Kagaya raised his head, his curse-ravaged face filled with resolve. "I will summon all the Hashira immediately and begin the final Hashira Training. I want every swordsman to grow stronger in the shortest time possible, to prepare for the coming decisive battle in the Infinity Castle. And you, Rokuya, will be the sharpest blade we drive into Muzan's heart."
The night wind swept past, making the lanterns along the veranda sway violently, as though they might go out at any moment.
Rokuya quietly watched Kagaya Ubuyashiki kneeling before him. He saw the thousand-year sorrowful wish behind this man, saw the souls of countless fallen swordsmen flickering in and out of sight in the firelight.
Anyone else would probably have been moved by such profound resolve at that moment and accepted the burden through tears.
But Rokuya did not cry.
His gaze remained clear, even taking on a trace of cold severity.
"I refuse." Rokuya's voice was utterly level, yet it struck like a heavy hammer against the wooden floor.
Lady Amane looked up in astonishment, and Kagaya froze as well.
"Oyakata-sama, I deeply admire your resolve. And I absolutely will cut off Muzan's head and grind that thousand-year-old piece of trash to dust." Rokuya rose and looked down at Kagaya. "But I will never agree to use you as bait condemned to die."
"Rokuya..." Kagaya shook his head with a bitter smile. "You don't understand. Muzan is suspicious by nature. Only if I truly die before his eyes will he completely lower his guard and step into the trap we've prepared. This is a necessary sacrifice."
"Words like sacrifice certainly sound noble." Rokuya gave a cold laugh, bent down with both hands braced on his knees, and stared directly into Kagaya's sightless eyes. "But I'm an extreme pragmatist who fiercely