With Oyakata-sama's illness gone, the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters was filled with even more cheer than before. Everyone held a banquet to celebrate for a day on the eve of their departure. Even Giyu attended at Oyakata-sama's command.
The Hashira at the table were much as they had been at the dinner after Chiba Yo's first Hashira Meeting. Kyojuro kept shouting, "Delicious! Delicious!" Sanemi quietly pulled a plate of hagi mochi in front of himself and ate in silence. Tengen Uzui picked only the flashiest-looking food. After a couple of bites, the Mist Hashira would pause to wonder whether he had eaten anything yet. Gyomei Himejima shed tears even while eating. Mitsuri enjoyed her food as much as ever, but this time Obanai had secured the seat beside her first, while Shinobu Kocho occupied the seat on her other side.
Tanjiro and the others joined the meal this time as well. After hearing what Chiba Yo had said yesterday, Zenitsu kept piling food onto Tanjiro's and Nezuko's plates.
Everyone looked happy, but they all understood that after today, they might never see each other again. The Demon Slayer Corps had been the bond that brought them together from far and wide. Now that it was disbanding, some of them would find it difficult to meet again.
After the banquet, everyone stayed together and had fun until dusk before returning to rest.
Once Chiba Yo returned to his lodgings, Obanai came to see him.
"Did you need something, Mr. Iguro?"
Chiba Yo looked at Obanai and asked.
"Nothing in particular. We'll probably be parting tomorrow, so I just came to say goodbye in advance."
Obanai answered.
Oyakata-sama's earlier words had struck a chord with him. Harboring deep feelings for Mitsuri, he wanted to set aside his shame over his bloodline and