Ubuyashiki Mansion.
It was the home of Ubuyashiki Kagaya, leader of the [Demon Slayer Corps], and also a meticulously hidden refuge.
Only the Kasugai Crow and a handful of others knew its whereabouts.
It was hidden so thoroughly that no matter how hard Kibutsuji Muzan searched over five hundred years, he could not find it.
From there, a Kasugai Crow flew over and perched on the window sill.
"Ubuyashiki. I have come to deliver your message: Tsugikuni Michikatsu has decided to accept."
Within the crow's eyes was the reflection of a man.
A man with pale violet eyes and a scar on his forehead.
He was the leader of the [Demon Slayer Corps] and the 97th head of the Ubuyashiki family.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya.
"Is that so? Well done."
A voice of ease flowed from his lips.
The crow nodded at his acknowledgment, about to fly away, but—
"Is there something you're curious about?"
It halted its flapping wings.
"I am curious as to why you would accept him now."
It was a thought the crow could not understand.
What was the reason for accepting him after five hundred years?
It seemed sufficient to operate separately and continue slaying demons as before.
Why go to the trouble of readmitting him into the [Demon Slayer Corps] at this point?
"Because I am confident that this generation can finally bring down Kibutsuji Muzan?"
It was true that Ubuyashiki needed him to accomplish his aims.
He held the final piece needed to bring it to fruition.
But would that truly be enough to defeat Muzan? To that question, he could only shake his head.
Even if this generation's Ubuyashiki possessed a uniqueness unlike his ancestors… even the strongest, Tsugikuni Yoriichi, failed to slay Muzan.
And what connection was there between believing you could bring down Muzan and rehiring him?
Could that be the reason for reinstating Michikatsu to the [Demon Slayer Corps]?
It was not even something foretold by any prophecy.
Yet he held firm conviction that it would come to pass.
The crow grew curious about Ubuyashiki's unwavering certainty.
"Reinstating him, the rank assigned to him is merely a formality. I have no intention of binding him. Once I see that sword, I intend to let him act as he wishes."
"Then what point is there in having him re-enlist? In that case, why not just leave him be as he is now…"
"But if I do not go this far—"
He paused momentarily before continuing.
"Because he would never come to the Corps otherwise."
He will not come.
Unless I take such a strong stance as to have him re-enlist, Michikatsu would not be willing to join the Corps…
The crow considered this as it gazed at him.
"You see, he is filled with regret—tormented by his failure to kill Muzan in the end. He even became a demon to try and kill him, yet he failed and now wanders a life without daylight. And he left on his own, fearing his people would suffer on his account, even though he had done nothing wrong."
He smoothed the scar on his forehead and spoke again.
"Is it right… that one who has run harder than anyone should arrive at such a terminus? To be crushed under duty, unable to die, living on by slaying demons."
.....
"I—I wish for the Corps to engage with him again. So that, as a demon, he no longer bears any guilt, I want to ease that burden here. He has done nothing wrong."
The crow said nothing.
It only stared at the man as he touched his scar.
"No matter what form, what era, or what world he stands in, he is one of the Moon Pillars and a member of the Corps."
"A record left by the Ubuyashiki of that era."
The man nodded and continued speaking.
"Yes. So I hope he recalls those words from that time: not as a demon, but as the Moon God, Tsuki no Kami, and a Pillar. That he was undeniably a member of the Corps."
However—
"I believe that reinstatement would be a blunder. And five hundred years is too long a time."
The crow pondered this.
That five centuries was far too long to correct that error.
He had already lived five hundred years slaying demons.
Although during the Corps' Dark Age the Black Sword killed in droves and the [Twelve Kizuki], Muzan's direct subordinates, hunted the Corps, leaving no respite…
And now, did he have any right to have the Corps set things right…?
Perhaps it was merely Ubuyashiki's own self-satisfaction.
To that, he quietly smiled and replied.
"I must correct it even now."
"Is that so…? I thought perhaps it would have been better to simply leave him alone…"
That showed he lacked conviction.
Or so the crow thought.
@@@
About halfway through our journey, the sisters and I came to a fork in the road.
The condition that Himejima Kyoumei had laid out was this.
That each go to a different mentor.
Whether she intended us to become independent, or to test the strength of blood ties, that was her condition.
In the old days, it might have seemed cruel, but the [Final Selection] was no longer the shambles it had been back then, so it should be fine.
Is it time to part ways?
I briefly scanned the girls' faces.
Faces set with determination.
Whether it was a blade of hatred or a blade of compassion, though the swords of their hearts differed, the bond of resolve was etched into their faces.
"Kanae will be fine. She's heard about the [Final Selection] from Himejima, so I won't explain further."
"Yes. I will pass the [Final Selection] and we will reunite without fail."
Kanae nodded resolutely.
"I'm not worried about my older sister, but I'm really concerned about you…."
"Hey!"
Unlike her sister, Shinobu whined.
Watching her puff out her cheeks, I considered offering her Tamayo's blood, but….
I put it back in my pocket.
I felt uneasy entrusting demon blood to a child.
It seemed she slept well these days even without incense.
Then now, it's farewell.
"It was fun, little ones."
Without looking back, I waved my hand and moved off on my journey.
"Um..."
At that moment, Shinobu spoke to me one last time.
"We'll see each other again, right?"
There was a childish whine in her voice.
Her voice was laced with regret and longing.
Again...
I wonder.
I think it might be better for you if we end things here without meeting again.
I was not certain myself.
Though the word "re-enlistment" had momentarily thrown me off…
The reason I would go through this damn re-enlistment is to behold the face and conviction of this generation's Ubuyashiki that the crow speaks of.
I wanted to see for myself in this [Revealed World] whether the man serving as head of the Ubuyashiki family that I know is truly the card capable of defeating Muzan.
Whether it's an old man's trap or not, I have no intention of being led around by that fellow's dopamine.
Even if I go out again after that, the Corps cannot stop me.
After all, the rank granted by the Corps holds no meaning for me.
I imagine that with the Corps' current strength, they wouldn't be able to detain even me.
That is something Ubuyashiki knows better than anyone.
So this might be the last time I meet the little ones.
Still.
In life, one never knows what the future holds.
"Little one."
"Why?"
"'When were you born?' None of us ever remember that. We can only believe the day told to us by someone we trust. Whether it's true or not isn't the point. The fact that you 'know your birthday' is already something to be happy about, in my view."
"That is..."
"If you want to, simply strive on as you are. If you choose to meet, you will meet; if you choose not to, you won't. And…"
He did not look at her face.
After all, this too is all just empty words.
Whether we will reunite or not, neither the [Revealed World] that sees through all things nor Ubuyashiki's prophecy knows that.
Just.
"The world is full of chaos, and we know nothing of what lies ahead. The world is frightening because we cannot see it. Yet it is human to walk forward even when unseen. It depends on the resolve in your heart to walk."
Go wherever you wish to go; then the world will answer you.
I simply smiled, kept walking, and set off on my journey.
"Then take care, little ones. For humans, you were remarkably interesting."