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Hashira Meeting
"You are this generation's strongest Hashira-level swordsmen—Gyomei, Kyojuro, Sanemi, Giyu, Tengen, Muichiro, Obanai, Mitsuri, Shinobu, and Kaidō, who joined us today. I believe it won't be long before Muzan Kibutsuji meets his end at the hands of this generation's warriors." Kagaya's voice carried absolute conviction.
"Master, regarding the Dragon Hashira—what kind of person is he exactly? He's young, but his strength is formidable." When Sanemi asked this question, his tone was logical and measured, completely lacking his usual explosive temper.
"Regarding Ryūjin Kaidō, I've learned his history... His family is exceptionally powerful, and his ancestors once had connections with the Demon Slayer Corps."
Kagaya paused, letting the information settle.
"However, internal conflict tore his family apart. Civil war erupted, and he lost both parents. The family sent assassins to hunt him down. According to our investigation, Muzan Kibutsuji was involved in orchestrating this tragedy."
The Hashira listened in silence.
"Eventually, Kaidō escaped and wandered as a fugitive. By chance, he encountered a merchant vessel and stowed away, which brought him here."
Kagaya's expression grew somber. "Sanemi, the pain and sorrow he's endured isn't something someone his age should have to bear. So if you have time, I hope you'll all reach out to him, talk with him."
"But I didn't sense any hatred toward demons from him," Sanemi said.
"Every human heart contains both light and darkness. When everything is hidden away, the more peaceful things appear on the surface, the more turmoil lies beneath. Even he will have a breaking point someday." Kagaya's tone remained calm.
"I understand." Sanemi's thoughts raced. 'So you're just hiding it all. If those traitors from his family were to die...'
Kagaya seemed to read Sanemi's thoughts. "Sanemi, you must never do that. His family was powerful enough that even Muzan Kibutsuji couldn't oppose them. And they're all gone now."
"What?? Even Muzan couldn't handle them? Then why don't they exist anymore?"
"Greed. Greedy people always pay the price eventually."
"Yes, sir."
The Hashira fell into contemplative silence after hearing Kagaya's explanation.
...
Butterfly Mansion
Following the Kakushi's guidance, Kaidō arrived at the Butterfly Mansion. Aoi Kanzaki came out to greet the visitor, and after hearing the Kakushi explain this was on Shinobu's orders, she led Kaidō to the rear courtyard to rest.
At that moment, Kaidō was reviewing the identity information the system had created for him. The more he read, the more depressed he became, his eye twitching non-stop.
"System, what the hell is this backstory you gave me? Why is it so melodramatic? Family conflict? Exile and wandering?? And you tied it to that bastard Muzan—that effeminate piece of garbage boss??"
[Ding! If Host is dissatisfied, the system can rearrange the identity. However, everything will reset from the beginning.]
A cross-shaped vein popped on Kaidō's forehead. But after thinking for a moment, he let it go.
He was just a visitor to this world. Once the quests were complete and his Interdimensional Energy hit one hundred percent, he'd leave. Why get worked up over the details?
"Forget it. I'm just passing through anyway. No need to rearrange anything."
[Understood.] The system went silent.
"Let's check the quest rewards."
[Ding! Quest Complete: Defeat Any Three of the Nine Hashira to Prove Your Strength. Progress: 3/3]
[Rewards: Enhanced Mental Reinforcement Serum x1, Custom Demon Slayer Corps Uniform (Enhanced), Interdimensional Energy +7%]
[Current Interdimensional Energy: 30%]
"Another step closer to going home! I'll use the Enhanced Mental Reinforcement Serum tonight." He turned his attention to the Corps uniform—and immediately, two more cross-shaped veins appeared on his forehead.
"System, I have every reason to suspect you're a complete degenerate."
The Corps uniform the system provided was actually pretty stylish—a black-striped white hoodie, long enough to reach his knees given his height. The inner layer was a long-sleeved, high-collared white robe that, according to the system description, was breathable and maintained perfect temperature year-round.
The boots were high-tops that reached halfway up his calves.
All of that was perfectly normal.
What wasn't normal were the pants—denim short-shorts that barely extended past his hips, complete with leather garter straps around the thighs.
The entire exposed-leg aesthetic had a distinctly... questionable vibe to it.
[Ding! Please rest assured, Host—the system is operating normally and absolutely does not have any ulterior motives regarding Host's exposed legs. Please trust this system! (´▽`ʃ♡ƪ)]
Kaidō wanted to rage. Wanted to unleash a torrent of profanity. But after a moment, he resigned himself to helplessness.
After calming down, he decided there was no point arguing. He still needed the system to get home, and it was just clothing anyway. Why make a fuss?
Yeah. Really. No reason to make a fuss.
He found a wooden post, carved the characters [DEMON SLAYER] into it, drew his greatsword, and proceeded to hack it to pieces.
Meanwhile, the [Demon Slayer System] was trembling somewhere in the digital ether, feeling like something was very wrong but unable to pinpoint exactly what. That didn't stop it from continuing to admire Host's appearance, though.
System: [(￣▽￣)~] Whatever's happening, it doesn't interfere with enjoying the view.
"Why do I feel like someone's staring at me...?" Kaidō muttered.
...
That Evening—Butterfly Mansion
"So... do you really have to watch?"
"Oh my, of course I do! I need to examine you properly!"
