Chapter 82: The Final Battle
The bustle of the Yoshiwara Flower District was finally replaced by a different kind of liveliness under the first light of dawn.
Among the ruins, the "Shinobi" squad members of the Demon Slayer Corps quietly moved timber and stones, clearing the mess left by the battle.
In the air, the thick scent of rouge was thinned by the smell of wood chips and dust.
Ryuji was bare-chested, his fair skin glowing in the sunlight as sweat slid down his well-defined muscle lines.
He shouldered a huge, half-charred roof beam with one hand, as easily as if he were carrying a piece of straw, drawing gasps of awe and reverence from those around him.
"Lord Ryuji, please leave this kind of heavy labor to us."
A Kakushi Member hurried over, his face full of trepidation.
Ryuji just shook his head and placed the beam steadily in its designated spot:
"It's fine, consider it part of my training."
During this time, he had indeed treated the reconstruction work as strength training.
Well, as long as he carried it a few more times, the weight would be enough.
Not far away, Kocho Kanae was gently bandaging a wound for a Courtesan who had scratched her arm.
She was surrounded by several chirping girls, their faces filled with the relief of survival and a sense of closeness to her.
"Miss Kanae is truly beautiful and kind."
"Yes, if it weren't for the Demon Slayer Corps, we would probably be..."
A slightly bolder Courtesan kept stealing glances toward Ryuji.
Blushing, she whispered to her companions, "Do you think that Lord Ryuji is still unmarried?"
"It seems so, I've never heard otherwise."
"Then... should I go try?"
The Courtesan mustered her courage and straightened her collar.
Carrying a plate of exquisite tea snacks, she walked toward the working Ryuji with small, swaying steps.
"Lord Ryuji, thank you for your hard work. Please have some tea snacks."
Her voice was charming, and her eyes were flirtatious, enough to make anyone drown in such tenderness.
Ryuji set down the beam log with one hand and was about to speak when a gentle but unquestionable voice came from the side.
"Ryūsei-kun, it's time to rest..."
Kocho Kanae had walked over at some point.
She wore her usual gentle smile, her purple eyes looking calmly at the Courtesan; though there was no trace of anger, it made the other feel a mysterious killing intent.
It was pure and intense.
"Then, please have some tea, Lord Ryuji..."
The Courtesan was so frightened her face turned pale; she quickly set down the snacks and ran away in a panic.
Ryuji watched this, scratching his head. Was she scared of me?
Really... "Kanao, are you thirsty? I think this tea is quite good..."
Thud.
Kanao stumbled beside the tea tray, knocking it over and nearly falling.
Seeing this, Ryuji pulled her into his arms.
Kocho Kanae's face instantly turned red, her voice as soft as a mosquito: "Thank you..."
"Is your blood sugar low? I'll go find some candy for you."
After saying that, he set Kanao aside and vanished instantly.
"Idiot! Argh!"
Kanao was a bit frustrated, while Shinobu Kocho, observing from the side, covered her mouth and giggled.
"Shinobu, you're slacking off again."
Tomioka Giyu's calm voice reached Shinobu Kocho's ears: "Be careful, Ryuji will punish you."
"If you don't tattle, it'll be fine... Please, Giyu-sensei."
Shinobu Kocho stared at Tomioka Giyu with her large, watery eyes.
"..."
Tomioka Giyu's face rarely turned slightly red; he nodded after a moment of silence and shouldered the log next to Shinobu Kocho.
This reconstruction and cleanup work lasted for half a year in the blink of an eye.
When the last roof beam was in place, the Yoshiwara Flower District finally regained its former prosperity, even adding a touch of reverence and appreciation for life.
After saying goodbye to the reluctant Courtesans, the Demon Slayer Corps members set out on the road back to headquarters.
While passing through a small town, Tanjiro saw from a distance a girl with a side ponytail and a blank expression being surrounded by several local thugs who wanted to sell her to a low-class brothel.
