As Yōya explained the situation, the Pillars gradually grasped the gravity of the moment. Yet, doubts lingered about Horitake's visions of the future.
Shinobu, never one to spare Horitake's feelings, smiled sweetly as she voiced her skepticism. "Horitake-san, are these futures you've seen really going to happen? You didn't just misread them, did you? This isn't something to joke about."
Horitake met her gaze calmly. "Shinobu-nee, you said it yourself—this isn't a joking matter. I'm not playing around. The entire Demon Slayer Corps headquarters is already in motion, with the first wave of evacuation underway. If I were joking, don't you think it'd be a bit too grand?"
Shinobu fell silent, her point countered.
The other three Pillars—Kyojuro Rengoku, Tengen Uzui, and Muichiro Tokito—remained quiet, but their doubts persisted.
Yōya stepped in to back Horitake. "Everyone, I trust Horitake's judgment and have already acted on it."
With their leader's firm support, what more could the Pillars say? They would follow orders.
Kyojuro crossed his arms, his voice brimming with zeal. "So, you called us here urgently to prepare for the coming battle! Excellent! I'd love to test my mettle against Upper Rank Three!"
Horitake's mind raced. No way, Kyojuro. In the original story, you died fighting Akaza. I can't let you face him again.
He spoke up firmly. "Akaza is mine. With all due respect, I'm the only one here who can reliably defeat him. It's not about stealing glory—it's because, after dealing with Akaza, some nasty surprises and complications might arise, and only I can handle them."
The "surprises and complications" referred to the possibility of Muzan appearing, though Horitake and Yōya had agreed not to mention this to avoid shaking morale.
Kyojuro didn't bristle at the claim, grinning instead. "Fair enough! Then I'll take one of the Lower Ranks!"
Tengen raised a hand eagerly. "The other Lower Rank is mine! I'll give them a spectacular send-off!"
Horitake shook his head with a wry smile. "It's not up to you to decide who fights whom. Including me, we have six Pillars here. I'll be on the front lines, no question. Three of you will be assigned to protect Lord Ubuyashiki's family during their evacuation, safeguard the headquarters' critical documents and supplies, and escort the other Corps members to safety. The remaining two will join me and the headquarters' swordsmen in this battle."
The five Pillars nodded, understanding the need for such a division of duties.
Yōya, as leader, announced the assignments. "Kyojuro Rengoku will accompany me. Shinobu Kocho will protect the headquarters' critical documents and supplies. Mitsuri Kanroji will guard the other Corps members. Tengen Uzui and Muichiro Tokito will join Horitake in the fight. Additionally, I'll leave nearly a hundred swordsmen under Horitake's command. Once we depart, Horitake will be the highest authority here and in this battle."
Turning to Tengen and Muichiro, Yōya added, "You two must follow Horitake's orders without question."
Muichiro's blank expression signaled his silent agreement. Tengen grinned. "If Horitake's the commander, I'll follow his lead, no problem."
Yōya's concern about potential disobedience proved unfounded. As the Heaven Pillar, Horitake was the Corps' strongest asset, a half-step above the others. Even without Yōya's directive, the Pillars would likely defer to him in critical moments.
Satisfied that all was in order, Yōya nodded. "These are the orders. The battle will erupt tonight. Prepare thoroughly, fulfill your roles, and stand ready!"
"Yes!" the Pillars responded in unison.
"Oh, right!" Horitake suddenly interjected, pointing to the floor as he addressed Yōya. "Lord Ubuyashiki, those things beneath the floor—don't bother taking them."
Yōya caught his meaning, exchanging a knowing glance. "Horitake, you're planning to…"
"Haha, I'm going to use them to give Akaza a proper welcome!" Horitake said with a grin.
"Very well. They're of no use to me anymore. They're yours."
The brief meeting concluded. Yōya and Kiriya returned to the house to oversee the headquarters' evacuation, while the Pillars dispersed to their tasks.
The headquarters buzzed with activity. The second, third, and fourth waves of evacuation proceeded smoothly, streaming toward the new location. Under Yōya and Kiriya's efficient coordination, the relocation was remarkably swift.
By afternoon, the headquarters was nearly empty. What remained were immovable structures like buildings and unimportant items that could be abandoned.
The final wave prepared to depart, carrying critical supplies, documents, and—notably—the Ubuyashiki family. Yōya and his family of seven chose to leave with this last group.
Horitake, however, had reservations about their timing. At the headquarters' main gate, he faced Yōya, his back to the entrance, his tone edged with dissatisfaction. "Lord Ubuyashiki, why leave with the last wave? It's only a few hours until nightfall, and the closer you are to this place, the greater the danger! You should've left with the first wave this morning—that would've been safest. Akaza couldn't possibly catch up then."
Yōya shook his head with a calm smile. "The entire evacuation relies on Kiriya and me to direct and coordinate. If we'd left first, it would've caused chaos. Who would've taken charge? Leaving with the last wave is fitting. Everything is prepared, everyone else is evacuated, and now I can leave with peace of mind."
Horitake shrugged, conceding with a sigh. "Fine, Lord Ubuyashiki. But you need to get on the vehicle now—no more delays. Any longer, and it'll get risky."
Yōya looked at Horitake, then at Tengen and Muichiro flanking him, and finally at the nearly hundred swordsmen behind them. With a solemn nod, he acknowledged their resolve.
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