Just then, a Demon Slayer Corps messenger came running over in a hurry.
News arrived that the officials and daimyos who had been controlled by the Blood Demon Arts of Muzan and his subordinates had all regained their senses the moment Muzan died.
They were terrified and bewildered by their own actions during the time they were controlled.
The power center of the entire nation instantly fell into temporary chaos and a vacuum.
As the banquet drew to a close, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni took a step forward. His majestic aura instantly quieted the entire courtyard.
His gaze swept over everyone present.
"The destruction of Muzan Kibutsuji is not the end."
"This is merely a prologue."
His voice was not loud, yet everyone heard him clearly.
"Your potential goes far beyond this. This world is too small a pond; it can no longer allow you to continue growing."
"However, vaster 'worlds' are opening their doors to you."
"We have been commissioned by that 'Lord' to invite those among you with potential to travel to our respective worlds for the next stage of your training."
As soon as these words were spoken, the entire crowd was in an uproar.
Especially the Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps. Their newly calmed hearts instantly ignited with an even more blazing fire of desire for higher realms.
Faced with this tempting invitation to train in other worlds, the members of the Demon Slayer Corps fell into brief contemplation.
This was a path leading to the realm of gods, to a higher state of being.
Yet, it also meant leaving the homeland they had once protected with their lives.
Tanjiro Kamado, Zenitsu Agatsuma, and Inosuke Hashibira gathered together and engaged in a heated discussion.
Ultimately, Tanjiro made the decision on behalf of the trio.
They would stay behind for now.
"Although Muzan is dead, there are still many people in this country suffering because of him," Tanjiro said, his face displaying a maturity and gentleness beyond his years.
"I want to first use my strength, use the compassion of the sun, to help more people so they can eat their fill, stay warm, and live happy, stable lives."
On the other side, the chaos in the nation's power center soon reached a resolution.
The surviving officials who had witnessed that battle of gods and demons with their own eyes unanimously chose the master of the Demon Slayer Corps, Kagaya Ubuyashiki.
This highly respected man, backed by a force that could well be called an "Army of Gods," was the only leader capable of stabilizing the situation at this moment.
They unanimously elected Kagaya Ubuyashiki to become the new leader of the country.
Upon receiving this news, Kagaya did not decline.
He understood that this was the best opportunity to lead this devastated nation toward true peace and light.
The Demon Slayer Corps also officially transformed from a secret organization fighting demons in the dark into a sacred force guarding the light of the entire nation.
When the dust settled, the true moment of choice finally arrived.
Kyojuro Rengoku strode up to Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni.
Without the slightest hesitation, he dropped heavily to both knees. His raised face was filled with a fiery passion and devotion.
"Captain-Commander!"
"Although I have comprehended a fraction of the power of flames, after witnessing your 'Zanka no Tachi', I now know that my fire is still as insignificant as a firefly's glow!"
"Please allow me to follow you to the Soul Society, to witness the true pinnacle of flames that can incinerate all things!"
Captain-Commander Yamamoto looked at him, observing the unquenchable will radiating from his body. A rare smile appeared on his scar-covered face.
He nodded slowly, granting the young man's request.
Elsewhere, Gyomei Himejima found Saitama, who was just preparing to slip away quietly.
He pressed his hands together and bowed with utmost reverence.
"Master Saitama, your training methods have opened the door to a brand new world for me."
"I yearn to continue training by your side and comprehend the true secret art of breaking the limiter after transcending life's boundaries!"
Saitama scratched his smooth, shiny bald head, looking somewhat troubled.
"I already told you there's no secret... It's just push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and running... The only secret art is to not turn on the AC!"
"Alright, alright, if you want to tag along, then tag along. But my place is really small; it won't fit a big guy like you."
The Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji, also finally mustered her courage.
Blushing, she trotted over to Son Goku, who was still eating non-stop.
She asked with a tone full of expectation and longing.
"Mr. Goku! Does your world have lots and lots of people as strong as you?"
"I... I want to become stronger too! Strong enough to protect everyone I cherish! Could... could you take me with you to train?"
Hearing that he would have a new training partner to spar and fight with, Goku immediately broke into an excited, wide grin.
"Sure, sure! No problem! There are tons of strong guys in our world!"
Saying so, he summoned a small golden cloud that floated at Mitsuri's feet.
The next moment, several massive portals radiating different auras slowly opened before the crowd.
Behind one door was the Seireitei, interwoven with flames and cherry blossoms, majestic and solemn.
Behind another door was a modern city filled with towering skyscrapers and rampant monsters, brimming with unknown dangers.
Behind yet another door was a boundless blue sky and pure white clouds, filled with the aura of freedom.
...
Kyojuro Rengoku, Gyomei Himejima, Mitsuri Kanroji, and several other Hashira who had made the same choice resolutely stepped into the portals leading to unknown worlds under the blessing gazes of their comrades.
Their figures disappeared into the ends of the light.
A brand new training journey, one that even transcended dimensions, began right then and there.
Watching their disappearing backs, Kagaya Ubuyashiki sighed softly.
"This is not a parting."
"But a new beginning."
"Go, my children. Go and pursue your respective dreams!"
The time for others to depart had also arrived.
Naruto Uzumaki took off the Hidden Leaf forehead protector from his head and shoved it into Tanjiro Kamado's hands.
"Tanjiro! You have to come visit our Hidden Leaf Village in the future! I'll treat you to Ichiraku Ramen!"
Sasuke Uchiha simply walked up to Zenitsu Agatsuma and gave him a faint, aloof nod.
This simple gesture, however, was already the highest degree of acknowledgment he could offer.
High above in the sky, Ian also began sending these interesting guests back to their original worlds.
A security door appeared out of thin air.
Liu Haizhu's figure was thoughtfully sent back to the street corner he was most familiar with.
He looked at the familiar surroundings, then looked down at his hand holding a still-steaming roast chicken he had somehow swiped from the banquet, and fell into a long silence.
"Son of a bitch, was I... sleepwalking just now?"
Elsewhere, Infinity also returned home silently.
It was as if he had merely gone out for groceries.
The little black cat, Luo Xiaohei, was agonizing over a bizarre plate of "stir-fried mooncakes with green peppers." Seeing his master suddenly appear with a huge pile of aromatic delicacies, he immediately let out a happy cry.
"Wow, long live Master! I love Master the most!"