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"?"
"Gyomei, do you trust me?"
"I trust you, Kaidō." Gyomei answered without hesitation.
"Good. Then please take this pill." He pulled a Revival Pill from his pocket and handed it to Gyomei.
Gyomei accepted the pill and swallowed it immediately, no questions asked.
After about a minute, Gyomei felt something incredible happening.
He could see—Kaidō standing before him, the Master, the other Hashira. Though he'd always been able to hear and sense people through other means, now he could actually see them.
"My eyes... I can see again! Namu Amida Butsu. Young Kaidō, thank you for what you've done for me. This will make fighting alongside you all—and slaying demons—much easier."
Everyone was speechless.
Every single thing Kaidō had done defied imagination. Becoming a Hashira in less than a month. Delaying the Master's curse. Slaying Upper Rank Five. Reviving Kanae Kocho. And now this...
"Obanai, you should take one too." Kaidō produced another Revival Pill and handed it to Obanai.
"I don't need it. Save it for someone who does."
"But you want to live like a normal person, don't you? Even if you won't consider yourself, at least think about Mitsuri-nee."
Obanai struggled internally for a moment before accepting the pill and swallowing it.
"Thank you, Kaidō."
"We're family. No need for thanks."
'Family...' The word echoed in Obanai's mind.
Soon, warmth spread across his face. At visible speed, the grotesque scars began to heal and fade.
"Obanai! Your face—it's healed! I'm so happy! Sob sob... Thank you, Kaidō-kun! Obanai always felt so self-conscious when we were together. Seeing him like that broke my heart. He's such a gentle person—he didn't deserve to suffer like that." Mitsuri's joy was genuine and overwhelming.
"Mitsuri-nee, now you don't have to worry anymore."
"Rengoku, you should take one as well." Kaidō knew that Kyojuro had ruptured his eardrums fighting demons. People had to shout for him to hear properly.
"Mm! Alright, thank you, young Kaidō!" Kyojuro swallowed the pill without hesitation.
"Don't mention it. It's what I should do." Then he turned to Shinobu.
"Shinobu-nee, seems like you didn't take my words to heart."
"Eh? I haven't been injured recently though?"
"Shinobu-nee, you're still ingesting wisteria poison, aren't you? Now that Kanae-nee is alive, you don't need to keep doing that. I'll handle Upper Rank Two—Doma."
"Oh my, Shinobu... is what Kaidō-kun said true?" Kanae's smile remained, but a hint of anger showed through. Of course she'd be upset—this was her little sister. If something happened to Shinobu, Kanae would be devastated.
Kaidō placed a Revival Pill in Shinobu's hand. "Take it. Trust me—I'll deal with Doma."
"I understand. Thank you, Kaidō-kun." She swallowed the pill. Soon, she felt her body changing—the discomfort fading as warm energy flowed through her.
"Thank you, Kaidō-kun, for everything you've done for my sister." Kanae pulled Shinobu close and they both bowed to Kaidō together.
"My child, thank you for everything you've done for the Demon Slayer Corps."
"Master, please—it's my duty. Nothing more."
...
After resolving matters for several Hashira, Kagaya discussed a few more things with everyone before adjourning the meeting.
As everyone prepared to leave, Kaidō called out to Kyojuro.
"Rengoku, wait a moment."
"Young Kaidō, what is it?"
"I'd like to visit your home. I want to meet your father."
"Mm! You're more than welcome! But my father, he..." Kyojuro's expression clouded.
"It's fine, Rengoku. I really want to meet him. If possible, I'll try to bring him back. Just... don't be upset with me if things get rough."
"Of course not, young Kaidō. Come—I'll take you to my home. My younger brother Senjuro has been wanting to meet you. He's heard so much about you."
"Sounds good! Thanks for having me!"
...
The Rengoku Estate
"Big brother, welcome home! Who's this?" A child who looked like a miniature Kyojuro answered the door.
"Senjuro, this is Dragon Hashira—Ryūjin Kaidō."
"Hello, Senjuro! I'm here to visit. Hope I'm not imposing too much."
"You're the Dragon Hashira?? Welcome! I've heard so much about you! I wish I could be like you someday. Then Father wouldn't..." He trailed off sadly.
"Don't worry—that day will come. You'll become even stronger than all of us! And just call me Kaidō."
