Farewell Ceremony

Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters.

Withered yellow leaves drifted down soundlessly, and the entire courtyard seemed steeped in gloom and sorrow.

For the Demon Slayer Corps, who fought demons, death had long been their constant companion. Comrades died almost every day, and many lower-ranking Corps members often passed away without a sound.

Only Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the head of the Demon Slayer Corps, remembered every Corps member's name. Whenever a Corps member died, he would erect a grave and hold a memorial for them.

The Demon Slayer Corps was busy—so busy that they were almost constantly on missions by day and fighting every night.

Thus, even the funeral of a Hashira was kept simple.

Kanae Kocho had been close to every Hashira in life and was a trusted companion recognized by them all, yet not every Hashira had come to her funeral. The Water Hashira and Rock Hashira were away on missions with no time to spare, while the Sword Hashira, Makomo, was still on her way back.

At the Butterfly Mansion, Kanae's coffin rested in the memorial hall. This was the final farewell ceremony.

"Big sister..."

Shinobu Kocho stood at the very front, biting her dry, pale lips and clenching her fists tightly, struggling not to let her tears fall. No matter how accustomed she had become to death, the one who had left this time was her only family in the world.

The Sound Hashira silently walked over from behind and patted Shinobu's shoulder. He wanted to say something, but in the end, no words came out. He merely looked toward Kanae's coffin and sighed, a cold glint flashing through his eyes.

Doma?

If I ever meet him again, I'll cut off his head.

*No... Doma isn't what matters. Muzan is the true culprit. Muzan created all these tragedies. For