Demon Slayer : Breath of The Forest

With tears streaming down on it face, the Kasugai Crow Eizo flapped its weary wings towards the headquarters, carrying the news of Shinichi's possible death in battle.

It had desperately flown back earlier to seek reinforcements, only to now return with this sorrowful message.

At the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, inside the Ubuyashiki estate.

Kagaya gently stroked the barely breathing Kasugai Crow remaining silent.

Behind him, Ubuyashiki Amane wore an expression of worry and reluctance, while even the young Ubuyashiki Hinaki and Ubuyashiki Nichika looked downcast—that kind older brother who always pulled candies from his pocket...

"Fallen..." Kagaya murmured the heavy word.

***

The Sound Hashira Uzui Tengen, arriving too late just like the Wind and Wave Hashira, wore a grim expression.

"Upper Moon!"

Those utterly unflashy wicked Demons! If he encountered them, He will mercilessly cut them down!

***

The Stone Hashira, also received the crow's message.

CRACK!!

A Demon's head exploded like a watermelon under the impact of the Nichirin Meteor Hammer before it could even scream, its foul blood splattering onto the Stone Hashira's face.

Two clear tears streamed from his unfocused eyes.

Clasping his hands together, Gyomei chanted in a low voice.

"Namu Amida Butsu. Elder Moriki sacrifice shall not be in vain. Until the day all Demons perish, we Demon Slayers shall endure eternally!"

***

The Water Hashira Giyu Tomioka paused mid-mission, a ripple disturbing his usually calm eyes.

"I still owe him a proper apology..."

***

At the Rengoku residence.

The Flame Hashira Shinjuro Rengoku, his face covered in unkempt stubble, leaned against a wooden pillar surrounded by empty sake jars, enveloped in heavy alcohol fumes.

Upon hearing the crow's news, the drunken Shinjuro set down his jar.

Gazing into the distance, he remained silent for a long time before finally letting out a self-deprecating chuckle, muttering.

"All for nothing in the end..."

***

Though reluctant, another Kasugai Crow delivered the news to the Moriki residence.

When Elder Moriki heard of Shinichi's possible death, he fell silent—a prolonged, heavy silence.

Just as the messenger crow worried the elder might collapse from shock, Elder Moriki stood up.

Looking at the lush green grass filling his courtyard, swaying in the breeze and radiating vitality, he spoke with unshakable conviction:

"That boy Shinichi... hasn't fallen."

***

News of the Forest Hashira possible death spread throughout the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters.

Countless corps members mourned deeply, especially those who had fought alongside Shinichi, their hatred for Demons growing fiercer.

The Corps' demon-slaying efficiency surged dramatically in following days.

***

Kakushi Corps.

Gotou frozen in place.

Though his masked face showed no expression, his visible eyes clearly reflected devastation.

"Shinichi... how? He was so strong..."

Gotou struggled to believe the news, but as a mere Kakushi member, what power did he have to question it?

Before his mission, Shinichi had asked Gotou to look after Maru-ni for him—and to keep working on his weight loss.

Now Maru-ni had clearly lost a lot of weight, but Shinichi...

Gotou didn't know what to say, his eyes moist as he patted Maru-ni's head and murmured.

"Maru-ni, you dont need to diet anymore. Your happiness is what matters most. I'm sure Shinichi would think the same."

The little Shiba Inu Maru-ni tilted its head in confusion, not quite understanding why this temporary caretaker had suddenly become teary.

However, being quite perceptive, it wagged its tail and barked playfully, trying to cheer Gotou up—after all, if the temporary caretaker was happy, lunch portions might be more generous, right?

As for its owner Shinichi, Maru-ni who shared a deep bond with him, could clearly sense that although Shinichi's vitality was faint, it still persisted.

Perhaps the owner was being forced to diet too...

***

"Where am I? Am I dead? Is this heaven? Or hell?"

In the hazy void, Shinichi voice echoed—he was alone.

He couldn't feel his body, couldn't see anything, only an overwhelming sense of emptiness.

The passage of time lost all meaning.

Shinichi didn't know when he had regained consciousness in this void, nor how long he had been here.

His memories stopped at the fierce battle with Douma—he knew nothing of what happened afterward.

Did Kanae and Shinobu make it out safely?

Did headquarters' reinforcements arrive in time?

Was that bastard Douma finally slain?

If he was really dead, surely many would grieve.

The Old Man was already so old—would he be able to bear the loss?

Would there still be time to find a new successor for Forest Breathing?

The Master and the other Hashira would probably mourn him a little, right?

Well, maybe not that cold boy Giyu Tomioka.

And Shinobu... What a shame.

No more bickering with her.

Come to think of it, he'd been wrong before—her straightforward personality was actually quite endearing.

But if Shinobu ever became gentle like Kanae... ugh! Just imagining it made Shinichi shudder.

Then there was Maru-ni, that carefree little glutton.

Without him keeping an eye on things, would the dog ever slim down?

He could only hope Gotou would not be swayed by Maru-ni!.

After all this musing, why was his consciousness still here?

Heaven or hell—could someone just give him a straight answer?

Leaving him drifting like this was downright rude!

Just as Shinichi's thoughts spiraled, a faint emerald glow suddenly pierced the void.

That glimmer of green stood out starkly against the formless chaos, catching Shinichi's attention immediately.

After drifting timelessly for who knew how long, he wasn't about to let this chance slip away.

He strained toward the light with everything he had.

Though he couldn't feel his body or even understand how to move closer, the moment he willed it, he sensed himself drawing near—the glow growing larger, brighter with each passing moment.

As he approached, the emerald radiance gradually coalesced into a human silhouette.

A green haori.

Messily tied black hair.

A simple leather belt at the waist from which a sheathed katana hung.

The familiar face made Shinichi freeze.

He subconsciously muttered.

"Why is it you again? Shunichi Moriki? Have you really become a ghost? Are you here to take me to hell?"

Shunichi Moriki, the ancestor of the Moriki family standing opposite him felt an urge to draw his sword.

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