Chapter 20: The Aftermath Of The Battle

Afternoon.

In one of the quiet rooms of the estate, Mitsuri Kanroji sat beside the sleeping Yohan, watching over him in silence.

The battle had long since ended, but she refused to leave his side.

Earlier, the medical team had conducted a full examination of Yohan's condition.

Their findings were astonishing.

Given the sheer intensity of his battle against an Upper Moon, they had expected his body to be pushed to its absolute limit—perhaps even beyond repair.

But when they checked—

His wounds had nearly healed.

His body showed no signs of strain.

Every physical indicator was… perfect.

It was almost as if—

He had already fully recovered.

The only explanation for his deep slumber was extreme mental exhaustion, a natural self-defense mechanism to restore his mind.

In contrast, Rengoku Kyojuro—who lay on a futon nearby—had not fared as well.

Although it was clear that someone had treated him before the medical team arrived, his body was still suffering from extreme malnutrition.

He would need time to fully recover.

A voice interrupted the quiet.

"How is Yohan? Has he woken up yet?"

It was Rengoku himself, now awake after his own treatment.

He had already heard the full report from the medical team.

And he had no doubts about who had saved him.

After all, by the time he collapsed, only two people had remained in that courtyard.

Himself. And Yohan.

It had to be him.

Whether he was holding back Akaza until sunrise—

Or saving his life—

Rengoku knew he owed this man a debt of gratitude.

Mitsuri shook her head, a flicker of disappointment in her emerald eyes.

"Not yet…"

But before she could finish—

Yohan's eyelids flickered.

A moment later—

His eyes slowly opened.

"…Is the battle over?"

"Yohan!"

Mitsuri let out a joyous cry and practically leaped onto him, wrapping him in a desperate embrace—needing to feel that he was real.

That he was awake and alive.

Rengoku stepped forward as well, his warm, booming voice filling the room.

"The battle is over, Yohan. Congratulations on waking up."

Yohan blinked, flexing his fingers.

His body felt—

Unbelievably light.

No pain. No fatigue.

As if he had been reborn.

That battle…

Hadn't drained him.

It had made him stronger.

A thought crossed his mind.

'System.' He reached out internally. 'Did I just level up?'

The familiar voice of the system echoed in his mind.

[The host previously injected the Senju Bloodline Serum, which altered your genetic structure. However, full activation required time and synchronization.]

[Through this battle, your mental fortitude has significantly increased, allowing your body and mind to finally achieve perfect synchronization.]

[The Senju Bloodline is now fully activated.]

Yohan's eyes flashed with understanding.

So that was it.

Even though he had possessed the Senju Bloodline from the start, it had been incomplete—just raw potential, waiting for the moment his willpower could match his physical evolution.

And now—

Now, he had reached that moment.

"Does that mean…" He hesitated. "I've unlocked the Sage Body?"

[That would be an accurate interpretation.]

Yohan nearly laughed out loud.

The Sage Body.

A bloodline that brought monstrous durability, rapid regeneration, and overwhelming strength.

No wonder he felt completely rejuvenated despite everything.

No wonder his body felt indestructible.

Mitsuri's warmth against his side pulled him back to the present.

She was trembling.

Yohan reached out, gently patting her soft pink-and-green hair.

"Mitsuri… I'm fine now."

Tears welled in her eyes.

"You idiot!"

Her voice cracked as she finally let loose all the emotions she had been holding in.

"Do you even know how terrified I was?!"

"When I saw you covered in blood, standing there like some lifeless statue—"

Her breath hitched.

"—I thought I was going to lose you."

No more holding back.

No more pretending.

She didn't care how he felt about her.

She just needed him to know.

"I don't want you to take those kinds of risks anymore!"

She buried her face against his chest.

Yohan exhaled softly.

A deep warmth flickered in his gaze.

"…I understand."

His voice was lower now, gentler.

"I know, Mitsuri."

"I promise, I won't make you worry like that again."

For the first time since waking, his expression softened completely—a warmth rarely seen in his usually composed features.

Rengoku, standing near the door, took one look at the scene—

And quietly turned around.

He did not know if leaving was the "right" thing to do.

But he had a strong feeling that if he interrupted this moment,

He'd be sent straight back to the medical ward.

…

Meanwhile…

A confidential report arrived at Demon Slayer Headquarters.

"Urgent report for Lord Ubuyashiki!"

A Demon Slayer knelt before the leader of the corps, presenting the document with urgency.

Ubuyashiki Kagaya took the letter, his pale fingers carefully unfolding it.

His blind eyes scanned the contents—his mind absorbing every word.

Then, he did something unexpected.

He laughed.

A light, breathy chuckle—so genuine and joyful that it startled those around him.

A soft voice spoke behind him.

"Kagaya, what's made you so happy all of a sudden?"

A beautiful woman stood behind him, her presence as serene as a spirit of the silver birch trees.

His wife—Ubuyashiki Amane.

He turned toward her, smiling.

"There is good news, Amane."

"Yohan and Rengoku Kyojuro held back Upper Moon Three until sunrise."

"The Flower Hashira arrived just in time."

"And—" His smile widened. "There were no casualties."

A victory.

A true victory.

For the first time, an Upper Moon had been fought to a standstill.

For the first time—

They had proof that the Upper Moons were not invincible.

Amane watched her husband's expression carefully.

She knew how heavy the burden on his shoulders was.

How much sorrow he had carried for so long.

Moments like this—where true hope shone through—were far too rare.

Seeing him genuinely happy…

It made her happy too.

She stepped forward, placing a gentle hand over his.

"I'm glad, Kagaya."

He exhaled, looking up at the sky.

Yes.

For the first time—

Perhaps his dream of eradicating Muzan truly could be realized in his lifetime.

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