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Waking, Kaido found bright sunlight streaming through the windows. Last night he'd arranged for Sabito to rest in his room, while Makomo and Kotoha shared accommodations with his sister.
Kaido himself had slept alone on the first-floor living room sofa.
Rising from the couch, he stretched before heading to the rear courtyard for quick washing up, then began preparing breakfast for Retsuki and the others.
"Yawn~ Morning, Kaido-niisan!" Retsuki descended the stairs mid-yawn, looking like a just-awakened kitten whose fur hadn't been groomed yet.
Half-asleep, her nightgown had slipped slightly—exposing her shoulder.
"Morning, Retsuki. Go wash up—breakfast will be ready soon."
"Okay~"
"Wait!" Kaido quickly stopped her, adjusting her nightgown to prevent further exposure.
"You really need to be more careful about appearances."
"It's just you seeing me, Kaido-niisan. What's the problem?"
Hearing that, Kaido gently flicked her forehead. "Even if it's just me—you're still young!"
"Where am I young??"
Hearing Kaido call her young, Retsuki puffed her cheeks indignantly, straightening her posture. "I'm not small at all!"
That motion nearly gave Kaido heart failure. He spun around quickly, covering his nose. "I meant your AGE! Your age! What are you even thinking?? Just go wash up—breakfast is almost ready!"
"Fine, fine~ Hehe!"
Watching Retsuki's departing figure, Kaido seized the moment when no one was looking to grab tissues from the living room—stanching the nosebleed. But that earlier scene kept replaying in his mind, refusing to fade.
Taking deep breaths to calm himself.
"Sigh... Who's she been learning from? At this rate, I'm going to die from blood loss..."
After that lament, he returned to the kitchen continuing breakfast preparations.
System: [You don't know how good you have it. Should've just stayed female so I could... hehehe]
Kaido: [System, I don't mind grinding you into the mattress again.]
System: [This system is always ready!]
Kaido: [(--`′--)...]
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Butterfly Mansion
"Urokodaki-san! Tomioka-san!"
Tanjiro had completely recovered. He'd planned returning home with Nezuko, but learned the entire Corps was attending tonight's banquet—so they stayed one more day.
With time to spare, he wandered around and encountered Sakonji Urokodaki and Giyu Tomioka—greeting them warmly.
"You two certainly have energy!" Sakonji's tone carried warmth.
Watching the siblings, Giyu smiled faintly. "Looks like you've fully recovered, Tanjiro."
"Yes, completely healed! Urokodaki-san, Kaido-san came back!"
"I know. Giyu already told me. That child's alive—thank goodness."
Sakonji had believed Kaido lost forever. Never imagining he'd not only survive but return to the Corps intact—the thought brought tears of relief once more.
The four walked together chatting, eagerly anticipating tonight's banquet.
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Inosuke crept stealthily toward the Butterfly Mansion's kitchen. Seeing plates of food arranged on the table, while Aoi wasn't paying attention—he removed his boar mask, quickly snatching food and stuffing it into his mouth. Unfortunately, Aoi caught him red-handed.
"You're stealing food again!"
"Mmph mph! (I'm not!)"
"You're literally saying that with your mouth full! Can't even talk properly! Just wait..."
Watching Aoi retrieve something from another table, Inosuke wondered what she was doing—considering whether to escape. But Aoi returned holding a bento box.
"Here, take this. When you're hungry, eat from this. It's all for you anyway. I was worried we wouldn't have enough bowls, so I used my own bento box to pack your food. Stop stealing, okay?"
Handing him the box, she turned back to continue meal preparations—though her face flushed briefly.
Inosuke examined the bento—containing several rice balls, fried shrimp, and small side dishes. A smile broke across his face.
As for Aoi mentioning this was her personal bento box—he didn't care at all. He stood there eating contentedly.
Aoi sneaked a glance back. Seeing Inosuke enjoying the food so happily brought her joy too. Smiling softly, she continued working.
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Rear Courtyard
The three youngest girls hung bedsheets while Zenitsu chatted endlessly beside them.
But shortly after, his grandfather Jigoro Kuwajima grabbed his collar—dragging him away for training.
Terrified, Zenitsu escaped Jigoro's grip, scrambling up a tree and clinging desperately to the trunk.
Shouting: "NOOO! Muzan's already destroyed—why do we still need training?? I don't want to train!"
"Unacceptable! Even with Muzan gone, you can't slack off! What happens when I'm not around to protect you?? Get down here—training continues!"
"NOOOO! Nezuko-chan! Kaido-san! SAVE ME!"
CRACK—
Fate intervened unkindly. The small branch began fracturing. Finally, Zenitsu plummeted—still clutching the broken branch.
"WAAAH! Why are you betraying me too?? HELP!"
Seeing Zenitsu finally descend, Jigoro's "benevolent" smile returned. He scooped Zenitsu up like an eagle catching prey—hauling him off for training.
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The Kocho sisters researched new medicines at the Butterfly Mansion alongside Tamayo. Yushiro had been "banished" outside—apparently women had topics requiring privacy.
Initially dejected, Yushiro shrugged it off—deciding to play with Chachamaru instead. But to his dismay, Chachamaru had run to Kaido's estate to play with him, leaving Yushiro questioning his existence...
Thus the day passed slowly. Evening arrived.
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Kaido's Estate
"Senior, everyone will be thrilled seeing you three at the banquet!"
Kotoha: "Wonderful! I'll finally see my child. Wonder how he's doing??"
Makomo: "We're counting on you, Junior."
Sabito: "Thanks for everything, Junior."
Kaido asked the three to wait in the living room while he went upstairs alone.
"Retsuki, are you ready?"
"Kaido-niisan, just a moment—almost done!"
Shortly after, Retsuki emerged from her room fully dressed—wearing the red kimono from their first meeting. She'd washed and kept it all this time, unable to discard it.
"That's the kimono you wore when we first met!"
"Yeah. I wanted to keep it as a memento."
Retsuki gazed at her brother, finger pointing at her own lips.
Understanding perfectly, Kaido kissed her gently—then took her hand, descending to the living room together. The group departed for the Butterfly Mansion's banquet.
"Chachamaru, let's go! Time for the banquet!"
"Meow~!" Hearing Kaido call, Chachamaru sprinted over—leaping into his arms.
"You really love being carried, don't you?"
"Meow~ purr purr~" Chachamaru nestled contentedly in his embrace, purring.
Seeing this, Retsuki pouted jealously. "That's MY spot! Chachamaru, you're terrible!"
"Alright, alright—I'm still holding your hand, aren't I? Let's go, everyone. The banquet's about to start."
Five people and one cat—walking together toward the Butterfly Mansion for the final celebration.
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