I couldn't remember what happened.
My brain was like blacking out from drinking. Completely blank.
Just remembered I had a solid good sleep.
Finally woken by the scent of food.
According to testimony provided by the Tsugikuni family cook, she'd killed a chicken then, simmered a pot of very delicious chicken soup. Following the mistress's instructions, left it warming on the stove.
Turned around—discovered me with disheveled hair, wearing thin clothes, face pale as a ghost, standing outside the kitchen clawing at the door. Staring straight at her. Drool at my mouth unstoppably flowing down.
She was so scared her foot slipped. Nearly fell into a fracture.
After I finished the chicken and drank the soup, rationality seemed to finally roll back into my brain.
Remembering the embarrassing things I'd unconsciously done, I felt somewhat sheepish. Hurriedly asked after her health. Generously pulled out money to thank her for making very delicious chicken soup. Just the quantity was a bit insufficient. Could she make me a few more servings?
Yemonse was already dead.
At that time I couldn't even remember myself—seemed I just shouted loudly "die," and it immediately exploded with a bang into masses of minced meat. Couldn't be more dead.
Really? I had this ability? I'd cursed Muzan to die so many times before. Then why didn't he go die?
However, after waking, I felt my body indeed seemed to have undergone some changes. Just couldn't put my finger on it.
Takehime had witnessed my transformation with her own eyes. Brought a bronze mirror for me to see. Said my eyes turned gold. Never changed back.
Takehime also said at that time, half my face was covered with petal-like patterns... but they dissipated before long. Now looking in the mirror, couldn't see them.
Sounded like quite a change.
But I still didn't understand what happened. Pondered deeply without result. Simply stopped thinking.
These questions, I prepared to throw at Ubuyashiki to worry about. Anyway, his brain was good. He'd think for me.
In short, at my command, after Yemonse self-destructed and died, he had no chance to return and report.
After Takehime calmed down, she realized this was a good counterattack opportunity. On one hand, had people care for me. On the other, summoned subordinate samurai, launching a night raid.
To support this demon, the Haiki clan not only let it eat servants, but also some martially skilled subordinates. Result instead caused their own strength to greatly diminish.
Takehime even personally took the field. On the front lines, inspired everyone to fight. Very smoothly beat the Haiki clan into defeat. Finally lowered their heads to negotiate with Takehime.
The situation changed so suddenly. When Yoriichi rushed over on the seventh morning, everything had already concluded.
I also discovered changes in myself. Namely, very large appetite.
One meal required at least ten people's portions to feel full.
Fortunately, I was freeloading at the Tsugikuni home. Takehime could afford to feed me. Switch to another master's house—would've kicked me out long ago.
When Yoriichi arrived, I was still eating morning's supplementary meal.
Takehime handled household affairs while chatting idly with me. Suddenly heard a report from outside the gate. A samurai calling himself Yoriichi was waiting outside.
"This is the person Miss Chihaya has been waiting for?" Takehime asked.
I nodded. Takehime lowered her head, tidying her hair and hem. Confirming not the slightest discourtesy about herself, only then invited Yoriichi in.
This was also Yoriichi's old home. Didn't know if the estate's furnishings and arrangements differed from his memory.
Anyway, Yoriichi's face showed no nostalgic expression.
Seeing Takehime, he also very politely yet with a trace of restraint bowed. "Sister-in-law, long time no greetings."
"You're too kind, Lord Yoriichi. Haven't yet thanked you and Miss Uta for the gift sent some time ago."
Takehime politely exchanged pleasantries. Politely stood, yielding space to us. Not mentioning Tsugikuni Michikatsu at all. Composedly walked out.
Yoriichi looked at me somewhat puzzled. After several breaths, said, "I originally... wanted to report to sister-in-law about my brother's recent situation."
Ha. Tsugikuni Michikatsu. This family no longer had his place.
I warmly told Yoriichi, "Just consider him dead. Don't mention that guy before Takehime. Alright, I still have serious business to discuss with you."
I recounted everything from beginning to end. Widened my golden eyes staring at him. Wanted to wait for this world-rare genius to give me reliable advice.
Now my eyes glowed!
So cool! How about it! How about it!
Yoriichi completely didn't care what color my eyes were. Even if they were rainbow-colored, he wouldn't look twice.
But I could feel him intently observing me. Perhaps using that transparent vision of his to analyze my changes.
"Should be a good thing," Yoriichi said after looking for a long time. "In my eyes, Miss Chihaya's Breathing Style has already reached mastery."
I was dumbfounded. Extended a finger pointing at myself. "Breathing Style? Me?"
Practiced so long before without mastering it. How did I suddenly achieve—not divine skill—Breathing Style mastery?
"Miss Chihaya's physical state in my eyes is already completely different from before. Breathing Style operates freely, self-contained. Doesn't need deliberate concentration to maintain Total Concentration state."
Yoriichi honestly explained. "Adding the changes Miss Chihaya described, a Demon Slayer Mark has already appeared on you."
I remembered the patterns covering half the face Takehime mentioned. Asked him again, "What's that new thing?"
Yoriichi said during the time I was away, new changes occurred among the Demon Slayer Corps' Hashira. After being able to maintain Total Concentration state anytime, anywhere, strange patterns randomly appeared on their bodies. Just like the birthmark naturally on Yoriichi's forehead.
These swordsmen who manifested marks—their combat power surged even more. Easily slaying several demons was no problem.
Now all the Hashira had marks. Even Tsugikuni Michikatsu was no exception.
Hearing this, I patted my chest. Silently rejoiced. Though didn't know how my mark came, at least I didn't fall behind the main force!
See if that Tsugikuni Michikatsu still dared mock me as useless!
"Can Miss Chihaya see that Transparent World?" Yoriichi asked again.
I stared at him for a long time. In my vision, nothing unusual appeared.
I silently shook my head.
Yoriichi felt talking probably couldn't distinguish much. Better try actual combat. So grabbed two bamboo swords, also grabbed me. Ran to the dojo to spar.
Though I didn't know what that Transparent World Yoriichi mentioned looked like... but when each of his moves attacked me, I could perceive his movements and breathing changes. Thus evading in advance.
Yoriichi's several consecutive moves were all dodged by me. This was an unprecedented change.
He couldn't understand what state I was in now. I also didn't understand.
We both tilted our heads, thinking together for a long time. Decided to throw this matter to Ubuyashiki to research.
Besides this, Yoriichi still had business.
"Uta entrusted me to definitely apologize to sister-in-law," Yoriichi said. "But sister-in-law is unwilling to hear news of my brother. What should I do?"
I still advised him with that same line. "Just consider him dead in this family."