— — — — — —
At the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters
Ubuyashiki Kagaya and his children suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of relief, as if a great burden had been lifted from them.
"Father! This feels so good!" Kagaya's daughter, Hinaki, exclaimed with joy.
"Yes!" Her sister, Nichika, nodded in agreement.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya gazed into the distance, a faint smile appearing on his face. "It seems that Renzo and the others have succeeded. Muzan Kibutsuji has been destroyed."
Without realizing it, tears began to flow down his face.
"Dear, you're crying?" His wife, Amane, gently took out a silk handkerchief, knelt beside him, and softly wiped his tears. "The Demon King is really dead, isn't he? That means the Ubuyashiki family's curse is also gone, right? Our children won't have to suffer anymore, will they?"
The series of questions revealed the storm of emotions surging in Amane's heart.
"Yes... he's dead. The tragedy and misfortune of the Ubuyashiki family have finally come to an end. Our children will have a future filled with happiness and normalcy." Kagaya gently embraced his wife and spoke with a soothing voice.
Hearing his words, Amane's nose tingled, her eyes reddened, and she finally broke down, sobbing into his chest.
"It's okay... crying is good. From now on, everything will be alright," Kagaya whispered, stroking her back gently.
---
Half a day later
Renzo and the Demon Slayer Corps' Hashira returned to headquarters in their aircraft after thoroughly searching the remains of the Infinity Castle. They were greeted with a grand welcome by the Ubuyashiki family and the remaining members of the Demon Slayer Corps.
As soon as Renzo stepped out of the aircraft, he smiled and said to Kagaya, "Mission accomplished. Muzan Kibutsuji has been confirmed dead, and all other demons have been eradicated."
"Good! Good! This is wonderful!" Kagaya, though having already anticipated the outcome, couldn't contain his excitement when hearing the confirmation directly from Renzo. He stepped forward and patted Renzo's shoulder. "You've done well, Renzo!"
He then turned to the Hashira. "You've all worked hard too!"
The Hashira exchanged awkward smiles and shook their heads.
"To be honest, we didn't contribute much this time," one of them admitted.
"Yeah, it felt like we were just bystanders. Renzo took down both Muzan and Upper Rank One by himself. Even when it came to handling the other demons, we had his assistance."
"Honestly, Renzo could have done it alone. I think he just brought us along so we wouldn't feel left out."
"He's just too strong..."
As the Hashira casually recounted the events, Kagaya sighed in admiration. "It seems I underestimated Renzo's strength and contributions."
"Alright, let's talk about this later! For now, let's celebrate your victory! I've prepared a banquet in your honor!" Kagaya announced warmly.
"Oh? A banquet? Perfect timing! I'm starving!" Rengoku Kyojuro cheered.
"Kyojuro, weren't you the one who ate the most at Renzo's place earlier? How are you hungry again after eating that kind of food?"
"But that was half a day ago!"
"Hahaha..."
— — —
After the banquet, Kagaya invited Renzo for a private meeting.
Once they were alone, Kagaya bowed deeply to Renzo and expressed his gratitude. "Lord Renzo, I cannot thank you enough for what you've done. From now on, the Ubuyashiki family will remember your kindness for generations to come."
"If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to ask. As long as it is within our power, we will fulfill your request."
He even used honorifics, a rare display of utmost respect.
In a rigidly hierarchical society like theirs, the Ubuyashiki family was a noble house of great prestige.
Renzo, on the other hand, had once been just a common orphan, and even now, though a Hashira, he was still technically just a warrior. For Kagaya to offer such deep respect showed the depth of his gratitude and his noble character.
"Lord Ubuyashiki, this is too much. Please, rise. I don't deserve such a grand gesture." Renzo quickly stepped forward and helped Kagaya up.
Kagaya shook his head. "No, you do deserve it. And my words are not empty. The Ubuyashiki family does not forget kindness."
His expression grew solemn. "Besides, I've heard the full details of the battle. Your strength is beyond comprehension. Someone of your power could very well be called a god. Strength deserves respect."
This was one of the main reasons Kagaya held Renzo in such high regard.
Just because the man-eating demons were gone and the Demon Slayer Corps would soon transition into something else, it didn't mean people like Renzo were no longer needed.
The strong would always remain strong.
"Do whatever you want! I really can't do anything about you!" Renzo laughed, shaking his head.
The reason he respected Ubuyashiki Kagaya so much was precisely because of his character and the way he handled things.
It was comfortable having a friend like this.
"Heh." Kagaya chuckled, sensing that Renzo had mostly accepted his words. He poured them both some tea and asked, "What are your plans now, Renzo?"
With the demons gone, the transformation of the Demon Slayer Corps was inevitable.
Kagaya already had an idea of what most of the members wanted. He was gathering their opinions, and as long as their requests weren't excessive, he planned to accommodate them.
The strength and influence of the Ubuyashiki clan were evident now more than ever.
At the very least, they could fulfill most of the Corps members' wishes and ensure they lived prosperous, fulfilling lives.
"Hmm… I haven't really decided yet," Renzo said with a smile. "I'll probably go back and see my master first. Then I might travel around with Shinobu, Kanae, and Makomo, maybe do some healing work along the way."
"After I've had my fill of traveling, I'll probably settle down near Mount Fujikasane."
"Oh, right!" Renzo suddenly remembered something and pulled out a communication wristband, handing it to Kagaya. "This is for you, Lord Ubuyashiki. With this, you can contact me anytime, anywhere."
"Also, I've given you partial access to the communication network. I'll send over a batch of similar wristbands later. You can distribute them to your family and the Demon Slayer Corps members so we can all stay connected."
Kagaya was already aware of the communication satellite system. He had received a device before, but it was clearly not as advanced as this one.
"Oh?" Kagaya took the device with interest and fastened it to his wrist. With Renzo's guidance, he quickly learned how to use it.
It even had a built-in AI assistant, making it incredibly convenient.
Kagaya couldn't help but marvel, "No matter how I look at this, it's an incredible piece of technology. Have you ever considered mass-producing it and making it widely available?"
"Of course, it doesn't have to be as advanced as this model—just a simpler version would be enough."
"The Ubuyashiki family is willing to provide funding, facilities, connections—whatever is necessary to make this happen. In return, we'll take just ten percent of the profits while you keep the rest. How about it?"
This was an incredibly generous offer.
Naturally, the Ubuyashiki clan wouldn't be at a loss either.
Once the technology was fully integrated into society, they would gain not just financially but also in terms of social standing and influence.
"Oh?" Renzo raised an eyebrow. "It seems like you have quite the vision, Lord Ubuyashiki. The communication industry is definitely promising. I accept! But let's make it 80-20 instead. No need for such an extreme split."
"No!" Kagaya shook his head firmly. "It has to be 90-10! This is already a huge win for our family. Money isn't what's important here—the social and political influence this brings is what truly matters."
"Furthermore, we will help elevate your status, Renzo!"
"You may not care about such things, but in this country, status is a necessity. Without it, life won't be easy, and trouble will find you."
"I don't want some fool offending you one day, forcing you to take action."
If it ever came to that, blood would flow like rivers, and the consequences would be catastrophic.
More importantly, it would bring unnecessary trouble to Renzo.
Business was the perfect way to integrate him into society.
It would not only grant Renzo social standing, wealth, and fewer hassles, but it would also deepen the bond between him and the Ubuyashiki family.
Why not go for it?
"That's true! Alright, let's do it your way," Renzo said with a small laugh.
After all, if it made life easier for him, why refuse?
.
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