At the entrance of the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters, it was almost dawn, but a large crowd had gathered there. Swordsmen, Kakushis, and Butterfly Mansion's support staff were all assembled, waiting for the return of those who participated in the final battle. They had been waiting there since receiving news of the victory last night.
Nezuko, who had already turned back into a human, also stood there with Tengen's three wives, waiting for their loved ones.
In the distance, a white line emerged from the horizon, its edges tinged with a reddish glow.
"It's getting light…"
Goto looked at the brightening sky, his excitement undiminished. The others around him were the same; despite waiting all night, there was no sign of sleepiness on their faces.
Just then, accompanied by the white line on the horizon, a row of figures appeared in everyone's sight.
"They're back!"
A sharp-eyed Kakushi noticed the situation. The first to be spotted was the tall Gyoumei, and then the figures of the others gradually became clear—fifteen of them, not one less.
"They're back! They're back!"
Everyone shouted loudly, excitedly raising their arms to greet them. Smiles were on their faces, and some were even shedding tears.
Musashi and the others also noticed the people waiting at the main gate. They were stunned for a moment, then reacted, smiling and waving back at them.
Of course, only a few did so. Forcing Giyuu and Sanemi to do so would be quite difficult.
"Nezuko…"
Tanjirou's attention was entirely focused on Nezuko in the crowd. Although there was still a good distance, he had already noticed that Nezuko's scent had changed.
The sun rose, and its rays shone on Nezuko, but she showed no change.
"Nezuko… Nezuko!"
Seeing this, Tanjirou understood. He murmured, tears already flowing uncontrollably, then he shouted and ran vigorously towards Nezuko.
"Nezuko-chan, who has turned back into a human… is even cuter!!!"
Zenitsu also saw Nezuko's change. His face instantly turned crimson as if flushed with blood, and then he took off running towards Nezuko, only to be yanked back by the collar of his clothes by Musashi, unable to take another step.
"You should change that habit of yours as soon as possible, otherwise, I estimate… no, Nezuko will definitely dislike you."
Musashi said to Zenitsu with some helplessness.
"What?!"
Zenitsu instantly sobered up upon hearing this, filled with terror. He turned and hugged Musashi tightly.
"I don't want Nezuko to dislike me. Musashi, quickly teach me what to do!"
Zenitsu cried and pleaded with Musashi while hugging him.
"You'll have to ask Tanjirou about that. He's Nezuko's brother, so he must know Nezuko very well, and if you truly want to marry Nezuko in the future, you'll definitely have to get past him."
Musashi spread his hands and replied to Zenitsu.
After hearing Musashi's words, Zenitsu looked at Tanjirou thoughtfully, then nodded, though it was unclear what he was thinking.
In front of the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters gate, Tanjirou and Nezuko embraced, both their eyes filled with hot tears.
"I'm sorry, Nezuko… It's all big brother's fault for not protecting you… and making you suffer so much…"
Seeing Nezuko, who had already turned back into a human, Tanjirou was overwhelmed with emotion. At the same time, he recalled the hardships Nezuko had endured throughout their journey, and he couldn't help but speak to her.
"I'm the one who should be saying sorry. I almost killed big brother back then… It's big brother who suffered the most and endured the most hardships on this journey…"
To turn Nezuko back into a human, Tanjirou joined the Demon Slayer Corps and embarked on this journey. Now, his long-cherished wish had finally been fulfilled.
"Everything… is in the past now…"
Tanjirou released Nezuko, looking at her with a smile.
"Mhm…"
Nezuko also smiled and nodded.
At this moment, everyone else had also arrived at the headquarters gate. The waiting crowd immediately cheered and surrounded them.
Tengen was also surrounded by his three wives. Sumo, as usual, pointed at Makio and cried to Tengen, while Makio yelled back at her from the side. Tengen, being pulled back and forth by the two, stood there with a look of utter despair, while Hinatsuru smiled and watched them from the side…
Giyuu was also surrounded by a group of people. Although his face was expressionless, he was incredibly happy inside, and he had also dispelled some previous doubts.
It seems… I really wasn't disliked…
The Wind Hashira and the Snake Hashira disliked this scene. Sanemi quickly left with Genya, and Obanai quickly left with Mitsuri. If Obanai were to see Mitsuri surrounded by a group of men, the Butterfly Mansion probably wouldn't have enough room for the injured today.
"Master Musashi, congratulations on defeating Muzan and eliminating all the demons!"
Musashi was surrounded by a group of excited people, one of whom excitedly said to him.
"Mhm…"
Hearing his words, Musashi smiled and nodded in response, but his heart was somewhat worried. He turned to look in one direction—that was Tamayo's underground laboratory near the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters…
…
Compared to the lively and joyful atmosphere at the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters, Tamayo's laboratory was exceptionally quiet at this moment.
Yushiro, holding Chachamaru, took out a key and opened the laboratory door. The arrangement of items inside was still the same as usual, but now only he and Chachamaru remained.
After standing at the doorway for a while, he walked inside and set Chachamaru down.
Walking a bit further, he also opened the door to the inner laboratory. Various equipment in the laboratory were still there, but most of the medicinal materials were gone.
In a daze, he seemed to see Tamayo's busy figure inside, still as beautiful as ever…
She turned and smiled at him, then disappeared again.
Lady Tamayo…
Yushiro's body trembled slightly. He gritted his teeth and pulled the laboratory door shut, then walked only a few steps before collapsing onto the cushion beside a table.
Sitting there, he once again recalled the conversation he had with Tamayo just before she was about to participate in the decisive battle…
"Yushiro, bring me a vial."
Suddenly, that familiar voice seemed to echo in his ears once more. He immediately stood up.
"Yes, Lady Tamayo!"
After answering loudly, he quickly found a vial, then frantically pulled open the laboratory door again, but it was still empty inside…
"…"
"Meow~"
Just then, Chachamaru walked over to Yushiro, looking at him worriedly, and then rubbed his leg with his small head.
Looking at Chachamaru at his feet, Yushiro's emotions instantly erupted. He gently picked up Chachamaru and held him in his arms, tears flowing uncontrollably.
Lady Tamayo… I will live well… remembering everything about you… waiting for the day I see you again…