In the Infinite Castle
At this moment, the five Upper Moons gathered to face the wrath of Muzan Kibutsuji.
After his fury settled, he began issuing orders:
"Gyokko, after confirming the information, go with Hantengu."
"Kokushibo, search thoroughly again—especially near the Wisteria Forest."
Gyokko, reduced to only a head, flushed with joy and smiled grotesquely.
Hantengu trembled on his knees and replied, "I'll obey your command!"
Kokushibo disappeared from the Infinite Castle in a flash.
Douma leaned in, lifting Gyokko's head gently in his hands. "What's the intel? Can I come along? Pretty please?"
Unknown changes were beginning to stir in the world…
***
Butterfly Mansion – Around 6 PM
Tomioka Giyuu, fresh from a mission, arrived at the Butterfly Mansion.
To be precise, he had made a date with Kocho Shinobu to attend the fireworks festival.
Shinobu, dressed in a summer kimono with her hair down, had cheeks tinged pink.
A hint of bright red on her lips left Tomioka momentarily dazed.
Likewise, it was the first time Shinobu saw Tomioka wearing anything but his uniform—
the pale blue kimono brought out the calm sharpness of his face.
Shinobu glanced aside shyly and murmured,
"You look so handsome today…"
Tomioka's face turned red.
Shinobu felt uncharacteristically flustered just looking at him.
At that moment, Kocho Kanae walked by, eyes flicking between them.
"Hm? What did you two do wrong to be standing here like you're being punished?"
Both snapped out of it. Shinobu quickly grabbed Tomioka's hand and ran out.
"Bye, sis! I'll be back tonight!"
Kanae smiled warmly and waved.
"You look great, Shinobu—keep at it!"
The Festival Began
After running for a bit, Shinobu noticed she was still holding Tomioka's hand.
Just as she moved to let go, he squeezed her hand tighter.
"Let's go. The fireworks have started."
"Okay…"
As they walked hand in hand, Shinobu would occasionally steal glances at him.
The festive atmosphere slowly melted away her shyness.
Tomioka bought her a salmon-shaped doll.
"Since you don't like furry things, I thought you'd prefer this.
Maybe you'll think of me when you see it."
Shinobu looked at the fish's blank face, then back at Giyuu—and burst into laughter.
"Haha! They really do look alike—so stupid!"
"Stupid? How am I—?"
Next stop: goldfish scooping—Shinobu's favorite.
Despite multiple tries, she couldn't catch the gold one.
Frustrated, she pointed dramatically.
"Giyuu, you try! Get me the golden one!"
"Just watch," he said with a rare smirk.
Within three seconds, he had the golden goldfish in a bag.
Shinobu lit up. "Again, do it again!"
By the end, Giyuu had three, Shinobu had one.
"Don't be discouraged. There's a difference between talent and effort."
"You're right—but what's yours is mine!" She grinned.
"Boss, pack them all!"
She waved her prize triumphantly. "Let's go play something else~"
7 PM – Fireworks
They sat in a quiet spot with a wide view.
The sky bloomed with color. Shinobu, leaning slightly against him, whispered:
"I wish this moment could last forever. I'm really happy right now…
But still, I…"
Tomioka gently placed his hand on her head.
"I'm here. Nothing will happen."
"Mm…" She buried her face into his chest.
"Please be safe. I've had a bad feeling lately."
(Red flag 💀)
After the festival, Tomioka carried the prizes and walked Shinobu back to the Butterfly Mansion.
As he sped home alone, he suddenly stopped.
Before him lay over ten corpses—Demon Slayer Corps members.
"All killed in one strike…"
His expression hardened. Looking toward the nearby village, he hesitated—then stepped in.
"With so many dead, I can't just ignore this…"
He summoned a Kasugai crow.
"Fly back and report to the Master. I'll investigate."
Within the Village
A strong stench of blood hit Tomioka as he stepped into the darkened streets.
Turning a corner, he heard a deep, heavy voice in the alley.
Peering inside, his blood ran cold.
Kokushibo.
And kneeling before him—Gyomei Himejima's former subordinate.
"You wish to become a demon? If our Lord approves, you'll be our ally.
The stronger the swordsman, the longer the conversion. It took me three days.
You'll need more blood. Very few are physically incompatible."
Kokushibo raised a vial. "Don't waste a single drop, or…"
Suddenly—whoosh.
Before the demonling could drink, the world spun.
Tomioka had already sliced off his head—and both arms.
"Trash like you shouldn't even think about it."
He turned to face Kokushibo and drew his blade. He didn't run.
There was no point.
With Kokushibo's perception, he'd already been discovered.
And Tomioka still remembered his duty.
Not just because of this traitor—
But because he was the Water Hashira.
Kokushibo slowly unsheathed his blade.
The air turned heavy.
***
Bro is so cooked 😭🙏