Raiden watched Doma's disappearing figure fade into the faint night, his grip on his Nichirin blade relaxing slightly.
After the encounter, the fierce, restless fire within him—the eagerness to break further—had cooled considerably. His current strength was formidable; at full power, he could have defeated or even killed Doma. Yet, if Doma chose to evade with clones, attempting escape rather than direct confrontation, Raiden had no surefire way to force a fight.
If Upper Moon Two behaved this way, how could Raiden ever hope to face Upper Moon One, Kokushibou? Continuous breakthroughs had skewed his perception of his own limits. Fortunately, the clash with Doma helped recalibrate his understanding.
"This outcome is acceptable," he murmured, exhaling as he sheathed his blade. Not only had he clarified his strength, but he had also gained Doma's Blood Demon Art as a reward—an addition that would neutralize Doma's ice clone tricks in future encounters. Soldier against soldier, general against general, even if Doma tried to flee, he would have to face Raiden's blade.
The morning sun rose slowly, golden rays cutting through broken clouds and pine branches, illuminating the chaotic Golden Pavilion Temple. Broken stone pillars, scattered rubble, and the lingering steam of melting ice told of the fierce battle.
A young monk in the corner clutched his broom nervously, his eyes wide at the destruction. His hands trembled as he took in the shattered courtyard.
Raiden stood at the center, calm amidst the ruins. Though he feared no one, the warm sunlight brought a rare sense of peace.
Haruto and three other Swordsmen hurried across the gravel, their footsteps breaking the serene silence.
"Raiden!" Haruto called, but his voice faltered as his gaze swept the devastation. Shattered wooden pillars, deep gouges in the walls, a lattice of ice shards and blackened scorch marks—the scene was overwhelming.
Did a demon truly enter the Golden Pavilion Temple? Such audacity was unthinkable. And yet, the battle's scale suggested a fight against someone extraordinary, perhaps an Upper Moon.
"Handle the temple repairs. I'm leaving today," Raiden said calmly, entrusting the aftermath to Haruto.
"Yes," Haruto replied quickly, then hesitated. "Raiden, are you really leaving?"
Reluctance shadowed his tone. During Raiden's stay, Hirai had been at its calmest. But Haruto understood; it was too valuable for someone of Raiden's caliber to linger in one place.
"Yes," Raiden confirmed. Hirai's demons had been purged, and his search for traces of Doma was complete. Now, his mission there was done.
He considered whether Doma would return. From the Horned Ghost incident, Raiden knew Doma's information network was extensive, far more than anticipated. But he did not need to hide his departure. Doma would not trouble him; his attention would remain focused elsewhere.
After bidding Haruto farewell, Raiden walked out of the Golden Pavilion Temple. A Kasugai Crow circled overhead and landed on his shoulder.
"South-southeast. Entertainment District suspected to have high demon activity. Please investigate," it cawed.
"Entertainment District? Has it begun already? I wonder how Zenitsu's training is going…" Raiden muttered, turning to glance at the crow.
The Entertainment District arc marked a subtle turning point. Upper Moon Six, Gyutaro, fell there, disrupting the century-old hierarchy of the Upper Moons. Muzan, enraged, convened a meeting of the Upper Moons.
Raiden cared little for Muzan's anger. His concern was whether the arc offered new allies or chances to enhance his strength.
The main figures in the arc were Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui and Upper Moon Six. Uzui's arrogance meant befriending him would require careful flattery, something Raiden found tedious. Better to wait until Uzui was half-beaten by Gyutaro; then diplomacy would be simpler.
As for Gyutaro, befriending him would be tricky. His strength wasn't the problem—even Doma couldn't match Raiden at full power. The real issue was the system: would befriending Upper Moon Six count as one act, or would both Gyutaro and Daki need to agree?
Daki, fearful of death, could be persuaded easily with Raiden's control. Gyutaro, however, would not yield to mere words.
Gyutaro's tragic life—rejected and hated for his appearance—bred resentment toward those fair-looking, like Raiden. Words alone would fail. A more subtle approach would be necessary.
What did Gyutaro value most? Daki. Threats involving her might move him, but barely. Patience and strategy would be key.
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