Everyone knew and trusted Horitake's extraordinary eyes.
But the headquarters' exposure stunned and panicked them. It was too grave to dismiss lightly.
Amid their shock, Yoyoi, after pondering, affirmed his trust:
"I believe Horitake and the future he glimpsed. He's never been wrong, has he?"
Horitake nodded, grateful, and added:
"The headquarters is vital to the Corps. As Heaven Pillar, I don't speak lightly. I assure you, this future is certain!"
With the Corps' leader and Heaven Pillar in agreement, what could others say?
Mitsuri, thinking of the dire consequences, panicked:
"Horitake, Lord Yoyoi, what do we do? Can we stop the exposure?"
All eyes turned to Horitake.
He shook his head:
"I saw a glimpse of the future—headquarters exposed, a powerful demon invading. Seeing even that is miraculous. I can't discern more, not even which demon."
The others sighed. Seeing any future was incredible; forewarning this was enough. Expecting more was unrealistic.
Yoyoi caught a detail, asking:
"Horitake, you said you can't identify the demon. Does that mean it might not be Muzan himself?"
Sharp as ever, the Corps' leader.
Horitake nodded:
"Indeed, it's unclear who's coming—maybe not Muzan."
Yoyoi, resolute, decided:
"The headquarters' importance is undeniable. We must act cautiously and investigate immediately. To prevent the worst, I propose relocating the headquarters!"
Horitake wasn't surprised.
In the original story, the headquarters' exposure came when the Corps was prepared, and Yoyoi, near death, chose to confront Muzan head-on.
Now, with the headquarters vulnerable and the enemy unclear, fighting was reckless. Relocation was the best move!
Yoyoi was seeking Horitake's opinion.
Horitake agreed:
"I support Lord Yoyoi's decision to relocate the headquarters, and we must act fast! No delays! We don't know when exposure will happen. Worst case, it's already exposed, and demons attack tonight."
Yoyoi nodded, agreeing.
As he was about to speak, commotion erupted outside.
Horitake heard frantic footsteps approaching, likely someone rushing to report to Yoyoi.
They'd probably be stopped by Goto, guarding outside.
Sure enough, a conversation reached them:
"Goto, I have urgent news for Lord Yoyoi!"
"Sorry, he's busy. No interruptions!"
"Please! It's critical! Can't you inform him?"
"No! Lady Amane said no one, not even the Emperor, disturbs him!"
Amane called out:
"It's fine. The critical matter's done. Report the emergency!"
Goto opened the door. A Hidden Corps member bowed respectfully and reported urgently:
"Lord Yoyoi! Patrolling swordsmen found demons spying on the headquarters! They've surrounded them but await your orders. What should we do?"
Horitake's heart sank.
Had he spoken it into reality? Was the headquarters already exposed!?
He glanced outside. It was nearly dusk when they arrived; now, night had fallen. Demons being active wasn't surprising.
The Ubuyashiki family panicked, Yoyoi frowned, Mitsuri gripped her blade, and Horitake stayed silent.
Yoyoi, maintaining his leader's composure, asked:
"What kind of demons were spotted? Twelve Kizuki?"
The Hidden member shook his head:
"No, just ordinary demons, seemingly without Blood Demon Arts."
Horitake and Yoyoi realized simultaneously: mere ordinary demons couldn't threaten the headquarters.
They were likely the trigger for exposure!
Every demon carried Muzan's curse. If swordsmen killed them to protect the headquarters, their final memories could reach Muzan, revealing the location!
The logic clicked! Their guess might be true!
Horitake and Yoyoi exchanged a knowing glance: control those demons to prevent exposure!
Horitake stood swiftly, addressing Yoyoi:
"Lord Yoyoi, I can remove your curse and the demons' bindings! If I clear their curses before killing them, Muzan won't sense their deaths or access their memories. The headquarters stays hidden!"
Yoyoi nodded, smiling in agreement:
"That's my thought exactly. I entrust this to you, Horitake!"
"Leave it to me, Lord Yoyoi. Mitsuri, protect the family. I'll be back!"
With that, Horitake became a purple lightning bolt, dashing out.
Mitsuri gripped her blade, standing protectively before Yoyoi's family.
Horitake moved swiftly, flashing out of the headquarters to the chaotic scene. With lightning crackling, he stood atop a tree, observing.
In the forested outskirts, countless Corps swordsmen had tightly surrounded a few ordinary-looking demons.
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