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[Ding! Monthly check-in successful! Congratulations—Host has received ability: Heart of Revival (Single-Use Consumable)]
[Heart of Revival (Single-Use): Consumes all mental energy to revive any person who died within the past three years.]
"What?! Heart of Revival?! System, this is—" Kaidō's mind reeled. Reviving the dead was inconceivable. And the cost was only mental energy—compared to losing lifespan or other sacrifices, this was remarkably generous.
[Host need not be surprised. As previously stated, Random Draw could yield any item. The upgraded Check-In system functions identically—even abilities from other dimensions may appear.]
"Right, I forgot about that. You really are something, System."
[Thank you for the praise, Host. I don't mind more compliments. Alternatively, Host could wear that outfit for my appreciation.]
"Hard pass. Not my thing..."
Suppressing his shock, Kaidō pondered who to revive when Shinobu approached.
"Oh my, Kaidō-kun, what are you thinking about so intently?"
"Shinobu-nee, you startled me! Actually, I need to give you something." He pulled an Enhancement Pill from his pocket and handed it over.
"This is an Enhancement Pill—a family heirloom from my parents. I never used it while traveling. You should research it. If you can replicate it and distribute it to Corps members, it could elevate everyone's strength significantly." The system-provided backstory came in handy as a cover.
"Enhancement Pill? What does it do?" Shinobu asked curiously.
"After consuming it, training or combat absorbs the medicinal properties, strengthening physical capabilities and combat power."
"What?! Kaidō-kun, do you realize how valuable this is? You're willing to let me research it?"
"Shinobu-nee, every life is precious. If we can gain even a little more strength, we can protect one more life. Compared to that, what I'm doing is nothing."
"I understand. Don't worry—I'll figure it out. I'll report this to the Master." She took the pill and headed back to the Butterfly Mansion to begin research.
Watching her retreating figure, a thought struck Kaidō. 'If I revive Shinobu's sister, Kanae Kocho, she won't need to keep ingesting wisteria poison. That means the Corps would gain another Hashira!'
The decision crystallized. He'd revive Kanae Kocho. He'd loved her character in his previous life—gentle, kind, considerate. Losing someone like that was truly tragic. And Shinobu now lived wearing her sister's mask, pretending to be someone she wasn't.
If Shinobu saw her sister alive again, she could drop the facade and return to being the lively, cheerful girl she once was.
No time like the present. Returning to his estate, Kaidō instructed the Kakushi on a few matters, then prepared to begin the revival. His cover story was ready: a family secret technique that traded lifespan for resurrection. This would build trust, and when the Infinity Castle battle came, he could help everyone survive and leave this world with peace of mind.
"System, how do I use the Heart of Revival?"
[Hold it in your hands, inject mental energy, and visualize the deceased's appearance while alive. Warning: the process will be extremely painful.]
"Understood. Pain is pain. Better than watching Shinobu live behind that fake smile, pretending to be her sister. That's true suffering."
He retrieved the Heart of Revival—a crimson heart pulsing with golden runes flowing across its surface. Not a real heart, but something far stranger.
What Kaidō didn't know: Kanae Kocho's spirit stood directly behind him. If he'd activated Demonic Eye, he would have seen her.
"Thank you, Kaidō-kun. I don't know how you're doing this, but I'm truly grateful you're letting me see Shinobu again. I've watched everything you've done." Kanae's spirit spoke, but he couldn't hear.
Her spirit slowly knelt and embraced him from behind. Though Kaidō didn't understand why, he felt an incredibly warm presence holding him.
He injected mental energy into the Heart of Revival. Brilliant, dazzling light erupted, enveloping both Kaidō and Kanae's spirit.
'Damn—this hurts! I can't give up... hold on!' His soul felt like it was being torn apart. But he had to endure. He imagined everyone's faces when they saw Kanae alive—how warm that reunion would be.
...
After an indeterminate time, Kaidō's eyes slowly opened. His head felt fuzzy and disoriented. When he tried to sit up, two soft spheres blocked his vision. His head rested on something that felt like a massive pillow. Curious, he poked one of the spheres.
"Oh my! Kaidō-kun, your hands are very naughty! Don't you know you can't just touch a girl there? Ehehehe~ Be careful, or your big sister will get angry,"
"Huh? What's going on?!" Kaidō's brain short-circuited.
"Kaidō-kun, you're awake! Can you move on your own?"
Kaidō bolted upright and spun around. A beautiful young woman smiled at him—white butterfly haori, long black hair reaching her waist, pink-gold butterfly hairpins on each side that looked almost alive. Most importantly, her smile was genuinely healing.
"Oh? Kaidō-kun, what's wrong? Weren't you the one who revived me? Why do you look more shocked than I am?"
"Kanae-nee?"
"Mm-hmm, I'm here." Kanae pulled him into an embrace. Once again, soft fullness enveloped his face.
