Genya leaned against his brother's broad shoulder, feeling that long-missed warmth and security. He hugged Sanemi tightly in return, his voice weak but utterly firm.
"Because I'm Sanemi Shinazugawa's little brother. I want to fight alongside you. I can't just watch you go to your death alone." Genya closed his eyes, a relieved smile spreading across his face. "Thank you for forgiving me, big brother."
Sanemi said nothing more, only tightened his embrace around his little brother. For the first time, he truly acknowledged in his heart the boy who had always followed in his footsteps.
They had finally resolved the hurt that had weighed on their hearts for years. Beside them, Gyomei Himejima silently listened to the brothers' conversation, his palms pressed together. Two trails of clear tears ran from the corners of his eyes as he quietly chanted, "Amitabha."
Muichiro Tokito lay not far away. After treatment with the Medicine, his severe bleeding had stopped and his breathing had steadied. Though he remained unconscious, at least his life had been saved.
Yuichiro watched Muichiro from beside him, terrified that Muichiro might suddenly lose his vital signs.
Just then, a Kasugai Crow's hoarse yet piercing announcement rang out overhead.
"Caw! Caw! Upper Rank One, Kokushibo, has been slain through the combined efforts of the Stone Hashira, Wind Hashira, Mist Hashira, Smoke Hashira, and Genya Shinazugawa! Upper Rank One has been slain!"
The voice echoed through the vast, intricately structured Infinity Castle, reaching Takanashi Rokuno as he ran at full speed.
Rokuya stopped and looked up at the Kasugai Crow flying overhead, a gratified smile curling his lips.
He knew Sanemi and the others had done it. Kokushibo was the strongest of the Upper Ranks. With that major threat dealt with, the pressure on the Demon Slayer Corps would ease