Episode 290: The Great Multiverse Swept Away by the Will of the Blazing Flames!
『 Hearing Kyojuro Rengoku's warm words, tears almost spilled from Tanjiro Kamado's eyes, and his voice carried a distinct sob: "Rengoku-aniki…"
His heart was filled with gratitude, a debt of kindness that would accompany him throughout his entire life.
He would never forget the days when he fought side-by-side with such a passionate man and shared his heart. No matter whom he met in the future, he would say with pride:
"My teacher is Kyojuro Rengoku! My master is the Flame Hashira—Kyojuro Rengoku!"
"Come closer, and listen to the last of what I have to say."
"Rengoku-aniki…" Tanjiro Kamado's tears fell uncontrollably. He sat down next to Kyojuro Rengoku and listened quietly.
An unmaskable sorrow and pain showed on his face.
Tears kept rolling down from the corners of his eyes, and Tanjiro bit his teeth hard, trying his best not to let his crying be heard…
No matter what, he did not want to interrupt Kyojuro Rengoku's voice. Even so, the heavy feeling in his heart was difficult to suppress.
Although the time he spent as Kyojuro Rengoku's disciple was very short, his affection for this master had already taken deep root in his heart.
Strands of sunlight fell upon Kyojuro Rengoku's body. In the distance, his Kasugai Crow flew over, landing on the overturned train carriage. It gazed at its master's back, wanting to remember this moment forever.
"I suddenly remembered something," Kyojuro Rengoku, already on the brink of life and death, spoke slowly of the past in his heart.
"If you get the chance, go visit my family home, the Rengoku residence."
"There should be a notebook passed down through our generations. Father used to flip through it often, but I never read it, so I don't know the contents."
"The Hinokami Kagura dance you mentioned might have records in that book…"
"Please tell my younger brother to follow his heart and walk the path he believes in with unwavering determination… and tell my old man for me to take good care of himself…
"Young one, I believe in your sister. I consider her a member of the Demon Slayer Corps. On this journey, she risked her life to fight demons for humanity and protect people. That is what a member of the Demon Slayer Corps does, no matter what anyone else says…"
Kyojuro Rengoku raised his head, looking at Tanjiro Kamado with a warm gaze. Gazing at this future speck of light for the Demon Slayer Corps, he smiled:
"Hold your head high and live bravely. Even if you are still weak and lack strength, keep the fire burning in your heart, grit your teeth, and face the path ahead. Even if you stop, time will not stop…"
"It won't stay and grieve with us. Do not be sad over my departure… As a Hashira of the Corps, this is simply what must be done."
"Anyone who shoulders this responsibility would do the same. We cannot let the hope of the future be snuffed out. Tanjiro, Boar-headed boy, Yellow boy…"
"You must keep moving forward. One day, you too will become the vital pillars of this force."
Kyojuro Rengoku smiled gently: "I believe… believe in… you all."
Even at this final moment of his life, he still wanted to pass his strength to the young boy before him.
Even though his ribs were shattered in several places, his internal organs were severely injured, and he had lost an eye—injuries with a level of pain far exceeding what an ordinary person could endure—
He still maintained a warm and passionate smile on his face. This was likely what a hero looked like: staying strong no matter the pain, passing down that resilient spirit.
Even if death took Kyojuro Rengoku away, the spirit of the Flame Hashira would remain in the world forever.
This spirit of the Flame Hashira had already been inherited by the young boy before him. He would carry this belief to defeat those demons. Even if the boy failed, Kyojuro Rengoku's spirit would surely be passed on to the next warrior.
Beside him, Tanjiro Kamado, Zenitsu Agatsuma, and Inosuke Hashibira could not help but weep, their hearts filled with pain and sorrow, unable to understand…
Unable to understand why they were so powerless.
Unable to understand why, when they were needed most, they could do nothing.
Looking at the sobbing Tanjiro Kamado before him, a hint of surprise flashed in the eyes of the dying Kyojuro Rengoku.
What was this?
Kyojuro Rengoku's mother, Ruka Rengoku, materialized before him.
Ruka's soul quietly looked at her son.
At this moment, Kyojuro Rengoku seemed to turn back into the little boy from over a decade ago, asking uncertainly: "Mother… did I do well?"
"Did I shoulder my responsibilities properly… and fulfill my duty?"
His heart was filled with a mix of emotions, and he asked his mother with some nervousness.
He was afraid—afraid of disappointing his mother, worried that he had not done enough.
Wearing a pink dress with black hair reaching her shoulders, Ruka Rengoku chuckled softly and said warmly: "Kyojuro, you did wonderfully."
Seeing her son, Ruka Rengoku, felt extremely proud. This was her son—the Flame Hashira!
To have a son who was both strong and kind, passionate and resilient, made her feel immensely gratified as a mother.
Hearing his mother's affirming words, a brilliant, childlike smile bloomed on Kyojuro Rengoku's face. He slowly closed his eyes, and his consciousness began to fade.
When he heard his mother say, 'You did wonderfully,' Kyojuro felt incredibly satisfied. His perseverance had not been in vain; holding fast to the direction of his mother's teachings had been right. Obtaining his mother's approval was more important than anything else.
