The days spent recuperating at the Wisteria House felt like an unreal dream.
Under the old woman's attentive care, Tanjiro's and Inosuke's wounds had all healed.
The morning of their departure finally arrived.
The old woman stood at the door to see them off, the same kind, gentle smile still on her face.
"The road ahead is dangerous. Please, all of you, take good care of yourselves."
She had prepared flint for each of them to pray for a safe journey.
"Thank you, Granny! You've done so much for us!"
Zenitsu sobbed his eyes out, all but wishing he could stay behind as the old woman's grandson.
Tanjiro also bowed solemnly, firmly engraving her kindness in his heart.
Inosuke stood to one side. Though he said nothing, the look beneath his boar mask was no longer as wary as when they first met.
Only Sasuke remained a spectator from beginning to end.
He stood alone in the shadow of the eaves, one hand resting on the Wakizashi at his waist, his gaze turned toward the distant sky.
Traveling with these people had introduced a trace of impurity into his heart, which beat for revenge.
The boy named Tanjiro possessed a naive strength that he could not understand.
The determination that erupted from him to protect his family had touched those memories deep within Sasuke, long since covered in blood.
Protect...
What a ridiculous, distant word.
He had long since lost everything.
What he needed was neither companions nor bonds.
Only greater power.
Power enough to take revenge on that man.
After saying goodbye to the old woman, the four set out once more on their path as members of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Zenitsu kept looking back with every step, still wailing over leaving that "paradise."
"Aaah! Why do we