"Okay! Then I'll call you Kaidō! Please come inside. I'll prepare tea and snacks for you both."
After entering, Kaidō and Kyojuro sat on the tatami mats. Kyojuro began explaining his father's situation.
"About my father... he wasn't always like this. He used to be a powerful Flame Hashira—traveling everywhere to punish evil and slay demons, helping people wherever he went." He recounted his father's history.
The Rengoku family had produced Flame Hashira for generations. Shinjuro was no exception. In his youth, he'd been optimistic and passionate like fire itself, mastering the family's Flame Breathing and becoming Flame Hashira through sheer strength. He protected countless lives.
Twenty years ago, Shinjuro married a woman named Ruka. They had two sons—Kyojuro and Senjuro. While Shinjuro fought demons, Ruka raised their children. The family was happy.
To uphold tradition, both brothers trained in Flame Breathing from childhood to eventually inherit the Flame Hashira position.
Kyojuro showed exceptional talent and inherited his father's optimistic nature. Senjuro lacked swordsmanship aptitude and developed a more pessimistic outlook—but Shinjuro never gave up on him, constantly encouraging him to become someone useful.
However, Ruka's health declined after Senjuro's birth. She became bedridden but insisted on personally teaching both boys.
Nine years ago, during a mission, Shinjuro encountered a child nearly killed by a half-human, half-snake female demon. He easily slew the demon and saved the boy.
But when Shinjuro reunited the child with his only surviving family member—his cousin—the boy was cruelly berated instead of welcomed.
As Shinjuro prepared to leave, the boy begged to join the Demon Slayer Corps. Though confused, Shinjuro agreed. That boy was Obanai Iguro—who later became Snake Hashira.
Soon after, a girl named Mitsuri Kanroji joined seeking a husband. Shinjuro recognized her potential and took her as his Tsuguko.
She later developed Love Breathing from Flame Breathing and became Love Hashira.
But then Ruka's condition suddenly worsened. She passed away.
The loss of his beloved wife shattered Shinjuro completely. He resigned as Flame Hashira, became a shut-in, and drowned himself in alcohol daily. He stopped training his sons entirely.
But strong-willed Kyojuro didn't lose hope. He taught himself using the family's three Flame Breathing manuals and eventually succeeded his father as Flame Hashira.
...
During the story, Senjuro brought tea and snacks, placing them on the table.
"Sorry for the modest hospitality. I hope it's acceptable."
"Thank you, Senjuro."
BANG!
The door burst open.
"Where's my sake??" The man who entered was Kyojuro and Senjuro's father—former Flame Hashira Shinjuro Rengoku. He looked disheveled, unshaven, eyes hollow.
Despite resembling Kyojuro, his yellow-red hair was unkempt, his expression lifeless.
"Hello, Rengoku-san!" Kaidō stood and bowed respectfully.
Shinjuro looked at the white-haired youth with the mark on his forehead. He'd heard about Dragon Hashira—the description matched.
"Tch. Doesn't matter how strong you are. You're just living on borrowed time anyway. You won't last much longer." His tone dripped with contempt.
"Father! You can't speak to him like that! Young Kaidō has—"
"It's fine, Rengoku. I don't mind." Kaidō gestured that it was okay.
"Where's my sake?? Hurry up and bring it!" Shinjuro roared before turning to leave.
"Yes, I'll prepare it right away. Kaidō, I'm so sorry—my father has caused trouble for you." Senjuro apologized profusely.
"It's okay, Senjuro. Let me go talk to him."
"But—"
"Trust me."
"Alright. Thank you, Kaidō."
...
Kaidō entered the small building at the back where Shinjuro was staying.
"Excuse me, Rengoku-san."
"What do you want?? Get lost! Genius or not, Hashira or not—you're still just a dead man walking!" Shinjuro tried to throw him out immediately.
"Rengoku-san, here—this is for you." Kaidō pulled Hundred Flowers Wine from his system inventory—the reward he'd been saving. Finally had a use for it.
"Hm? What incredible fragrance! Better than anything I've ever had! Kid, sell me this sake! Name your price—I'll pay it!"
"This is called Hundred Flowers Wine—brewed from a hundred varieties of famous flowers. I'll give it to you. But I want you to stop wallowing in self-pity."
"Brat, my business is none of yours! Either sell it or get out!" Despite his words, Shinjuro's eyes never left the bottle. The aroma was intoxicating, making him swallow repeatedly.
