35. Support

Kotaro sighed in relief when the Wind Hashira was contained by Kagaya. Damn! He's like a wild beast. 

If he attacks, there's no way Kotaro, who only started exercising a month ago and gained Hamon a few days ago, could defend himself. Let alone a Hashira, he couldn't even beat a normal demon slayer in a fair fight at the moment. 

But he isn't here to fight fairly, right? 

"As you can see, I'm injured and unable to fight you." 

"Don't tell me you're backing out after challenging me!" 

Sanemi, already consumed by anger, was barely controlling himself, all because of Kagaya's order. If given the chance, he would slice down the infuriating man in front of him acting so arrogantly in a second. 

"Of course not. I'm not shameless. Just like I said before…" 

Kotaro stepped behind Mitsuri and pushed her forward under everyone's eyes. 

"My wife will fight for me." 

"Huh? W-What! Kotaro-sama, what are you—" 

"I'm serious." 

Let alone others, even Mitsuri herself was surprised. When Kotaro had mentioned it before, they thought he was joking, but now it was clear he was really serious. He's letting his wife fight for him? A man hiding behind his wife? 

"Letting his wife fight… Not flamboyant!" 

The Sound Hashira mocked, while the Stone Hashira simply recited his mantra—Namu Amida Butsu. The Water Hashira remained silent, as expressionless as ever, while the Insect Hashira, Shinobu, smiled, though her eyes told a different tale. She looked at Kotaro as if he were scum. 

"You… Stop joking around!" 

Anger distorted Sanemi's scarred face, making him look even more furious. At this point, Kotaro wouldn't be surprised if Sanemi lost control out of sheer rage. 

"I'm not joking. Mitsuri is the strongest and most beautiful person I have ever known." 

"Kotaro-sama…" 

Calling her beautiful made Mitsuri blush, though being called the strongest felt a bit strange. No girl feels entirely comfortable being called the strongest. 

"But since Mitsuri has never fought using swords or anything like that, how about we measure strength in a simple way? Let's go with arm wrestling." 

Ignoring the looks he received, Kotaro just smiled and suggested his idea. Listening to him, Mitsuri's eyes widened. She had been a bit scared when Kotaro-sama set up the fight, but when he suggested arm wrestling, she understood what he was planning. 

"I've heard the tales about your arm wrestling with sumo wrestlers, Mitsuri." 

Kotaro softly whispered the story in Mitsuri's ear, making her blush. During her childhood, she used to arm wrestle with sumo wrestlers, surprising everyone with her inborn strength. She never thought that Kotaro-sama would know about her childhood exploits! 

It seems her father told him everything! 

"So embarrassing!" 

Mitsuri placed her hands over her face and blushed, thinking about all the other stories her father might have shared with Kotaro-sama. She felt exposed.

…

Watching Kotaro tease and express affection in front of him made Sanemi's anger skyrocket. Who knows how many times he was on the verge of exploding from rage? 

But he was so clouded by anger that he didn't have time to think about anything other than beating the man—or rather, the woman. 

Sanemi is no gentleman. Woman? He hits them as well. 

"Alright. I will kill you." 

Brother, this is just simple arm wrestling. You can't kill someone. But his expression and aura were indeed frightening. It made Mitsuri shrink a bit, but Kotaro was beside her, offering some comfort. 

"Sorry, Mitsuri." 

"Huh?" 

Why is Kotaro-sama apologizing to her? Mitsuri was a bit confused. 

"I've involved you in my selfish desires." 

He could have stayed silent and accepted everything they were offering. But his personality isn't suited for being passive. Now, he felt a bit guilty for involving Mitsuri in a fight on his behalf. 

He was the one who provoked them, and he should be the one to resolve it, but he involved Mitsuri, even though she didn't like using her strength. 

"It's alright, Kotaro-sama!" 

"Hm?" 

"I am your wife, and a wife's duty is to fulfill her husband's selfish whims!" 

Twitch! 

Mitsuri, you're saying that with such a proud expression, but why do I feel like more of a scum? But now that Kotaro thinks about it, he have indeed done all these selfish things, and Mitsuri has just followed him, never rejecting or questioning him.

A bit of warmth filled his heart, realizing he had such a supportive wife. He did a great deed marrying Mitsuri. 

But still… 

"Cough! Mitsuri, if you ever find my whims uncomfortable, you can reject them." 

Mitsuri didn't know why Kotaro-sama was telling her this, but she nodded anyway. Then Kotaro continued to say one more thing to her. 

"As a husband, I also have a duty to fulfill my wife's selfish whims! So, Mitsuri, don't shy away from making any selfish requests of me. I will fulfill them. And…" 

Kotaro grabbed Mitsuri's face, looked her directly in the eyes, and told her, 

"A husband and wife aren't in some kind of follower relationship. A wife is not a husband's follower. A wife is the husband's biggest support, just as a husband is the wife's biggest support. Mitsuri, you're my biggest support." 

His words made Mitsuri's eyes widen, and her face turned red, but she nodded with a smile.

===

A/N:

How is the chapter?

I wanted to make Mitsuri a bit more active. Up until now, she has followed Kotaro's orders like a faithful wife, but I want her to be more of a supporter. I want to give her the confidence that she doesn't always need help; she can also help Kotaro.

You know, woman empowerment is in progress...