Of course, it's about promoting culture

Tsugikuni Kuuga bowed solemnly to Oyakata-sama and said, "Master, I respect you greatly, but forgive me—I cannot kneel!"

"Kuuga, what the hell is wrong with you!" Sanemi Shinazugawa shouted angrily.

After all, every Hashira in the Demon Slayer Corps held deep respect for Oyakata-sama, and Tsugikuni Kuuga respected him too, but a man's knees hold gold—they only kneel to parents.

Oyakata-sama truly had the bearing of a leader. He first helped Sanemi Shinazugawa up, then said, "It's fine. As long as your heart is set on slaying demons, you're one of us!"

"This Humble One's purpose in joining the Demon Slayer Corps has always been exactly that!"

"Then it's settled. Let's talk inside."

Soon everyone entered the room. Amane Ubuyashiki brought three cups of tea, placed one before each of them, and withdrew.

First, Sanemi Shinazugawa gave his report, then Tsugikuni Kuuga recounted his encounter with Lower Rank Four.

As the Master, Oyakata-sama remained composed throughout, but Sanemi Shinazugawa was visibly stunned—after all, this was the first time he'd heard of someone fresh out of the Final Selection taking on a Lower Rank alone and walking away unscathed.

"You're sure it was a Lower Rank?" Sanemi Shinazugawa asked, disbelief written on his face.

"Mr. Urokodaki confirmed it. It's true!" Oyakata-sama explained.

"What, is that so strange?" Tsugikuni Kuuga glanced at Sanemi Shinazugawa.

"No, you're just impressive!" Sanemi Shinazugawa pouted.

"By the way, I looked into your surname in some ancient texts. It's said that the founder of all Breathing Techniques bore this name!" Oyakata-sama said with a smile.

There was no denying it—Oyakata-sama's voice and rhythm had a way of putting others at ease. Tsugikuni Kuuga could feel himself being affected.

He never thought a grown man could make him feel so relaxed. How strange.

"According to my family records, I am a descendant of that man. The Breathing Technique I use is also the original—Sun-Breathing!" Tsugikuni Kuuga admitted directly.

"I see. No wonder. Perhaps it's because you're his descendant that you're so strong. There's hope now!" Oyakata-sama's face lit up with anticipation.

He believed the thousand-year grudge could finally end in his generation, and the Evil Demon would vanish from the world.

"Your wish is one we will fulfill. Muzan Kibutsuji will surely fall!" Tsugikuni Kuuga said with great seriousness.

"Master, there's something I'd like to ask. Would you agree?"

"What is it?"

"I want to try if I can treat your curse!"

"What?!"

Hearing the word "curse," even the ever-composed Oyakata-sama lost his composure.

Sanemi Shinazugawa felt like he'd learned too many unbelievable things today—even the Master had reacted like that.

"I'm just attempting it. A full cure is unlikely, but I should be able to suppress it!"

"You're not certain?" Sanemi Shinazugawa couldn't stay calm.

"Please, try."

In truth, the Ubuyashiki Clan shared a blood relation with Muzan Kibutsuji. A thousand years ago, when Muzan became a demon, the entire clan seemed cursed—every child born was frail and sickly, dying young.

To keep their bloodline from ending, the Ubuyashiki family followed the High Priest's advice and married girls from the Shinto Priest clan generation after generation. Though this prolonged their descendants' lives, no one had ever lived past thirty.

Oyakata-sama wanted to see Muzan dead more than anyone, but he knew his body wouldn't hold out much longer. And with the Scum Boss's lair still unfound, staying alive was crucial.

"I'll do my best, Master. Please don't get your hopes up too high!" Tsugikuni Kuuga warned.

"But just having this news is already wonderful!" Oyakata-sama smiled.

"Then I'll begin."

Tsugikuni Kuuga reached out and placed his hand on Oyakata-sama's forehead. A Tai Chi Light Orb, black and white, immediately expanded.

Tsugikuni Kuuga could sense that Oyakata-sama's Yin-Yang Balance was already disrupted. The black energy had overtaken the white, and it was still growing—slowly, but when black consumed white completely, life would end.

As time passed, sweat beaded on Tsugikuni Kuuga's forehead, and a headache began to throb.

Oyakata-sama, meanwhile, was drenched in sweat. The veins beneath his skin writhed like winding snakes across his entire body, and the tendons on his forehead bulged.

Oyakata-sama could clearly feel two forces clashing inside him, and as the battlefield, he bore all the pain.

"Master, it'll hurt less if you shout!" Tsugikuni Kuuga advised.

"A thousand years of my clan's grudge—how could a little pain like this shake me?"

Oyakata-sama gritted his teeth. Each word seemed forced out, agonized yet unyielding.

Tsugikuni Kuuga had expected Oyakata-sama to cry out at least a few times, but beneath that frail exterior was a man of iron.

"Master, how about we stop and rest?" Sanemi Shinazugawa asked with concern.

"I think that's fine too," Tsugikuni Kuuga nodded.

"No need. Continue. Thank you, truly, Kuuga."

Though in pain, Oyakata-sama had regained some strength—proof that it was working.

Gradually, in Tsugikuni Kuuga's perception, the Yin and Yang energies balanced out. But the black energy was still eroding the white life force. Tsugikuni Kuuga knew this couldn't be stopped, only temporarily suppressed.

He figured that as long as the Scum Boss lived, this curse would haunt the Ubuyashiki Clan forever.

Tsugikuni Kuuga's mind stirred, and the orb of light vanished. Oyakata-sama rose directly to his feet, still appearing frail, but with a touch more color in his cheeks.

Then Oyakata-sama bowed deeply to Tsugikuni Kuuga, speaking with solemn sincerity: "Thank you."

Tsugikuni Kuuga quickly helped Oyakata-sama back up—he couldn't bear such a heavy gesture of respect. Fortunately, only Sanemi Shinazugawa among the Hashira was present; if the others had been there too, Kuuga felt he would have been terribly embarrassed.

Sanemi Shinazugawa shot to his feet at the sight, his mouth hanging wide open.

"You saved my life—this bow is well deserved!"

"Helping the Master is only right! Besides, this is just a temporary suppression; the curse is still eating away at you."

"As long as I can live until Muzan Kibutsuji dies, that's enough!"

"By the way, I have a martial art called Tai Chi. You should be able to learn it—it's essential for strengthening the body!" Tsugikuni Kuuga looked like a salesman hawking his wares.

Of course, this was also part of Kuuga's scheme. If the Master learned it, who wouldn't follow? Ancestors, I haven't disgraced you—this is straight-up cultural export.

"Then please demonstrate it," Oyakata-sama said.

So the three of them went out to the courtyard. Tsugikuni Kuuga immediately performed a set of Tai Chi for them, and a surge of pride washed over him.