On top of the overturned train carriage, the Kasugai Crow, witnessing this scene, had wet eyes. Its blue eyes were filled with tears; its master had departed.
Recalling the days spent with Kyojuro Rengoku, this master who was as hot as fire, wild and uninhibited, yet treated it like family…
The Kasugai Crow then spread its wings and flew away from this place of sorrow. It still had an important task to complete—to deliver the news to the other members of the Demon Slayer Corps. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Kyojuro Rengoku (Demon Slayer): "It is the final moment, then." ]
[ Kamado Tanjiro (Demon Slayer): "We were so close in the previous decisive battle. Why, Master?" ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "What a shame." ]
[ Kyojuro Rengoku (Demon Slayer): "To fight for one's ideals is a very fine future." ]
[ Tsugikuni Yoriichi (Demon Slayer): "A samurai should depart completely and utterly like this." ]
[ .....]
『 Under the admiring and respectful gazes of the audience… he departed peacefully.
Kyojuro Rengoku's soul left his body. In his soul state, Kyojuro Rengoku smiled and walked toward his mother.
The dark clouds in the sky slowly dispersed, and the first light of dawn began to illuminate the world.
With satisfied smiles, Kyojuro Rengoku and Ruka Rengoku turned into points of starlight, gradually disappearing into the horizon.
Protection.
Kyojuro Rengoku had fully accomplished his mission to protect everyone. All 205 passengers on the train were safe.
Before him, no one had to be sacrificed, because he would not allow anyone to harm humans!
This young 20-year-old man… held fast to his beliefs until the very last moment.
He dedicated his life to eradicating demons, with no time to marry or have children…
Kyojuro Rengoku dedicated his entire life to the future of humanity.
All the demons in this world, upon learning the news of Kyojuro Rengoku's passing, would not feel joy, because this marked the beginning of humanity's counterattack against them.
His existence was like the sun, illuminating people's hearts and bringing inspiration to countless Demon Slayer warriors.
From this moment on, the battle to strike back against the demons had begun. Those demons who feared the light should feel dread.
Even fragile humans could fight to the end to protect those who were weaker. In comparison, demons with immortal bodies could only shrink back in the face of such courage.
Tanjiro Kamado, Inosuke, and Zenitsu Agatsuma knelt to the side, weeping endlessly.
The sorrow was boundless…
Far away, Shinobu Kocho was deeply saddened upon hearing the news, but she forced herself to hold back her tears.
She understood that for the man known as the "Flame Hashira," tears would only be a form of disrespect!
She believed Kyojuro Rengoku wanted everyone… to live on with a smile.
When Shinjuro Rengoku learned of his son's sacrifice, he writhed in agony on the ground.
He decided to return to the Demon Slayer Corps, determined to completely eradicate these demons. 』
『 .....』
/Screen goes black.
/"Ding! Third Scene: Easter Egg- " The Man Who Fell Before the Dawn: Even If My Body Is Destroyed, I Will Surely Slay the Demon " ends."
/"Ding! In ten minutes, Fourth Scene will begin."
/"Ding! Congratulations to Tanjiro Kamado for receiving the reward: Inheritance of the Sun Breathing, Gene Repair Elixir (can repair damaged genes, restoring the user to a normal human while retaining previous abilities)."
/"Ding! Congratulations to Kyojuro Rengoku for receiving the reward: Inheritance of the Sun Breathing, Sun Breathing Adaptability Body (can quickly adapt to Sun Breathing techniques)."
/"Ding! Congratulations to all members of the Demon Slayer Corps for receiving the reward: Group Reward, + 10% damage bonus against demons (the more people, the higher the bonus, up to 50%). Demon Radar (Modified Dragon Radar: can locate all demons within a 100KM range and mark their danger levels)."
〜Demon Slayer World〜
Infinity Castle—
The moment he saw the opponent's rewards, Muzan Kibutsuji instantly vanished from where he stood.
Even the lower-ranking demons below did not react in time.
Their master was suddenly gone.
Meanwhile, on the other side.
Demon Slayer Corps—
"To the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, safe travels, our comrade. Your will lives on in the Demon Slayer Corps."
"Even if my body is destroyed, I will slay the demons!"
"Even if my body is destroyed, I will slay the demons!"
"Even if my body is destroyed, I will slay the demons!"
All combat personnel of the Demon Slayer Corps roared in unison!
Only by slaying all these demons could these departed heroes find solace. Who knew how many Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps remained before reincarnation, quietly waiting for those who followed to tell them:
"The demons are gone, the Demon Slayer Corps has secured peace for all generations!"
"We have not failed our mission; we have slain all the demons! From now on, no demons shall exist for ten thousand generations!"
Kyojuro Rengoku drew his Nichirin Sword and roared along.
Then…
Mitsuri Kanroji scooped up Nezuko and planted a kiss on her cheek.
"Nezuko is just too cute, well done! I almost want to take you as my disciple. But it's really wonderful that you can become a normal human in the future."
"Wait, that reward from earlier."
Tanjiro Kamado suddenly thought of something, and a syringe filled with medicine, looking highly technological, appeared in his hand.
