Meanwhile, in front of the observation window outside the isolation ward.
Himura Ruri carefully used a damp cloth to wipe away non-existent dust from her father, who had quieted down on the other side of the glass.
A smile she could barely suppress was on the girl's face.
These days, her father's periods of lucidity were growing longer, allowing the father and daughter to communicate on a basic level.
Although Himura Ruri did most of the talking, this rediscovered hope had brought a healthy flush to her pale cheeks.
She hummed the folk tunes her father used to hum, walking back with light steps.
Though still somewhat weak, she had largely given up her wheelchair and could now walk slowly on her own.
Just as she reached the door of her own ward, she paused.
Tanjiro was standing there, a sizable backpack on his back.
He was also carrying another package in his hand, looking as if he was about to go on a long journey.
"Tanjiro-kun?"
Himura Ruri was stunned, and seeing his attire, her heart inexplicably tightened.
"Are you... leaving?"
Tanjirou turned around at the sound of her voice, and seeing Ruri, a hint of reluctance appeared on his face.
He nodded: "Yes, I've impositioned the Butterfly Mansion long enough. My teacher is taking me for new training."
"Is Mr. Cheng Mo also leaving?"
Ruri asked subconsciously, her fingers unconsciously clutching the corner of her clothes.
Although she knew that people like them couldn't stay at the Butterfly Mansion forever... hearing the news of their departure still brought a strong sense of reluctance.
In these two months, Tanjirou's gentle encouragement and Mr. Cheng Mo's seemingly indifferent but actually considerate care had long made her regard them as important family members.
But the girl quickly suppressed this emotion, forcing a knowing smile onto her face.
She knew that both the powerful Mr. Cheng Mo and the diligently striving Tanjirou had their own paths to follow.
Just as her father once protected the tavern and her.
"I see... Well, please be very careful."
Himura Ruri's voice was soft, and her eyes were sincere.
When Cheng Mo and Tanjirou were truly about to depart, the girl insisted on seeing them off to the Butterfly Mansion's gate.
Upon arriving at the Butterfly Mansion's gate, Kochou Shinobu and many staff members who had heard the news and rushed over were already waiting there.
Kanzaki Aoi, the three little nursemaids... and many other Demon Slayers and injured individuals who had received Tanjirou's enthusiastic help or Mr. Cheng Mo's medical expertise, all had faces full of reluctance.
"Mr. Cheng Mo, Tanjiro-kun, take care on your journey!"
"You must come back to visit!"
"Thank you for your guidance before, Mr. Cheng Mo!"
"Tanjirou, keep up the good work with your training!"
Everyone spoke their goodbyes, their voices filled with gratitude and reluctance.
Tanjirou was a bit embarrassed by the enthusiastic scene, bowing and waving repeatedly: "Thank you everyone, I am very grateful for your care during this time. I will work hard on my training! Everyone, please take care of yourselves too!"
Even Cheng Mo, who usually showed little emotion, couldn't help but look back as he stepped out of the Butterfly Mansion's gate.
His gaze lingered for a few seconds on the wisteria-covered building.
Then, he turned around, taking Tanjirou with him, carrying his backpack.
The master and disciple gradually disappeared along the mountain path, watched by everyone.
Times of parting always carry a hint of melancholy.
It wasn't until their figures vanished at the end of the mountain path that the people of the Butterfly Mansion slowly dispersed.
In the wilderness at night, a bonfire crackled, simply dispelling the chill.
Cheng Mo and Tanjirou sat around the fire, eating hard rations and a medicinal meal specially prepared by Cheng Mo, designed to quickly restore their strength.
Tanjirou was gnawing on his rations when he suddenly seemed to remember something.
Looking around, he asked curiously, "Teacher, isn't Mr. Silent Shadow Crow with us? I haven't seen it since we left the Butterfly Mansion."
Normally, that intelligent Silent Shadow Crow would occasionally land, perching on his teacher's shoulder or a nearby branch.
Cheng Mo poked the bonfire, and the firelight danced on his calm face.
"I assigned it to do something else."
Seeing that his teacher had no intention of explaining further, Tanjirou, though still a bit curious, nodded understandingly and didn't press the matter.
He trusted every decision his teacher made.
By late afternoon the next day, the dusty master and disciple finally saw the outline of Mount Momoyama.
Familiar scenery came into view: rolling mountains and lush green forests.
Cheng Mo's steps paused slightly, and looking at the mountain forest, his eyes were momentarily lost in thought.
This was the starting point where he acquired Thunder Breathing and truly stepped into this world's power system.
At this moment, on the training ground of Mount Momoyama.
Kuwajima Jigorō, holding a wooden stick, was sternly watching Agatsuma Zenitsu perform his daily sword-swinging practice.
"Not enough! Use your core! Don't mess up your breathing! Three hundred more times!" the old man roared with full vigor.
"Waaah... Grandpa is so strict... I'm so tired..."
Zenitsu cried and complained, but his hands dared not stop.
He desperately completed each movement, sweat soaking his training uniform.
Ever since Kaigaku was expelled and Senior Brother Cheng Mo displayed astonishing strength and left, his instances of slacking off had significantly decreased.
Although he still feared hardship, disliked exertion, and cried a lot, a taut string seemed to have appeared deep within his heart.
Just then, a Kasugai Crow flapped its wings overhead, cawing loudly:
"Message! Message! Mr. Cheng Mo! Kamado Tanjiro! Will soon arrive at Mount Momoyama! Caw!"
Upon hearing this, Kuwajima Jigorō's stern expression instantly melted, replaced by deep joy and relief.
He had evidently heard, more or less, through his own channels, about some of the earth-shattering deeds Cheng Mo had accomplished outside.
He was truly proud of this disciple.
Agatsuma Zenitsu also stopped swinging his sword, habitually grumbling, "Eh?! Is the scary Senior Brother coming back? Nooo!"
But in his eyes, which were always teary, a hint of genuine joy uncontrollably shone through.
Although his Senior Brother always had a cold, intimidating face and was super strict with training.
He was one of the few family members, besides Grandpa, who wouldn't truly despise him and would even come to his aid!
"Come on, Zenitsu, let's go down the mountain to meet your Senior Brother and them."
Kuwajima Jigorō put away his wooden sword, his voice filled with anticipation.
"Oh... Okay, okay, Grandpa!"
Zenitsu quickly wiped his tears and followed his grandpa's footsteps.
The old man and the young man, by unspoken agreement, walked to the mountain path's entrance to wait.
They didn't wait long before two figures appeared at the end of the winding mountain path, walking steadily towards them.
Cheng Mo also saw his master and Zenitsu waiting early at the path's entrance.
On his usually expressionless face, the lines imperceptibly softened slightly, and the corners of his lips curved into an almost invisible arc.
Tanjirou's keen sense of smell immediately detected the peaceful and pleasant aura emanating from his teacher.
He quickly quickened his pace, following closely behind.