He closed his eyes and drew a deep breath, as though trying to absorb both pieces of good news into his very life.
When he opened his eyes again, his voice brimmed with indescribably complex emotions, finally dissolving into a long sigh. "The Kirishima Family... words can no longer express... our gratitude for your help..."
Lady Amane nestled close against him, tears slipping silently down her face and landing on the back of Kagaya's hand, warm and filled with the joy of surviving disaster and hopes for the future.
The wisteria in the courtyard swayed gently in the night breeze, as though whispering about this night destined to go down in history.
Far from the clamor and bloodshed of the Central Station ruins, the night breeze carried the fresh scent of mountain woodland.
Kirishima Bupai and his companions were moving swiftly along a hidden path.
His dark blue cloak flickered between the shadows of the trees as he continued to lead the group.
A Kasugai Crow fluttered down, landing precisely on Kirishima Bupai's raised arm, and gave several urgent caws.
Kirishima Bupai did not break stride, merely tilting his head to listen.
Soon, several more Kasugai Crows arrived, relaying the news to Purgatory, Tanjiro, and the others.
"What?! The Corps members who were arrested... they've all been released?!" Tanjiro was the first to cry out, relief and joy instantly lighting up his face. "That's wonderful! They're all safe!"
"Caw! Safe! Returned to the Corps!" the Kasugai Crow perched on Inosuke's boar head confirmed.
"Huh? Seriously?" Zenitsu's eyes widened too. Then he pressed his palms together, his face full of devotion.
"Buddha bless us! The Bodhisattva answered our prayers! I knew it! Those officials must have found their consciences and realized they'd arrested innocent people!"
"After all, we were risking our