Chapter 132: Every Hashira is a Special Kind of Talent
The stamina of these Kakushi was even better than Natsuya had imagined. Not only
could they carry a full-grown teenager, but they also bore the extra weight of
his three clanking Nichirin Swords and a travel pack stuffed with various "loot"
and accessories.
Under a load of nearly two hundred pounds, they performed high-speed treks
across complex terrain for hours at a time. Through mountain forests, across
open fields, and down urban backalleys—boosted by their basic Breathing Styles,
their long-distance running speed was comparable to a professional athlete's
sprint.
So this is the Kakushi corp, Natsuya mused in the dark.
Even without the talent for high-tier combat or failing the combat check of the
Final Selection, these people had forged bodies and skills that far surpassed
ordinary humans. Sprinting dozens of miles with that much weight? Honestly,
their raw physical stats weren't that much lower than a base-level Mizunoto
Slayer. With a year or two of more focused combat training, most of them could
probably pass the Selection on their next try.
After the relay was handed off between five or six different runners, Natsuya
felt the terrain level out. The air grew quiet, cool, and carried a solemn,
refined fragrance. The Kakushi's breathing remained steady, but their pace
slowed to a respectful walk.
Is it time to switch rides again?
"Lord Kokonoe," whispered the Kakushi currently carrying him—a woman with a
crisp, clear voice. "We are arriving at the Master's residence. Thank you for
your patience during the journey."
I should be thanking you, Natsuya thought. Even though his ass was a bit sore
from the bouncing, he wasn't the one doing the legwork.
Natsuya slid off her back and landed steadily. He removed the blindfold, his
vision adjusting to the light, and gave her a sincere nod. "Thanks for the lift,
Kazama-san."
The Kakushi froze. How does he know my name?
She didn't dare ask a Pillar-candidate, so she simply bowed and gestured for him
to enter the courtyard.
It was a beautiful estate, the epitome of traditional Japanese landscape
aesthetics. Gravel paths crunched under his boots, surrounded by meticulously
manicured gardens, small ornamental bridges, and a koi pond. It wasn't gaudy or
gold-plated, but every stone and leaf screamed "High-Tier Wealth."
"No wonder he can fund a private army solo," Natsuya muttered. "The Boss is
absolutely loaded."
The Kakushi: "?"
After the escort departed, Natsuya walked to the center of the courtyard where
four figures were waiting. Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting
dappled patterns of light across their shoulders.
They didn't need to speak or move; their mere presence radiated a powerful,
tangible aura that saturated the air. No one here was a minor mob. These were
the Hashira—the four warriors currently standing at the pinnacle of the Demon
Slayer Corps.
"Kokonoe. It's been a while."
The first to greet him was his familiar Senior Brother, Igarashi Uzen. Beside
him, Shinjuro Rengoku offered a firm nod.
"I heard you mastered a new style," the Flame Hashira noted. "Kyojuro hasn't
stopped yapping about wanting to see it with his own eyes."
As the veterans greeted the newcomer, two other gazes fixed on Natsuya. One
belonged to a massive, hulking man with prayer beads and clouded, sightless
eyes. The other belonged to a woman with a grey shawl draped over her shoulders
and a delicately refined face.
Natsuya responded to the greetings while his HUD scanned the room.
[Igarashi Uzen (Power Level: 368)]
- Breathing: Storm LV.6, Wind LV.5
- Tags: [The Inspiration], [Rich Boy], [Historical Hashira].
- Natsuya's Thought: Senior's stats have ticked up since the last patch. But
those tags... it feels like the devs are saying he's just a background lore
character.
[Shinjuro Rengoku (Power Level: 470)]
- Breathing: Flame LV.6
- Tags: [Drunkard], [Slacker Dad], [Former Flame Hashira].
- Natsuya's Thought: The tags are accurate, but his Power Level is the highest
here. If I hadn't completed that hidden medical quest for Lady Ruka, he'd
probably still be a 'Former' Hashira drinking himself to death.
[Takizuki Himorogi (Power Level: 378)]
- Breathing: Wing LV.5, Stone LV.4
- Tags: [Rope Master], [Salted Fish/Slacker], [Historical Hashira].
- Natsuya's Thought: Higher Power Level than Igarashi? And what kind of tag is
'Rope Master'? Is she a specialist in tactical binding or... something else?
