Chapter 103
The air froze into solid ice, then cracked inch by inch amidst the silent killing intent.
The terrifying killing intent that suddenly erupted from Upper Moon caused the temperature in the room to drop, and Aori even felt that her breath was about to freeze.
The remaining rationality tells everyone that today is not for fighting.
Azhi took a few deep breaths, and her emotions calmed down a bit. She forced herself to sit up straight, her face still showing fear, her two small hands trembling as they were separated.
They wanted to use their meager strength to prevent a potential conflict.
Azhi tried to make her voice clear: "I...we...can talk this over properly."
“…”
Kokushibo blinked, and the chilling ghostly aura surrounding him gradually subsided.
He pulled his arm away from Yoriichi's grip and, under the terrified gaze of Aori and the cold, murderous stares of the others, made a move that surprised everyone.
He took something out of his pocket.
Everyone except Kokushibo and Aori became secretly alert, their muscles tensing, ready to strike at any moment.
But it wasn't a weapon; it was just a short flute, pure white with smooth, beautiful lines.
It lay quietly in the demon's bony hand, its surface gleaming with an unusual, lustrous sheen, neither jade nor stone, in the dim light.
The piccolo is flawlessly beautiful, like a work of art sculpted by a master craftsman who poured his life's blood into it.
But whether it was just her imagination or not, despite being some distance away, Azhi seemed to be able to feel the cold aura emanating from that flute.
Yoriichi's gaze lingered on the flute for a moment, his brows slowly furrowing as he scrutinized the intense demonic aura emanating from it, belonging to Kokushibo.
This thing is no ordinary object; the thoughts attached to it are unsettling.
"Don't worry, it won't harm the human body, and—" Kokushibo's deep voice rang out, but he abruptly stopped halfway through his sentence, his six eyes completely fixed on Aori.
He handed the pure white flute to Azhi, his movements slow but with an unyielding stubbornness, and even... deep within that stubbornness, a hint of expectation.
Azhi was stunned for a moment. She subconsciously shook her head and shrank back even further, pressing herself tightly against the solid chest behind her, her refusal obvious.
She said, trembling, "...I don't want to."
Hundreds of years ago, in the distant Warring States period, in that confined house, Kokushibo actually gave her many, many things.
There were priceless treasures and fun toys... but none of these were what she wanted.
Ori didn't want the piccolo anymore, but Kokushibo's hand remained stubbornly outstretched, not moving an inch.
“She doesn’t want to…” Giyu Tomioka’s cold voice rang out, carrying a clear warning, his hand still gripping the hilt of his Nichirin Blade.
The long stalemate stretched across the room, and just as it was about to escalate into a silent standoff, Kokushibo suddenly withdrew his hand.
Even if the flute were given away, it could be thrown away, but Kokushibo was certain that, given Ori's personality, once she accepted it, she wouldn't discard it casually, no matter how much she feared or loathed her.
He knew her so well.
After all, they were husband and wife for a period of time hundreds of years ago.
Now, Ah Zhi won't even touch his things anymore.
But even now, Kokushibo does not regret using methods to force Aori to stay by his side.
From beginning to end, Aori's eyes were fixed on Yoriichi Tsugikuni. If he hadn't resorted to those obsessive and even despicable means, how could he have... briefly possessed her?
Therefore, he did not regret it.
Kokushibo's lips twitched very slightly, the curve of which seemed extremely bitter. He stood still for a moment, then his voice returned to calm: "Come with me."
The group exchanged glances and followed closely behind.
Azhi watched them leave, and they all refrained from discussing anything in front of her.
However, just as Kokushibo was about to step out of the room, he turned back and glanced at Aori one last time.
That gaze seemed to want to imprint Azhi's image forever into the depths of her soul, making her feel that it was an obsession that transcended the boundaries of life and death.
So much so that Azhi didn't notice the things left on the floor.
◇◇◇◇◇◇
Kokushibo provided an extremely detailed location, even explaining the possible internal structure and the guarding forces.
Initially, everyone was highly wary of this intelligence, but after a secret investigation by several Pillar-level members, the accuracy of the intelligence was confirmed.
From then on, the entire Demon Slayer Corps began operating at top speed and efficiency, and the final battle plan was finalized.
With Yoriichi Tsugikuni as the main attacker, the other Pillar members spared no effort to block the Upper Moon demons, creating conditions for Yoriichi Tsugikuni's fatal blow.
