Kie stirred awake to the gentle glow of morning light slipping through the shoji screen. The soft aroma of something delicious cooking drifted into the room, rousing her senses. For a moment, she blinked in confusion at the unfamiliar ceiling, then the memories of last night washed over her: Bell's kindness, the hot spring, the meal, and falling asleep at his table. A rosy blush crept onto her cheeks. Embarrassed, she quickly straightened her hair and kimono, determined to greet the day with dignity.
She followed the scent to the kitchen, heart fluttering at the uncertainty. There, she found Bell busy at the stove, with a cheerful energy in his movements. Around the large table sat all her children, Kanae, Shinobu, and even young Kanao, who was anxiously eyeing the plates.
Bell noticed her and smiled warmly. "Morning, Kie! Did you sleep well?"
The question brought another blush to her cheeks, but she bowed in thanks. "Thank you very much. I'm sorry for the trouble…"
Bell waved her off with a laugh. "It's no trouble at all. I told you to let your hair down and relax, didn't I?"
Kanae and Shinobu exchanged mischievous glances, deciding to tease her gently. "You know, Kie, there's a reason we're all here so early," Kanae said with a wink. "Bell's a legend around here, 'Master of the Kitchen.' People come from all over for his cooking."
Kie remembered last night's meal and couldn't help but nod in agreement. It was like nothing she'd ever tasted.
Once breakfast was ready, everyone gathered at the table, hands folded in gratitude. The first bites were met with delighted moans, the children's faces lighting up in happiness. Kanao, usually quiet, looked at Bell with wide, pleading eyes. "Big brother, can I have more?" she asked, her voice soft but insistent.
Bell chuckled and happily dished her another helping. "Of course, Kanao. Eat as much as you like."
After breakfast, Bell gathered Tanjiro and Nezuko aside, with Kie listening nearby. He explained the next steps in their journey. "Your first teacher will be Rengoku. When he arrives, you'll train with him to learn about flame and the heart of your dance. After that, you'll train with Giyu to master fluidity, and then with me for speed and thunder. Once you've trained with all three, you'll go through Final Selection and start your journey as true Demon Slayers."
Tanjiro and Nezuko's eyes shone excitedly, but Bell's tone shifted, growing serious. "It won't be easy. This is not a game. The demons outside won't stop just because we wish it. You'll have to give it your all, every day."
Both siblings nodded solemnly, determination burning in their expressions. "We promise to do our best," Tanjiro said, and Nezuko echoed him firmly, "We won't give up."
Bell smiled, pride clear in his eyes. "That's all I can ask for. We're in this together."
As the morning sun poured into the kitchen, laughter and hope filled the room. Once alone on a distant mountain, the Kamado family was now surrounded by friends, purpose, and the beginnings of a new legacy.
The next morning brought a burst of excitement. Rengoku himself arrived, his booming laugh echoing down the halls of the Butterfly Mansion. He greeted everyone with fiery enthusiasm, immediately taking to Tanjiro and Nezuko with his trademark warmth. After devouring eight bowls of Bell's special ramen (and loudly proclaiming each one "delicious!"), Rengoku promised to write to Bell with updates on the siblings' progress.
Before the trio departed, Kie hugged Tanjiro and Nezuko tightly, her eyes shining with pride and worry. "Do your best, and remember we're all cheering for you," she whispered. The remaining Kamado children piled on for a group hug, their well-wishes filling the air with encouragement. Kanae, Shinobu, and Kanao waved them off, wishing them luck before returning to their duties at the mansion.
Kie lingered at the gate, standing quietly beside Bell as they watched the three figures grow smaller along the path. Bell glanced at her, offering a reassuring smile. "They'll be fine, Kie. Rengoku's one of the best, you couldn't ask for a stronger teacher." He gently pulled her into a side hug, which Kie gladly accepted. Her worries were soothed just a little.
Afterwards, Kie returned to the Butterfly Mansion to help with the children and lend her skills to Shinobu's medical team. Bell turned toward his training grounds, feeling the usual spark of motivation. He dove into practising his unique fusion of Thunder and Insect Breathing, experimenting with new forms and transitions that blended speed, unpredictability, and precise strikes.
