News of the Demon King Muzan Kibitsuji's defeat spread quickly among the remaining Demon Slayers, filling the air with a joy that had been long out of reach.
The Demon Slayer Corps, which had lived in the shadow of Muzan's terror, now erupted in celebration. Yoriichi and Michikatsu stood at the heart of it, embraced by a wave of admiration and awe. Brothers united, they recounted their story of the battle—the harrowing struggle, the fear overcome, and the ultimate victory.
No Hashira or Slayer of lesser rank doubted their words; after all, Demon Slayer Yoriichi had invented the Breathing Styles and stood before them as living proof of what they had achieved. The absence of demon attacks and the recent phenomenon of demons disintegrating into ash confirmed their tale.
As this undeniable truth settled across the lands, the Corps disbanded, and its warriors ventured down new paths: many became samurai or traveling swordsmen dedicated to peace, while others, especially the former Hashira, settled down and founded families, living quiet lives at last. The Sengoku Era became one in which humanity could finally walk freely during the night.
A lone deity smiled upon this beautiful scene, watching from a blooming cherry tree, pleased to witness a time when fear no longer held dominion over human hearts.
The time of rest hath come.
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Years later.
Yoriichi, now dressed in a simple red-colored kimono, stood on the veranda of the newly built Tsugikuni estate. A gentle smile played on his lips as he took in the serenity around him, listening to the soft murmur of the forest and the quiet rhythm of nature's song.
For the first time, Yoriichi felt the weight of his task lifted. The Precognitor of Demons was gone, and the duty carried for so long was complete. Peace, so elusive for so many years, now embraced him fully. And here, with sunlight warming his face and the calm of the morning washing over him, Yoriichi felt the rare sensation of happiness—one earned, one deserved.
Yoriichi eventually married his childhood friend, a beautiful woman named Uta. Her warmth and care brought a light into his life never known to Yoriichi, helping him find peace and purpose beyond the sword. She was his guiding star through the quiet years that followed his recent years, when he finally set down his blade, leaving behind the horrors of the past.
"Otosan! Michii-oji is here!" one of his two children called out, a sweet little voice that filled Yoriichi's heart with a joy so pure it was almost beyond words.
He was blessed with two children. A boy, followed by a girl the next year."
"I told you not to call me that," Michikatsu grumbled but couldn't contain a small smile as his and Yoriichi's children laughed and dashed off, giggling at the expression on his famously stoic face. Michikatsu sighed at the scene, approaching in a dark kimono of rich purples and blacks, with his wife beside him, elegantly dressed in a matching yukata.
"Brother." Yoriichi welcomed him warmly, embracing him and his wife in return before inviting him to sit beside him on the veranda. Together, they shared a quiet cup of tea as they settled into a rare, peaceful moment.
Michikatsu, now renowned across the land as the greatest samurai and master swordsman of the Sengoku Era, had tried many times to persuade Yoriichi to join him in service to the realm. But Yoriichi had chosen a quieter life, training young swordsmen from time to time and learning the gentle rhythm of hunting and living off the land. He spent his days in peace, surrounded by his family.
As Michikatsu opened his mouth to ask about Uta's whereabouts, a loud and cheerful voice echoed down the path.
"Yoriichi! Look who I met today!" Uta called, her voice full of joy as she approached. "These are our new neighbors! They decided to build their home nearby! Isn't that wonderful?" She beamed, gesturing excitedly toward a young couple who seemed both flustered and slightly embarrassed by her enthusiasm.
"N-no, Uta-san! I-I mentioned considering it, but…" The young man stammered, trying to regain some composure. He wore a simple yet well-kept kimono, marked by the familiar colors of an honest life close to nature, much like the garb Yoriichi had seen in his visions.
At the sight of the man, Yoriichi's eyes widened. The young man looked remarkably familiar—uncannily so.
"Tanjiro…?" Yoriichi murmured softly, feeling a deep and sudden wave of warmth and nostalgia. Though he knew it was impossible, the man resembled the boy from his vision. A boy whose kindness and resilience had left an indelible mark on Yoriichi's soul.
"A-ah, I'm Sumiyoshi Kamado, and this is my wife, Suyako. I… I hope our presence won't be any trouble for you," Sumiyoshi said with an apologetic smile, his humble manner endearing him instantly.
Yoriichi rose to his feet with quiet determination, his gaze never leaving Sumiyoshi. With a gesture of welcome, he invited the couple to join them. Michikatsu observed his brother's unusual reaction, sensing there was something deeper here but choosing to let it pass. The Kamado man was soon seated among them, sharing a place with Yoriichi and Michikatsu as the ladies left to enjoy their own cheerful conversation.
The initial unease melted away as Sumiyoshi began to relax, drawn in by the warm, accepting atmosphere the brothers shared. They traded stories and laughter, each tale met with genuine curiosity and appreciation.
Sumiyoshi's natural kindness and quiet strength reminded Yoriichi so much of Tanjiro that he couldn't help but feel as though he were fulfilling some part of that boy's distant legacy—a silent promise to honor and protect the future he'd glimpsed.
As the evening wore on, the three men watched children play together in the open grass field. They took in the innocent laughter and the carefree games with hearts full of contentment as if the children's happiness was a balm that healed past sorrows and fears.
"They're wonderful, aren't they?" Yoriichi said softly, a gentle smile touching his lips. The words were ones he'd once heard in his vision, yet now they carried new weight. "These children… they bring so much light. It makes one feel hopeful, even as we worry for the world they'll inherit."
Sumiyoshi nodded, his gaze on the children, his smile wide and true. "Yes, they do. There's nothing quite like it. You're blessed to share moments like these. I hope mine will be as bright as them."
"I'm certain they will," Michikatsu chuckled, his own heart softening in rare peace. "Indeed. To have this moment—this peace—is more fortune than we could ask for."
As the twilight settled over the field, Yoriichi took a deep breath, savoring the cool evening air filled with laughter, warmth, and peace. This was the happiness he had fought for all his life. The quiet, enduring light he'd hoped humanity could enjoy long after his battles ended. His heart brimmed with gratitude, knowing he had found his purpose not in the fight but in the simple act of watching over those he loved.
At that moment, under the gentle blanket of dusk and with such wonderful company, Yoriichi felt content.
As if he were living a dream that had tenderly woven itself into reality, Yoriichi's smile bloomed, radiant and boundless, outshining even the sun.
For the first time, he was truly the happiest.
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The End.