The coming storm

As Hantengu's true form completely dissipated, the flames on Nezuko's body gradually went out in the sunlight. She shook weakly and turned back into her young form. The anxious Tanjiro immediately wrapped her tightly with special cloth and held her in his arms to check her injuries.

"Nezuko...you..." Tanjiro's voice choked with sobs, a mixture of ecstasy at having found her, and heartache at the pain her sister was enduring. After confirming that Nezuko was simply asleep from exhaustion and her life was not in danger, he breathed a sigh of relief, nearly collapsing.

Kanroji Mitsuri finally gave up, her markings fading as she collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath, her body covered in scars from her battle with the "Zenpoten." Tokito Muichiro silently sheathed his red blade. The burden of the transparent world had left him pale, but he still vigilantly surveyed his surroundings.

Giyuu's gaze first fell on Shiro, and after confirming that she was alright, he slowly sheathed his sword. He walked over to Tanjiro and looked at Nezuko, who was sleeping peacefully in her brother's arms. A complex mix of emotions flashed across his deep blue eyes—shock, relief, and even deeper worry.

"She... overcame the sunlight." Yiyong's voice was low, revealing the shocking fact in everyone's mind.

This sentence ignited the tension that had just relaxed. Everyone knew what this meant—this was a miracle unprecedented in centuries, a ray of hope that would end Muzan's existence, but also the fuse that would lead to his own destruction. Muzan would never allow such a being to survive; he would pounce on them like a madman.

"We must report this to our lord immediately." Yiyong said in a deep voice. This is the most important thing at the moment.

Shiro's face was still pale, the cold feeling of Muzan's gaze still lingering on her skin. She subconsciously moved closer to Giyuu, seeking the warmth and strength that would reassure her. Giyuu sensed her uneasiness and silently moved a step forward, shielding her even more tightly behind his figure.

At this moment, the seriously injured Fuzuigawa Genya stumbled over, supported by the other swordsmiths. Seeing Nezuko safe and sound, and seeing the solemn expressions of the others, he seemed to understand something, and spat a mouthful of blood, his eyes fierce but determined.

The swordsmiths of the Swordsmith Village began to emerge from their hiding places. Looking at the devastated village, their faces were filled with sorrow, but more of a sense of relief at having survived. They looked at Tanjiro and Nezuko with eyes filled with gratitude.

"My Lords, Tanjiro-sama, and... Shiro-sama," the elderly village chief, Tetsuji Kawara Tetsujin, approached, supported by his disciples. Though exhausted, his eyes remained sharp. "Thank you all for risking your lives to protect this village. The Swordsmith Village will never forget this kindness."

His gaze lingered on Nezuko for a moment, filled with wonder, before turning to Giyu and Haku: "Master Tomioka, Master Haku, I will personally inspect and repair your Nichirin Swords. Rest assured."

A brief period of post-disaster relief work began, and members of the Hidden Team quickly arrived and began to treat the wounded and clean up the battlefield.

Bai stood beside Giyuu, watching the busy crowd, and whispered, "He knows, Giyuu-senpai. Muzan... He saw Nezuko through the eyes of that demon, and also... saw me."

Yiyong was silent for a moment, then reached out and held her cold hand tightly.

"Then let him come." His voice was calm, yet contained a decisive force. "This time, let's put an end to it once and for all."

His words dispelled the last chill in Shiro's heart. Yes, running away was useless, fear was useless. From the moment she chose to stand by Giyuu, on the side of the Demon Slayer Corps, the final battle with Muzan was inevitable.

Sunlight pierces the clouds, illuminating the shattered yet resilient swordsmith village. Hope and crisis arrive like twins, simultaneously. After a brief respite, the Demon Slayer Corps faces the most brutal and crucial final battle in its centuries-long history. Shiro and Giyuu, each other's strongest support, face this storm together, a storm that will determine the fate of the world.