"Have you heard? The Sword Saint James has swept across Japan!"
"Really? I can't believe it…"
"Could this be the last true sword master before the art fades into obscurity?"
Some had begun to sense the slow decline of supernatural powers in the world. The era of demons and Breathing Styles was nearing its end, and the people couldn't help but sigh with nostalgia.
Boom! Boom!
Someone knocked on the door of the Kochou residence in Kyoto. A black-haired girl opened it cautiously.
"I'm sorry, Kochou-ya is closed today—ah! Master James!"
Kanzaki Aoi was visibly stunned upon recognizing the visitor.
"Master James! Long time no see—please, come in!"
She stepped aside, ushering him through the familiar halls. Even though the house had been relocated to Kyoto, it looked nearly identical to the original, recreated with care and intention.
"The front is still the patient reception area, and the back is where we keep the beds. The house next door is where we rest. Inosuke and I live there," she said, and then suddenly paused, clapping her hand over her mouth. She had accidentally revealed a private detail.
"Hahaha, it's fine," James chuckled. "Shinobu already told me."
Aoi's face flushed slightly, but she nodded and continued leading him deeper into the house.
"Shinobu's in the study ahead. She usually reads medical books and mixes prescriptions when she has time. Xiaoqing, Xiaocheng, and Xiaosui are out playing today. I'll call them back later."
They arrived at a small wooden door. Aoi knocked softly. A few seconds later, it creaked open. Kochou Shinobu stood there—no longer in her butterfly haori, but dressed in simple home clothes, her long hair down.
"Ah, James-kun!"
Her face lit up in surprise. Then, unexpectedly, she shut the door right in his face.
James stood blinking, confused. It wasn't until nearly half an hour later that she reopened it, composed, and invited him in.
"I've heard your name all over the country, you know. You've become a household legend."
"I've been in Kyoto for a while," James replied, accepting a cup of tea. "But maybe it's time I visited other places too."
Shinobu's eyes dimmed slightly as he shared his thoughts. Before she could reply, they heard footsteps—Inosuke and Aoi had returned.
Inosuke, now without his trademark boar mask, still had the wild fire in his eyes.
"Ahhhhh! James!"
He rushed forward, only to be effortlessly held back.
"Good to see you too," James grinned.
What followed was a lively chat, where they exchanged updates and memories. They joked about their battles, teased each other, and spoke about the future.
After Aoi dragged Inosuke away again, James and Shinobu sat quietly, sipping tea.
"James-kun… are you planning to leave?"
"What makes you think that?" he asked gently.
"I don't know. Just a feeling."
"Maybe. I think I'm just going back to where I belong. But don't worry—I'll come back."
"You're lying," Shinobu said, smiling faintly. "Aren't I allowed to stay by your side?"
James lowered his cup, the corner of his mouth twitching into a sad smile. He didn't answer.
Shinobu leaned forward and gently took the butterfly amulet hanging from his waist.
"Then promise me this—don't come back again."
She pushed him out the door and closed it softly. At the gate, Inosuke and Aoi were waiting.
"Master James, Sister Shinobu…"
"No need to see me off," James said. "Take care of each other. Goodbye."
In the blink of an eye, he vanished.
---
James traveled to Tokyo to meet Ubuyashiki Kiriya, now head of the family's business empire. The brothers Beimingyu and Shinazugawa worked as his bodyguards but spent most days lounging idly.
Upon seeing James, Shinazugawa eagerly demanded a sparring match, claiming he'd grown rusty. James happily obliged—by defeating him in two blows and sending him on a two-day sick leave. Genya could only shake his head in disbelief.
In Tokyo, James also visited Muichirou, who had just opened a dojo to promote the Tsugikoku-ryu style. He smiled and said it was a good thing James hadn't come earlier—he might've closed shop out of shame.
In a quiet riverside town, James found Uzui Tengen enjoying life with his three wives. They were having a picnic, and when they saw James, they welcomed him warmly.
Further on, James visited Iguro and Kanroji, who now lived peacefully as a married couple. Iguro managed the Kanroji estate's finances, ensuring that Mitsuri always had food to eat. They treated James to a feast that left him stuffed to the brim.
Zenitsu had matured greatly. He ran a kimono shop with Nezuko and gifted James a finely tailored robe before he left.
James tracked down Tomioka Giyuu and Urokodaki Sakonji in the mountains, living in peace. They spent hours chatting, reminiscing, and sharing stories.
In Osaka, Tamayo and Yushirou welcomed him warmly. They spoke of the past—of demons, regret, and hope.
Eventually, James arrived at a small town filled with chimney smoke. It looked familiar.
Tanjirou's hometown…
He knocked lightly. The door opened, and Kanao stood on the other side. She froze for a second, then smiled brightly and invited him in.
The house was clean and warm. Two Nichirin Blades hung proudly on the wall—one with a flame-like hilt, the other adorned with plum blossoms.
"Tanjirou, look who's here!"
Tanjirou appeared moments later. He had grown tall. His crimson hair was tied into a high ponytail, and the Madara mark on his forehead was striking—he looked almost like Tsugikoku Yoriichi.
"James!"
The two embraced like old friends.
"You look good," James said with a smile.
"We've opened a woodcarving museum," Tanjirou replied proudly. "We're telling the story of the Demon Slayer Corps through sculpture."
"That's wonderful," James said, beaming. "I look forward to seeing it one day."
"…So," James added with a smirk, "has the baby arrived yet?"
Tanjirou flushed. "Stop teasing us, James…"
They laughed and talked for hours. James shared updates about everyone—how they had all grown and changed.
Only Inosuke stayed in regular contact, Tanjirou admitted. Everyone else had become too busy, living their own lives.
"That's how it should be," James said. "But we should still write. Even a letter once a month is enough."
Suddenly, James's tone changed.
"Tanjirou… I have a favor to ask."
"Of course! Anything."
"I'm leaving, and I can't take my sword with me. I want you to keep it."
James gently removed the Nichirin Blade from his waist. It trembled faintly, as if reluctant to part. He stroked the blade one last time before handing it over.
Tanjirou received it with both hands and nodded solemnly.
> "The man is gone, but the sword remains."
"Haha, don't be so dramatic. Maybe I'll come back one day. Or maybe not. Just think of it as a keepsake. If it's ever useful, use it."
James turned, waving one last time. He didn't look back.
Tanjirou wiped his eyes. Kanao stepped forward and hugged him quietly.
The moonlight glowed above, trees rustled in the wind, and shadows danced along the ground.
> Ubuyashiki Kagaya… I fulfilled your wish. I hope you're at peace, wherever you are.
A faint presence appeared behind James. It was an old man.
"Thank you," the elder whispered.
"You're welcome."
"I was supposed to be the one to kill Muzan. Instead, I failed—and I left my brother to help him…"
James turned.
"Responsibility?" he said gently. "We each had our part to play."
A tear rolled down the old man's cheek and melted into the night breeze. Then he vanished.
James looked up at the moon, his eyes calm.
> "I'm sorry… I still have a long journey ahead. I can't stop for you now. But I swear… I'll come back."
Panel, return.
Øóffer going on for diamond tier
pàtreøn (Gk31)