The breeze gently brushed through the woods, slowly drying the lingering tears on everyone's faces and soothing their emotions, where overwhelming sorrow and joy intertwined.
Tanjiro firmly suppressed the urgency in his heart. His eyes were still red from crying, but filled with anticipation for the future.
Beside him, Shinobu Kocho slowly straightened, enduring her injuries as she bowed slightly to the young man before her, her tone full of solemn gratitude.
"Mr. Zongyan, what you did today brought salvation to countless people who died unjust deaths."
"Everyone in the Demon Slayer Corps will remember this kindness forever."
Fukuoka Giyu nodded in silent agreement, his few words full of sincerity.
"Thank you."
Kyojuro Rengoku stepped forward, his tall figure still standing straight.
He rested one hand on his sword hilt and held the other in a fist against his chest, his voice ringing out, loud and warm.
"You truly did it! I, Kyojuro Rengoku, will never forget this tremendous kindness you showed us today!"
The other surviving Hashira and Corps members also bowed in turn.
A thousand years of entangled destinies had been brought to an end by the unfamiliar powerhouse before them.
Zongyan wore a smile as he waved a hand.
"No need to thank me. You got what you wanted, and I achieved my objective too."
"Now that I've brought you the news of Muzan's death, let's part ways here. I still have some private matters to attend to."
With that, he had no intention of staying any longer. He turned and walked slowly into the depths of the forest.
Behind him, the Demon Slayer Corps members quietly watched him leave. They still had to return to their base to recover from their injuries, so they did not try to keep him.
As Zongyan walked on, he silently