Upon hearing this, Gusion snapped out of the harmonious atmosphere, smiled, and said, "I want to travel, to see this vast world."
"Travel, huh? That's not a bad choice."
The Oyakata-sama smiled as well. He had already decided to financially support Gusion's journey, but he wouldn't mention it in front of everyone, fearing that Gusion might refuse.
It could be said that even though Gusion hadn't been in the Demon Slayer Corps for long, Kagaya Ubuyashiki held a special affection for him. It was precisely because of Gusion's appearance that the thousand-year stalemate was broken, and the great undertaking of slaying demons was finally accomplished.
With the family curse now lifted, they had also greatly benefited, so he regarded Gusion and all the Demon Slayer Corps members as great benefactors of the Ubuyashiki family.
Originally, he thought that someone like Gusion, who only knew how to fight, would struggle to survive in the rapidly changing society of the future, so he wanted to look after him a bit. But since Gusion had already made up his mind to travel, he would only offer his support.
After the meeting, the nine Hashira each went their separate ways. Some shed tears before parting, as years of comradeship had forged strong bonds among them.
Through their conversations, Gusion also learned about their plans for the future.
The Sound Hashira planned to return to his hometown and live in seclusion with his wives, reforming the Ninja Village by abolishing cruel traditions so that people there could embrace a new era of freedom.
The Serpent and Love Hashira planned to open a small restaurant together. It was said that their relationship had developed quickly—they were preparing to get married and had invited the whole Demon Slayer Corps to their wedding.
The Flame Hashira would return home to inherit the family estate and help the local people develop the land and economy.
The Stone Hashira wanted to return to his old temple, renovate it, and, in addition to reciting sutras and worshipping Buddha daily, help the farmers in the mountains with physical labor.
The Water Hashira, Giyu Tomioka, was planning to look for his teacher. Because he was quiet and seemed withdrawn, everyone thought he was going home to mooch off his elders, but in truth, he wanted to care for his teacher in old age before traveling himself.
The Insect Hashira, Shinobu Kocho, with the Oyakata-sama's support, had opened a hospital with Tamayo. Many children from the Butterfly Mansion had joined them, spending their days treating people and conducting medical research.
The Wind Hashira finally stopped arguing with his younger brother. After a heartfelt conversation, the brothers embraced and cried, pouring out years of pent-up grievances and guilt.
After that, the Wind Hashira and his brother returned to their hometown, bought a piece of farmland with the Oyakata-sama's financial support, and began a farming life.
The Mist Hashira, brainwashed by Tanjiro's friendship, had regained his memory and was no longer so dazed. Still young, he chose to go to school—though no one knew if he'd get bullied.
As for the new generation who hadn't yet become Hashira, each had their own path.
Inosuke decided to return to the mountains where he was raised and become a forest ranger, protecting nature. This surprised Tanjiro and the others, who all believed Inosuke would soon get bored and come looking for them.
Tanjiro originally wanted to return to his hometown with Nezuko, and continue the family's traditional trade of chopping wood and selling charcoal. But in the end, he couldn't return to that remote and poor place—instead, he was persuaded by Kanao to stay.
He and Nezuko opened a small restaurant next to Kanao's hospital. Relying on his excellent cooking skills, he quickly won over local diners, and business boomed.
Nezuko became the face of the restaurant, serving tea and dishes. Their happy little life was off to a good start, though Tanjiro, being dense, still hadn't confessed to Kanao despite Nezuko's constant hints—which he pretended not to understand.
Speaking of Nezuko, since both siblings stayed in the city, Zenitsu stayed with them as well. He never gave up on pursuing Nezuko, but lately, Tanjiro seemed to be increasingly annoyed by him.
It seems all older brothers are the same—even Tanjiro was no exception. Nezuko herself, however, never rejected Zenitsu's advances.
Of course, Zenitsu wasn't idle. With the Oyata-sama's introduction, he became a local courier—the early version of a postman, working for a state enterprise with a decent salary.
Because of his speedy deliveries, Zenitsu was well-received and soon got a pay raise.
During holidays, Zenitsu would return to Mountain to keep old Jigoro company and regale him with demon-slaying stories. Whenever he mentioned Gusion, Zenitsu tended to exaggerate, but Jigoro just laughed heartily, loving the stories.
Gusion also returned to Mountain once, staying for a week to bid farewell to the old man.
Jigoro was deeply moved to see Gusion return, as he never expected his top disciple to become a Hashira within days of leaving and wipe out the demons in just two months.
He was very proud of Gusion's accomplishments and always greeted him with a smile. Only occasionally, when thinking of his second disciple, Kaigaku, who died at the hands of demons, would he feel a little sad.
As a mentor, he had lost many disciples over the years, so he didn't dwell on sorrow for long. Besides, Zenitsu was good at cheering people up, so there was always laughter on the Mountain.
After bidding farewell to the Hashira, Gusion left the Master's mansion, where Tanjiro and the others were waiting outside.