"Thank god... I finally... succeeded! Now Shinobu doesn't have to suffer anymore!" Tears streamed down his face.
"Thank you, Kaidō-kun. I know everything you've done. Thank you for reviving me, for letting me see Shinobu again—and everyone else." Kanae gently stroked his head.
[Ding! Congratulations! Hidden Quest Complete: Reunion]
[Reward: Heart of Revival x1]
The system's voice echoed in his mind.
"System, what's this hidden quest about?"
[Host considered others' wellbeing and revived Shinobu's sister, allowing them to reunite. This triggered the hidden quest.]
'I see. Well, at least I got the ending I wanted—Shinobu doesn't have to suffer anymore. Plus another Heart of Revival for emergencies.' He turned to Kanae.
"Kanae-nee, how long was I unconscious?"
"One full day! I've been your pillow this whole time. My legs are so numb! How are you planning to compensate me? Or... how do you want me to compensate you?" Her teasing smile was dangerous.
"Uh... how do you want me to compensate you?"
"Hmm~ Let me think. I haven't decided yet. I'll tell you when I do!"
"Fair enough. Kanae-nee, keep your revival secret for now. This is my family's secret technique—it cost me my lifespan. Please don't tell anyone. The day after tomorrow, once I'm ready, I'll introduce you to everyone. I'm sure they'll be thrilled."
"Okay, Kaidō-kun! I'll stay here at your estate until the day after tomorrow when you take me to see everyone. I miss them so much!" Kanae leaned closer.
"You can rest in my room for now. I have... uh... a mission! Gotta go!" The proximity, combined with her sweet scent, was too much. Kaidō fled before he lost control.
"Oh? Running already? I wanted to tease him more. He really is adorably small though! Ehehehe~"
Outside, Kaidō exhaled in relief. 'If I hadn't gotten out of there, it would've been three years minimum, death penalty maximum.' By age, Kanae was technically still a minor.
"Good lord, Kanae-nee is way too good at flirting!" He touched his burning face. That healing smile kept replaying in his mind like a spell.
'No, no—can't think about this. Need to prepare. I'll surprise everyone the day after tomorrow.'
...
The Next Day
After handling various matters, Kaidō sent Kuroha to notify all the Hashira and Kagaya, requesting everyone gather at the Ubuyashiki estate courtyard. He had something important to discuss.
Receiving the summons, the Hashira were puzzled—but they knew Kaidō's character. If he said it was important, it was important. Without hesitation, they all headed back.
...
Day Three—Kaidō's Estate
"Kanae-nee, don't wear your butterfly haori today. Just wear the standard Corps uniform. Take off the butterfly hairpins too. Here—wear my fox mask. We're surprising everyone, so nobody can recognize you."
"Okay, Kaidō-kun! Whatever you say~" Kanae smiled warmly.
"Where am I small?! I'm just—okay, fine. I am smaller than you right now." Kaidō sighed helplessly. His current age and height really were diminutive.
"Let's go, Kanae-nee. They're probably on their way. We'll head over and wait for them!"
"Mm-hmm! Let's hurry—I really miss everyone. I can't wait to see them again!"
...
The Courtyard
Kaidō and the masked Kanae arrived first to await the others.
Obanai and Mitsuri were the first to arrive.
"Obanai! Morning! How've you been?"
"Yeah, pretty good lately." Obanai's favorability toward Kaidō was maxed out after he'd helped get him together with Mitsuri. Even seeing Kaidō chat with Mitsuri didn't bother him—he could tell from Kaidō's eyes that he only saw her as a big sister.
"Mitsuri-nee, how are things with Obanai?"
"He's so good to me! He helps clear demons from my territory and buys me tons of delicious food! Kaidō-kun, who's that next to you? Why is she wearing your mask?" Mitsuri noticed the tall woman in Corps uniform with long hair, wearing Kaidō's fox mask. Obanai looked over curiously as well.
"Everything I'm about to explain involves her. But I'll wait until everyone's here—this is kind of a big deal."
"Oh, okay! We'll wait over there then!" Mitsuri took Obanai's hand and led him aside.
Next came Shinobu. Seeing the person beside Kaidō, she felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity—a strange warmth in her chest.
"Oh my, Kaidō-kun called all the Hashira together. Must be something important? Your big sister is very busy, you know~"
"Yeah, there are a few things I need to discuss. But I'm waiting until everyone arrives."
"Mm-hmm~ Keeping secrets even from your big sister? Must be really important! I'm looking forward to it~" She moved to wait as well, though her gaze kept drifting to the masked figure. That inexplicable familiarity wouldn't fade.
Soon, Kyojuro, Sanemi, Muichiro, Gyomei, and Tengen arrived.
"Young Kaidō! Something important? Is it about Upper Ranks? I'm excited!" Kyojuro's enthusiasm was infectious as always.
"Yo! Flamboyant as ever! Though I'm still more flamboyant by just a smidge!" Tengen struck a pose.
