The entire corridor fell into a deathly silence...
Everyone exchanged glances, each lost in their own thoughts.
Gyomei pressed his palms together and quietly recited Buddhist sutras. Tears rolled from his blind eyes as he silently prayed for the departed soul.
Sanemi clutched his wound and stared in the direction where Yoriichi had disappeared, his face filled with shock. For a long time, he could not speak.
Sabito and Makomo exchanged a glance, each seeing admiration in the other's eyes.
Hiruzen looked grave, Danzo looked grim, and Mima leaned against a stone pillar with an amused curl to his lips.
Little A, Dai, Tsunade, and Jiraiya were celebrating.
Maya was deep in a discussion of philosophy with Sakumo...
"Don't just stand there. Muzan is still inside." Gyomei was the first to collect himself, tightening his grip on the Meteor Hammer and Battle Axe. "We should go."
Everyone nodded, gathered their equipment, and pursued him deeper into Infinity Castle...
After checking his firearms, Genya brought up the rear. As he passed the spot where Kokushibo had disintegrated, he suddenly stopped.
He looked down. Amid the scattered ash lay a bamboo flute, cut in half and stained with dried blood.
Its workmanship was simple, clearly hand-carved, but it was badly worn and showed its age.
"A bamboo flute? Strange. What's it doing here?" He froze for a moment, then hesitated before bending down to pick it up.
"Maybe someone from the Demon Slayer Corps dropped it by accident. I'll ask later." With that muttered remark, he hurried after the others.
He had no idea how extraordinary the flute's significance and importance were. Who would have thought someone could be so stubborn about hiding his feelings that he would protect it even in death?
The remaining demons along the way were