"First, allow me to apologize for the sudden blades drawn against you."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the head of the village and 97th leader of the Ubuyashiki household, bowed respectfully. Kaina, however, was still seething.
"Is pointing swords at guests a local tradition here?"
Michikatsu patted Kaina’s head to calm her down, despite her stinging tone.
"It was the only way for us to be certain. I trust you understand why, Michikatsu Tsugikuni... or should I address you as Kokushibo, Upper Rank One?"
Kaina stiffened again at the mention of the name, but Michikatsu gripped her hand tightly, staring at Kagaya with all six eyes.
"I am a different existence from the man of that era. Or has the legendary foresight of the Ubuyashiki family become nothing but a fairy tale?"
Michikatsu countered with a provocation, but Kagaya merely smiled.
"I simply needed confirmation. When I first learned of your existence, it was quite difficult to restrain my 'children' from rushing out to meet you immediately."
Kagaya chuckled softly, choosing not to mention that Sanemi and Gyomei were the hardest to hold back. Sensing his gaze, the two Hashira—seated in formal seiza—turned their eyes toward the distance, avoiding eye contact.
"It is truly a marvel... I did not think anyone else besides myself would be reincarnated with their memories intact."
"I felt the same surprise," Kagaya admitted. "To be reborn with such a healthy body in a world without demons or Muzan... it is a blessing."
"Was this village built recently?"
"It has existed for thirty years. I simply used the family's resources to search for the children I longed to see. Eventually, we gathered enough to form a village unit that resembles the old Corps. The main difference is that our village’s Hashira are officially recognized by the government as a specialized Hero Team."
"Is it out of affection?"
"Perhaps you could call it the lingering regret of a foolish man who wished to look after the children who once gave their lives to end the demons."
"A 'foolish man' who once blew himself up along with his wife and children to kill a monster? Coming from you... that sounds almost ironic."
"You bastard! How dare you speak to the Master like—"
"It is quite alright, Sanemi," Kagaya interrupted.
"Darling... I’m completely lost. What are you all talking about?"
Kaina, who had been listening to the cryptic exchange, was utterly bewildered. Michikatsu squeezed her hand, signaling for her to be patient, before turning his focus back to Kagaya.
"Master."
"Yes, Michikatsu-dono."
"Did you call me here simply to verify that I am not your enemy?"
"Indeed. My foresight told me this is a world without Muzan, the Moons, or Demons. Yet you remain. So tell me... who are you?"
Under the gaze of the gathered Hashira, Michikatsu spoke.
"I am... a reincarnated soul, just like you."
Michikatsu explained that while he possessed the memories and power of Kokushibo, he considered himself a separate individual—essentially a modern soul who had inherited the "role" through his Quirk awakening.
"I see. I will admit, a part of me doubted you. But your voice carries no lies. I apologize for my suspicion."
"""WE APOLOGIZE!!!"""
All ten Hashira—including Shinobu Kocho, who had recently joined them—bowed their heads in unison.
"Do not let it trouble you. Had I been in your position... I would have done the same."
Michikatsu accepted their apology. Kagaya looked at him with a gentle smile.
"Master... I have a favor to ask."
"I am listening. Whether I can grant it depends on the nature of the request."
"There are those in this world with a talent for Breathing Styles. I would like you to teach them."
The Hashira were visibly stunned. They had assumed that the ability to use Breathing was limited strictly to those who had been reborn from the era of demons.
"I am currently working as an instructor at UA High School. Among my students, there are those with the potential for Breathing. I ask that you share your knowledge with them."
Michikatsu bowed his head. Kagaya quickly asked him to stand.
"May I ask one thing?"
"Whatever you wish."
"Why do you seek to awaken Breathing in this era? In a world where there are no man-eating demons to slay?"
Michikatsu understood the logic. Originally, Sun Breathing and its derivatives were a gift from the heavens to Yoriichi to destroy Muzan and his spawn. In a world without those monsters, Breathing seemed redundant.
However, Michikatsu saw things differently.
"If I were to say it is for the sake of raising true Heroes... would that suffice?"
"Raising Heroes...?"
Michikatsu nodded at Kagaya’s question.
"This world is plagued by a meritocracy based on Quirks. Strong, flashy Quirks are praised, while those with 'weak' or 'invisible' Quirks are discriminated against. Even 'villainous' appearances are enough to brand someone as an outcast. I am proof of that."
He spoke with quiet conviction.
"I want them to know that regardless of their Quirk or their status... everyone can become a force that helps others. I want them to value themselves. That is why I ask this of you, Master."
Kaina looked at him with an expression of pure admiration. The Hashira shifted, their wariness replaced by surprise and dawning respect. Kagaya smiled warmly.
"You truly are a kind man. Exactly as 'that child' said."
"That child?"
"Isn't that right, Yoriichi?"
"What?!"
Michikatsu’s eyes widened in shock as the screen door behind Kagaya slid open. His younger brother, Yoriichi, stepped into the room.
"Forgive me, Brother... I did not intend to hide it forever."
Yoriichi looked at Michikatsu with a mix of guilt and longing, looking like a child who expected to be scolded.
"It was I who asked him to keep it a secret," Kagaya added. "If you must reprimand anyone, please, let it be me."
"It is fine... I, too, kept secrets from Yoriichi. We are even, I suppose."
"Once again... I am truly sorry, Brother."
Michikatsu stood and walked over to Yoriichi, pulling his brother up from his bow. He asked the question that had been weighing on him.
"Yoriichi... do you also remember your past life?"
"I do..."
Yoriichi nodded, and Michikatsu let out a long, weary sigh of relief.
"Since you are so different from that man... so kind and reliable... I was afraid that bringing up the memories of his corruption would hurt you. I decided there was no need to wake the past... and so I stayed silent."
"I am... not that man. I am myself. You worried for nothing, little brother."
"I see... and yet... you are always my Brother."
At Yoriichi’s words, Michikatsu reached out and pulled him into a hug, stroking his hair. He truly was a wonderful younger brother.
Comments (0)
Please log in to leave a comment. Login or Register