Gyomei Himejima did not wander aimlessly anymore. He stayed at the temple.
Having let go of the past, Gyomei no longer held prejudice against children. Just like in the beginning, he once again began to like them.
Because of this, Gyomei once again started taking in homeless children and letting them stay at the temple, just as he had done before.
As he watched the children grow day by day and felt their daily happiness, Gyomei's heart was filled with joy.
From time to time, Gyomei would stop in the courtyard and look at the large axe and flail made from scarlet crimson iron resting there. He would recall his days of demon slaying.
He would remember those unforgettable times.
He would also think of the comrades who had once fought alongside him and fallen in battle.
Occasionally, he would also think of that final demon.
A demon he could no longer truly regard as just another demon.
That demon's departure made people feel regret, made them sigh, and left them with a sense of injustice.
"Namu Amida Butsu…"
Gyomei pressed his hands together and silently recited the Buddha's name.
"Mr. Himejima, what would you like for lunch…?"
Sayo's voice came from behind him.
"Anything is fine…"
"Ah, that won't do! Everyone prepared a big feast just for you, Mr. Himejima!" Sayo smiled and led Gyomei back inside.
When the children saw Gyomei, they gathered around him joyfully, sharing their little happiness and excitement with him.
They talked about small things — like the wild fruits they picked today, or something new they had learned, or something they had made…
This peaceful and harmonious life made Gyomei feel momentarily dazed. It was completely different from the tense days when he had lived on the edge of a blade, never knowing if he would die in a demon's mouth.
At first, it had been difficult to adapt. His body had remained tense.
But gradually,
he slowly grew accustomed to it.
"Mr. Himejima, can you tell us the story of that last demon?"
One of the children ran up to Gyomei, eyes full of anticipation.
"The last demon, huh…"
Gyomei spoke softly, his voice gentle. "Demons were first born in the distant Heian period. A terrifying evil demon appeared — a demon named Muzan Kibutsuji. He was the source of all demons and created many evil demons that fed on humans. These demons used their power to destroy human happiness at will…"
"That final demon was also created by that terrifying evil demon. But unlike ordinary evil demons, he suppressed the demonic urge for flesh and blood. He broke free from Muzan Kibutsuji's control and continued to uphold the bottom line of being human…"
...
The fog over Mount Sagiri remained thick and dense,
a vast expanse of white.
Nezuko carried a basket and walked lightly along the mountain path.
Although Mount Sagiri was not particularly tall, this section of the path was extremely steep. Ordinary people would find it very difficult to walk here.
But for Nezuko, it was effortless.
The girl moved through the mountain forest as lightly as a bird.
Before long, she finally reached her destination.
This was an extremely steep area. However, above the steep slope was a wide, flat platform. A cave stood beside it.
It was a place that should have been unreachable by anyone, yet someone seemed to be living here.
Nezuko, carrying her basket, walked over. Soon, she saw the man sitting cross-legged on a large stone. The gentle morning sunlight fell on the side of his face, casting a warm glow and giving him a faintly mysterious aura.
Beside the man rested a Nichirin Blade.
A year had already passed since the day Soma was publicly cremated.
Compared to a year ago, he appeared even more steady, as if he had already grown used to this secluded life.
Even so, Nezuko still felt a pang of heartache. Living alone, isolated from the world — she wondered how lonely he must have felt.
"You're here."
Soma opened his eyes and spoke in a warm voice.
"Mm."
Nezuko nodded and walked lightly to stand in front of him. She opened the basket, revealing steaming hot food inside.
She took out the food one by one — fish, meat, and wine.
Of course, as an immortal demon, he didn't actually need to eat. But there was no need to go without.
Soma picked up his chopsticks, took a piece of fish, and ate it. The meat was fresh and delicious — clearly cooked with great care. He continued eating, savoring the taste.
Nezuko sat beside him and poured him a cup of wine.
Soma picked it up and took a sip, a look of enjoyment appearing on his face.
Nezuko quietly stayed by his side. Whenever the wine ran out, she would personally refill his cup. From time to time, she would tilt her head slightly and watch him eat.
Usually, Nezuko kept her hair tied up. But whenever she was alone with Soma, she left it down. Her long hair, like tassels, cascaded down to her waist. Occasionally, when she lifted her head, the gentle sunlight would highlight her slender, fair neck, as graceful as a swan's.
They ate and drank simply.
When the last drop of wine was gone, Soma put down his cup with a hint of regret.
"I'll bring more next time." Nezuko looked at him, her voice gentle.
Soma glanced at her. He reached out, and amid Nezuko's surprised cry, he pulled her into his arms and carried her into the cave.
...
Inside the cave, on a simple bed, Nezuko lay limply in Soma's embrace. Her head rested against his chest as she looked up at him with a dreamy, slightly dazed expression. Her entire body looked languid, like a well-fed cat.
Soma turned his head to look at her. The girl's fair face now carried a faint blush, making her look especially radiant and captivating. He felt his desire stir again.
But he held himself back.
The path down the mountain was very steep. If he wasn't careful, an accident could happen — and that wouldn't be good.
Nezuko lifted her head from his chest and looked up at him. "Hinaki is still staying at Mount Sagiri. She doesn't plan to leave."
Soma listened but didn't say anything. He had naturally seen everything Hinaki Ubuyashiki had done before. It had moved him deeply.
He had originally thought it was just a moment of impulse on her part. But even now, after a full year, she was still here.
Just as Soma was feeling moved, he suddenly felt a soft little hand land on his waist — and twist the soft flesh there.
"Ow…!"
Soma couldn't help but cry out in pain. He looked at Nezuko with a confused expression.
"It's not just Hinaki who's still at the mountain. Shinobu and Kanae have also come. And Mitsuri too…"
Nezuko looked up at him. Her beautiful eyes were filled with resentment. "Also, Kanao has been combing her hair every single day… waiting for the day it reaches her waist."
Makomo had also been taking turns with Nezuko to come visit him.
Feeling Nezuko's resentful gaze, Soma felt a little guilty. It seems I've attracted quite a few girls.
Still, he could roughly understand why Shinobu and Kanae had come. But why had Mitsuri Kanroji come as well? That was beyond his expectations.
...
(The book is complete.)
(Finally, thank you all for your support and for accompanying me on this journey.)