Tanjiro smelled the nauseating scent of evil on those thugs, and almost without thinking, he rushed forward.
"Stop!"
With a few Moves, he beat the thugs until they cried for their parents and fled in panic.
The girl just stared at him blankly, still clutching a copper coin in her hand, seemingly not having reacted to the fright.
"Are you okay?"
Tanjiro walked up to her and asked gently.
The girl looked at Tanjiro without any reaction; Tanjiro thought she was scared and called the Kocho Sisters over to check.
The conclusion was that the girl didn't seem to have her own thoughts.
She had to be controlled by others.
Ryuji watched this from a distance and recognized her at a glance—this was Tanjiro's future wife, Tsuyuri Kanao.
Fate is truly a wonderful thing.
After a brief discussion—which was really just informing Ryuji—
They took Tsuyuri Kanao back to the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters; incidentally, this name was also given by Ryuji.
A few days after returning to the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters, it was time for the semi-annual Hashira Meeting.
The atmosphere in the courtyard was solemn.
This time, the number of people present was unprecedented.
Besides the nine current Hashira—Ryuji, Himejima Gyomei, Uzui Tengen, Shinazugawa Sanemi, Tomioka Giyu, Kocho Kanae, Iguro Obanai, Tokito Muichiro, and Shinobu Kocho—
Kamado Tanjiro, Kanroji Mitsuri, and Nezuko, the three candidate swordsmen personally recommended by Ryuji whose strength had reached the Hashira level, were also present.
Furthermore, Hashibira Inosuke, Agatsuma Zenitsu, Kumeno Masachika, and Shinazugawa Genya—Genius swordsmen who had stood out during the training—stood by to observe.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya was supported by Lady Amane as he slowly walked out.
His body was already extremely weak, the purple markings on his face had almost spread to his mouth, and he was completely blind.
He could barely stand even with his wife's support.
"You have done very well. We are finally going to see the dawn..."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya's voice was still gentle, but it carried a hint of fatigue that could not be hidden.
He looked toward Ryuji and, with his wife's help, struggled to stand straight.
"Lord Kagaya!" Lady Amane cried out in alarm.
"Support me, Amane."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya's voice wasn't loud, but it carried an unquestionable persistence.
He bowed slightly toward Ryuji: "Ryuji... I might not have much time left."
"Master!"
Everyone was shocked upon hearing this.
"I leave my children in your care."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya's voice was light, but it sounded like a thunderclap in everyone's hearts.
Ryuji remained silent, knowing this day would eventually come, and nodded.
"Understood."
The corner of Ubuyashiki Kagaya's mouth twitched; the struggle just now had made his body very uncomfortable.
"Good, personal matters are finished. Let's talk about official business..."
He gently raised his hand.
A woman in a kimono with a cool temperament walked into the center of the courtyard.
It was Tamayo.
"Everyone, I have brought the latest research results."
Behind her, Yushiro opened a wooden box containing several glass test tubes filled with purple reagents.
"Based on the blood samples provided by Ryuji, I have successfully developed a medicine that can turn demons back into humans."
This news caused a massive stir!
"However..."
Tamayo's tone shifted: "This medicine has never been tested on a real demon, so its effects and side effects are unknown."
"Please use me for the experiment!"
Tanjiro was the first to step forward, his wine-red eyes burning with a flame of determination.
Bang!
Before he could finish his sentence, he was firmly planted into the ground by a loving iron fist from Ryuji, leaving only his head sticking out, looking completely bewildered.
"Are you stupid?"
Ryuji looked down at him and scolded, "There are so many living demons on Mount Fujikasane. Why would we need an important future combatant like you to take the risk?"
He was speechless. Was Tanjiro's brain made of muscle?
Everyone: "..."
"Brother Himejima..."
Ryuji turned to the Stone Hashira: "Please protect Lady Tamayo and go to Mount Fujikasane to conduct the experiment."
