Just as Horitake and Shinobu were about to make their move, and just as Yae was on the brink of danger, Zenitsu's "alt account" went offline, and his "main account" logged in.
Seeing this stranger—a girl he didn't know—in danger, Zenitsu felt an overwhelming sense of urgency.
This desperate emotion triggered a submerged personality within him, drawing out the true power hidden inside his body.
At this critical juncture, Zenitsu simply lost consciousness and fainted on the spot.
To describe it as fainting wasn't quite accurate; to be precise, he fell asleep.
In this sleep, another personality—one unique to Zenitsu and incredibly resilient—finally came online. He had entered a semi-awakened state!
The current Zenitsu no longer possessed that cowardly, timid character from before. instead, his entire aura became sharp and edged. He looked incredibly cool!
Zenitsu kept his eyes closed and murmured in a low voice:
"Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash!"
Arcs of electricity flickered, and thunder roared!
In this moment, Zenitsu's Thunder Breathing was pushed to its absolute limit. The speed of his flash step within that small radius was jaw-dropping. In a split second, he flashed to Yae's side!
Seeing this sudden eruption from Zenitsu, Shinobu, who had just been about to draw her blade, couldn't help but widen her eyes.
What is going on?
Horitake noticed this change and was pleasantly surprised!
Good kid! You didn't let me down too much after all! I didn't expect you to awaken at a time like this!
As expected of a character from the main cast of the original story. You really can be trusted at critical moments! You can truly play a major role when it counts!
On the other side, the sudden explosion of power and speed from Zenitsu left the demon completely unable to react.
All that was seen was a flash of thunder and the hiss of electricity. By the time the demon actually realized what was happening, its head had already parted ways with its shoulders!
The demon turned pale with shock.
"How... how can this be? Just when exactly..."
There wasn't much time left for the demon to feel indignant. Its head rolled onto the ground with a thud. Decapitated, its body and head began to crumble into ash and smoke.
At this moment, Yae stared at Zenitsu's back in shock.
The person who had been fleeing in such a pathetic state just moments ago had suddenly become so formidable!
Watching the clean, decisive way Zenitsu drew his sword and slew the demon, Yae felt a momentary flutter in her heart for reasons she couldn't explain. She thought that Zenitsu, in this state, was indeed very handsome.
Unfortunately, Zenitsu's semi-awakened state was only temporary.
After slaying the demon, Zenitsu collapsed straight onto the ground. The "main account" went offline, and the "alt account" came back online.
The re-logged "alt account" was still in a deep sleep. Zenitsu knew nothing of what had transpired; he lay sprawled on the ground, snoring loudly, with a snot bubble expanding and contracting from his nose.
Behind him, Yae was bewildered by Zenitsu's sudden reversion.
She blinked, unable to make heads or tails of it.
With two whooshing sounds, Horitake and Shinobu appeared beside Yae simultaneously.
Yae wasn't surprised by Shinobu's appearance, but seeing Horitake gave her a pleasant surprise.
"Horitake... Senior Brother, so you were nearby."
Horitake nodded, smiling as he patted his Junior Sister Yae on the head, praising her warmly:
"Daring to rush up and fight a demon even without a Nichirin Sword—Yae, you are truly brave. You did an amazing job. As expected of my Junior Sister!"
Yae felt a bit embarrassed by the praise.
"N-No... not at all. I just didn't want to see someone else get hurt by a demon..."
Shinobu looked at Zenitsu, who was still snoring face-down on the ground, her expression utterly complex.
"Horitake, this is your Junior Brother?"
Horitake nodded, admitting it frankly.
"Yes, this kid is my Junior Brother, Agatsuma Zenitsu. He is indeed a disappointing brat and has a very fragile personality.
However, as you just saw, once this kid awakens—once he explodes into action—he is not simple at all."
Shinobu had originally been very reluctant to let Yae associate with such a cowardly boy, but having just witnessed Zenitsu's awakening and explosive power, she was at a loss for words.
Actually, Horitake felt quite embarrassed himself. He had let Shinobu and Yae see the pathetic side of Zenitsu, as well as his impressive side.
Horitake felt awkward trying to "sell" his Junior Brother any further, and even more awkward trying to speak well of him.
Scratching his head, Horitake could only say this to Shinobu:
"Sister Shinobu, my Junior Brother... does have significant issues. I admit that.
After seeing this, I won't vow as solemnly as I did before, nor am I as brimming with confidence in him.
But I still feel that my Junior Brother, Zenitsu, will be able to achieve something in the future. So, for my sake, give him a chance.
If my Junior Brother really turns out to be mud that can't hold up a wall later on, I won't force the issue."
Yae couldn't understand a word of what Horitake was implying. She looked left and right in confusion, watching Shinobu and Horitake speaking in riddles.
Shinobu, of course, knew exactly what Horitake was saying.
Horitake meant that he still had some expectations for Zenitsu. He hoped Shinobu would give Zenitsu and Yae some time to interact and see how things developed naturally.
If Zenitsu truly remained disappointing, Horitake would have nothing more to say.
The explanation Horitake gave was reasonable enough. Shinobu nodded, indicating her agreement.
In truth, that brief moment of Zenitsu's awakened power had improved Shinobu's perception of him somewhat.
However, Shinobu was still worried about her sister Yae. She whispered to her:
"This is Momoyama. It is also the place where you will live and train from now on.
But I am still a little worried about you, Yae. If you ever find your life here on Momoyama unhappy, contact me, and I will take you away."
Although Shinobu's voice was low, it wasn't actually that quiet—just loud enough for Horitake to hear.
Heh, she intended for Horitake to hear it. It was a warning directed at him as well.
Hearing these words, Yae glanced at Horitake with some embarrassment.
Horitake shrugged, feeling helpless.
He looked at Zenitsu, who was sleeping soundly on the ground, feeling a mix of anger at his lack of ambition and pity for his misfortune. Why can't you be more impressive, kid? Would it have killed you to awaken and explode with power right from the start?
Shaking his head, Horitake picked up the sleeping Zenitsu and slung him over his shoulder. He turned to Shinobu and Yae.
"Let's go. Let's head up the mountain.
Junior Sister, I'll take you to meet the Old Man.
Don't judge by your Junior Brother's state; the Old Man is absolutely an excellent master. He puts his heart and soul into teaching. He will definitely like a disciple like you."
Yae nodded, feeling a mix of nervousness and anticipation as she followed in Horitake's footsteps.
Shinobu followed along as well.
Oh, right. The Akita dog, Taro, who had been a bystander the whole time, was once again held by Yae.
The group of four humans and one dog made their way up Momoyama.
As they passed the mountainside that had been destroyed during the great battle the previous night, Shinobu and Yae looked sideways at the large swaths of devastation, the messy battlefield clearly visible.
Shinobu couldn't help but quicken her steps to catch up, tugging at Horitake's sleeve.
"What exactly happened on Momoyama?"
"That matter has already been resolved. I'll tell you about it when I have time."
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