The moon hung still in the night sky, casting a pale glow over the rubble of the Ubuyashiki estate. All that remained was ash, broken stone—and a garden of silence.
But in the quiet, something stirred.
A demon screeched.
Then another.
They emerged from the forest, twisted abominations seeking to destroy the last remnants of the Demon Slayer Corps' legacy.
At the center of it all—Nezuko, peacefully asleep under a protective barrier of talismans and incense, placed with utmost care. Her breathing was calm, steady. She was still transforming, her body stabilizing under the sun's dormant curse.
They came for her.
But they didn't reach her.
SHING!
A demon's head spun through the air. Then another.
The ground cracked under a wild, thundering presence.
Tengen Uzui landed from above, his twin swords dripping with black blood.
"Sorry, ugly things," he grinned, gold eyes sharp. "But this is a no-entry zone."
Behind him stood a young boy—Kiriya Ubuyashiki, eyes glowing with resolve, giving out commands via Kasugai Crows to every pillar and squad within the Infinity Castle. His brow was furrowed, but his voice was calm.
"Tengen, don't let them near Nezuko."
"Obviously." Tengen clicked his tongue. "I'm flashy, not reckless."
More demons roared through the trees.
But they weren't alone either.
Shoosh—CLANG!
A blur of blue.
Sakonji Urokodaki, the former Water Hashira, appeared beside Tengen with his fox mask on, blade unsheathed.
"They won't touch her," Urokodaki said, calm and deadly.
Another shadow emerged from the flames—gruff, stern, his expression fierce as ever.
Shinjuro Rengoku.
"I never imagined I'd take up the blade again," he muttered. "But for the children of this Corps… I will burn the past."
The three stood as guardians—old legends returned to the battlefield once more.
A horde of demons lunged.
Tengen spun his blades with style, slicing through two at once.
Urokodaki flowed like water, precise and silent.
Shinjuro ignited his flame breathing, the air around him shimmering with heat.
"Flame Breathing – Second Form: Rising Scorching Sun!"
One wave incinerated half the wave.
They stood back-to-back, a wall of strength guarding the sleeping girl and the future of the Demon Slayer Corps.
"Let them come," Tengen said with a grin.
"They'll never pass."
And from afar, Kiriya watched silently, whispering a prayer for his fallen family.
"…We won't lose tonight."