Through interrogation, Horitake extracted the situation from the snake demoness. It was dire, but salvageable.
The priority: recover the red-black orbs before they burst and unleash the plague.
Calming himself, Horitake devised a plan. He turned to the two black Kasugai Crows perched on a nearby roof—his and Mitsuri's.
He chose to send his crow, keeping Mitsuri's for backup. "You heard everything?"
The crow squawked, "Yes!"
"Repeat it all."
The crow, well-trained, recounted the situation accurately. Horitake added details for clarity. "It's critical. Fly to headquarters, inform the Master. Say I'll do everything to stop the plague, but I need backup and cleanup. Whether to alert the government or seal Kusatsu, that's for the Master to decide. Go, full speed!"
"Understood!" The crow soared off.
Horitake faced Mitsuri, grave. "We split up."
Mitsuri tilted her head, puzzled.
"Kusatsu's mine," he explained. "But Lower Three, Byouyou, is coming to trigger the orbs. If he gets close, he might activate them remotely. Mitsuri, your job is to intercept him. Keep him away from Kusatsu."
Mitsuri nodded, resolute. "Got it, Horitake. I'll kill him!"
"No!" Horitake stopped her. "Don't kill him. Repel or divert him, but don't let him near Kusatsu or die."
"Why not kill him?"
"The orbs are his blood demon art. He controls them. If he dies, we don't know what happens—do they explode or vanish? Until I handle the orbs, just stall him."
Mitsuri's eyes sparkled with admiration. "So thorough! I'd mess this up if I were in charge."
Horitake gave a wry smile, hugging her. "Thorough? I'm just cautious—scared, really. This is huge, Mitsuri. One mistake, and thousands die."
Only with Mitsuri did he reveal his burden.
She hugged him back, heart aching, offering silent comfort.
Still embracing, he continued, "You're Pillar-level, but facing a Lower Rank alone, unable to kill him, is tough. It'll test your will and stamina. I'm worried, but you're all I've got. I shouldn't have dragged you into this."
Mitsuri frowned, indignant. "What are you saying? I'm a Demon Slayer! This is my duty! Don't apologize. I fight, no matter what!"
She grinned brightly. "Besides, he's a Twelve Kizuki. Once you handle the orbs, I can kill him—a huge feat to earn my Pillar rank!"
Horitake chuckled. "Right, I'm being dramatic. That's the Mitsuri I love."
He kicked the paralyzed demoness. "Talk. Byouyou's strength, abilities, his demons' numbers, their power, their route, direction. Spill, or it's more shocks."
Terrified, she revealed everything.
Horitake nodded, assessing. "Mitsuri can handle it."
He suggested, "Play weak at first. Byouyou might underestimate you, sending his lackeys. Cut them down fast, then face him without interference."
He paused, smacking his forehead. "I sound like a nagging mother! You're experienced, Mitsuri. Take my advice as a suggestion. Fight your way."
Mitsuri blushed, giggling at his fussing. His worry was proof of his deep care.
Time was tight. Horitake finished, "Be careful, Mitsuri."
"You too," she replied, cheeks red.
Mitsuri dashed toward the demon lair's direction, vanishing into the woods.
Horitake glanced at the useless demoness, then at the trembling children, smiling dangerously. "Time to atone."
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