After seeing off the Rock Pillar, Raiden's gaze shifted to the Flame Pillar and the Sound Pillar still standing nearby.
As for the Wind Pillar lingering in the area, Raiden ignored him outright.
He did not know why Sanemi Shinazugawa had not left yet. They had just fought earlier, and while their relationship was not openly hostile, it was far from friendly.
Just as Raiden was considering whether he should approach the Flame Pillar or the Sound Pillar first, a large, rough hand suddenly extended toward him.
"Raiden, will you be my friend?"
The clear and powerful voice made Raiden freeze for a moment as he stared at Kyojuro Rengoku standing before him.
For a second, his mind went blank.
[Ding]
[Friend request detected from Flame Pillar Kyojuro Rengoku. Do you accept?]
Raiden glanced at the options only he could see and felt genuinely speechless for once.
Did the system really think this needed consideration?
[Yes]
[Ding]
[Successfully added Flame Pillar Kyojuro Rengoku as a friend!]
[Friendship level detected: Initial Acquaintance. Reward granted.]
[Acquired Skill: Flame Breathing Secret Art, Ninth Form: Rengoku]
[Do you wish to fuse the skill now?]
[No]
Raiden held Rengoku's hand, his pupils trembling slightly.
In a single exchange, he had obtained Rengoku's strongest technique.
The sheer value of that reward made everything he had endured today feel worthwhile.
"Why?" Raiden asked, unable to suppress his curiosity.
Based on what had happened earlier, he did not believe he had shown enough to deserve Rengoku initiating friendship so openly.
"There is no reason," Rengoku replied warmly as he released Raiden's hand and patted his shoulder. "You are someone I trust, and I am happy to call you my friend."
Why had he chosen Raiden?
Perhaps it was because Raiden had prioritized the safety of the wooden box during his fight with Sanemi, even at the cost of his own injuries.
Perhaps it was because Raiden protected someone weaker than himself, even knowing that person was a demon.
Perhaps it was the calm, reassuring look Raiden gave Tanjiro whenever their eyes met.
Rengoku could not define it clearly.
All he knew was that his mother had taught him that the strong must protect the weak, and Raiden embodied that belief.
"I must go now. The Master has assigned me a mission," Rengoku said with his usual bright smile before turning and disappearing into the night.
Raiden touched his shoulder, where the warmth still lingered, and let out a quiet breath.
Kyojuro Rengoku truly had frightening charisma.
Because of this moment alone, Raiden silently swore that when the time came, Rengoku would not die on the Infinity Train.
Once his excitement settled, Raiden turned his attention to his final option, the Sound Pillar, Tengen Uzui.
After receiving Rengoku's reward, his desire to befriend Uzui had weakened considerably.
No matter what Uzui could offer, it was hard to imagine it surpassing Rengoku's Ninth Form.
With no strong expectations, Raiden approached calmly.
Uzui met his gaze, eyes glinting with something resembling anticipation.
Raiden raised an eyebrow. Maybe there was still a chance.
"Sound Pillar, would you like to be friends?"
Uzui did not answer immediately. He turned slightly, ran a hand through his sideburns, and struck a pose with one hand behind his head.
Raiden's eyelid twitched. An unpleasant premonition surfaced.
"So my flamboyant brilliance has finally drawn you in," Uzui declared confidently. "I never doubt my charm. Hm? Where are you going? Aren't you asking me to be your friend?"
Raiden had already turned around and started walking away.
Uzui blinked, stunned. He had not even finished speaking.
Raiden rolled his eyes. Befriending someone that self absorbed felt more like punishment than progress.
He had been in an excellent mood after gaining Rengoku's approval and skill, but Uzui's performance completely killed it.
Yes, if Raiden had endured Uzui's narcissistic speech, there might have been a chance to become friends.
But patience was not something Raiden was willing to spend here.
He exhaled slowly. The objective of the Pillar Meeting had been fulfilled. It was time to return and fuse his abilities.
Ignoring Uzui's dissatisfied voice behind him, Raiden headed toward the Butterfly Mansion.
After only a few steps, he stopped.
Someone was blocking his path.
Raiden narrowed his eyes. Sanemi Shinazugawa.
He shifted to the side and continued forward, clearly uninterested in conflict. Using the Transparent World in his current condition was exhausting, and avoiding unnecessary fights was the smarter choice.
Sanemi stepped in front of him again.
"What do you want?" Raiden asked calmly. "Another fight?"
He was not looking for trouble, but he was not afraid of it either.
"Why didn't you ask me?" Sanemi suddenly said.
Raiden froze.
Ask him? Ask what?
After a brief pause, realization hit him.
Was Sanemi asking why Raiden had not tried to befriend him?
That made no sense. They had just fought, and the injuries were still fresh.
Had Sanemi's personality shifted in a single afternoon, or was this some twisted version of bonding through combat?
Raiden recalled the descriptions he had heard, vicious on the outside, soft at heart.
Feeling oddly guilty, he asked, "Do you want to be my friend?"
"No," Sanemi replied without hesitation.
Raiden's expression stiffened.
"Then what is wrong with you?" Raiden snapped. "If you do not want to be friends, why say anything at all?"
He felt like a fool.
Taking a deep breath, Raiden suppressed the urge to draw his blade.
If he were strong enough, he would have already slashed Sanemi a few times for this.
One day, when he was stronger, the first person he would challenge would be Sanemi Shinazugawa.
Without another word, Raiden turned and walked away.
Behind him, Sanemi grinned, clearly amused.
"Ask me again," Sanemi called lazily. "I might say yes."
Raiden paused for half a second, then quickened his pace.
Ask again?
Absolutely not.