"Rengoku-san, do you think the way you are now does justice to Kyojuro and Senjuro? Self-destructive, depressed, slovenly. If Ruka-san saw you like this, could you face her? Kyojuro and Senjuro looked up to you. But look at yourself now—what have you become? I may be living on borrowed time, but so what? At least I'll do what needs doing before I die. Life has an end, sure—but we live to avoid regrets. Even if I only had one day left, I'd make it count! That's all I have to say. Do what you want." He placed the bottle in front of Shinjuro and walked out.
Shinjuro grabbed the bottle, ready to hurl it away. But remembering Kaidō's words—and that irresistible aroma—he couldn't bring himself to do it.
Glug glug glug.
"Damn good sake!" But Kaidō's words kept echoing in his mind.
"Ruka... maybe he's right. Can't believe I just got schooled by a kid. But... what am I supposed to do now?" He took another drink.
...
"Kaidō, my father didn't give you trouble, did he?" Senjuro rushed over as Kaidō emerged.
"Not at all. Senjuro, could I offer incense at your mother's memorial?"
"Of course! Please follow me."
Senjuro led him to a side room. Opening the door revealed Ruka Rengoku's memorial tablet. The room was spotlessly clean. Kaidō lit three incense sticks and bowed respectfully.
"Thank you for your hospitality today, Senjuro. The tea and snacks were delicious."
"You're too kind, Kaidō! My father caused you trouble. Please forgive us."
"Not at all—I actually enjoyed myself. I have some matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave. Please give Rengoku my apologies."
"Of course! Please visit again anytime, Kaidō!"
"I will. Thanks for having me!"
...
After leaving the Rengoku estate, Kaidō returned home. An idea formed in his mind—but he quickly dismissed it.
"Heh, what am I thinking? Ruka-san passed away over three years ago. If only I could revive her..."
[Host, it can be done. But there will be a cost.]
The Demon Slayer System sensed his turmoil and responded.
"Really?? What's the cost?"
[Host must infuse a portion of Interdimensional Energy into the Heart of Revival along with mental energy. The process will be significantly more painful than before.]
"How much energy?"
[Searching... Search complete! Required Interdimensional Energy: 30%.]
"Thirty percent..." Kaidō stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"Do it."
[Host, are you certain? This will delay your journey home considerably.]
"If I could, I'd go home right now. But... I don't know why, I just feel like I need to do this. Maybe it's just what my heart wants."
[Understood. This system unconditionally supports Host's decisions.]
"Thanks, System."
...
The Next Day
After arranging everything, Kaidō prepared to revive Ruka Rengoku. The system warned that this revival would be more agonizing—he'd fall unconscious for anywhere from one to three days. He informed the Kakushi, then personally visited Kagaya to request someone temporarily manage his territory for ten days. The Master agreed without question—he trusted that if Kaidō said it was important, it was. Kyojuro and Obanai, whose territories were closest, agreed to help.
Then Kaidō visited the Butterfly Mansion and asked Kanae to help him.
"Oh my, what a rare visit! Kaidō-kun, you're in such a rush—does your big sister need to help with something?"
Kaidō explained his decision. Kanae stared at him in shock.
"Kaidō-kun, do you understand what this could cost you? The price is enormous—you might even..."
"I know, Kanae-nee. But I can't explain why—I just feel like I need to do this. Don't worry. I still have things I need to finish. I won't die."
Kanae stepped forward and embraced him. "You're such an idiot."
...
"Everything's ready. Kanae-nee, I'm counting on you after this."
"I know. I'll guard the door. No one will disturb you."
Kanae left the room to stand watch outside.
Kaidō retrieved the Heart of Revival from his inventory. This one looked different—infused with Interdimensional Energy, the golden runes flowing across it seemed deeper, more complex.
"Here goes..." He visualized Ruka Rengoku's appearance and injected his mental energy.
"Ngh... this hurts..." Cold sweat immediately beaded on his forehead. This process was far more agonizing than reviving Kanae. His soul felt like it was being shredded, reassembled, then shredded again—like being thrown into a blender. The pain was unbearable.
What Kaidō didn't notice: behind him stood the spirit of a woman in a blue-green kimono with a side braid and red eyes, watching him silently.
She bowed deeply. "Thank you, child. Thank you for everything you've done for my husband and my children."
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