"But is it really necessary for me to take my shirt off?"
"I'm only asking you to remove your upper clothing so I can check your injuries. It's not a big deal—I'm not making you strip completely naked."
"There's no need. Really. I'm not injured!"
"Oh? You're blushing. What are you afraid of? Just let me take a look."
"...Fine."
Kaidō removed his shirt, allowing Shinobu to conduct her examination.
"You know, you look so small, but your body is surprisingly well-developed. Ufufu~" Shinobu held her stethoscope with barely concealed amusement, clearly enjoying teasing him.
"Don't!"
"Alright, alright, I'll stop teasing you. Your body is basically fine—no major issues."
She tilted her head, studying his forehead. "But what's this mark? It looks so unusual. Is it a tattoo? And your eyes—why do you have heterochromia like Obanai?"
"It's better if you don't know." The Demon Slayer Mark reduced lifespans to a maximum of twenty-five years. His own mark was system-provided and had no side effects, but if Shinobu learned about marks in general, she'd probably try to unlock one herself—especially since she still wanted revenge for her sister.
Besides, he hadn't activated the mark during his sparring matches with the three Hashira. If he had, the other swordsmen nearby might have resonated with it and awakened their own marks. That could trigger a butterfly effect and drastically alter the timeline—an outcome he absolutely wanted to avoid.
In retrospect, earning their recognition without activating the mark was probably for the best.
As for his eyes—the Phantom Eye was a system reward. Even if he explained, Shinobu probably wouldn't believe him. Better to say nothing.
Shinobu didn't press the issue, though she couldn't shake the feeling that the mark on his forehead was somehow different. She just couldn't articulate how.
"I've had Aoi prepare a room for you. Get some rest." Her smile never wavered—the mask she wore to imitate her late sister, hiding her true self.
"Thank you."
...
Back in his room, Kaidō retrieved the Enhanced Mental Reinforcement Serum from his system inventory. The liquid was deep crimson, like fresh blood.
He opened it and drank without hesitation.
Immediately, intense vertigo slammed into him. His head felt like it weighed a thousand pounds. It was as if his soul had been ripped from his body and was being whipped—agony beyond description, a hundred times worse than the first Mental Reinforcement Serum.
"Ngh!" Since he was in the Butterfly Mansion, Kaidō didn't dare make noise and disturb the others. He bit down hard, enduring in silence. Cold sweat poured down his face, soaking his clothes.
"It hurts... but if this is what it takes to go home, I'll endure anything."
He didn't know how long it lasted. The enhanced serum's effects were too powerful. Eventually, Kaidō couldn't hold on any longer and passed out.
...
The Next Morning
Kaidō woke feeling refreshed despite the ordeal. Remembering last night's suffering, he swore never to go through that again.
But the benefits were undeniable—his mental strength had skyrocketed. His thoughts were clearer, his willpower more resolute.
"What's that smell?" Something reeked. After sniffing around, he realized the source was himself—specifically, the dried sweat coating his body.
"Oh god, I stink! That has to be from sweating buckets during that nightmare last night. How the hell did I not die of dehydration?? I don't know whether to feel lucky or cursed."
He immediately left the room, found Aoi, asked where the bath was, and went to clean himself up.
"That's so much better. Nothing beats a good bath!" He changed into the system-rewarded uniform. Despite his earlier complaints, it was actually pretty comfortable.
"CAW CAW! Dragon Hashira Ryūjin Kaidō! Master summons! Master summons! CAW!" Kuroha swooped down and landed on his shoulder.
"Got it." Kaidō strapped on his greatsword, positioned his fox mask on his head, and headed out with Kuroha.
...
"Morning, everyone!" Kaidō arrived at the courtyard where the Hashira had gathered and greeted them with a smile.
"Good morning, young Kaidō!" Rengoku's voice boomed as enthusiastically as ever.
"Yo! What a flamboyant outfit! Truly worthy of someone as flamboyant as you!" Tengen grinned.
"Tengen-san, you're looking pretty flamboyant yourself today! Forget riches or glory—being you is the only thing worth envying!"
"Hahaha! I love that line!" Tengen burst out laughing.
"Mitsuri-nee, Obanai-san, you both seem to be in good spirits today!"
"Mm." Obanai was always happiest when he was near Mitsuri.
"Oh my! Kaidō-kun, good morning! That outfit is so adorable!" Mitsuri beamed.
"You flatter me, Mitsuri-nee. You look beautiful today!"
'He called me beautiful! Ah~ I'm so happy! I want to hug him so badly!' Mitsuri's internal monologue was working overtime.
After greeting the other Hashira, Kaidō stood beside Giyu, waiting for the Master's arrival.
"The Master has arrived." Hinaki and Kanata spoke in unison.
"Good morning, my beloved children." Supported by the twins, Kagaya approached the assembled Hashira.
All ten Hashira bowed—except Kaidō, who simply bent at the waist. Since Kagaya had explained Kaidō's backstory yesterday, none of the others took offense.
"Seeing the Master in good health brings this subordinate genuine joy," Sanemi said formally.
"Kaidō, did you rest well last night?" Kagaya asked gently.
"Thank you for your concern, Master. Everything was fine."
Kagaya smiled and nodded. Then his expression shifted slightly.
"Kaidō, my child—would you be willing to tell everyone about the mark on your forehead?"
"?!"
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