This operation was destined to be fraught with countless risks and sacrifices. Even the most optimistic person knew that what was about to happen was an extremely brutal battle.
This is the most difficult and crucial battle since the Demon Slayer Corps was founded, and it concerns the end of the thousand-year-old fate between humans and demons.
Aori, along with Ubuyashiki Amane and Nezuko, stayed behind at the safest rear base. She watched as everyone made their final checks and preparations, and a tragic atmosphere permeated the surroundings.
Sabito and Giyu Tomioka came together to say goodbye to Ori, their expressions more solemn than ever before.
However, when they came to Azhi, they adjusted their expressions and tried to return to their usual demeanor.
The flesh-haired swordsman smiled brightly and ruffled Azhi's hair vigorously, but this time, the force was filled with an indescribable tenderness and reluctance: "Don't look so sad, wait for our good news!"
His voice was still cheerful, but in the end, as he looked at Azhi, his broad hand hovering above her head trembled slightly.
Giyu Tomioka stood a little further behind him, his blue eyes brimming with turbulent emotions. His lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he only uttered two words in a low, hoarse voice: "...Don't worry."
The simple two words conveyed all his emotions and entrustment.
They were all trying to lighten the mood, as if it were just another routine mission trip.
Azhi sat there, looking up at them, observing their somewhat unnatural behavior.
She had faced Muzan Kibutsuji directly, and their eyes met during a parade. That one glance left an indelible mark on her.
Now, the people she cherishes must take the initiative to face the terrifying monster and throw themselves into a bloody battle where they are on the verge of death.
She wanted to say "Be careful" and "Come back safely," but her throat felt like it was blocked by something, and she couldn't make a sound.
Only scalding tears uncontrollably welled up and slid down her cheeks in large drops.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni walked over. He didn't look at Sabito and Giyu; his gaze fell directly on Ori's tearful, helpless, and worried face.
Then, under everyone's watchful eyes, this man, recognized by the Demon Slayer Corps as standing at the pinnacle of swordsmanship, unexpectedly and naturally knelt down on one knee in front of Ori.
"—Thump."
The sound of knees lightly touching the ground was exceptionally clear in the quiet room, yet it struck everyone's heart like a heavy hammer.
The action was sudden, yet also very solemn.
Yoriichi looked up at Ori, her small, watery figure clearly reflected in his crimson eyes.
There was no trace of the majesty or distance befitting the "originator of Sun Breathing" there, only an unreserved gentleness.
This is Yoriichi Tsugikuni, whom Aori is familiar with.
He raised his hand, his fingertips calloused from years of wielding a knife, and with the utmost gentleness and care, wiped away the hot tears that kept rolling down her cheeks.
"Don't be afraid."
Yoriichi Tsugikuni's voice was steady, carrying a strange power that could penetrate all unease and fear, clearly reaching her ears and the hearts of everyone present.
In front of A-Zhi, he concealed all his sharpness and majesty, revealing himself to be merely an ordinary man who wanted to protect the one he loved.
He then stood up, exchanged a glance with Sabito and Giyu Tomioka, whose expressions were complex yet equally resolute, and nodded slightly.
The three of them said no more and strode into the team that was about to set off.
Their figures appeared so resolute in the deepening night, like sharp blades severing a thousand-year-old destiny, resolutely plunging into the unknown darkness.
Now that things have come to this, no one is going to investigate further about the exact nature of the relationship between Aori and Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
The unspoken understanding and deep affection between them was evident to everyone.
As long as Yoriichi treats Aori well, and Aori is willing to accept this protection, that is enough.
………
The ravens' constant coming and going is not a good sign.
The list of the dead continues to grow, each name piercing the heart, time stretches endlessly, and the wait becomes agonizing.
Azhi sat in her room, looking worriedly at the dark night sky. Her heart had already flown to the distant battlefield, and terrifying scenes flashed through her mind, making her fingers cold with tension.
【000, they'll be alright, right?】
I don't know how many times Azhi asked this question again.
000 remained patient, using a calm electronic voice to reassure: "Don't worry."
………
"Buzz—"
A very subtle vibration suddenly rang out in the room.
Azhi snapped out of her chaotic thoughts and looked in the direction of the sound, seeing the short flute at its source.
The piccolo that A-Zhi didn't accept, but which was somehow left behind, is now vibrating.
The commotion wasn't actually that loud, but it seemed particularly striking, even somewhat eerie, in the quiet room.
Azhi hesitated for a long time. She did not throw away the flute, but she could not carry it with her without any qualms. In the end, she decided to place it on a table at a distance in the room.
