After finishing all the various tests while carrying Nezuko in the box on his back, Horitake finally asked:
"Nezuko, how does it feel in there? Is there any place that feels uncomfortable?"
Soon, several of Nezuko's characteristic vocalizations came from inside the box. She was affirming it, saying there was no problem, that it was perfectly suitable.
With that, Horitake felt completely reassured.
Carrying the box with Nezuko inside, he walked back into the house and said to Urokodaki-sensei:
"No issues at all, Sensei. Not a single problem—your craftsmanship is incredible."
Urokodaki-sensei nodded.
"Is that so? Good then."
After that, Horitake temporarily set the box down and began changing back into his Demon Slayer Corps uniform. He draped his familiar cloud-patterned purple haori over his shoulders and fastened his Nichirin Blade, Reikou, at his waist.
While changing, he said goodbye to Urokodaki-sensei:
"Sensei, there's no time to waste. I'm heading out right now to take Nezuko to Tanjiro. Sorry we can't stay longer—we'll have to meet again sometime in the future."
"It's fine. We'll meet again if fate allows. I feel at ease leaving Nezuko in your hands. But… you seem awfully hurried. Is it really just to take Nezuko to Tanjiro?"
Horitake glanced at Urokodaki-sensei in slight surprise and said admiringly:
"As expected of you, Sensei—you're sharp as ever. The truth is, this trip to Fujikasane Mountain isn't only about bringing Nezuko to Tanjiro. Using my special eyes, I caught a brief glimpse of the future. I saw that Tanjiro and the others are going to run into serious trouble—trouble that rookies like them won't be able to handle on their own. That's why I have to go help them and save them."
Urokodaki-sensei, as a former Hashira, had heard rumors about Horitake's ability to glimpse parts of the future.
"I see. So you foresaw danger. But… if you interfere and help Tanjiro and the others, they won't be able to pass the Final Selection properly."
"You've misunderstood, Sensei. The trouble and danger I saw isn't during their Final Selection—it happens after they've already passed it."
"Ah, I understand. In that case, going to help them is no problem."
"Don't worry, Sensei. Even if Tanjiro and the others encounter some disaster during the Final Selection itself, I definitely won't stand by and do nothing. Even if it means they fail the Selection, I won't let them die. But this time, the trouble comes after they've passed. Fortunately, there's still plenty of time. I need to arrive early—ideally, nip the danger in the bud before it even sprouts. Once the trouble is dealt with, I'll hand Nezuko over to Tanjiro, and everything else will fall into place."
By the time he finished speaking, Horitake had already finished changing and equipping himself completely.
He slung the box back onto his shoulders, stood at the entrance, and bid Urokodaki-sensei farewell:
"Sensei, until we meet again."
Urokodaki-sensei stood up to see him off and replied:
"Until we meet again, Horitake."
After their goodbyes, Horitake pushed open the door, left the house, and headed straight down the mountain path from Sagiri Mountain toward Fujikasane Mountain.
Urokodaki-sensei stood silently at the doorway, watching him go.
And so, Horitake set off at a steady pace, carrying Nezuko on his back.
Honestly, the feeling of carrying Nezuko was pretty nice.
She wasn't heavy to begin with, and with Horitake's current physical condition, this amount of weight was nothing at all. Moreover, Nezuko was a great beauty—adorable, sweet, and incredibly well-behaved. Carrying such an understanding little sister put Horitake in an excellent mood; traveling felt more like a pleasant outing than a rush.
At night, when Nezuko came out to get some fresh air, she was just as cute and quiet—perfectly behaved, never causing him any trouble. She was also very affectionate and dependent on him.
Really, Nezuko was too cute. Too wonderful!
Sometimes, after spending a long time together and seeing how gentle and lovable she was, Horitake would even feel a twinge of jealousy toward Tanjiro.
What kind of virtues did that guy have to deserve such an adorable, sensible little sister?
But then he'd think again—especially remembering how, in the original story, Tanjiro had risked everything, sacrificed so much, all for Nezuko's sake—and Horitake would feel a little deflated.
Sigh… putting everything else aside, Tanjiro really was an excellent older brother. He truly deserved to have such a cute and sensible little sister.
But no matter. Nezuko might be Tanjiro's sister, but she was also destined to become Horitake's future wife!
Thinking like that instantly cheered him up.
Sometimes, late at night when everything was quiet and there was nothing else to do, Horitake would playfully tease Nezuko a little.
For example, one night they hadn't found a town to stay in and had to camp outdoors.
Horitake built a campfire, and the two of them huddled close together in front of the warm flames, spending a cozy stretch of the night side by side before continuing their journey when the time was right.
Gazing at the fire, then at Nezuko so close beside him—especially at her almost perfectly adorable profile in the firelight—Horitake, with a mischievous streak, suddenly asked her:
"Nezuko, when you grow up, how about becoming my bride? Let me take care of you. Let me make you happy. What do you say?"
This guy was straight-up taking advantage of her!
Everyone knows that Nezuko's current mental state wasn't very mature.
Although she still retained some of her human memories and values from before, asking her to think about marriage at a time like this was simply putting her in a difficult spot!
Sure enough, upon hearing those words, Nezuko furrowed her pretty brows and fell into a state of visible distress.
It wasn't clear whether she was troubled about whether she should become Horitake's bride in the future, or simply because she hadn't understood what he was saying at all.
In any case, seeing her look so adorably troubled and pouty nearly melted Horitake on the spot.
Grinning, he hugged Nezuko close and whispered:
"Haha, Nezuko, since you didn't refuse, I'll take that as agreement! This is your tacit consent—you've said yes. You can't go back on it later. And besides, your mom and dad already entrusted you to me. There's no escaping it now. Even if you turn back into a human someday, you absolutely must not forget the promise you made to me today."
How could this guy be so shameless?
Wasn't this exactly taking advantage of her vulnerability?
An agreement made while Nezuko was in this innocent, childlike state—shouldn't it be considered invalid? Right?
This guy was clearly exploiting Nezuko's current innocence, and planning to take advantage of her kindness once she became human again. Absolutely despicable!
When Nezuko finally turns back into a human and remembers what happened today… With how thin-skinned she is, she definitely won't be able to bring herself to refuse. And then Horitake will just find more opportunities to spend time with her, treat her well, make her grow even closer and more dependent on him, building that emotional foundation. By the time she's truly human again, all those feelings will have developed naturally, and Horitake will get exactly what he wants!
I've seen right through this guy. He really isn't a good person—he's already started his攻略 from this very moment!
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