This discovery was of great significance. Must return quickly to discuss with Ubuyashiki how to utilize my ability.
Demons in the mountains were already eliminated. We no longer stayed at Sumiyoshi's home to disturb them.
Yoriichi and I had both seen some people whose blood had extraordinary influence on demons. Hisako was obviously outstanding among this type.
In the future, perhaps other demons would target her. We spoke of demon matters. Also told Hisako how to protect herself.
Yoriichi even took out a short sword to give Sumiyoshi. That was a weapon forged from the same ore as demon-slaying blades. Seemed he'd originally prepared it as a gift for Uta.
This way, could more or less put our minds at ease. Yoriichi and I discussed... if passing through here in the future, could often come check.
After saying goodbye to Sumiyoshi and Hisako, we immediately rushed back without stopping.
Ubuyashiki had long received the letter I'd sent back in advance. But seeing us, still couldn't stop his happiness.
"Henceforth in slaying demons, one more sharp weapon."
After not seeing him for a while again, Ubuyashiki looked even more seriously ill. The disease marks had already covered half his face.
His eyes could no longer see. But never felt uneasy about it.
"Recently, the Demon Slayer Corps' Hashira have all awakened their marks. Other Corps members are also deeply inspired."
Oh right. Marks.
When I experimented this time, no mark appeared on my face.
Ubuyashiki thought for a while, saying, "Perhaps needs certain conditions to awaken. Or you're still not proficient now. Still need more practice."
True. This ability of mine indeed wasn't proficient enough yet.
Ubuyashiki also proposed wanting my blood for deeper research.
Besides training swordsmen, the Demon Slayer Corps also trained many doctors. Specially researched various demon problems. I also accepted their regular consultations every year.
I readily gave it. Said if not enough, could ask for more.
Ubuyashiki smiled and nodded. Sent over the new blade forged for me.
"The swordsmith heard Lord Chihaya mastered Breathing Styles. Also very happy. Entrusted me to send you greetings."
I drew out the new demon-slaying blade. Expectantly looked at it.
Under several pairs of watching eyes, the blade slowly changed color. Gradually transitioning from the handle.
Until its color completely changed, I didn't speak.
Ubuyashiki couldn't see. Listened attentively for a moment. Gently asked, "Has the blade changed color?"
"Yes," Yoriichi said. "A very warm, brilliant gold. Suits Miss Chihaya perfectly."
I opened my mouth. Couldn't say half a word.
That blade became an extraordinarily beautiful color. But too beautiful. I didn't even know what Breathing Style I'd mastered. Could I really use a blade with such a pretty color?
Ubuyashiki smiled. "Mm, I imagined it. Indeed a color very suitable for Lord Chihaya. The swordsmith will also be happy for you."
I looked left and right. Whether Yoriichi or Ubuyashiki—neither showed astonished or questioning expressions. Calm as if it were natural.
In this atmosphere, I gradually relaxed my tense nerves. Accepted the new blade's appearance.
Official business finished, I excitedly brought the blade home. Proudly showed Uta the blade's color.
She indeed cooperated with me. Clapped her hands forcefully. Face full of admiration. "Oh my, truly a beautiful blade! Same color as your eyes. Couldn't be more beautiful!"
I happily accepted the praise. Handed over the local specialties I brought back and gifts from Takehime to Uta.
She listened to me recount the battle at the Tsugikuni home. Also looked frightened. Patted her chest in relief. "Fortunately troubled you to make the trip. Are your injuries healed? How are you now? Still hurt?"
Learning Takehime and the two children were all safe, Uta finally completely relaxed.
Her expression tangled, thinking for a moment. Then said to Yoriichi holding Koe, "This matter—shouldn't we tell your brother? Better still ask for leave to go home and look?"
Yoriichi held a string of bell toys. Was making Koe laugh. Hearing this, his movements paused. Then said, "I'll inform my brother."
However, he also clearly knew Tsugikuni Michikatsu wouldn't go back. Perhaps at most only a family letter—his last bit of concern for wife and children.
Fortunately, Takehime also didn't count on him. With Hirono there, she could always find ways to support the family business.
Later, Yoriichi found time to tell Tsugikuni Michikatsu. But he indeed didn't take it to heart. Hastily wrote a letter to send back. Also didn't care whether Takehime replied.
My correspondence with Takehime was more than his. Takehime said after receiving his letter, threw it under the stove to burn. Lest she pointlessly get angry at home.
Days passed calmly and peacefully. As marked swordsmen increased, the Demon Slayer Corps' momentum grew stronger. Had great momentum to exterminate demons in one go.
Then one day, the prosperity came to an abrupt halt.
A swordsman suddenly collapsed during training. Never stood up again.
He died strangely and suddenly. Caught everyone off guard.
Like opening a curse—those swordsmen with marks died one after another. Triggered a panic.
Ubuyashiki sent many doctors to investigate. Finally discovered these deceased swordsmen had no injuries, weren't poisoned. But all their organs failed. Lost vitality.
Their common point—all had already exceeded twenty-five years old.
Investigation finally revealed these prematurely dying swordsmen just paid the price for marks.
The superior combat power they obtained was all exchanged by overdrawing life.
Though swordsmen weren't afraid of death, they were extraordinarily worried their Breathing Styles and swordsmanship would be lost.
Not every generation could produce a genius like Yoriichi. Able to cultivate mastered Breathing Styles to the extreme.
Moreover now—even Yoriichi's life could already see its end.
Learning this, Yoriichi never panicked. He sat quietly for a day thinking. Finally came to visit me.
"The money I've saved is all with Uta," he said. "Even if I pass away, enough for Uta and Koe's daily wear and use. Just must trouble Miss Chihaya to look after them for me."
He very calmly accepted the future of only a few years of life remaining. Also didn't worry about inheritance being severed like other swordsmen.
Yoriichi said, "Since I was born into this world, in the future, someone who can surpass me will definitely be born."
He appeared very optimistic. Even Uta couldn't be sad too long. Could only gather her spirits, start considering in advance matters after Yoriichi's death.
However, Yoriichi still wanted to make one last effort before death. Try to complete the goal of hunting the Demon King.
He requested Ubuyashiki's help. After careful consideration, Ubuyashiki agreed to assist him. Invested large amounts of manpower and resources. Finally, after a month, tracked down clues.
Yoriichi bid farewell to Uta. Set out on the road to hunt the Demon King. Very likely wouldn't return.
The Demon Slayer Corps' recent atmosphere was also very low. Not only because they couldn't see hope. More because this generation's Ubuyashiki had also reached life's end.
When he passed away, I went to see him. Reached out to touch his forehead. Like I did when first meeting him.
He squeezed out weak laughter from his chest. Voice barely audible, saying, "Hereafter... my son... also... entrust to you..."
This was the last words he left behind.
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