—
〜One Piece World〜
Marine Headquarters—
"Report, Fleet Admiral Sengoku! After watching this video, the morale of all Marines has been greatly boosted!"
"Everyone has spontaneously built statues of Kyojuro Rengoku at various Marine bases to pay tribute to this man who was as dazzling and hot as the sun."
"Kyojuro Rengoku's spirit of protecting the weak will live forever in the hearts of the Marines."
Hearing the soldier's report, Sengoku reached out with a serious expression and took it. He remained silent for a long time. Could the Marines execute justice as purely as the Demon Slayer Corps did?
When Sengoku was young, he had fantasized that the Marines were a pure institution of justice, but that was just the naivety of youth. After reaching the peak of Marine power, he had seen… too much darkness. Staying on the path of justice until now had made him very tired.
Perhaps he should step down early and leave these troublesome matters for others to shoulder…
Akainu's expression was extremely serious, and he said in a deep voice:
"The Demon Slayer Corps will surely eradicate all demons in that world, and we Marines must also eliminate all pirates!"
"So this is a hero… Can the current Marines be like the Demon Slayer Corps?"
Vice Admiral Zephyr lowered his head in thought. He had seen too much darkness over the years, but he had already poured all his energy and emotions into training the new generation of Marines, forgetting about that darkness.
Now, these Marine students were Zephyr's hope. If anything happened to them…
Going Merry—
"Waaaaah, this is too moving! Renguy is so cool!"
Luffy had tears and snot running down his face, his eyes sparkling. He loved cool and awesome characters like this.
"Yes, so cool. It's the first time I've seen a man like him."
Nami's eyes shimmered, completely captivated by Kyojuro Rengoku's cool demeanor.
"The spirit of the Flame Hashira… I will keep it in my heart."
Zoro closed his eyes. Kyojuro Rengoku's figure was forever etched into his memory. A man who carried protection to the absolute limit—he too would protect all his comrades and help Luffy become the Pirate King.
And he had to become the world's greatest swordsman. There was also a girl back on Shimotsuki Island waiting for Zoro to return.
"I wish Zoro's adventure goes smoothly, don't let anything happen to you, Zoro!"
Kuina was training the new disciples in the dojo.
—
〜JoJo's Bizarre Adventure World〜
"Kyojuro Rengoku… I, JOJO, have received your fiery spirit! Death is not to be feared. We are all proud humans. Fighting for humanity's tomorrow, death is only the beginning. THE HUMAN SOUL!!! We must let Wamuu and Esidisi feel it too."
Joseph Joestar said with regret:
"The demons of that world also fear sunlight… the same weakness as the vampires created by the Stone Mask. It's a pity they don't know Ripple. They can only rely on weapons with a faint power of the sun to fight."
"If Ripple were combined with Nichirin Swords, those demons would be finished."
Caesar took a deep breath and released a cluster of Ripple bubbles. Countless bubbles carrying Ripple drifted in the sky, with strands of sunlight piercing through them, looking dazzlingly beautiful.
"Truly a powerful warrior, Kyojuro Rengoku, a man who burned like the sun."
"Not being able to fight you is truly a great regret of my life."
Wamuu was shaken by the spirit displayed by Kyojuro Rengoku. Was this humanity—short-lived, yet capable of creating infinite miracles?
Esidisi folded his arms and said seriously,
"A terrifying, respectable human. I, Esidisi, admire you. Safe travels."
—
〜Kaguya-sama: Love Is War World〜
Student Council Room—
"Waaah, this is too moving! Sob, sob… Kyojuro Rengoku…"
Chika Fujiwara's tear ducts completely broke down. This kind of scene was supposed to be for boys, yet she was deeply moved.
It wasn't a sweet kind of tragedy, but a passionate, soul-burning kind of emotion.
Although they say only beautiful tragedies leave a legacy for a hundred generations, this kind of passion was certainly enough to leave a legacy, too!
Yu Ishigami: "I want to become a man like Kyojuro Rengoku, too. So cool."
Ishigami was wondering if he should stop being a shut-in and become a man like Kyojuro Rengoku. He would definitely be very popular at school.
Maybe… Senpai Tsubasa Koyasu would fall in love with him.
Afterward, Ishigami joined the Kendo Club… an unbelievable transformation.
He even surpassed the president of the Kendo Club at one point, displaying terrifying talent in kendo.
Was APEX on PSX no longer fun?
Miyuki Shirogane was wondering if he should get a hairstyle like Kyojuro Rengoku's.
That way, Kaguya Shinomiya would be completely captivated by him and wouldn't be able to help but confess to him.
Making up his mind: "This is the Hairstyle Confession Operation!"
—
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai): "Congratulations on getting so many useful rewards." ]
[ Tsugikuni Yoriichi (Demon Slayer): "Demon localization, a good ability. Now we don't have to search aimlessly anymore." ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "But given how cowardly Muzan is, he has probably run away by now." ]
[ Tsugikuni Yoriichi (Demon Slayer): "No matter what, I will definitely find Muzan." ]
[ Kamado Tanjiro (Demon Slayer): "Tatakae!" ]
[ .....]