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"Has he still not woken up?"
"Not yet. He's been unconscious for three days now. I wonder when he'll come to."
"This poor child has been through so much."
"He's such an idiot! Always thinking about others, never himself." Kanae poked Kaidō's cheek. "Doesn't value his own life at all."
"Yes, he really is a bit foolish. Some things aren't worth what he's sacrificing. But maybe that's exactly why everyone adores him, don't you think?" The other woman gently stroked Kaidō's small face.
...
"Ngh... head's spinning..."
When Kaidō opened his eyes, he found himself lying on a soft pillow again. Two familiar spheres appeared before his vision. By pure instinct, his hand reached out and grabbed one.
"Oh my! Kaidō-kun, you're being very naughty! I believe I mentioned that girls' chests aren't for touching? Be careful—your big sister might actually get angry!"
"Huh?? What's happening again?" The familiar scenario, familiar action, familiar words...
'Wait, why did I say "again"?'
"Are you going to get up? My legs are completely numb!"
Kaidō immediately scrambled upright—and once again faced Kanae Kocho's healing smile.
"Kaidō-kun, I'm starting to suspect you're doing this on purpose. Mm-hmm!"
"Wha— what??!"
"Alright, alright, Kanae-san, stop teasing him! Look—his face is completely red!" An elegant woman kneeling beside Kanae giggled.
Looking at the woman beside Kanae, Kaidō felt a sense of familiarity. Then it clicked.
"You're... Ruka Rengoku?"
"Child, thank you. Let me introduce myself—I'm Ruka Rengoku. You can call me Ruka-san, like you did at the Rengoku estate." Her smile was warm and gentle.
"Wait—you saw all of that?" Remembering how he'd lectured Shinjuro that day made him cringe with embarrassment. That was her husband, after all.
"Don't worry—I wasn't offended. In fact, you were completely right. Watching him spiral like that... it broke my heart."
"Phew~ that's a relief. Though you don't want your husband continuing down that path anyway, right?" The moment those words left his mouth, Kaidō felt like something was off about that phrasing—but he couldn't pinpoint what, so he let it go.
"Ruka-san, about your revival—please keep it secret for now. I still have one more thing to do. Once that's settled, you can reunite with your husband, Kyojuro, and Senjuro. For the next few days, I'll ask the Master to have you stay with his wife."
"I understand. Kanae-san explained everything about the revival. Thank you for paying such an enormous price for me. If you ever need anything—after I've seen my husband and children—I'll do everything in my power to help you." Ruka bowed deeply.
"No need for that."
Kaidō wrote a letter detailing the situation and his plan, then called Kuroha to deliver it to Kagaya.
After reading the letter, Kagaya felt the weight of Kaidō's thoughtfulness.
"You've worked so hard, my child."
"Kagaya, what is it?"
Kagaya showed the letter to Amane. After reading it, she sighed. "He's put so much thought into this."
"We'll do everything he's requested. Amane, let's go pick up Ruka together. After that, we'll leave things in Kaidō's hands."
"Yes."
...
The Next Morning
Bright and early, Kaidō set out for the Rengoku estate with his greatsword on his back and Nichirin blade in hand. On the way, he encountered Kyojuro.
"Rengoku, good morning."
"Young Kaidō, good morning! Coming to my home so early—is something wrong?"
"Rengoku, I'm here to challenge your father. Or more accurately, the former Flame Hashira—Shinjuro Rengoku."
"Mm, I understand. Go ahead."
"Rengoku, aren't you going to ask why?"
"I trust you."
Those three simple words warmed Kaidō's heart. Being trusted unconditionally felt incredible.
"Thank you, Rengoku. Don't worry—I'll hold back. Also, after my match with your father ends, I'd like you, him, and Senjuro to wait at home together. I've prepared a big surprise for you all."
"Alright! Hahaha! I'm looking forward to your gift!"
...
Kaidō entered the back courtyard where Shinjuro was staying.
Shinjuro, currently drinking, looked up to see Kaidō approaching with weapons. "Kid, what do you want?"
Kaidō said nothing. He simply tossed his Nichirin blade in front of Shinjuro, then drew the greatsword from his back. Lowering his fox mask, he assumed a battle stance.
Shinjuro stood, eyeing Kaidō carefully. "What's your game? Want to challenge me? Heh, kid, you're awfully cocky. Let me make something clear—even though I'm not Flame Hashira anymore, you don't stand a chance against me."
Kaidō still didn't speak. He let his actions do the talking.
"Dragon Breathing, First Form: Dragon's Breath."
Kaidō vanished instantly, leaving only an afterimage. The next moment, he appeared directly in front of Shinjuro.
"So fast!" Shinjuro sobered up considerably and dodged sideways.
BOOM!
A massive crater appeared where Shinjuro had just been standing.
"You crazy brat! Stop this right now, or I won't go easy on you!"
"Water Breathing, First Form: Water Surface Slash."
'This kid knows two Breathing Styles??'
Kaidō's display shattered Shinjuro's understanding.
