Those Who Pursue the Dao to the End Share the Same Destination

Yuko's forehead beaded with a cold sweat. Her back was ramrod straight as she sat rigidly to the side, clutching the infant in her arms with stiff awkwardness.

It was soft and fragrant, like holding a piece of fried chicken.

But she didn't dare move a muscle.

Because the two people conversing not far in front of her kept glancing her way.

Kaidō might have had some trust in Yuko, but the way she drooled earlier had really put him off. Coupled with his duty as a father, he couldn't help but steal glances even when he tried to restrain himself.

As for Yoriichi, he simply followed Kaidō's gaze.

Yuko felt as though she wasn't holding a child, but some priceless, fragile artifact on display in a museum.

If she so much as twitched, the guards nearby would rush over and pin her down.

Sitting on pins and needles was probably what this felt like.

On the bright side, it had an effect; her appetite had decreased considerably.

"Everyone, I'm back!" Tamiko returned, carrying a large basin of chestnuts. "Look, the chestnuts this year are this big~"

When she entered the house and saw Yuko rigidly holding the baby, she couldn't help but laugh.

"Miss Yuko, that's not how you hold a baby." Tamiko chuckled as she took the child from Yuko's arms.

Yuko's body instantly went limp. She let out a long sigh and wiped the sweat from her forehead.

Taking care of this baby was harder than her holding her own against Kokushibo.

Seeing her relieved expression, Tamiko couldn't resist teasing, "You should start learning how to take care of children, shouldn't you?"

"Miss Yuko won't become a qualified mother like this."

Yuko's lips twitched, a sense of helpless inability washing over her.

This made the two knowledgeable individuals beside them secretly chuckle.

The Tanjiro family's usual warmth made it difficult for the two to refuse, so they were treated to their hospitality and stayed for a short while.

One afternoon, Tamiko was taking a nap indoors.

Yuko stiffly held Tanjiro's youngest son while Yoriichi played leisurely with Miyare.

"The tea is ready," Tanjiro said, bringing over the tea.

"I'm truly sorry to make a guest help with the child."

Yoriichi's voice sounded calmly, "Don't worry about it. She must be tired. Raising a child is hard work."

She cares!

Yuko immediately shot him a pleading look.

After setting down the tea, Tanjiro quickly stepped forward and took the baby.

Tanjiro said sheepishly, "Thank you for your trouble, Miss Yuko."

After Tamiko had mentioned that Yuko didn't know how to care for children, she had intentionally and unintentionally handed the child over to Yuko.

Her stated reason was to cultivate Miss Yuko's ability to care for children.

Even though Yuko had earnestly stated she wouldn't get married, she couldn't withstand Tamiko's enthusiasm.

During these days, Yuko had never eaten in front of them, and Tamiko naturally learned about Yuko's situation from others.

Even knowing her identity, they still trusted her and were willing to entrust their child to her care.

How could Yuko refuse?

"No, children... are very good," Yuko said, wiping a bead of sweat and forcing a smile.

Tanjiro broke out in a sweat, as if it had been a difficult battle.

Yoriichi glanced at the sky, took a sip of tea, and said calmly, "After we finish this cup of tea, we will leave."

Tanjiro was slightly taken aback.

Yuko smiled faintly, "Staying here and eating for free would make Older Brother feel uneasy, wouldn't it?"

Tanjiro, holding the sleeping child, quickly said, "How could that be? You two are our family's saviors. If it weren't for your help, let alone us, even this child wouldn't have had the chance to be born."

Silence was his only reply.

"I understand," Tanjiro said after some hesitation. "Then at least let me pass on your deeds."

Yoriichi calmly replied, "There's no need."

Tanjiro looked at him with concern, "But you must also be troubled by the lack of successors, right?"

"Even if I, this insignificant Charcoal Seller, cannot inherit it."

"One day, someone definitely will..."

"No need," Yoriichi's calm voice rang out. He picked up his teacup, turned to look at Tanjiki, and said serenely, "Those who pursue their path to the end arrive at the same destination."

"No matter how the times change, or how different the roads we travel may be."

"We will all reach the same place in the end."

"You seem to see me as someone special, but that's not the case."

"I cannot protect anything important. In my life, there isn't a single thing I should have done that I've accomplished. I am a man of no value."

Tanjiki looked at the calm man with worry, his unspoken words on the tip of his tongue.

Please don't...

"Please don't say that," Yuko's calm voice sounded from inside the house. She sat on the inner side of the room, her back to the two figures on the veranda.

"Even if other Pillars were present at the time, they wouldn't have been able to kill Muzan."

"No one is asking you to defeat Muzan. Things you cannot do yourself should not be forced upon others."

"Older Brother is not at fault in any way."

Yoriichi was a man who appeared emotionally detached but was actually deeply kind. While he spoke of those who pursue their path to the end arriving at the same destination, seemingly indifferent to others, he simultaneously felt guilt for not being able to kill Muzan.

This was also the reason he felt useless from the bottom of his heart.

To possess such immense power yet accomplish nothing.

Yoriichi's eyes flickered slightly, showing a hint of emotion.

With Yuko's opening, Tanjiki immediately chimed in, "That's right! Mr. Yoriichi! It's not right to take all the responsibility onto yourself!"

Yoriichi pursed his lips, not saying anything further. He watched the sun set on the horizon and drank the tea in front of him.

Yoriichi stood up and gathered his Nichirin Blade. "Yuko, let's go."

Tanjiki seemed reluctant to see them leave. "You're leaving already?"

"Yes."

If guests are leaving, the hosts must see them off.

Tanjiki woke Tamiko and saw the two of them off.

Tanjiki's daughter, Miyare, found two periwinkles from somewhere and gave them to the pair.

Were the flowers a pink periwinkle, symbolizing gentle remembrance, and a white periwinkle, representing friendship?

Yuko, holding the pink flower in her hand, smiled and picked Miyare up.

The child might not understand the meaning of the flowers, but her affection for them was undeniable.

As they parted, Tamiko energetically waved her arms, pleading with Yoriichi to show her his sword techniques and forms.

Having been so warmly hosted by Tanjiki's family, how could Yoriichi refuse?

The desolate night descended, and the chirping of insects that had just begun in the forest suddenly seemed to have its source of sound cut off.

In the dim twilight, a scorching sun rose before the entrance of Tanjiki's home.

Orange-red flames blazed from the pitch-black blade, the intense flames dancing in the air like magnificent silk ribbons, or like a ferocious fire dragon roaring.