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Kaidō's Estate
"Dragon Hashira-sama, I have a package for you. It was sent by former Water Hashira Sakonji Urokodaki-sama." A Kakushi member presented a wooden box.
"Thanks for bringing it all this way!" Kaidō smiled warmly.
"Not at all—it's an honor to serve a Hashira!" The Kakushi was genuinely thrilled. Rumors throughout the Corps described the new Dragon Hashira as friendly and approachable, treating even ordinary Kakushi with equal respect. Today confirmed it.
Back inside, Kaidō opened the box. It contained a letter and a fox mask with a red spider lily carved on the forehead—identical to his original. His previous mask had shattered during the fight with Doma, so he'd asked a Kakushi to request a replacement from Urokodaki.
He opened the letter. It was lengthy, but filled with warmth and concern.
——
Kaidō,
You are my most exceptional student after Giyu—becoming a Hashira in less than a month. I'm incredibly proud of you.
I received a letter from the Master about your encounter with Upper Rank Two. Don't blame yourself. You faced an Upper Rank demon and survived an entire night of combat. That alone is an incredible achievement.
Throughout history, Hashira who've encountered Upper Ranks rarely survive. So don't torture yourself over this. I can't bear to lose another student.
Regarding Tanjiro—the boy you and Giyu told me about—I've accepted him as my student. If he can pass my trial, I'll allow him to take Final Selection. But only if he passes.
If you meet him again, I hope you and Giyu will continue guiding him.
Tanjiro's sister is remarkable. She suppressed her desire to eat humans through sheer willpower alone, sustaining herself through sleep. She may prove crucial in the eventual battle against Muzan Kibutsuji.
Kaidō, whatever happens—don't push yourself too hard. I want both you and Giyu to survive. You are my pride and joy.
—Sakonji Urokodaki
——
Reading those words filled Kaidō with warmth. Beyond Tanjiro's family and the Demon Slayer Corps, Urokodaki truly treated him like family.
But that only made him miss home more. After all, he was just a visitor in this world.
...
That Night—A Forest Somewhere
"Hmm..." Kaidō stood with his chin in his hand, deep in thought.
Three captured low-level demons were tied to a tree—two hanging upside-down. The third had secretly broken free and was attempting to escape.
WHOOSH!
A greatsword slammed into the ground directly in front of the fleeing demon.
"Go ahead, keep running. Let's see if you're faster than my sword." Kaidō materialized in front of the terrified demon.
"Y-y-you—what do you think demon lives are??"
A vein popped on Kaidō's forehead, his eye twitching behind his mask. 'Why does that line sound so familiar?'
"What do I think demon lives are? What do you think human lives are?"
"To hell with this! I'd rather burn in sunlight or get decapitated by a normal Demon Slayer than die as your punching bag!" The demon charged at Kaidō.
"Water Breathing, First Form: Water Surface Slash."
A horizontal slash decapitated the demon instantly.
The two remaining demons trembled violently.
'This demon slayer is different from the others. Normal demon slayers just decapitate demons with their Nichirin blades. But this guy ties us up and uses us as punching bags. And the pain—even though we regenerate, we can't take it anymore! We'd rather get decapitated like that guy than endure more torture!'
After eliminating the escapee, Kaidō turned toward the two hanging demons. Cold sweat poured down their faces.
"Alright, I'll make you a deal. Answer my questions correctly, and I'll let you go. Get them wrong, and... well, bye-bye. Let's start with you." He pointed at the demon on the left.
"How many heads does a donkey have?"
"One."
"How many legs?"
"Four."
"How many hairs?"
"??!"
"Too hard? Fine, different question. How many suns are in the sky?"
"One."
"How many moons?"
"One."
"How many stars?"
"..." The demon was speechless, completely stumped.
"Too bad. You couldn't answer. Goodbye!" One swing, and the demon disintegrated.
"Your turn. I won't even ask you trick questions. Just answer one thing honestly, and I'll let you go. Deal?"
The remaining demon nodded frantically.
"How many people have you eaten?"
"Four!"
"What?? You ate ten people??"
"No—four!"
"FOURTEEN PEOPLE??"
"NO! JUST FOUR!"
"NINETY-FOUR PEOPLE??"
"..."
Whether from sheer frustration or a mental breakdown, the demon coughed up blood and passed out.
"Wait, seriously? That fragile? He actually passed out from rage?" Kaidō blinked in confusion.
The system chimed in: [Host, did a gym teacher teach you math?]
"Nah, but a math teacher taught my gym class."
(Math Teacher: "The gym teacher is sick, so I'm covering PE. That's reasonable, right?")
(Gym Teacher: "I'm not taking the blame for this.")
"Whatever. I'll put him out of his misery." One clean strike, and the unconscious demon was gone.
...
After leaving the forest, Kaidō activated his monthly draw. "System, use this month's Random Draw."
[Ding! Drawing... Draw complete!]
[Item Obtained: Collection Card x1]
[Collection Card: Place on target's forehead to seal them inside. Tear the card to release. Note: Only effective on Lower Rank demons.]
"Huh. Shame it only works on Lower Ranks. Was planning to stick it on Muzan's forehead, trap him in card form, then release him in direct sunlight. We could share some wisteria wine, get a nice tan, maybe give him a shave with a Nichirin blade... Oh well. Might come in handy later."
[Ding! System will now begin upgrading. This requires 20% Interdimensional Energy. Proceed?]
"What?? Twenty percent??"
[Proceed with upgrade?]
After thinking it over, Kaidō decided to go ahead. Post-upgrade, the system would definitely be more beneficial. As for losing 20% energy—he could earn it back through quests afterward.
"Fine. Upgrade."
[Ding! Deducting 20% Interdimensional Energy. Beginning upgrade.]
[Current Interdimensional Energy: 40%]
[During upgrade, the system will enter sleep mode. Random Draw temporarily disabled. Lifestyle Shop will remain accessible.]
Kaidō checked—sure enough, the Random Draw button had grayed out.
"At least the shop's still open. That's convenient enough."
"Mmm~" He stretched. "Time to head back to Headquarters."
...
Infinity Castle
"DAMN IT! That cursed Demon Slayer—I'll never forgive him!" Muzan's rage was palpable. And remembering that Doma had let the demon slayer escape only made his fury burn hotter.
"Nakime! Summon Doma immediately!"
"Yes, Muzan-sama."
Nakime knew exactly what was coming. She didn't dare say a word—just executed the order.
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