As I walked through the estate, the air felt lighter than before. There was no longer the lingering scent of medicine or the oppressive weight of an impending tragedy. Instead, laughter and soft conversation filled the air.
The Ubuyashiki residence, once shrouded in an atmosphere of quiet sorrow, now seemed peaceful.
And at the heart of that peace sat Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the man who had defied fate.
I found him in the garden, surrounded by his family. He sat in a wheelchair, probably because he was still malnourished, the sunlight casting a gentle glow on his face. His wife and children were nearby, talking and laughing together. It was such a simple sight—yet something that would have been impossible not too long ago.
Because I had changed his fate.
He noticed my presence almost immediately, his eyes turning toward me as his usual serene smile deepened. But this time, it wasn't the fragile, knowing smile of a man waiting for death.
It was the smile of a man who had been given the chance to live.
"Alex," he greeted me warmly. "I had a feeling you would come."
I smirked, stepping closer. "I should've figured you'd say something like that."
He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You always speak as if I possess some great foresight. But in truth, I simply know the kind of man you are."
I raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what kind of man am I?"
"The kind who never leaves without saying goodbye."
I let out a small laugh. "You got me there."
His expression softened. "You're leaving."
I nodded. "Yeah. I'll be heading to another world soon."
For a moment, silence stretched between us. Then, slowly, Ubuyashiki placed his hands on his lap, his fingers intertwining.
"Before I say anything else," he said, "allow me to express my deepest gratitude."
I raised an eyebrow. "Gratitude?"
He smiled. "Alex, you have done more for us than I ever could have imagined. You not only healed my illness, but you also defeated four upper-rank demons. Because of you, the fate of the Demon Slayer Corps has changed forever."
I rubbed the back of my neck. "Well, when you put it like that, I guess I did a lot."
He laughed lightly. "You always act as if your actions are small. But to us, what you have done is nothing short of a miracle."
I shrugged. "I just do what I feel like doing. That's all."
He nodded in understanding. "And yet, for us, that has meant everything."
For a moment, I let his words settle. I never really thought about it that deeply. To me, taking down Muzan's demons was just part of the path I walked. But for these people, for those who had fought and suffered for generations, it was life-changing.
After a moment, I exhaled and looked at him seriously. "I came here to tell you one more thing before I leave."
Ubuyashiki tilted his head slightly. "Oh?"
"There won't be any more attacks on humans by Muzanette. And no new demons will be created."
His eyes widened slightly in surprise, but his composure returned just as quickly. "You dealt with Muzanette?"
I smirked. "Not in the way you think."
He studied me carefully. "Then... she is still alive?"
I nodded. "Yeah. But she's agreed to stop making new demons. And she won't be attacking humans anymore."
Ubuyashiki was silent for a moment. "I see…"
I could tell he was processing my words carefully. Unlike others, he didn't react with immediate skepticism or outrage. He was a man who understood the importance of strategy.
"But," I added, "if the Demon Slayers still wish to kill demons, I won't stop them. The demons that are still around are fair game."
His gaze remained steady. "And what of those who still serve her?"
"She won't be protecting them," I said simply. "If they die, they die."
Ubuyashiki let out a slow breath, nodding. "This is… unexpected."
I smirked. "I tend to be full of surprises."
He chuckled again. "That, I do not doubt."
There was another pause before he spoke again. "And what of you, Alex? Now that you've done all this... what will you do next?"
I shrugged. "Keep moving forward. There's always more to see and more to do. I don't plan on staying in one place for too long."
He nodded, his expression thoughtful. "That is the nature of a wanderer. And yet, you have left an unshakable mark on this world."
I glanced at the peaceful scene around us—the family he once thought he'd never get to enjoy, the future that now stretched before them.
"Yeah," I said. "I guess I have."
For a moment, neither of us spoke.
Then, Ubuyashiki smiled again. "I will not try to persuade you to stay. That is not my place. But… I do hope you will return one day."
I grinned. "Oh, don't worry. I'll be back. Shinobu, Mitsuri, Yuki, and Nezuko are here."
His expression held a quiet confidence. "Then I look forward to that day."
I turned to leave, but before I could take a step, his voice stopped me one last time.
"Alex."
I looked back at him.
"Thank you," he said sincerely.
I held his gaze for a moment before smiling. "Don't mention it."
~~~
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