"Kid, whatever you're about to say better be worth my time. I've got demons to kill!" Sanemi grumbled.
"Ah, it must be Upper Rank intelligence. I'll listen carefully. Namu Amida Butsu." Gyomei's massive hands pressed together.
"Wait, what's your name again? I forgot." Muichiro tilted his head.
Finally, Giyu arrived.
"Tomioka! Always showing up last! What the hell goes through that head of yours?!" Sanemi barked.
"Sorry, I'm late." Giyu's response—and the fact he apologized—shocked everyone.
His usual line was "I'm not like you." Seeing Kaidō, they understood immediately. The Dragon Hashira had worked some kind of miracle again.
"There are a few things I need to discuss, but we're waiting for the Master." Kaidō explained.
"Mm." Giyu's face remained expressionless as he joined the others.
...
"The Master has arrived."
At the twins' announcement, every Hashira dropped to one knee—including Kanae. Only Kaidō bowed respectfully at the waist.
"Good morning, my beloved children."
"Kaidō, you called everyone here urgently. What's happened?"
"Yes, Master. I have a few important matters to discuss."
"Very well. Please explain. If you need help with anything, just ask."
"Thank you, Master. The first matter concerns Shinobu-nee."
Kagaya and the Hashira turned to Shinobu.
"Me?" She looked genuinely puzzled.
Kaidō spoke clearly. "Shinobu-nee, I want to ask you something. If I had a way to let you see your sister again, would you be willing to drop your facade and return to your old self?"
"?!!"
"That's impossible! My sister... she's... she's already..." Shinobu's voice cracked with emotion. Thinking of her dead sister, tears streamed down uncontrollably.
"Shinobu-nee, what if I'm telling the truth?"
"Kid, you better explain yourself right now! If you keep playing games like this, even with the Master present, I won't let it slide!" Sanemi's fury was palpable.
"If what you're saying is true, then I'll agree to any request you make." Shinobu stared at Kaidō intensely.
"Good. You said it. So then..." He turned to Kanae. "Kanae-nee, time to meet everyone."
Kanae removed the fox mask, revealing her face. She smiled warmly. "Well, everyone—long time no see!"
Gyomei: !!
Kyojuro: !!
Tengen: !!
Muichiro: !!
Sanemi: !!
Obanai: !!
Mitsuri: !!
Giyu: !!
Even Kagaya's expression registered pure shock.
Shinobu covered her mouth with both hands. "Sister?"
"Oh my, Shinobu's all grown up! You got taller! I'm so happy!" Kanae's smile was radiant.
"Is this real? Sister? SISTER!" Shinobu ran into Kanae's embrace. "Do you—do you have any idea—how much I've missed you?! I missed you so much! Sob sob..."
"I've missed you too, Shinobu. And everyone else! If not for Kaidō-kun, I wouldn't have been able to see any of you again." Kanae stroked Shinobu's hair comfortingly.
"This... how..." Kagaya struggled for words. "Kaidō, my child, how did you accomplish this?"
Before Kaidō could respond, Kanae spoke first. "Kaidō-kun used his family's secret technique—trading his own lifespan to revive me."
"What?! Child, you..." Kagaya was stunned that Kaidō had sacrificed his lifespan to bring Kanae back. He walked forward with his daughters, then bowed to Kaidō. "Thank you, child, for making such an enormous sacrifice for the Demon Slayer Corps."
The Hashira followed suit, kneeling on one knee to show gratitude and respect. They'd all heard what Kanae said—Kaidō had traded his life to revive their fallen comrade. And with the Demon Slayer Mark already limiting life to twenty-five years, how much time did he have left?
"Young Kaidō, thank you for letting us see our comrade again."
"Kid, I acknowledge you now. Thanks."
"Truly flamboyant! Hahaha! Kaidō, if you need anything—and I mean anything—just say the word. I'll flamboyantly help you out!"
The others said nothing, but their meaning was clear: if he needed help, just ask.
"Master, please stand. Everyone, get up. This is just... this is... I only did what needed to be done."
"But Kaidō-kun, to us, this is no small matter!" Kanae smiled gently.
"Everyone, please stand. If you really want to thank me, then live. Survive and destroy Muzan together. Bring peace back to this world."
Hearing those words, the Hashira and Kagaya rose. Their joy was palpable.
"Kanae-nee, this might be overdue, but I still need to say it. Welcome home."
Kanae stepped forward and hugged him. Once again, Kaidō experienced the overwhelming power of her assets. "Me too, Kaidō-kun. Thank you!"
"Kanae-nee... can't... breathe..."
"Oh! Sorry, sorry! Got too excited! Ehehe~" Kanae bonked herself on the head cutely. Kaidō's face turned crimson, steam practically rising from his head.
Everyone couldn't help but laugh—it was the first time they'd seen Kaidō like this.
"Ahem... anyway... the second matter concerns Gyomei."
"?" Gyomei tilted his head.
...
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