"namu amida butsu, leave it to me."
Himejima Gyomei pressed his hands together, tears falling silently.
The Hashira Meeting ended with a series of major decisions, and the courtyard of the Butterfly Mansion was rarely filled with laughter.
In a corner, Iguro Obanai was clumsily handing a snack to Kanroji Mitsuri, whose cheeks were flushed; Kaburamaru, on his neck, flicked its tongue, seemingly cheering for its master.
Shinobu Kocho followed Tomioka Giyu with a mischievous grin, constantly poking his back and chanting:
"Tomioka-san, Tomioka-san, why are you being disliked by everyone again?"
Tomioka Giyu looked helpless and didn't know how to argue back, so he could only silently pick up his pace.
Not far away, Kanzaki Aoi was blushing as she tried to take the wild boar mask off Hashibira Inosuke's head.
"Inosuke! You're not allowed to wear that while eating!"
"Shut up! I'll wear it if I want to!"
Ryuji watched this warm and noisy scene, a long-lost smile appearing on his face.
He turned to look at Kocho Kanae, who was quietly watching everything beside him.
In the sunlight, her profile was as gentle as a painting.
"Shinazugawa is here to challenge you again, Ryūsei-kun."
Kanao suddenly spoke, breaking the momentary silence.
Ryuji looked back to see Shinazugawa Sanemi carrying a wooden sword, walking toward him with a face full of Battle Intent.
"Instructor! Let's have a fight!"
Ryuji sighed helplessly and said to Kanao, "Wait for me a moment."
Five minutes later.
Shinazugawa Sanemi lay on the ground with a bruised face, still grumbling defiantly.
Ryuji brushed the dust off his hands and returned to Kanao's side.
"Let's go, I'll take you somewhere."
...That night, Ryuji went to Ubuyashiki Kagaya's room alone, carrying a flask of sake.
"Did you foresee something?"
He filled the cup and handed it to Ubuyashiki Kagaya, his voice calm.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya took the cup and took a small sip, then coughed violently, bright red blood staining his white collar.
Yet he smiled, a smile of frankness and relief: "Hehe... nothing can be hidden from you... your perception has become even stronger."
Ryuji fell silent.
He looked at this man who had dedicated his entire life to the Demon Slayer Corps, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
What reason did he have to stop a man who had long since made his resolve and was calmly facing death?
After a long silence, he let out a long sigh, stood up, and turned to leave: "I will use training as an excuse to take everyone to a suitable distance. As for your children, I will find someone to watch over them."
Pausing for a moment, he looked sideways at Ubuyashiki Kagaya sitting on the tatami:
"Farewell, Ubuyashiki Kagaya."
The calm words echoed in the empty room.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya and Lady Amane beside him simply watched his departing back with a smile.
Lady Amane gently took her husband's hand, and Ubuyashiki Kagaya patted the back of her hand in return, whispering:
"You have suffered following me... I'm sorry I couldn't give you a better life."
Lady Amane simply shook her head and leaned her head gently against his shoulder, her eyes filled with endless tenderness and love.
Thus, Ryuji began his week of hellish training, leaving the major swordsmen in agony.
Late at night, at the Oyakata Residence.
A figure slowly stepped out from the Void Realm.
He wore a tailor-made pure black suit, perfectly fitted with smooth lines that accentuated his tall and elegant figure.
Under the white fedora, on that face so handsome it was eerie, a pair of plum-red vertical pupils flickered with a cold and evil light in the darkness.
He walked at a leisurely pace, as if strolling in his own courtyard, every step exuding a sense of calm and pride that showed everything was under his control.
"You've come?"
Ubuyashiki Kagaya sat upright on the tatami, holding Amane's hand, and asked softly: "What does he look like?"
"He must be much better looking than you. You look... truly hideous."
Kibutsuji Muzan spoke before Amane could.
