The next morning.
Everyone had just finished another round of grueling training when the Kasugai Crow returned with good news: the reserve team had reached the village entrance!
"They're finally here. How did it go?" Tetsuhiro asked, giving everyone a five-minute break.
"The journey went badly. They encountered Upper Rank Six and suffered casualties. Luckily, Lord Hiruzen arrived with his team, or the consequences would have been..."
"Thanks for your hard work. Go get some rest." Tetsuhiro felt relieved. Fortunately, he had taken the advice to send people to meet them. If they had all died there, his conscience would never have let him rest.
The moment Tetsuhiro left, the Hashira all collapsed onto the ground, treasuring this hard-won chance to rest. Zenitsu was foaming at the mouth and on the verge of losing consciousness, while Gyomei sat cross-legged, panting.
Tetsuhiro flew to the village entrance and saw Village Chief Tiezhen exchanging pleasantries with Jigoro Kuwajima. The wounded were making their way to the medical facilities for treatment.
Kanao and Shinobu Kocho handled the operations, assisted by two special female Corps members.
Tetsuhiro recognized those two female Corps members at a glance: Kanao and Aoi Kanzaki.
"Your Majesty!"
As Tetsuhiro descended from the sky, the village chief and the others immediately bowed in greeting. At Kuwajima's prompting, Urokodaki bowed along with them.
"No need for formalities. I've long heard of you, Mr. Sakonji Urokodaki. Your tireless work and distinguished service, dedicating your life to the Demon Slayer Corps and humanity's future, are truly admirable."
"I'm unworthy of such praise. You're too kind. I only did what I ought to."
"Ah, don't be modest. The Empire is never stingy with its rewards for talented people, especially those with both skill and integrity." Tetsuhiro clapped his hands, and his guard, Yamanaka Jinan,