Comprehensive Manga: Hope in Another World

Demon Slayer Corps.

As twilight fades, when night meets the morning light, the sun rises, and the moon disappears, Shun returns.

Upon arriving, he heads straight to Ubuyashiki Kagaya.

The lights flicker on at night, and under the guidance of Ubuyashiki Amane, Shun enters the room directly.

Kagaya, struggling to sit upright in his kimono, prepares a cup of hot tea, pushes it forward, and looks at the approaching Shun.

"Takema-kun, what's the matter?"

"You must have heard of the death of Upper Moon Two, Doma. Upon my return, I encountered Upper Moon Three, Akaza."

Taking a sip of tea, Shun responds, "If I continue eliminating a few more of the Twelve Kizuki, considering Kibutsuji Muzan's personality, he'll dig a hole somewhere and bury himself. He may not resurface for hundreds of years."

"Now that I've addressed my weaknesses, he has no reason to continue existing."

"..."

As Shun finishes speaking, the entire room falls into silence.

The children of the Ubuyashiki family and Amane all gaze at the calm boy simultaneously.

Even Kagaya, with a hint of spirit, rises slightly and fixes his gaze on Shun.

"Now, you... you intend to have a decisive battle with Kibutsuji Muzan?"

At this moment, Kagaya trembles slightly.

"Yes, I've completed my power enhancements. As long as I know his location, I can kill him." Shun declares, placing the teacup down. "I know you might be worried, but let me assure you."

"My physique and swordsmanship are now on par with Tsugikuni Yoriichi. But in other strengths, I've far surpassed him."

"Ubuyashiki Kagaya, this time, the Demon Slayer Corps will follow my lead, and I will help you break the curse that has plagued the Ubuyashiki family for centuries."

Looking at the dying man before him, Shun continues, "After killing Muzan, your family will be freed from the curse of a short lifespan. Your children and descendants will live normal lives from now on."

Shun's words stir an endless sense of hope in Kagaya's heart.

His life may be nearing its end, but if Shun can kill Muzan, the Ubuyashiki family would be reborn.

"I see."

Kagaya's eyes fill with determination as if using the last of his strength to make a firm decision.

"Takema-kun, the Demon Slayer Corps will follow your instructions."

"Good."

Shun doesn't believe Demon Slayer Corps will be of much help during his battle with Muzan, but he nods resolutely nonetheless.

"Eliminate all the 'hidden' personnel and active Twelve Kizuki while gathering intelligence."

"Muzan's eradication is to be staged in Kyoto."

"He exists in this world with three appearances: one as a beautiful woman in black Japanese attire; another as a seven- or eight-year-old boy named Toshikuni, who infiltrated a pharmaceutical merchant's household as an adopted child to learn about the Blue Spider Lily; and finally, as a tall, pale young man with red plum-colored eyes, going by the alias Tsukihiko, with a wife named Rei."

Kagaya without questioning Shun's source of information, agrees.

"I will send someone to arrange matters immediately. Rest well before the decisive battle."

"The fate of the Demon Slayer Corps and the Ubuyashiki family rests in your hands."

With that, Kagaya, Amane, and their children leave.

Shun sets his teacup down, glances around, and departs.

"...Poor souls, I suppose I must take responsibility for such matters."

❀❀❀

After teasing the cute girls at the Butterfly Mansion, news of Shun's return spreads rapidly.

As he prepares to rest in his room, Shinobu bursts in.

"Shinobu? What's wrong?"

"I... I..."

Shinobu initially frantic, grows flustered in Shun's presence.

"It's nothing, just… I heard you defeated Upper Moon Two and saved Nee-san. Without you, I don't know what I'd have left besides hatred."

Calming herself, Shinobu bows deeply.

"Thank you, Takema-kun! Thank you for saving Nee-san!"

Seeing Shinobu's sincere gaze, Shun doesn't need to think twice to know her admiration for him has skyrocketed.

He initially worried that his goodwill might have been ruined due to incidents with Mitsuri.

Now it seems that's no longer the case. Not only that, but this also feels like the perfect opportunity to win over Shinobu.

Recalling her shy expressions and her retreating glances during their earlier encounters, a mischievous idea forms in Shun's mind.

"A verbal thank-you isn't enough. I saved your sister in such a crucial matter; there must be a reward."

Approaching Shinobu, Shun forces her to back away several steps. He exudes the aura of a playboy cornering a virtuous maiden.

"Anything Takema-kun desires, as long as it's within my ability."

Shinobu lifts her head and makes her solemn promise.

"Are you sure, Shinobu?"

Taking another step closer, Shun's aggressive stance leaves Shinobu retreating until her back presses against the wall.

Realizing Shun's intentions, her thoughts are flooded with scenes of him and Mitsuri, making her blush even deeper.

Shun steps forward; Shinobu steps back—until there's nowhere else to retreat. Lowering her head like a trapped bird, she becomes utterly flustered.

Despite her petite frame, Shinobu, at 16 years old, boasts a subtle elegance that stands out even in her conservative Demon Slayer uniform.

"I... I..." Shinobu stammers, her ears turning bright red.

"Then I won't hold back~"

Shun decisively pins her against the wall, leaning in for a bold and forceful kiss.

Minutes pass before Shinobu, breathless, leans on Shun for support. Regaining composure, she glares at him with watery violet eyes, pushing him away in embarrassment and anger.

"Takema-kun~!"

"Ahaha... sorry, I couldn't help myself."

Recognizing her conflicted emotions, Shun presses forward.

"I've liked you since the first time we met."

Holding her firmly in his arms, Shun confesses softly:

"I want to marry you, Shinobu, and stay together forever."

"I promised Ubuyashiki that I would bring down Muzan and end this thousand-year tragedy."

"If I fail to tell you my feelings, I'll regret it for the rest of my life."

These heartfelt words dismantle Shinobu's defenses, and she collapses into his embrace.

Overwhelmed by emotions and Shun's sweet words, Shinobu surprises him with a kiss of her own.

As their passion intensifies, Shinobu suddenly bites his lip hard.

"Hisss----!"

The taste of blood leaves Shun stunned.

"Promise me you'll stay safe!"

Momentarily taken aback, Shun lifts her into his arms and lays her on the bed.

"I promise!"