"Oyakata-sama, this is the situation. As a Hashira, we've failed in our duties—we couldn't protect our comrades, resulting in such heavy casualties."
Within the tranquil courtyard of Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, Flame Hashira Rengoku Kyoujurou knelt on one knee, addressing his leader in a loud voice.
Supported by his wife Amane, the Corps leader Kagaya Ubuyashiki rose and personally helped Kyoujurou to his feet and gently said.
"No, Kyoujurou. You've all performed exceptionally well. Don't blame yourself. Eliminating three Lower Moons in one battle is an unprecedented victory."
"Oyakata-sama!" Kyoujurou opened his mouth to speak further, but Ubuyashiki smilingly interrupted him.
This reaction stemmed from Kyoujurou's inherent character.
To outsiders, this passionate and mighty young Flame Hashira perfectly embodied his convictions—protecting comrades and defending the weak, virtues instilled in him since childhood by his mother.
In truth, while Kyoujurou blamed himself for failing to protect the fallen Demon Slayers, neither the other Hashiras nor surviving members considered this a dereliction of duty by their elite slayers.
All mourned their fallen comrades, yet equally took pride in this victory—three Lower Ranks and countless demons slain, plus standing their ground against Upper Rank Demons.
The Mugen Train battle was truly worthy of the Demon Slayer Corps' celebration.
"If I were strong enough, I could definitely protect more of our members. I need to further refine my skills in the future!" Kyojuro clenched his fists and declared.
Ubuyashiki nodded slightly.
He had initially been worried that Kyojuro might be affected by self-blame, but it seemed Kyojuro was indeed Kyojuro—this child never disappointed.
He was the finest Flame Hashira.
As he thought this, another tall figure surfaced in Ubuyashiki's mind—the same vibrant orange-red hair,... Shinjuro.
"Giyu and Obanai sustained serious injuries. I've already sent them to the Butterfly Mansion, where Kanae is taking care of them. Shinichi and Shinobu left in a hurry the night the battle ended. Yuichiro and Muichiro stayed in Kyoto to prevent the demons from regrouping." Kyojuro briefly summarized the status of the participating Hashiras.
After this battle, the Butterfly Mansion was truly packed.
Dozens of Demon Slayers, some lightly injured and others severely wounded, were admitted, including two Hashira—Tomioka Giyu and Iguro Obanai.
Both were badly hurt; Giyu had multiple fractures in his arms and legs, while Obanai was nearly gutted.
Due to their severe injuries, Kyojuro was the only one reporting the results to Ubuyashiki this time.
As for Shinichi and Shinobu, Ubuyashiki knew exactly where they had gone, as the Kasugai Crow had already delivered the news.
Shinichi's master, Moriki Mitsuyo, was critically ill and on the verge of death.
Ubuyashiki was well aware of the Moriki family's history and held deep respect for this family that had dedicated almost everything to the Demon Slayer Corps.
Upon learning of Mitsuyo's grave condition, Ubuyashiki Kgaya, in a rare move, mobilized the Ubuyashiki Family's network to seek renowned doctors across the country and dispatched Kakushi Members to visit and assist the elderly Mitsuyo.
However, the influence of Ryukawa Chinatsu's Moriki Conglomerate was no less than that of the millennium-old Ubuyashiki Family.
In fact, thanks to its advantages, the Moriki Conglomerate could access more advanced modern medical technology from abroad.
If even Ryukawa Chinatsu's Moriki Conglomerate was powerless, then perhaps...
*****
"Master..."
Shinichi stared blankly at the scenery rushing past the train window, his mind flooded with images of Mitsuyo.
From their first encounter with Lower Rank Four—Rokuro, to his apprenticeship at the Moriki residence.
From foolishly clutching weeds to comprehend Forest Breathing, to mastering each sword form.
One could say that from the moment Shinichi arrived in this world, Mitsuyo was the first elder who cared for him wholeheartedly.
Yet, how could someone who always seemed so vigorous suddenly fall so gravely ill?
What kind of sickness could even Forest Breathing not withstand?
Just as Shinichi's thoughts were in turmoil, a soft, pale hand gently grasped his left hand.
Soon after, Shinobu's gentle voice reached his ears.
"Shinichi-kun, it's alright. Don't worry. Mitsuyo-san will be fine. My father once said that Mitsuyo-san was the healthiest elder he'd ever met—someone who could surely live healthily to a hundred years old."
Distraught and at a loss, Shinichi unconsciously tightened his grip on Shinobu's hand.
Listening to her comforting words, he forced a smile.
"Yeah, Shinobu, you're right. The old man will definitely be fine. He's so tough—how could anything happen to him? Maybe he just missed us too much and pulled this stunt deliberately. Old people can be quite willful sometimes, right?"
Whether it was his own hope or mere consolation, Shinichi spoke with feigned ease.
Yet Shinobu, feeling the increasing pain in her hand as Shinichi squeezed it tighter, knew his heart was anything but calm.
Still, she could offer no further comfort—all she could do was stay gently by his side.
.....
The cool autumn wind stripped the leaves from countless trees lining the path, their withered forms dancing one last graceful dance in the air before settling peacefully on the ground, awaiting time to transform them into nourishment for next year's fresh greenery.
A blue-green figure and a purple one raced down the path, their passing breeze startling the forest creatures.
Above them, several large Kasugai Crows flapped their wings, their black feathers shimmering beautifully in the sunlight.
Eizo peered intently into the distance with his black eyes before suddenly swooping downward.
"Caw! Shinichi! Shinichi! The Moriki residence is ahead!" Eizo landed precisely on Shinichi's shoulder and shouted.
Truthfully, Shinichi didn't need Eizo's announcement—the moment he stepped onto this familiar path, he knew exactly how far the Moriki residence was.
Yet the closer he got, the heavier his heart grew.
Shortly after Eizo's call, Shinichi heard an affectionate, familiar bark.
"Woof! Woof!"
Rustle!
Before Shinichi could react, a black figure crashed into his chest like lightning.
Staggering slightly, Shinichi steadied himself and looked down at the shadow in his arms, his heart swelling with both joy and guilt.
"Maru-ni, good boy. Sorry, sorry I couldn't take you on missions with me lately." Shinichi gently ruffled the black Shiba Inu's head, feeling a pang of guilt at the reproachful look in Maru-ni's dark eyes.
"Maru-ni has actually lost weight! Hmm, but he was cuter when he was chubby like a little goldfish," Shinobu teased with a smile.
Good news—after Shinichi's repeated complaints, Maru-ni, who had been staying with the Kakushi, had successfully slimmed down under the Kakushi Members' supervision, no longer the round little meatball he once was.
But Shinichi and Maru-ni's happy reunion didn't last long.
Soon, Ryukawa Chinatsu appeared before them, her face etched with worry.
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