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[Ding! Host, you have numerous unclaimed rewards. Would you like to claim them?]
While carrying Retsuki piggyback toward the Butterfly Mansion, the System's voice echoed through his mind.
[Rewards? Claim them.]
[Ding! Congratulations on completing Main Quest.]
[Main Quest 1: All Hashira Survive!]
[Rewards: 1,000,000 Yen, Super Mental Enhancement Serum x1, Heart of Revival x3, Interdimensional Energy 50%]
[Main Quest 2: Eliminate Muzan!]
[Rewards: Interdimensional Space, Interdimensional Energy 50%]
[Ding! Congratulations on completing Hidden Quest.]
[Hidden Quest: Slay Doma.]
[Rewards: 2,500,000 Yen, Interdimensional Energy 250%]
[Current Interdimensional Energy: 100%]
[Stored Interdimensional Energy: 345%]
Super Mental Enhancement Serum: Advanced version of Mental Enhancement Serum [Modified]. Effect is 5x the original.
Interdimensional Space: Host-exclusive dimension. Can accommodate living beings within this space.
Examining the rewards, Kaido felt satisfied. But something about the hidden quest seemed... off.
'Two and a half million yen and two hundred fifty percent energy... two 250s... why does it feel like even dead, Doma's still getting roasted??' Kaido thought bitterly.
Not that it mattered. He'd gotten to kick that bastard twice before his death, venting some rage. Shame the quest didn't allow exploit loops—otherwise he'd planned multiple kicks, milking the System for... ah, completing hidden objectives!
[Host, I can hear you.]
[Uh...]
[Host, I still have your crossdressing photos.]
[...]
[Also have photos of you in nothing but white stockings while squishing my face...]
[Stop, stop, stop! I was wrong! Don't say anymore—too many weird stares are focused on finding stuff here!]
[Host, don't break the fourth wall!]
"Sigh..."
"What's wrong, Kaido-niisan? Why are you sighing?"
Retsuki, clinging to his back, noticed his exhale—puzzled.
"Nothing. Just thinking about the future... after all, what lies ahead remains uncertain."
"It's okay, Kaido-niisan. I'll always stay with you!"
"Thank you, Retsuki."
━━━━━━━━
Upon returning to the Butterfly Mansion, everyone dispersed for recovery training. After lying in bed three months, bodies had stiffened.
Tengen brought his three wives to visit Tanjiro—planning to inform the Kamado siblings of Kaido's return.
Ward Room
Tanjiro sat on his bed gazing at falling cherry blossoms outside. Nezuko had pulled a chair beside the bed, chin resting on her hands, chatting with her brother.
Inosuke and Zenitsu sprawled on the opposite side—snoring away.
"The cherry blossoms are in full bloom!"
"Yeah! They're really beautiful!"
"Brother, your recovery period ends soon. Tomorrow we can go home together!"
"So much has happened these past years. Feels like yesterday. If Kaido-san were still here, wonder if he'd come home with us?"
Thinking of Kaido's absence, Tanjiro's expression dimmed.
Recalling the battle months ago—if he'd taken that attack instead of Kaido, maybe things would've turned out differently.
The world no longer harbored demons. Even Tamayo, Yushiro, and Chachamaru had become human again.
Though everyone survived, the price was steep—the Corps' most vital Pillar and dozens of swordsmen lost their lives.
"Kaido-niisan's gone. Retsuki-chan is heartbroken too... Brother, maybe we should bring Retsuki-chan home with us? That way she won't be lonely."
"Yeah, we'll ask her when the time comes."
Just then, Tengen's voice boomed from the doorway alongside his wives' cheerful greetings.
"Yo, Tanjiro! Looks like you've recovered well!"
"Ah! Uzui-san!"
"Tanjiro! Little Nezuko! We came to visit!"
"Ah, Nezuko-chan! You should come play at our house sometime!" Suma immediately enveloped Nezuko in a crushing embrace.
BONK!!
Makio delivered a swift chop to Suma's head. "Idiot Suma! You're suffocating her!"
"Sorry, Nezuko-chan! Suma's just like that—please forgive her!"
"It's fine! I don't mind. Seeing everyone so happy makes me happy too!"
"Waah! Tengen-sama, look—Makio hit me again!" Suma whined to Tengen.
Tengen patted her head affectionately, laughing. "Haha, it's fine, it's fine!"
"Uzui-san, Hinatsuru-san, Makio-san, Suma-san—thank you!"
