Chapter 88: Chapter 86: A Well-Deserved Break
The battlefield was finally silent. The air, once thick with blood and tension, now carried a calm breeze. Raizen was gone. The Demon Slayers had won, but at a heavy cost.
The Hashira and their comrades sat scattered across the ruined landscape, catching their breath. Some lay on the ground, too exhausted to move, while others simply stared at the sky in disbelief.
Zenitsu was the first to break the silence.
"WE'RE ALIVE!" he screamed, rolling around in the dirt. "I THOUGHT I WAS GONNA DIE! I'M NEVER FIGHTING AGAIN! I QUIT! I RETIRE!"
Inosuke smacked him on the head. "SHUT UP! We just won a legendary battle, and you're whining?!"
Zenitsu sat up, pouting. "A battle I DIDN'T WANT TO BE IN!"
Tanjiro chuckled tiredly, lying on his back. "I can't believe it's finally over…"
Rengoku sat nearby, smiling. "Yes, but we should remain vigilant. Victory in battle doesn't mean victory in war."
Muichiro, half asleep, waved a hand lazily. "Can we save the wise words for later? I'm too tired to think."
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Saitama's Problem
Meanwhile, Saitama was standing off to the side, looking at his torn cape with mild annoyance.
"Dang. This was my favorite one."
Tanjiro sat up, curious. "Saitama-san, do you want us to fix it for you?"
Saitama sighed. "Nah, I'll just get Genos to make me another one. But I don't have my phone to call him."
The group blinked.
"Genos?" Zenitsu asked.
"My disciple," Saitama said simply.
"You have a disciple?" Inosuke gasped. "OI, BALDY, TAKE ME AS A DISCIPLE TOO!"
Saitama scratched his head. "Uh… I don't really do training."
Inosuke crossed his arms. "Tch. Then you're a lame master."
Saitama shrugged. "That's fine."
The conversation was interrupted when Rengoku clapped his hands together. "Alright! Enough talk! We need food!"
Zenitsu perked up. "YES! FOOD!"
Muichiro yawned. "If there's no food soon, I might pass out."
Rengoku laughed. "Then let's find the best restaurant around!"
Tanjiro smiled. "I think we should go back to the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters. Oyakata-sama will want to hear the news, and we can eat there."
Zenitsu sighed. "Ugh. Less exciting, but fine."
Rengoku grinned. "Then let's move! OUR STOMACHS SHALL NOT REMAIN EMPTY!"
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The Journey Back
The group started walking, their bodies still aching but their spirits much lighter.
Saitama walked beside Tanjiro, looking around. "So, you guys fight demons all the time?"
Tanjiro nodded. "Yes. It's our duty."
Saitama hummed. "Sounds tiring."
Tanjiro chuckled. "It is, but we have no choice."
Inosuke jumped onto a rock, stretching his arms. "ONCE WE GET BACK, I DEMAND A FEAST!"
Zenitsu wiped a fake tear from his eye. "For once, I agree with you, boar-head."
The sun was beginning to set, casting an orange glow over the battlefield as they walked away.
A rare moment of peace.
Little did they know, however… their next challenge was just around the corner.
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To Be Continued…