Night fell, and a crow landed in Ryuji's room, croaking, "Emergency! Emergency! Casualties on the Infinity Train are mounting; passengers are mysteriously disappearing. Ryuji and the Moonslayer unit are ordered to rendezvous with Kyōjurō Rengoku, the Flame Hashira, on the Infinity Train!"
The emergency order reached not only Ryuji but also Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke (unit one) and Kujou Hattori, Shinichi, Kachi, Seiichiro, and Kenta (unit two).
Shinichi understood the gravity of the situation; with Ryuji and Kyōjurō Rengoku leading, the mission would be as dangerous as Natagumo Mountain.
After receiving the order, Tanjiro bid farewell to Kanao, Aoi Kanzaki, and Kotoha, Kanae, and Sumire.
He first encountered Aoi Kanzaki airing bedding in the courtyard. He explained his impending mission.
Aoi listened, a hint of sadness in her eyes but little visible emotion. As a medical professional at the Butterfly Mansion, she'd seen this many times.
The Demon Slayer Corps wasn't a retirement home; once healed, the demon slayers returned to their duties. Aoi had never seen anyone return after leaving, knowing they likely wouldn't. This explained her stoicism.
Aoi said calmly, "Is that so? Leaving already? I'm glad to have spent this short but fulfilling time with you. Be careful."
Tanjiro sincerely thanked her, "Thank you! Thanks to your care, we can continue fighting demons!"
Aoi showed no joy at his thanks, instead self-deprecatingly saying, "Don't thank me. I'm a coward who barely survived the Final Selection. I have psychological trauma and can't fight demons anymore. This is all I can do."
Seeing healed demon slayers return to battle reminded Aoi of her own cowardice.
Tanjiro said, "That doesn't matter. You healed my wounds, making us inseparable! I'll fight for both of us. If I get hurt again, I'll rely on you!"
"Goodbye, Aoi-chan!"
Tanjiro cheerfully ran off.
Aoi watched him go, calling out, "Don't die!"
"I won't!" Tanjiro promised, turning back.
After bidding farewell to Aoi, Tanjiro searched for Kanao, finally finding her lost in thought in the back garden.
"Found you!" He cheerfully greeted her, "Kanao, thank you for helping us train. We're leaving for the Infinity Train mission!"
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