"Gusion-senpai, are you leaving?" Zenitsu and Tanjiro asked together.
Gusion nodded, "All good things must come to an end. Muzan is dead, and our journey is just beginning."
He patted Zenitsu's head. "Take care of yourself, and take care of the old man. In the future, you'll also need to look after your own family."
Zenitsu's eyes glistened with tears as he nodded, "Don't worry, senpai!"
After a moment's thought, he asked, "Will you come back, senpai?"
Under the gaze of Tanjiro and the others, Gusion pondered, then smiled and said, "If fate allows, perhaps we'll meet again."
He had traversed this world and, after killing Muzan, obtained the World's Core. If he wished, he could return to this world at any time, and even influence the course of its history through his ownership of the Core.
But a place like the End Space was not somewhere he could stay comfortable forever. He had already rested enough here, and his journey ahead was still long.
Zenitsu watched Gusion's distant figure, suddenly feeling grown up—for without the shelter of a towering tree, each must walk their own path.
As daylight shone bright, Gusion's silhouette vanished at the horizon.
From then on, in this world, only the legend of the strongest demon slayer would be passed down.
…
As the sensation of weightlessness ended and Gusion felt solid ground beneath his feet again, his vision cleared—he was back in his own room.
[System] [No significant injuries detected on Pioneer. Begin settlement?]
Gusion went to the fridge, grabbed a bottle of cola, opened it, took a sip, and sat on the sofa. "Settle."
[System] [Settling derivative world rewards…]
[Derivative World: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba]
[ Difficulty: lv5–15 (Easy–Nightmare)]
[ World Exploration Rate: 89.9%]
[System] [Settling Pioneer 008's mission completion…]
[System] [All main quests completed. Rewards: 10,000 End Coins, World's Core.]
[System] [Settling Side Quest: Demon Slayer…]
[System] [Side quest reward chests have been collected by Pioneer. Total End Coins obtained: 83,489.]
[System] [Settling Hidden Quest: Tamayo's Research…]
[System] [Exceptional completion. Highest reward obtained: Demon Bloodline Item.]
[System] [Settling Hidden Quest: Perfect Ending…]
[System] [Perfect Ending achieved. Pioneer obtains 10 free attribute points.]
[All tasks were completed excellently, raising the overall evaluation for this world.]
[System] [Comprehensive score settlement for this world…]
[System] [Pioneer's Mark level is lower than the world's difficulty, score increased, experience gained.
Comprehensive Evaluation: S+]
[ S+ Honor Medal obtained. Medal can be used for special privilege exchanges.]
[System] [More than three attributes have naturally broken through rank barriers—ascension test waived, attribute limit reward available. Please collect at Enhancement Hall.]
[Pioneer level up: now lv.13]
[System] [Based on comprehensive performance, select four out of seven possible rewards:
A. 15 free attribute points
B. 40,000 Terminal Coins
C. Legendary Random Equipment Chest (Muzan kill compensation)
D. Purple Random Item Chest (Guaranteed max-score item)
E. Inheritance Crystal (Small) x15
F. Special Title: Demon Slayer
G. Purple Random Equipment Chest (Guaranteed max-score equipment)]
[]
Gusion studied the rewards and first checked the Demon Slayer title details.
[Special Title: Demon Slayer]
Title Grade: A+
Title Origin: Earned by Pioneer 008 for slaying numerous demons—including Demon King Muzan—in the Demon Slayer world; title spread by the people.
Effect 1: When holding this title, the Pioneer deals +20% true damage to all targets commonly defined as demons, monsters, evil beings, or spirits.
Effect 2: When entering a world, the holder gains -1000 reputation with demon/evil/monster factions and +1000 with their enemies; may select special starting identities in some worlds.
Evaluation: The legendary Demon Slayer, about to travel the multiverse.
[]
Gusion pondered over the title's description. Although named "Demon Slayer," its effects covered a wide range—essentially, as long as the target fit the criteria, he'd deal 20% true damage, a massive bonus.
He speculated that, after the End Space enabled the reputation system in the Demon Slayer world, his reputation had surpassed ten thousand by the time he left, reaching "Epic" level. His stories would likely be passed down by generations of Demon Slayer Corps members, eventually becoming local myth. As myths grew, the title's effect would naturally broaden beyond just demons.
He wasn't sure if his guess was correct but felt it would be good to increase his reputation in future worlds to obtain more powerful titles.
As for whether or not to pick this title, the answer was obvious—true damage was rare, and the effect range was broad. Against enemies in scope, this title was incredibly strong and worked even without being equipped.
Having decided on the title, the rest was easier. Gusion, flush with End Coins from side quests, no longer cared for the 40,000 coin reward.
Similarly, he passed on the purple chests—since even max-score purple equipment was only worth about 30,000 coins, less than the coin option. The item chest could yield better rewards, but it was too much of a gamble.
So, he chose options A, C, E, and F.