The stunned Kokushibo stared silently at the broken flute, his expression incredibly complex. Finally, as if he had figured something out, he slowly walked forward. He picked up the flute and wiped the dirt from it, as if protecting a precious treasure. Placing the two pieces of the flute in his robes, he turned and walked towards Yoriichi's body.
Suddenly, he sensed something and his expression changed drastically. He whipped his head around, just in time to see a horizontal slash of fire flying towards him.
"Moon Breathing, First Form: Dark Moon - Evening Palace."
He unleashed his draw-and-slash technique, precisely striking the flame attack. The two powerful attacks collided, instantly causing an explosion that kicked up a cloud of dust and debris several meters high.
As Kokushibo wondered why the energy felt so familiar, a voice called out. "Get away from him!"
The words had barely faded when a heavy kick slammed into his waist. The force was so great it nearly shattered his kidney.
"Ugh!"
Clutching his side, Kokushibo stumbled back. Such an injury wasn't severe for a demon, but he was more concerned with the identity of his attacker. As the dust slowly settled, he saw him clearly. A young man in his twenties, holding a Nichirin Blade.
Though he had already guessed his identity, Kokushibo couldn't quite believe it. "You're... Si Shu?!"
"Yes, Senior Uncle. Oh, my mistake. Kokushibo. What of it?"
Seeing him freely admit his identity, Kokushibo grew even more frantic. Why, after sixty years, could Si Shu, who had not become a demon, maintain his youthful body? Could it be that there was another way to preserve one's life? If so, then what was the point of everything he had done? Abandoning his family, his wife and child, his comrades, even killing his own brother. After all that, you're telling me there was another way?
The thought was unbearable. "Si Shu, tell me! How have you kept your youthful body?!"
"I have nothing to say to you." Si Shu stood before Yoriichi's body, his face showing no fear.
Although a major event had occurred in the past sixty years that had occupied most of his time, he had used what little training time he had to improve his strength to the greatest extent possible.
[Grandmaster-Level Swordsmanship, Breathing Method, and Body Arts (3,000,000 / 10,000,000)]
[Master-Level Mental Defense (100,000 / 1,000,000)]
All other Specialist-Level skills had also been promoted to Master-Level (100,000 / 1,000,000).
Adding to that his Low-Grade Marechi blood, his Temporary Mark, and his occasionally-functioning Transparent World, if they were to truly fight now, he was confident he could slay Kokushibo.
Sensing that the aura radiating from Si Shu was no weaker than his own, Kokushibo temporarily abandoned the idea of attacking. The waist Si Shu had kicked had already healed, but the wound Yoriichi had given him was still refusing to close. Sun Breathing's damage to demons was simply too great; even an Upper Rank One like himself couldn't easily handle it. To fight a Sun Breathing swordsman of equal strength while so heavily injured would be to risk his own demise. Besides, he was in no mood to fight right now.
With that thought, Kokushibo turned to leave.
"Wait." Si Shu stopped him before he had taken a few steps. "Today, I was here at my master's request, as a witness to history. But the next time we meet, I will be a Demon Slayer, and you will be slain by my blade."
Hearing this, Kokushibo said nothing, merely continuing on his way, leaving the desolate land.
After he had gone, Si Shu knelt down and wrapped Yoriichi's body in his own clothes. Although Yoriichi had never spoken of such things, Si Shu intended to build a tomb for him. And he had already chosen the location.
After buying some food and water in town, Si Shu left, carrying Yoriichi's body. He walked for an unknown amount of time before finally arriving at a familiar forest. Compared to seventy years ago, the forest had become more prosperous and full of life. A clear stream flowed through it, and vibrant green leaves hung from the branches. The occasional faint sounds were the calls of animals. It was a perfect place for a final rest.
Walking through the forest, Si Shu headed for its depths. Finally, he stopped in a clearing. Not far ahead was a dilapidated wooden house. It was clear someone had once lived here, but the passage of time had left it in ruins. Si Shu's destination was behind this house.
There stood two tombstones.
They were covered in dust, clearly unvisited for a long time. But faintly, the words carved on them were still visible.
[Wife of Yoriichi], [Son of Yoriichi]
This was where Yoriichi had once lived with his wife. And it was here that Si Shu had been found by him all those years ago. Back then, his own young eyes had recorded the process of these tombstones being erected. From that day on, his own magnificent life had begun.
Putting down the bundle, Si Shu went to the stream and fetched some water. He wet a cloth and carefully wiped the two tombstones clean. Then, he found a suitable stone. He drew his Nichirin Blade, and the hard granite was cut as easily as cheese. After shaping the stone to the right size, he used a large tree to make a coffin.
Once the coffin was ready, he placed Yoriichi's body inside. There was no trace of pain on Yoriichi's face, only the same placid expression as always. On closer inspection, perhaps there was a faint hint of sadness and loneliness.
Clasping his hands together, Si Shu bowed to his master. Then, he slowly closed the coffin lid and placed it in the pre-dug hole. Handful by handful, he filled the grave with his own hands. Finally, the granite tombstone was erected.
Holding his Nichirin Blade, Si Shu carved several large characters on it.
[Tomb of My Master, Yoriichi Tsugikuni]
Though it was just a few words, Si Shu imbued them with the unique energy of Sun Breathing. It wasn't much, but it was enough to make any demon feel a deep sense of aversion, ensuring they would not come here to disturb the peace.
After doing all this, Si Shu stepped back and sat before the three tombstones.
"Mistress, and little master whom I never met, I have brought Master Yoriichi back to you. May your family live happily ever after in the next world."
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and the small river trickled over the pebbles with a soft, crisp sound. It was as if the spirits of Yoriichi and his family were answering him.
After a long, long time, Si Shu stood up and walked out of the forest.
Now, he was alone. But his own story was far from over.
He didn't know that in the next place he visited, he would meet a long-lost acquaintance.
-------
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