At first, she couldn't help but care about it, but later she forced herself to ignore its existence.
At this moment, she could no longer ignore it.
Moonlight streamed through the window lattice, casting dappled shadows on the tabletop.
Under the moonlight, the flute seemed to glow, and the subtle vibrations made it appear as if it had come to life.
Azhi held her breath and leaned forward to look.
Under her gaze, at a certain moment, the pure white flute stopped vibrating, and its body was burned by invisible flames, turning into fine ashes from the top down.
The process was incredibly fast.
Azhi paused for a moment, then subconsciously reached out, trying to catch the scattered dust, but her fingertips only touched nothingness.
The last bit of ash swirled around my fingertip, carrying a wisp of cool air, like something invisible expressing its final lingering affection.
Then it vanished completely into the air without a trace, as if the flute had never existed.
Azhi realized something, and she suddenly covered her lips, staring blankly at the empty table.
The instant the flute completely dissipated, a buzzing sound, infused with the laws of higher dimensions, resounded in Azhi's mind—
[Task progress assessment in progress...]
[Mission objective 'Tomioka Giyu' has been fulfilled; mission settlement in progress—]
Settlement complete.
[Dear host, you have obtained permission to leave this world. Would you like to leave immediately?]
The notification sound kept echoing in my mind.
—The mission is complete.
—Muzan Kibutsuji is dead.
—Yi Yong's wish has been fulfilled.
Azhi was naturally happy, but not as happy as she had imagined.
"Are you coming or not?" 000's tone was as if he were asking about an extremely ordinary choice.
She was truly facing her biggest dilemma. After a moment of silence, she said, bewildered, "But...but I don't know if they're alright."
000 said calmly, "They're alright; we're handling the aftermath."
………
As dawn broke, news of victory and a heavy list of casualties arrived simultaneously.
The victory came at a heavy price; many young members below the Pillar level lost their lives on that battlefield.
Even the Pillar-level members were all injured, and many were seriously injured.
But the news of victory still ignited everyone's spirits, and all the reserves poured out, overjoyed and ready to welcome the triumphant heroes.
Azhi also pushed open the door. She stood at the doorway, watching everyone cheer and celebrate.
Under the dazzling light and amidst the expectant gazes of the crowd, Yoriichi Tsugikuni appeared.
He strode confidently toward Azhi, his long, crimson hair bathed in the light, each strand seemingly ablaze, fluttering freely in the morning breeze.
He slowly approached, stopped in front of Azhi, looked down at her face, said nothing, and hugged Azhi tightly.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni could hardly describe his feelings; pain and excitement were mixed together, and he couldn't find any relief. All he wanted to do was hold Aori in his arms.
This embrace, bearing the smell of gunpowder after a fierce battle and stained with the scent of blood and fire, is incredibly solid and reliable, as if it isolates the world from all storms and shelters a sky of eternal tranquility.
Aori hugged Yoriichi Tsugikuni's lean and strong waist tightly, burying her face deep in his chest, her anxious heart finally settling down.
In the distance, Sabito was helping Giyu Tomioka up. They were both wrapped in thick bandages, and their uniforms were covered in blood and dust. Compared to the other injured people, they were in relatively good condition.
Sabito's handsome face broke into a relieved smile. He gently nudged the silent Tomioka Giyuu with his uninjured arm.
Yoshiyuki Tomioka watched quietly, his blue eyes reflecting the golden sunlight, creating warm ripples.
After a moment, he lowered his eyes slightly and exhaled almost imperceptibly.
The sun shone brightly on the earth, dispelling the gloom and evil that had lasted for thousands of years.
They won.
From now on, no evil spirits will steal our happy lives, and everyone will usher in a future full of hope...
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Author's Note: My darlings, this concludes the main text. I will update the extra chapters and revise the previous text as I have more energy later.
I apologize for the lack of a good reading experience for everyone during the serialization. When I was halfway through writing, I started to feel unwell, but I felt fine at the time and didn't take it seriously or get a full medical check-up.
Subsequent examinations revealed a tumor. After a period of uncertainty and visiting multiple hospitals, I finally underwent tumor removal surgery. Since then, I've been receiving treatment, follow-up appointments, and medication, which has been very painful. At one point, I considered unsubscribing, but after seeing everyone's comments and reviewing my previous writings, I decided to continue.
Thank you for your understanding. Wishing everyone good health! [Sprinkling flowers][Sprinkling flowers]
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