1 The Peaceful Days of Giyu Tomioka

Humanity had won. Muzan Kibutsuji was finally defeated, along with the remaining Upper Moons. Many Demon Slayers sacrificed their lives that day, and some couldn't even have a proper burial, as their bodies were never found or had been devoured by demons. Meanwhile, some of the survivors couldn't wake up for months due to their injuries or trauma.

Thankfully, the Demon Slayer organization was no longer needed, and the time for the dissolution of the Demon Slayer Corps had come. The everlasting war was over, and the Slayers could finally rest, no longer having to risk their lives every day to protect humanity.

Kagaya's only son, Kiriya Ubuyashiki, and his two sisters now sat in front of the only two Hashiras who had survived the final battle: Sanemi Shinazugawa and Giyu Tomioka.

"Thank you for coming," Kiriya smiled. "This is the final Hashira meeting. Sanemi, Giyu, you are the only surviving Hashira, and many Corps members died. However, we successfully eradicated the demons. Thus, the Demon Slayer Corps disbands today," Kiriya spoke as he and his sisters bowed in respect toward the two Hashiras. "Everyone in the Ubuyashiki family extends their heartfelt gratitude."

"Please don't bow! We don't need any thanks!" Both Sanemi and Giyu hurried to stop the kids. Although they didn't fight with swords, The Ubuyashiki family were the only thing that kept the Slayers from disappearing.

"Kiriya, you did an amazing job. Your father must be very proud," Giyu sincerely said as Kiriya and his sisters finally broke into tears, no longer able to hold back, earning sympathetic smiles from both Sanemi and Giyu.

Things eventually calmed down, and before leaving, the former Water Hashira, Giyu, decided to walk around the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters one last time.

The estate, still maintained by the Ubuyashiki family, was as lively as ever. Wandering through the residence, he reflected on his time with the other Hashiras—individuals he respected deeply, even if he hadn't been particularly close to any of them, despite his wish to make friends.

One of his stops was the Butterfly Mansion, an establishment dedicated to the recovery of injured Demon Slayers and the place where he spent most of his time recovering after the final battle.

"The garden is still well-tended," Giyu whispered to himself as he entered the mansion. Walking through the corridors, he decided to check on Tanjiro and the others. After a brief conversation with Tanjiro, he thanked Nezuko for stitching his haori and left the siblings to recover peacefully.

Before Giyu could leave the yard, he felt a familiar gentle poke on his back. For a brief moment, the image of the Insect Hashira came to his mind. Startled, he turned around quickly, only to see a small, beautiful blue butterfly fluttering toward one of the flowers in the yard. He quickly brushed off his thoughts and left.

The next day, Giyu arrived at the Urokodaki residence, deep in the mountains where it had all started—where he had trained to become a Slayer. The familiar surroundings brought him a sense of peace and sadness at the same time. Sakonji Urokodaki, his former master, welcomed him back, standing in front of his house. That evening, they shared a drink together, and despite the awkward silence between the two, it was a meaningful moment, knowing they could finally rest.

"Those who awaken the Slayer mark are bound to die by the age of 25, am I right, Tomioka?" Urokodaki finally spoke as he lifted his tea to his mouth.

"That's right," Giyu replied, not bothered by the fact.

"Then how do you plan to live now, Giyu?" Urokodaki asked as he made eye contact with him.

"I don't know..."

Tomioka never enjoyed fighting and hurting others, but he felt it was his duty to make up for his cowardly attitude in the past, to ensure that others would never have to go through what he did. Now, he no longer had to wield a blade. He should be very happy, but for some reason, he wasn't. He felt relieved that Muzan was finally dead, that the Kamado siblings managed to survive until the very end, and that he himself had the opportunity to fight. He should have felt proud, but he wasn't.

Giyu clenched his fists in anger.

Too many people had died for him to truly enjoy the victory. He had always received help from others, including in this fight, so much so that he felt like he didn't do enough when it mattered the most. Perhaps if he had tried harder, he could have prevented his master Kagaya's death. If he had known about Kocho's suicidal plan, he could have intervened, and she wouldn't have died. If he hadn't been so weak, the other Hashiras might not have perished in the battle with Muzan. There were too many things he did wrong for him to feel at peace.

'There's no point in regrets now. Tanjiro said there's always a bright side to look at,' Giyu finally calmed down, remembering Tanjiro's words after he first woke up.

Sensing Tomioka's negative emotions, Urokodaki interrupted, "Tomioka, your mind is agitated. Tomorrow morning, let's visit Sabito and Makomo."

***

Four years passed. Giyu kept exchanging letters with Tanjiro, often visiting him, and even sending gifts to Nezuko. The Kamado siblings were like his own younger siblings—people he cherished the most.

Meanwhile, Tomioka even befriended Sanemi and Tengen, although Sanemi would still sometimes yell at him. Tengen was always kind to him. He often joked about how they were now the "one-armed flashy brothers" and frequently invited Giyu to events with his wives, fearing that Tomioka would be lonely. The flashy Hashira even let him hold his firstborn, which Giyu deeply appreciated. He felt a little regretful knowing he hadn't befriended Tengen earlier, as he truly enjoyed the time spent with his friends.

In the winter of his final year, Giyu's health began to decline. He was two days away from turning 25. He guessed it wouldn't be long before he can finally close his eyes.

Tanjiro and the others stayed by his side, offering their support in his last moments. Despite their presence, Giyu often found his thoughts drifting to his fallen comrades. He wanted to join the other Hashiras in the afterlife, to befriend them, and to meet Sabito and Makomo again, to see his sister and parents one more time... if reincarnation existed.

Giyu Tomioka passed away quietly. His final moments were peaceful as he closed his eyes for the last time.