One month later.
Under the Butterfly Mansion's meticulous care, the survivors' injuries gradually improved.
At the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters, a brand-new residence had also been built atop the ruins.
On this day, Kiriya Ubuyashiki convened the final Hashira Meeting.
Sunlight shone brightly in the spacious courtyard.
Yet compared with the grand gatherings of all Nine Hashira in the past, the courtyard now seemed empty and desolate.
Only a handful of people were present.
The Water Hashira, Giyu Tomioka, who had lost his right arm, his expression as impassive as ever.
The Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, covered in bandages but still full of vigor.
And the Wind Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa, who leaned on a crutch, his face pale, barely managing to attend the meeting.
The three Hashira who had once represented the Demon Slayer Corps' greatest fighting strength stood there now, all bearing indelible scars, their eyes holding far too many stories.
Kiriya Ubuyashiki and his two younger sisters, dressed in formal black kimonos, stepped onto the courtyard steps.
Kiriya looked at the three Hashira before him, as well as Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and the others peeking in from outside the courtyard, smiles of survival on their faces.
He took a deep, deep breath, then knelt alongside his sisters and gave everyone the most solemn, perfectly formal bow.
"Thank you, everyone."
Through the amplification equipment, Kiriya's voice carried clearly throughout the residence.
"Thank you to every swordsman who gave their life to slay demons and protect the people."
"Thank you for bringing this thousand-year war against Muzan Kibutsuji to an end with your blood and resolve."
Giyu Tomioka and the others remained silent, simply listening quietly.
Kiriya slowly rose, tears glimmering in his eyes, but his tone was utterly resolute.
"Here, in my name as Kiriya Ubuyashiki, the 217th head