Later in the afternoon, Kanae arrived, smiling as she set up to train her Flower Breathing nearby. Both knew Bell's grounds were always open to friends. Kanao followed soon after, watching with bright eyes before starting her routine. Laughter and the sound of blades filled the air, the camaraderie making even the most challenging drills feel lighter.
That evening, Bell prepared a hearty dinner for everyone. The room buzzed with stories and laughter, the Kamado children recounting their day and the Hashira sharing tales from their missions. Once the dishes were cleared and everyone had drifted off to bed, Bell went to the hot spring, seeking a quiet soak beneath the starlit sky.
As he leaned back, letting the warmth ease his muscles, his thoughts drifted to Hestia and Orario, memories of another world, another life. He wondered how they were.
Soft footsteps pulled him from his reverie. Turning, he saw Kie standing at the edge of the spring, a shy blush colouring her cheeks. For a moment, she admired the peaceful scene, and Bell stared at his body, before she shook her head, embarrassed.
"Is it all right if I join you?" she asked quietly.
Bell blinked in surprise, then smiled. "Of course. There's plenty of space. It's just a hot spring, after all."
Kie slipped into the water, sighing in relief as the warmth enveloped her. They sat side by side, discussing favourite foods, mountain memories, and funny stories about the children. The conversation flowed easily, and a gentle peace settled over them. Neither of them had to carry the world's weight for a while. They could be two friends, sharing the quiet comfort of the night, wrapped in steam and the soft glow of moonlight.
The fourth year passed in a blink, the seasons marking the steady rhythm of life at the Butterfly Mansion and Bell's training grounds. Then, one bright spring morning, the Kamado siblings returned, taller, stronger, and filled with new confidence. Tanjiro and Nezuko had trained under Rengoku and Giyu, learning the heart of flame and water flow. Now, they were ready for Bell's guidance and the final step toward becoming true Demon Slayers.
Their homecoming was met with laughter, tears, and the warmth only family and old friends could offer. Kie embraced her children tightly, whispering encouragement. The rest of the Kamados joined in, and even Kanae, Shinobu, and Kanao couldn't help but pile on for a group hug. Bell, ever the master of hospitality, cooked a feast to welcome them back, letting them settle in before the next phase of their journey.
Bell didn't realise how Shinobu and Kie had grown closer to him over the years. Their affection was evident to everyone except Bell himself. Kanae, always the mischief-maker, teased them relentlessly, nudging them together at every opportunity. Eventually, Bell and the others decided to turn the tables, launching a series of good-natured pranks on Kanae that left everyone in stitches and the mansion echoing with laughter.
The day after their return, Bell led Tanjiro and Nezuko to his training grounds. "Show me what you've learned," he said, a hint of pride in his voice.
Tanjiro stepped forward, drawing a deep breath before beginning the Kagura Dance. His movements flowed with the power and grace of Sun Breathing, each step a tribute to his heritage. Nezuko followed, her blade alight with a unique, brilliant energy. She called her style Heavenly Flame Breathing, and as she moved through the forms, Bell's eyes widened in awe at the new technique she had forged.
He observed them, offering guidance and subtle corrections as they ran through his designed course. Their speed and accuracy had grown, and their confidence shone through every motion. Bell felt pride, and these two had come so far.
After a long afternoon of training, Bell ushered them to the hot spring to soak their tired muscles. The siblings laughed and splashed, the day's tension melting in the warm, fragrant water. That night, everyone gathered for a heartfelt dinner. The table overflowed with food and laughter, stories shared and dreams imagined.
As the moon rose, Bell looked around at the faces lit by lantern light, his friends, his students, his family by choice, and felt a quiet happiness settle in his heart. The journey wasn't over, but they were ready for whatever came next together.
In the days that followed, Bell watched Tanjiro and Nezuko with growing pride as they refined their breathing under his guidance. Each session revealed new strengths. Tanjiro's Kagura Dance grew smoother and fiercer, while Nezuko's Heavenly Flame Breathing dazzled with its radiant, almost soothing energy. Bell's eyes shone with pride, but he couldn't shake the sense that something about Sun Breathing still eluded him.
