[Ding!]
[Detected: Main quest of the Demon Slayer world, eliminate Muzan, completed. The next world will open soon.]
[Countdown to the next world: 9 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes, 59 seconds]
The system's voice echoed in Raiden's mind, dulling the joy he felt after killing Muzan.
Main quest? Next world? Ten days?
Why had the system never mentioned any of this before?
He had lived here for over ten years. Now he was suddenly being told he would leave. Raiden could not tell if he should feel relieved or unsettled.
He had built bonds here. Real ones. Would they all end in just ten days?
"Raiden, you're amazing!!!"
Zenitsu rushed toward him the moment Muzan fell, stumbling over his own feet but not slowing down. He crashed into Raiden from behind and wrapped his arms around him tightly.
The other Hashira followed, their expressions filled with admiration.
Raiden had truly defeated Muzan. Even with Tamayo's assistance, his strength was undeniable.
Gyomei, in particular, could feel it clearly. Even if Muzan had not been weakened, Raiden, after his breakthrough, could still have killed him. It would have taken longer, but the outcome would not change.
The Demon King who had ruled for a thousand years was gone.
For the Hashira, the tension that had defined their lives finally snapped. Every one of them had become a Hashira because of demons. Now that demons were gone, relief mixed with confusion.
Without demons, what were they supposed to do?
Raiden smiled as they gathered around him, but the expression felt forced.
This should have been the happiest moment.
So why did it feel so hollow?
After a brief celebration, the Hashira returned to the Butterfly Mansion for treatment. Raiden went back to his own courtyard.
He stared at the countdown displayed on the system panel and clicked his tongue.
This system really knew how to ruin things.
He had grown stronger alongside these people, built connections, shared battles, and now he was expected to walk away from all of it.
"Whatever. They're just characters in a story. No point getting attached. Maybe the next world will be more interesting."
He muttered the words, but they sounded weaker the longer he spoke.
Just characters?
Zenitsu, loud and dramatic.
Inosuke, who could not remember names to save his life.
Tanjiro, steady and kind.
Nezuko, quiet but warm.
They were not just characters.
Even Uzui, who constantly tested Raiden's patience, now left a trace in his thoughts.
Five days later, Butterfly Mansion.
"Raiden, this medicine is too bitter. Do I really have to drink it?"
Zenitsu shrank deeper into his blanket as a member of the mansion brought over a bowl of medicine.
"No."
Raiden took the bowl, scooped a spoonful, and held it out.
Zenitsu frowned but still opened his mouth.
After feeding him, Raiden spoke casually.
"Even if I'm not around later, you still have to take your medicine when you're hurt."
"I won't drink it if you're not here. It's too bitter, it shouldn't even exist!" Zenitsu complained instinctively, then froze. "Wait. What do you mean you won't be around? Why? The Corps is disbanded. There are no more missions, right?"
"Relax. I was just saying."
Raiden pressed him back down when he tried to sit up.
Zenitsu let out a breath, but doubt lingered in his eyes. Ever since Muzan's death, something about Raiden felt off.
He still smiled, but it never fully reached his eyes.
[Ding]
[Agatsuma Zenitsu's friendship level has increased to best friend. Reward obtained.]
[Skill acquired: Thunder Breathing Seventh Form, Honoikazuchi, mastery level]
[Fuse now?]
"No."
Raiden declined without hesitation, then glanced at Zenitsu in surprise.
So he still managed to develop this technique without his master's situation pushing him.
Maybe the guy wasn't as hopeless as he looked.
[Ding]
[Best friend bonus reward granted]
Raiden blinked.
Another reward?
[Best Friend Bond: Allows temporary return to a best friend's world through your connection, ignoring world restrictions]
Raiden's eyes widened.
Now you give me this?
Where was this earlier?
All that internal struggle for nothing.
Zenitsu noticed Raiden's expression and pulled the blanket over his head.
Was he about to get hit?
He already drank the medicine.
If anything, Inosuke should be the one getting hit.
"Once you're fully healed, I'm going on a trip. Take care of yourself."
"A trip? Can I come?"
"No. The Master has plans for you. Go back to your training mountain first. I'll be back."
"…Alright."
A loud thud interrupted them.
Raiden had already turned and slammed Inosuke down, stopping a sneak attack.
"And you, do you know my name yet?"
"Of course. You're Ramen!"
"Good. Then today I'll show you what it means to be completely wrong."
Zenitsu watched as Raiden dragged Inosuke out by the collar and swallowed hard.
A moment later, he smiled.
Whatever was bothering Raiden, it seemed like the version he knew was back.
"What's my name?"
"Rakon."
Thud.
"What's my name?"
"Kotaro."
Thud.
"One more time."
"…Ratarou?"
Inosuke gulped. His skull was not as tough as Tanjiro's. One day, he would definitely defeat this guy.
Thud.
"Ra…Raiden."
Thud.
"Wait, I got it right that time!"
"And I still hit you."
"That makes no sense!!!"
Raiden cleared his throat. "Habit."
"Beast Breathing!"
For the remaining days, Raiden spent most of his time with Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Tanjiro. He also met the other Hashira occasionally.
After Muzan's death, the Demon Slayer Corps officially disbanded. The Hashira had not yet left headquarters, still adjusting to their new reality.
One by one, they began to move forward.
Obanai and Mitsuri planned to open a small restaurant together.
Uzui retired to live a flashy life with his wives.
Rengoku chose to join the police, continuing his sense of justice in a new way.
Gyomei returned to his temple.
Sanemi quietly handed Raiden a box of ohagi and some kelp before leaving with Genya.
Shinobu continued running the Butterfly Mansion, now treating ordinary people as well.
Muichiro planned to travel and see the places Raiden and Tanjiro once spoke about.
Giyu cut his hair short and, after a brief conversation with Raiden, stepped into his own future.
Raiden let out a slow breath.
Everyone had found their path.
He could not stay behind.
The sky stretched endlessly above, the sea lay wide beyond sight, and distant mountains waited.
[The next world is about to open. Prepare yourself, Host.]
Raiden looked up, a faint smile returning to his face.
"Yeah… I'm ready."
====
This brings an end to yet another one of my translated works.
Working on a Demon Slayer-style fic has been really fun, so expect more stories in that universe with different concepts in the future.
Thank you for the support ❤️