"Yes."
Giyu, Shinobu, and Kazuki answered in unison. The three then left the estate and set off toward Mount Natagumo.
The other Hashira also began training to turn their Nichirin blades into Bright Red Blades.
Along the way, the three of them spoke very little. Kazuki had originally thought that his relationship with Giyu had improved significantly, but now he realized that it was still difficult to hold a conversation with him. He only exchanged a few words with Shinobu.
Kazuki also noticed that Shinobu was quite a warm person. Even with someone as cold and reserved as Giyu, she still made an effort to keep the conversation going—just like now.
"If humans and demons could coexist peacefully, that would be wonderful, wouldn't it? What do you think, Tomioka-san?" Shinobu asked Giyu.
This had always been her late sister's wish. After her sister's death, Shinobu had lived on as if she were her sister.
But in truth, it was merely a façade. Though she spoke like this, her hatred toward demons was no less than Sanemi's or Obanai's.
Giyu's expression remained unchanged as he replied calmly,
"That wouldn't work—as long as demons continue to eat humans."
After hearing Giyu's immediate rejection, Shinobu turned to Kazuki.
"And what do you think, Yō?"
"My thoughts are the same as Tomioka-san's. As long as demons eat humans, humans and demons can't coexist. Even though demons were once human, the moment they became demons and devoured people, they committed unforgivable sins. Only by slaying them can the souls of those they killed be put to rest," Kazuki replied.
"Oh? That's a pity then. But does that mean demons who haven't eaten humans can be forgiven?" Shinobu asked further.
The question caught Kazuki off guard. He had never really considered the existence of demons that didn't eat humans. Every demon he had encountered so far had consumed people—some brutally violent, others even taking pleasure in tormenting humans.
Even newly created demons would eat humans. When demons were first born, they were extremely weak and desperately needed human flesh to recover. They wouldn't even spare blood relatives—in fact, blood relatives were even more enticing to them.
After thinking for a while, Kazuki gave his answer.
"If a demon truly exists that hasn't eaten humans, then I think it could be allowed to live under strict supervision, and we could try to find a way to turn it back into a human.
"If that proves impossible, then as long as it doesn't eat humans, I think it should be killed when it reaches the age at which it would naturally die as a human."
If this had been in the past, Kazuki likely wouldn't have thought so deeply—he would have simply killed it.
But after meeting Tanjiro and experiencing his first mission, his perspective had changed. Even if someone became a demon, they were still once loved deeply by others. In situations like this, those who loved them were the ones who suffered the most.
If a demon had eaten humans, there was nothing more to discuss. But if it hadn't, Kazuki believed there might be choices other than killing.
Hearing his words, both Giyu and Shinobu seemed to fall into thought.
Kazuki continued,
"Eternal life itself goes against the laws of this world—it shouldn't exist.
"And if a demon truly doesn't eat humans, then it likely still retains human consciousness. In that case, eternal life would become a curse. Watching friends and family die one by one—how long could what remains of its humanity last?"
After hearing this, Shinobu and Giyu both felt a quiet sense of admiration for Kazuki. These deeper considerations weren't something they had thought about before.
"I didn't expect you to think so deeply about this, Yō," Shinobu said with a smile, clearly agreeing with him. "I think what you said might be the most reasonable solution. What do you think, Tomioka-san?"
"Mm," Giyu responded briefly, offering no further comment.
After that, the three fell silent again.
Soon, they arrived at Mount Natagumo. Night had fallen, shrouding the mountain in darkness. The entire place felt eerie and ominous, and faint screams could be heard echoing through the forest.
"Why don't we split up?" Kazuki suggested to Giyu and Shinobu.
The mountain was vast—if the three of them moved together, their progress would undoubtedly be slower.
Giyu and Shinobu nodded, and the three split up, each heading deeper into the mountain.
Within the dark forest, Kazuki rushed toward the mountain's center.
Suddenly, a thunderous crack rang out.
Kazuki looked up toward the source of the sound.
Against the night sky, a blond figure briefly blocked out the moon. His right hand gripped the hilt of a Nichirin blade—either sheathing it or preparing to draw. Beside him, a demon's severed head flew through the air. Moments later, both figures fell downward.
"Zenitsu?"
The figure looked like Zenitsu. Worried, Kazuki immediately changed direction and sprinted toward that location.
On the roof of a suspended house, Zenitsu lay on his back, poisoned. At this moment, the moon appeared unusually clear in his eyes.
One thought after another surfaced in his mind.
I think I just had a dream…
It was such a happy dream…
I was incredibly strong… stronger than anyone else…
Able to help the weak… able to help those in trouble…
As Zenitsu drifted through these thoughts, the image of Kuwajima Jigoro surfaced in his mind, along with memories of his grandfather's teachings.
No matter what… the things Grandpa taught me… the time he spent on me… none of it was wasted…
As Zenitsu's thoughts wandered, a figure dressed in white landed on the rooftop and called out to him.
Who is it…?
That voice sounds so familiar…
His reverie was interrupted. Zenitsu recognized the voice, yet his body could no longer move. He couldn't even turn his head.
"Zenitsu! Hang in there! I'm taking you to a doctor!"
Kazuki shouted loudly, trying to keep him conscious as he carefully lifted Zenitsu into his arms.
Zenitsu was the first close friend Kazuki had made after joining the Demon Slayer Corps—someone truly important to him.
At that moment, Zenitsu finally saw who it was.
It's Yō…
Am I dreaming again…?
It can't really be this convenient, right…?
Looks like… this is the end…
Zenitsu's consciousness faded, and his eyes slowly closed.
"Don't give up, Zenitsu!"
"Don't give up!"
Two voices rang out in Zenitsu's ears at the same time. His eyes snapped open once more, tears spilling out.
As his body jolted with movement, Zenitsu remembered his grandfather's teachings and began using his Breathing to slow the spread of the poison.
Seeing this, Kazuki felt a slight sense of relief.
If he can keep using his Breathing, he should be able to hold on for a while longer. Now it depends on whether Shinobu can save him.
Carrying Zenitsu, Kazuki ran toward the direction Shinobu had taken. He regretted suggesting they split up earlier—but fortunately, they hadn't been separated for long.
Before long, he spotted Shinobu, who was still on the move.
"Shinobu-san, please—help me save him!"
Kazuki rushed up to her and pleaded urgently.
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