[Gyomei Himejima] [Power Level: 434 (Body: 307!, Tech: 67, Mind: 60)]
- Breathing: Stone LV.5
- Tags: [Blind Monk], [Tear-Duct Failure], [Attack Helicopter].
Natsuya: [?]
His [Tech] and [Mind] stats were top-tier for his age, but that [Body] stat was
a total logic-error. He had surpassed two other Hashira in total power purely
through raw physical density. He almost rivaled Shinjuro, who had decades more
experience.
Is this guy even human? Natsuya wondered. Everyone else has a balance of a
hundred or so across the three specs, and this guy is just a 300-point
Stat-Stick? He's basically a Lower Moon in a human skin. And he's only twenty!
If he hits his physiological peak at twenty-five, is he going to hit 600?
And what is an 'Attack Helicopter' doing in the Taisho era?!
Natsuya stood in silence, watching the mountain of a man weep while quietly
chanting sutras. The others, seeing Natsuya's silence, assumed he was
intimidated by Gyomei's presence.
"Gyomei-kun only looks scary," Igarashi explained. "He's actually a very gentle
soul."
"Little Gyomei is a total sweetheart," Takizuki added with a wink. "I'll let you
in on a secret: his favorite hobbies are petting kittens and... well, blowing
his flute."
Blowing his... wait, what?
Natsuya gave the beautiful Wing Hashira a very skeptical look, then glanced at
Gyomei. Is that musical instrument euphemism or...?
"Namu Amida Butsu," the giant rumbled, tears streaming down his face as he bowed
to Natsuya. "Lady Takizuki, my preferred instrument is the Shakuhachi, not a
common flute."
"Causing a misunderstanding for our new colleague... it is a sign of my
insufficient cultivation. How shameful. Truly shameful."
His tears began to flow even faster.
Natsuya hesitated, then stepped forward to offer some "Comrade Support." "Um...
Mr. Himejima. My condolences? Or... are your eyes bothering you? I'm a Level 4
medic; I could prescribe some drops if—"
Before he could finish, Igarashi pulled him back, stifling a laugh. "It's just
his natural state, Natsuya. His tears trigger whenever his emotions fluctuate.
He isn't actually sad."
Natsuya: "Right. Noted. The tags don't lie."
His gaze drifted back to Takizuki Himorogi. Her refined beauty made his gamer
brain suspicious. The Wing Hashira caught his eye and let out a melodic laugh.
"Natsuya-kun, you're staring. Do you have a question?"
Is 'Rope Master' what I think it is?
Natsuya chose his words carefully. "Takizuki-senpai... is your Nichirin Sword
unique? Your weapon looks different from the others."
The woman laughed, patting the weapon coiled at her side. "Oh, you mean this?
It's a specialized Tactical Whip, woven from Scarlet Crimson steel wire. It's
quite... versatile."
"Ah. I see." Natsuya nodded. Boring. Not a secret boss mechanic after all.
After the introductions, the topic shifted to Natsuya's "Promotion Quest"—the
solo kill of Lower Moon Two: Enmu.
"A demon that targets the dreamscape and the spirit is rare and extremely
lethal," Shinjuro said gravely. "To break the spell and execute him solo... you
did well, Natsuya."
"Even the strict Lord Shinjuro acknowledges you," Takizuki teased. "He seems
quite satisfied with your performance."
Her smile faded slightly as she turned serious. "We heard about Lady Ruka's
recovery. Lord Shinjuro is finally back to his old self. With that and a new
colleague joining us, today is a double celebration."
Finally, she thought, the burden on our shoulders might get a bit lighter.
Everyone turned to Shinjuro. The Flame Hashira didn't deny it; he just clapped
Natsuya on the shoulder. "It's true. If not for Kokonoe, I don't want to think
about where Ruka would be right now."
Instantly, every gaze in the yard was pinned on Natsuya—curious, searching, and
respectful. Natsuya prepared to deliver some humble "Protagonist Dialogue," but
Igarashi leaned in to ask about Master Kazami and the new student, Masachika.
"Oh? You're acting as a Senior Brother now?" Igarashi chuckled, sounding both
amused and proud.
The group stood chatting in the garden, the atmosphere far more relaxed than
Natsuya had anticipated for a high-level council.
Just then, a gentle, clear voice drifted from the porch.
"Everyone has arrived, I see."
Natsuya turned around.
Oh. The Big BOSS is here.
☆☆☆
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