On the last night before the final battle, a strange stillness enveloped the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters.
There were no impassioned rallying speeches, no tragic farewells. Everyone went about their business as usual, yet the tension in the air, taut as a bowstring, refused to fade.
In the courtyard of the Butterfly Mansion, Tanjiro Kamado patiently combed Nezuko's long hair. Beneath the moonlight, the girl sat quietly, enjoying the warmth of her brother's hand.
"Nezuko, when all of this is over, we'll go home." Tanjiro's voice was gentle, filled with longing for the future. "Then I'll carry you on my back every day to watch the sunrise."
Nezuko could not form clear syllables. She merely nuzzled her head against her brother's palm and made a soft "mm-hmm" sound.
Under the eaves nearby, Zenitsu Agatsuma clutched his Nichirin Blade, trembling as he wrote something resembling a last will, muttering, "I'm going to die, aren't I... I'm really going to die this time... Will all my hair fall out... Nezuko-chan..."
Bare-chested, Inosuke Hashibira frantically honed his two serrated Nichirin Blades beneath the moon, growling, "Headlong Rush," as he tried to suppress his unease this way.
Passing by, the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro, saw this and walked over, slapping Zenitsu hard on the back with his broad, fanlike hand.
"Young man! Show some spirit! Your Thunder Breathing is lightning that can tear through the darkness!" His booming voice nearly scared Zenitsu's soul out of his body.
Elsewhere, in a quiet graveyard on the mountain behind the estate.
Shinobu Kocho and Kanao Tsuyuri knelt side by side before Kanae Kocho's grave.
"Big Sister, soon, we'll be able to avenge you." The usual pretense of gentleness was gone from Shinobu Kocho's voice, leaving only deep-seated hatred and release.
Kanao said nothing. She merely laid the butterfly