Darkness.
Boundless darkness.
And exhaustion that seeped into his very bones.
Sasuke's consciousness floated in this empty darkness. He could not feel his body or hear a single sound. There was only a weariness from the depths of his soul, wrapping around him like the softest quilt, tempting him, making him want to sleep forever.
Let it... end like this.
I'm so tired.
Ever since he had crossed over into this world, he had been fighting. Killing demons, training, growing stronger, then killing even stronger demons... The flames of revenge had long since died out, replaced by the responsibility of protecting others. That responsibility weighed more heavily than hatred.
He had driven Akaza back and saved Kyojuro.
He had slain Gyutaro and kept Tengen Uzui alive.
He had vaporized Doma so that Shinobu Kocho would not have to sacrifice herself.
He had even fought Upper Rank One, Kokushibo, to a standstill, ultimately slaying him with the Rinnegan.
He had already done enough.
Now, he only wanted to rest. To rest forever.
This darkness was so peaceful, so warm...
"Mr. Uesugi!"
Suddenly, a clear, resolute voice sent ripples through the darkness like a pebble dropped into a still lake.
It was Tanjiro.
The boy with the scar on his forehead was smiling goofily as he held out a roasted sweet potato. "Try some! It's really sweet!"
"Young Agatsuma! Your eyes are a treasure that can light up the darkness!" Kyojuro Rengoku's signature booming voice rang out with fiery enthusiasm. He clapped Sasuke hard on the shoulder, his smile more dazzling than the sun.
"Thunder Hashira... thank you." Shinobu Kocho stood in the corridor of the Butterfly Mansion, a breeze lifting her haori. Stripped of all hatred and pretense, her face bore a gentle smile from the heart.
"Hey! Sasuke! Let's have