The horizontal slash came straight at him. Shinjuro had no choice but to dodge, quickly grabbing the Nichirin blade from the ground and counterattacking.
"Flame Breathing, Second Form: Rising Scorching Sun!" An upward arc slash like blazing flames neutralized Kaidō's attack.
"Dragon Breathing, Fifth Form: Violent Tempest!" Gripping his sword with both hands, Kaidō swung rapidly, unleashing hundreds of blade projections toward Shinjuro.
Though retired, Shinjuro was still a former Hashira. His strength remained formidable. He reacted instantly.
"Flame Breathing, Fourth Form: Blooming Flame Undulation!" Spinning with himself as the center, he created a vortex of flames that dispersed Kaidō's sword energy.
Despite his anger, Shinjuro's fighting spirit was reignited. He switched to offense.
...
"Hurry, hurry! Dragon Hashira-sama is challenging the former Flame Hashira right now! This is a battle between Hashira! I've got to watch carefully—this'll definitely help my training later!"
"Hey, hey, Murata, wait up!"
"You two, wait for me! I'm coming too!"
"Me too, me too! Don't leave me behind!"
This was all by Kaidō's design. In his letter to Kagaya, he'd requested that word be spread throughout Corps Headquarters about his challenge to the former Flame Hashira.
Two purposes:
First, to rekindle Shinjuro's fighting spirit and pull him from his downward spiral.
Second, let Corps members observe a battle between Hashira. This would deepen their understanding of Breathing techniques and help them gauge their own strength, ultimately improving their abilities. How much they learned was up to them.
...
Butterfly Mansion
"Sister, aren't you worried about Kaidō-kun? That's the former Flame Hashira. Even retired, he's incredibly powerful."
"Don't worry, Shinobu. I trust Kaidō-kun. Right, Kanao?"
Kanao Tsuyuri. Kaidō had met her several times while recovering at the Butterfly Mansion.
Kanao nodded in agreement, still characteristically quiet.
Since Kanae's return, the Butterfly Mansion had become livelier. The patients there had learned something extraordinary: Dragon Hashira Ryūjin Kaidō had traded his own lifespan to revive Kanae Kocho. This deepened their respect for him tremendously. They'd heard he was kind and humble, treating everyone with warmth—but showing demons no mercy.
...
The Rengoku Estate's Back Courtyard
Demon Slayers lined the outer wall, peering over to observe the battle between the former Flame Hashira and Dragon Hashira. The fight had reached a fever pitch.
"Flame Breathing, Fifth Form: Flame Tiger!" Shinjuro switched from defense to offense, thrusting forward. A massive tiger-shaped slash wreathed in flames charged toward Kaidō.
"Dragon Breathing, Eighth Form: Wandering Dragon Breakthrough!" Kaidō responded instantly, swinging his greatsword as he rushed forward. Only afterimages and sword energy remained—like a dragon charging toward that flaming tiger.
CLANG!
Steel clashed. The collision generated shockwaves that rippled outward. Both combatants were forced back, sliding dozens of meters.
"N-no way... this is a battle between Hashira?? If I were standing there, I'd have been blown away instantly! I'm so glad I came to watch this."
"Shh! Keep it down. Watch carefully, learn everything you can. This'll definitely help our training later."
"I finally get to see something like this—I don't want to miss a single detail."
While the spectators watched from the wall, Shinjuro and Kaidō clashed again, weapons swinging.
CLANG CLANG CLANG!
CRASH!
This time, neither used Breathing techniques—pure swordsmanship. The observers could only see both fighters crossing blades repeatedly in rapid succession.
BOOM!
They separated once more.
"Flame Breathing, Ninth Form: Purgatory!"
"Dragon Breathing, Ninth Form: Cyclone Pierce!"
Shinjuro's entire body became wreathed in scorching flames, exploding forward like a meteor.
Kaidō spun at high speed with his blade, generating an explosive drilling thrust.
CRASH!
The collision created a circular crater ten meters in diameter and thirty to forty centimeters deep at their point of impact.
Seeing this, both withdrew their weapons and ceased fighting.
"Phew~ as expected of the former Flame Hashira. Your mastery of Flame Breathing is still incredibly powerful." Kaidō removed his mask, letting it hang at an angle on his head.
"Not bad yourself, kid. You actually made me break a sweat! Looks like you came well-prepared. Though I doubt this challenge was as simple as it seemed." Shinjuro glanced at the spectators lining the wall.
"Hehe, you caught on."
"Alright, get out of here. You've achieved your goal. Consider this payment for that bottle you gave me before."
"Rengoku-san, don't leave yet. I've prepared a gift. I hope you'll wait. If you miss this gift, you'll regret it for the rest of your life."
"Hmph. You never bring good news, kid. Fine—let's see what you've got."
"Good! I'd also like you to have Rengoku and Senjuro wait with you. This gift is for all three of you."
"Whatever, whatever. Just don't bother me."
"Father." Kyojuro and Senjuro called out together.
"You two, don't disturb me."
"Yes, Father." Their voices harmonized.