He looked at Ubuyashiki Kagaya, who lay on the sickbed with a haggard face, a cruel sneer curling at the corners of his mouth.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya gave a gentle smile, his voice weak:
"If Ryuji were here, you wouldn't dare appear like this... As expected, you have the ability to monitor."
Muzan's face darkened instantly, and he was about to speak.
But he heard Ubuyashiki Kagaya continue: "Actually, I have many things I wanted to say, but unfortunately, there's no time left..."
"What 'no time'..."
Muzan hadn't even finished his sentence.
BOOM!!!
An earth-shattering explosion and soaring flames instantly swallowed the entire Oyakata Residence!
On the training grounds several miles away, everyone saw this terrifying scene.
"Master!"
Shinazugawa Sanemi and Rengoku Kyojuro's eyes were nearly bursting with rage as they let out furious roars.
Iguro, Gyomei, Kanroji, and the others were filled with worry and disbelief.
But Tomioka Giyu, Tokito Muichiro, and Kocho Kanae, after their initial shock, understood instantly.
They all looked toward the figure who still stood calmly in place.
This was all a plan.
Ryuji just quietly watched the soaring flames, no sadness in his eyes, only a cold determination.
A man who has made his resolve only needs support.
The rest was to help him fulfill his final wish.
To kill Muzan!
Ryuji took a deep breath and shouted at the top of his lungs: "Kibutsuji Muzan has attacked the Master's residence! All Hashira, assemble!"
Teng!
With the eerie sound of a biwa string, the space beneath everyone's feet distorted instantly.
In a dizzying whirl, they were pulled into a bizarre, infinitely extending, and inverted castle.
The Infinity Castle.
However, unlike the heavily guarded place they expected, the Infinity Castle before them was terrifyingly empty.
Aside from Kibutsuji Muzan standing on a high platform, only Kokushibo, Kanade, and Nakime, who held the biwa, remained by his side.
"Kill!"
Ryuji didn't waste words; with a single command, the final battle began!
Teng!
Nakime's biwa rang out, and everyone was instantly separated!
"Lord Ryuji, your opponent is me..."
Ryuji looked at the polite-speaking six-eyed flying fish, a smirk appearing on his face: "Upper Rank One? Kokushibo?"
"Precisely."
Kokushibo drew the long sword at his waist, gripping it tightly, his six eyes watching Ryuji, who was lightly bouncing on his feet.
Neither man nor demon wasted any more words.
They clashed directly!
For the first time, a look of solemnity appeared in Kokushibo's six eyes—too heavy, too fast!
Was this truly a level of strength a human could reach?
Before he could even swing a second time, Ryuji threw a heavy punch.
Kokushibo swung his blade to block but was sent reeling back by that terrifying power.
He unleashed a Moon Breathing Move.
"You are strong, but not enough. Normally, I might have wanted to see the Moves of Moon Breathing, but now, I'm sorry..."
Ryuji's voice was cold, a red glow flickering in his eyes: "I'm in a hurry!"
He no longer held back, his Conqueror's Haki-infused fists raining down like a dense meteor shower, frantically battering Kokushibo.
With just one punch, Kokushibo's neck was pierced through!
The body of this strongest Upper Rank, who had survived for centuries, began to crumble.
"You... are not as good as your younger brother, Tsukiguni Yoriichi."
Ryuji whispered the final verdict in his ear.
On the other side, Tokito Muichiro looked at that both familiar and strange figure, his heart aching.
"Brother, why..."
Kanade frowned:
"That wasn't your real strength just now. Bring out all your power and let me see that 'infinite' strength of yours."
Beside them, Iguro Obanai looked at the blood-covered Tokito Muichiro and said in a low voice: "If you don't act, Rengoku and I will."
"Please, absolutely do not!"
Tokito Muichiro gripped his nichirin blade and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, only cold determination remained.
"Mist Breathing, Seventh Form: Obscuring Clouds!"