When the training grounds were empty, Bell began to experiment in solitude. He ran through the Sun Breathing forms repeatedly, replaying how Tanjiro moved and how each motion flowed seamlessly into the next, like water tumbling over rocks. Suddenly, it clicked. The missing piece wasn't power or speed, but flow. Watching Tanjiro's dance, Bell finally understood: Sun Breathing needed to move like water, each transition as natural as a river's current.
He tried it again, letting his breathing and body move with a fluid grace, and for the first time, he felt the true essence of Sun Breathing ignite inside him. The forms came alive, power and serenity in perfect balance. He could hold his breath longer, and his strength and endurance reached new heights.
Meanwhile, Nezuko's Heavenly Flame Breathing caught the attention of both Shinobu and Kanae. One afternoon, Bell, always the observer, remarked, "Her flames aren't just destructive. They feel… healing, almost purifying." Shinobu's eyes widened in intrigue, and Kanae's smile grew in wonder. It was a style unlike any they'd seen, promising to slay demons and maybe even cleanse their taint.
Watching from the sidelines, Kie held a hand over her heart, her eyes shining with pride and a quiet, growing love for Bell and all he'd done for her family.
As Bell's reputation rose, so did the difficulty of his missions. Before leaving for a perilous assignment, he gathered Kanae and Shinobu. "I'll need you both to watch over Tanjiro and Nezuko while I'm gone. They're on the edge of greatness, help them cross it."
The sisters nodded, promising to continue the Kamados' training with care and encouragement. Bell left knowing his students and his family were in the best of hands, ready to face whatever awaited them next.
The fifth year dawned with an air of anticipation. Tanjiro and Nezuko, their skills sharpened through countless hours of training, and they were finally ready for the Final Selection trials. Kanao, representing the Butterfly Mansion, joined them, her calm determination a quiet contrast to the siblings' eager energy.
On the morning of their departure, Bell gathered them in the courtyard. "If you pass," he promised with a grin, "I'll cook your favourite meal, no matter how big the order." That was all the motivation they needed. Fire lit in their eyes, and with a chorus of thanks, the trio dashed off down the path at full speed, leaving a trail of laughter and good-natured teasing behind. Kanae, Shinobu, and Kie exchanged knowing smiles, the family's faith in the young slayers unshakable.
Life at the Butterfly Mansion continued to evolve. New faces had joined the household: Aoi Kanzaki, a former slayer who had once practised Water Breathing, now helped manage the day-to-day with gentle authority. Alongside her were three little girls, Sumi, Kiyo, and Naho, orphans adopted into the fold after Kanae and Shinobu's mission had saved them from a demon attack. The girls were bundles of energy and affection, their laughter filling the halls. They took to Bell instantly, calling him "big brother" and swarming him during chore time, always angling for the sweets he kept tucked away for diligent helpers.
Bell's heart swelled with every new member of this makeshift family. He marvelled at how the mansion had become more than just a sanctuary; it was a home, alive with hope and warmth.
Amidst the daily bustle, a report from Giyu arrived, casting a shadow over Bell's peace. A demon had attacked the village where the Kamados had once lived, but oddly, the demon had vanished without a trace. Bell's mind raced, remembering this moment from the previous simulation all too well. If his instincts were right, Muzan had been hunting for something… or someone.
The news made Bell even more vigilant. He doubled down on his training, intent on being ready for whatever darkness might come next. But when the children were around, he kept his worries hidden. There was no sense in spoiling the bright days they'd all worked so hard to create.
Bell stood outside as the sun set that evening, watching the fireflies flicker across the garden. He silently wished for Tanjiro, Nezuko, and Kanao's safety and strength. He knew the bonds they'd forged would see them through no matter what trials lay ahead.
The mansion buzzed with excitement and relief a week later as Tanjiro, Nezuko, and Kanao returned. Smiles stretched across their faces, each carrying the subtle weight of experience and a new sense of confidence. They weren't alone, either; each had made companions during the trials, new bonds forged in the crucible of danger. Once they received their new weapons, they'd be ready for their missions.