Hinatsuru smiled warmly. "We heard your recovery's complete, so we brought some sweets. Plus, Tengen-sama has incredible news!"
"Really? Uzui-san, what news?"
"Hahaha! Naturally, it's flamboyant news! That magnificent guy Kaido is alive—he's back!"
"Really?? Kaido-san is... he's alive??" Tanjiro could hardly believe it—yet hearing Kaido survived brought overwhelming joy.
"Of course! He'll arrive at the Butterfly Mansion soon!"
"That's wonderful, Brother! Kaido-niisan is alive! Thank goodness!"
"Yeah... thank goodness..." Tears streamed down Tanjiro's face—not from sorrow, but pure happiness.
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After reaching the Butterfly Mansion and setting Retsuki down, Kaido told her he needed to meet with Kagaya and the others first—asking her to help Aoi in the meantime.
Retsuki agreed without hesitation.
Parting ways, Kaido arrived at the ward's rear courtyard—finding Tanjiro and Kanao admiring cherry blossoms on the trees.
Seeing the young couple, that mischievous grin returned. He approached with greeting: "Tanjiro, Kanao! Long time no see!"
Hearing the voice behind them, both turned—it was Kaido.
"Kaido-san!"
"Dragon Hashira-sama!"
"Haha, sorry—didn't interrupt you lovebirds, did I?" Kaido's tone carried playful teasing.
Hearing that, both flushed crimson—practically steaming.
"Kaido-san, what are you talking about? I... I don't understand..."
"Oh my~ You're blushing! Alright, alright—won't disturb you two. I'll visit the others first. You two carry on!"
Thus Kaido departed the courtyard—leaving thoroughly embarrassed Tanjiro and Kanao behind.
Moments later, Kanao gathered courage—directly grasping Tanjiro's hand. Tanjiro froze momentarily, unsure how to react—but didn't let go. Instead, he gripped her hand tightly in return.
━━━━━━━━
Arriving at the main courtyard, Kaido found everyone waiting. He approached, greeting each individually.
"Kaido-kun! Thank goodness you're back! Obanai and I were so worried!"
"Sorry, Mitsuri-neesan, Obanai. I made everyone worry."
"Ara, Kaido-kun, shouldn't you explain what happened these past three months?" Kanae smiled sweetly—though the expression carried unmistakable intent.
"Uh... Kanae-neesan, let me make excuses— I mean, let me explain..."
"Explain what?? Do you have any idea how heartbroken Retsuki-chan was these three months??" Shinobu's anger flared. She marched forward, grabbing his ear.
She'd been using this technique on Giyu lately. The reason? She'd discovered numerous old scars covering his body—not from the Muzan battle, but ancient wounds. Injuries seemingly cauterized with something hot, then left to heal improperly.
Always maintaining that silent demeanor, refusing treatment at the Butterfly Mansion when injured—it infuriated her. Was she, a doctor, just decoration?
Treating yourself instead of seeking proper medical care risked infection or complications—potentially making treatment impossible later.
"Shinobu-neesan, easy, easy! Ow ow ow ow..." Kaido immediately begged for mercy.
Seeing his reaction, Shinobu released him—though she hadn't used much force. Just venting frustration.
Advocating for Retsuki's feelings! Alive but refusing to report safety earlier—making everyone worry needlessly.
"Sorry, everyone. This story's complicated."
Kaido then recited his prepared explanation.
That golden light had teleported him somewhere distant—location unknown.
Critically wounded and near death, an elderly person had rescued him, treating his injuries with exotic medicinal herbs he'd never encountered...
Everyone finally understood. Though the story sounded fantastical, if Kaido said it happened—they chose to believe him.
"The Master arrives!"
Hearing this, everyone except Kaido bowed deeply. The others knelt respectfully.
"Children, the Demon Slayer Corps is disbanded. No need for such formality anymore."
"Yes, Master!" the Hashira responded.
"Kaido, your survival brings profound relief. Thank you for everything you've done."
"Master, this was my duty as a Pillar."
"Tonight everyone will gather for a banquet. Bring Retsuki-san along—how does that sound?"
"Master, could the banquet be postponed one day? There's something important I need to do first."
Kagaya considered briefly before answering: "Acceptable."
"Thank you, Master."
After discussing various matters with Kagaya, everyone dispersed.
Kaido asked Kanae to care for Retsuki at the Butterfly Mansion while he returned alone to his estate—retrieving the Super Mental Enhancement Serum and three Hearts of Revival.
Holding the serum while the three Hearts of Revival floated before him, Kaido fell into deep contemplation.
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