His figure vanished instantly, and in the next second, Kanade's head went flying into the air.
"Little brother, you really could do it..."
A smile of liberation appeared on Kanade's face. "Apologize to our parents for me..."
"Brother!"
Tokito Muichiro held the gradually dissipating body and let out a heart-wrenching cry.
In the center of the battlefield, Tanjiro and Nezuko were fighting fiercely with Muzan.
"One thousand eight hundred lines! Too many!"
Tanjiro's eyes could clearly see the dense threads on Muzan's body that represented weaknesses.
"Sun Breathing!"
He and Nezuko coordinated perfectly, each slash accurately severing several threads.
Muzan was completely enraged by this fear originating from deep within his Bloodline. He let out a roar, and countless tentacles frantically attacked the two.
"Nezuko! Watch out!"
To protect his sister, Tanjiro used his body to take a fatal blow from Muzan. His body was pierced, and blood stained the ground.
"Haha! I'll take your blood!"
Muzan laughed maniacally.
BOOM!!!
With a loud bang, the walls of the Infinity Castle were smashed through by a teal dragon phantom!
Ryuji walked out slowly, carrying Nakime's head, the Infinity Castle collapsing behind him.
Everyone returned to the town shrouded in the dawn light.
"Hahahaha! The sun! I have conquered the sun! Now, I am the ultimate lifeform! I am invincible!"
Muzan bathed in the sunlight, unharmed. He spread his arms and let out a victorious laugh at the group of scarred Demon Slayer Corps swordsmen.
"The last ultimate lifeform already flew into the sky to stand side-by-side with the sun."
Ryuji said with a smile, cracking his neck:
"You're just not afraid of the sun; it doesn't mean you won't die."
He threw a punch, hitting Muzan square in the face.
Muzan, who was wallowing in his fantasy of eternal life, was punched back to reality.
In Tanjiro's vision, over a thousand of those dense lines snapped instantly under that single punch!
"No!"
Snapping out of it, Muzan prepared to flee.
He wanted to use the same method he used to escape from Tsugikuni Yoriichi back then—to hide for another thousand years!
He had already achieved his dream; there was no need to die here!
"Dear Mr. Muzan, where do you think you're going?"
Ryuji appeared in front of Muzan, his black-and-red right hand tightly gripping Muzan's neck.
"How... why can't I split apart?"
Crack.
Muzan watched the rising sun as he slowly dissipated.
The Demon King who spent his life seeking eternal life under the sun, Kibutsuji Muzan, finally died under the rising sun.
"How ironic..."
Ryuji curled his lip slightly as he watched Muzan turn to ash.
"Brother!"
Nezuko cried out as she saw Tanjiro also beginning to dissipate.
Tanjiro looked at his disappearing self and reached out to pat Nezuko's head:
"Take care of our younger siblings. It's my fault as your brother. Nezuko, don't be sad. Find a good man to marry..."
With tears in her eyes, Nezuko nodded repeatedly.
Psh.
Tanjiro felt something being injected into his thigh—it was a purple reagent.
"You haven't done anything evil and you're still so young. Go enjoy your life."
Tamayo said with a light smile. Then, she looked at the tearful Yushiro and smiled:
"You too, live a good life... I have committed too many sins..."
Before she could finish, Tamayo vanished.
Everything had come to an end.
Everyone cheered together, like an ocean of joy.
"Hey, Ryuji, are you going to stay here?"
Uzui Tengen, with his arms around his three wives, looked at Ryuji and asked: "The demons are gone, so there's no need for the Demon Slayer Corps to exist. The Young Master has already disbanded the corps..."
Picking up the wine poured by Kanao, Ryuji held the jade pendant around his neck and said: "Me? I might go take a look in the East."
"Is that so? Then I wish you smooth sailing and, uh, instant... instant success."
Ryuji raised his wine glass and said softly: "You sure know a lot! Goodbye."
[END]