Though their father seemed unchanged, his tone had softened considerably. For them, this was already a good start.
"Young Kaidō, thank you!"
"Don't mention it."
"Hey, brat—don't forget to fix all the damage you caused here. Or I won't let you off easy."
"Uh..." Kaidō surveyed the crater-riddled ground. 'Didn't you hit the hardest just now??'
He summoned Kuroha and sent word to Kagaya that the final phase could begin.
...
Two Hours Later
Kagaya Ubuyashiki and his wife Amane arrived by carriage. Accompanying them was Ruka Rengoku.
Kuroha returned to inform Kaidō of the Master's arrival.
"Master."
"Child, thank you. If Shinjuro-san is willing to return, it will be a tremendous boon for the Demon Slayer Corps."
"You're too kind, Master. If Rengoku-san comes back, we'll have one more safeguard—and it'll boost Corps morale significantly."
"Ruka-san, I've prepared this mask for you. Please wear it. I'll take you to meet your husband, Kyojuro, and Senjuro shortly." The mask purchased from the System Lifestyle Shop—featured a lotus flower design. If Ruka wore his mask, Shinjuro would probably chase him through the streets with a Nichirin blade.
"Alright. Thank you." Ruka accepted the mask and put it on.
Following Kaidō's letter, Amane had dressed Ruka in new clothes and styled her hair before departure. With the mask on, she was completely unrecognizable.
Leading Kagaya, Amane, and Ruka into the courtyard, Kaidō immediately noticed the devastated landscape—craters everywhere. Embarrassment flooded through him. He looked away, both index fingers poking together nervously. If not for the letter explaining his plan, Kagaya wouldn't know how to interpret this scene.
"Pfft!" Both Amane and Ruka covered their mouths, giggling at Kaidō's adorable reaction.
"It's alright, child. This isn't your fault. I'll have people repair everything."
"Actually... I already notified the Kakushi. They'll be here soon to fix it."
"Well then, let's not delay. Time to meet them."
"Master." Kyojuro and Senjuro stood and bowed upon seeing Kagaya.
"No need for formalities, Kyojuro, Senjuro."
"Rengoku, Senjuro—no matter what happens next, please stay calm."
"Understood."
"Follow me." Kaidō led Ruka toward Shinjuro. As they passed Kyojuro and Senjuro, both brothers felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity—warmth stirring in their chests. But remembering Kaidō's warning, they remained silent.
Shinjuro was lying on a tatami mat with his back to them.
"Rengoku-san, I've brought your gift."
Shinjuro turned his head, glancing at the masked woman. Something about her felt familiar—but thinking of Ruka made him turn away. "Kid, if you think some random woman will sway me, you're dead wrong. Ruka's the only one in my heart. There's no room for anyone else."
"Dear." Ruka spoke softly.
Hearing that voice, Shinjuro thought he was hallucinating. He shot upright, staring at the masked woman.
"Don't you recognize me, dear?" Ruka removed the mask, revealing her face.
"Ru...Ruka? Is it really you?" Shinjuro's voice trembled.
"Yes. It's me, dear. I'm home."
"RUKAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Shinjuro rushed forward and embraced her tightly. "Do you have any idea how much I've missed you?? All these years, I've thought about you constantly. I had so much to say—but you weren't there anymore."
Seeing their mother, Kyojuro and Senjuro's emotions overflowed. Tears streamed down their faces as they rushed forward, joining the embrace.
"Mother."
"Mother! Senjuro missed you so much!"
"My sweet children, I've missed you too. If not for Kaidō bringing me back, I couldn't have seen any of you again."
A family of four, reunited at last.
[Ding! Congratulations! Hidden Quest Complete: Family Reunion]
The system notification chimed in Kaidō's mind.
[Rewards: Interdimensional Energy +20%, Purification Agent x1]
[Current Interdimensional Energy: 50%]
[Purification Agent: Transforms demons back into humans. Note: Only effective on Lower Rank demons.]
'Purification Agent?? Not bad. I'll save it—might be useful later. Two-thirds of the energy I spent has been restored. Still short, but every bit counts!' Kaidō thought contentedly.
Watching the Rengoku family's tearful reunion, Kaidō's face split into that scheming auntie smile—like he'd just eaten something unbearably sweet.
Then his body started feeling wrong.
'Damn... reviving Ruka-san drained all my mental energy. I haven't rested properly these past few days, and then fighting Shinjuro just now...' His head grew fuzzy.
Shinjuro approached with Ruka, Kyojuro, and Senjuro. He bowed. "Kaidō, I apologize for my behavior before. I'm sorry. And thank you for bringing Ruka back to me."
No response came. Looking up, Shinjuro saw Kaidō's eyes closing as he collapsed.
"Child!"
"Young Kaidō!"
"Kaidō!"
Shinjuro caught him immediately. Everyone gathered around, deeply concerned.
"Child, wake up!"
"What happened to him?"
"Kanae-san said he traded his lifespan to revive people. Could he be..."
"Quickly! Take him to the Butterfly Mansion!"
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