered in frustration.
"Come on!" Lucien called, golden lightning surging around his body. Swirling winds formed around Sanemi, though neither held a Nichirin Blade; Sanemi only intended to test him.
"Wind Breathing, First Form: Dust Whirlwind Cutter!"
Sanemi advanced rapidly, his right hand enveloped in wind blades, slashing through the air with terrifying force.
"Crack…"
Lucien moved lightning-fast, appearing behind Sanemi in a Z-shaped trajectory, delivering a counterpunch.
"Wind Breathing, Second Form: Claws-Purifying Wind!"
Sanemi reacted, generating four claw-shaped wind blades capable of slicing through stone. Lucien miscalculated slightly, and the attack tore through his chest, blood erupting as he flew like a cannonball.
After crashing through the courtyard, Lucien lay in the rubble, face pale, chest gashed deeply, bone exposed, and breath faltering. He seemed on the brink of death.
"Is that all you've got?" Sanemi said, disdain clear.
"Lucien, are you alright?" Mitsuri rushed over, nearly in tears at the sight of his injuries.
"I'm fine," Lucien weakly shook his head, then looked at Sanemi. "As expected of the Wind Pillar… I lost."
"Hmph, a mere piece of trash," Sanemi muttered, crossing his arms and leaving.
Supported by Mitsuri, Lucien coughed once, remaining silent.
"Use this for your wounds," Shinobu Kocho said, appearing with a medicine bottle. Only she had expertise in pharmacology and toxicology, often using poisons to slay demons. Her small stature limited her swordsmanship, but her mastery of toxins compensated. She also managed the Butterfly Estate, treating severely injured Demon Slayer Corps members.
"Thank you," Lucien said politely.
Flame Pillar Kyojuro Rengoku had left at some point, while Shinobu returned to her duties, leaving Lucien supported by Mitsuri as they headed back to the Love Estate.
Though Lucien could recover quickly from such injuries, he suppressed his healing. By dusk, they returned, and Hanazawa and Sakura were shocked at his appearance.
"That's too much," they muttered, cheeks puffed in exasperation.
"It's all my fault," Mitsuri said, distressed despite Lucien comforting her.
"No, it's that Wind Pillar's fault," Hanazawa and Sakura interjected indignantly.
"Lady Mitsuri, is it true that Lucien-san has become your Tsuguko?" Sakura asked once calmer.
"Yes," Mitsuri nodded.
"Then from now on, he'll be Master Lucien," Hanazawa added, pleased. As a Pillar's Tsuguko, his status surpassed theirs, warranting the honorific.
"Tonight, I need to patrol and prepare a Nichirin Blade for Lucien at the Swordsmith Village. It might take five or six days. Please inform him when he wakes and tell him to rest well." Mitsuri patted his head. Each Pillar bore heavy responsibilities in protecting their assigned area, and Mitsuri took hers seriously.
"Understood," the others replied.
"Then I'll leave. Please be careful, Lady Mitsuri."
As Mitsuri disappeared into the night, Hanazawa and Sakura returned to their duties.
Late at night, when all was quiet, Lucien Graves opened his eyes.
Throwing off his blanket, his chest glowed with iridescent light as the Titan's regeneration ability accelerated his healing. Within seconds, the claw marks that had exposed bone vanished entirely.
His eyes glinted with cold resolve. Sanemi had provoked him, and now he had already passed judgment.
If not for his Titan-like regeneration, his injuries would have taken at least a week to heal—assuming he wasn't already beyond human limits.
Annoyed by the minor plot devices of novels, Lucien walked into the courtyard, soared into the air, and transformed into golden lightning, disappearing into the night.
Thunder Breathing could seamlessly combine with Soru and Geppo. Earlier, he had subtly inquired with Mitsuri about the areas each Pillar oversaw.
And now, he had a very clear target: Wind Pillar Sanemi Shinazugawa. His displeasure was simple and unambiguous—Sanemi had merely annoyed him.
Sometimes, the right person is recognized at a glance. Similarly, the wrong person is also unmistakable.
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