The Mental World.
The chains of hatred shrieked under the searing light of their bonds, giving off billows of black smoke.
"No! I won't allow it! You are mine! The heir to my will! The continuation of my eternal life!"
The phantom of Muzan on the throne roared madly. He controlled more black masses of flesh, trying to form thicker, stronger chains to drag the ever-brightening orb of light back into the darkness.
Yet it was all in vain.
The light representing "love," "friendship," "trust," and "hope" was the deadliest poison to a pure egotist like him. Light poured in continuously, illuminating a corner of the dark world. Under its radiance, the chains melted away as swiftly as ice and snow.
Sasuke's soul watched quietly. He knew he had completed his task of "building a bridge." Next, Tanjiro himself had to take the final step.
"Who... are you?"
A faint but firm voice came from the soul orb blazing with light.
The voice seemed to be asking Muzan, yet also seemed to be asking himself.
"Who... am I?"
Inside the orb, countless fragments of memory spun like a kaleidoscope.
There was a boy selling charcoal in the snow, wanting his family to have enough to eat.
There was an older brother trudging through the rain, carrying his younger sister who had become a demon.
There was a student under Mr. Urokodaki, desperately trying to split a boulder.
There was a swordsman on Mount Fujikasane, grieving for the souls of the dead.
There was a warrior on the battlefield, constantly telling himself, Keep going! I can do this!
These memories all pointed to one name.
"I... sell charcoal... my family... Nezuko..."
The voice inside the orb grew clearer and firmer.
"I... am a swordsman of the Demon Slayer Corps!"
"I am