True to his word, Bell prepared a feast worthy of their accomplishment. The dining hall overflowed with their favourite dishes, steaming rice, savoury grilled fish, sweets for the girls, and hearty ramen for Tanjiro. Laughter and love filled the air as the young slayers recounted their harrowing experiences: moments of teamwork, narrow escapes, and the bittersweet reality of victory. Yet amid the joy, their stories revealed a sobering truth: the toll the trials had taken. Too many lives had been lost.
Kanae, Shinobu, and Bell exchanged worried glances as the celebration wore on, the gravity of the situation settling over them like a shadow. Bell gathered the sisters in a private room when the last laugh faded and the children were safely tucked in. Their voices were low and urgent as they discussed the alarming number of casualties, especially the rumours of a powerful demon using arts inside the selection grounds.
"We should speak to Kagaya about this," Shinobu said, her brow furrowed.
Bell nodded, already thinking ahead. "It's not that the trainers failed, but maybe there's a gap somewhere, something missing in the final prep. Next time, what if we have the Hashira test the candidates' breathing techniques before the trials? A real trial run, to make sure everyone's truly ready."
Kanae added, "It would allow us to spot weaknesses before it's too late."
That night, Bell sketched out a course design, a twisted forest filled with mechanical dummies programmed to mimic demon attacks, popping out from hidden traps, behind trees, and around corners. The course would have hills, slopes, and unpredictable twists, pushing every skill to the limit. Without the fatal risk, it would be as close to real combat as possible.
The next morning, Bell, Kanae, and Shinobu visited Kagaya, laying out their concerns and Bell's proposed solution before the assembled Hashira. The room filled with thoughtful silence as everyone considered the idea.
Bell said, "With this course, we can see how future slayers handle pressure and unpredictability. It's not about doubting our teachers, but making sure no one slips through unprepared, especially with demons that possess arts hiding out there."
Kagaya nodded thoughtfully, and murmurs of approval rippled through the room. Bell's plan was met with careful optimism, a step, they all hoped, toward fewer lost lives and stronger Demon Slayers.
As the meeting ended, Bell felt a renewed sense of hope. Change was coming, and together, they would strengthen the Corps.
Four months later, the new training course was finally complete. Bell stood at its edge with Gyomei, surveying the sprawling, forested grounds filled with mechanical dummies and intricate traps. Both Hashira exchanged a quiet nod of approval. It was everything they'd planned, a true crucible for future slayers.
Mitsuri was the first to volunteer for a test run, her eyes sparkling excitedly. She dashed into the course, laughter and battle cries echoing as she dodged traps and dispatched dummies with her signature flair. By the end, she was breathless and grinning, giving the course a glowing review that satisfied Bell and Gyomei with their hard work.
Meanwhile, Kanao, Nezuko, and Tanjiro had begun their missions. Nezuko and Tanjiro worked together, their bond stronger than ever as they faced their first real battles. Kanao, always independent, took on her assignments solo, and though she preferred the quiet, she kept in close contact with everyone at the mansion. Letters arrived every few days, full of stories, questions, and reassurances.
Back at the Butterfly Mansion, Bell noticed a subtle shift in his daily life. Shinobu and Kie had started to be a little bolder around him, joining him in the hot spring more often, or offering to massage his shoulders after a long day. Each time, Bell blushed fiercely, unsure what to do with their gentle affection, while Kanae snickered from the sidelines, always ready with a teasing remark.
The camaraderie among the Hashira also grew. Bell sparred with his fellow pillars when not on missions, pushing each other to new heights. Their friendly rivalries and shared training made their bonds stronger than ever.
Then, one morning, a letter arrived. Nezuko, Tanjiro, and two other slayers had been injured during a mission against a former Lower Moon Six. Bell's worry spiked, but he trusted in their resilience and training. He penned a reply of encouragement, promising to visit as soon as possible. He was also quietly eager to meet the new friends they mentioned in their letters.
Even as the world grew more dangerous, Bell took comfort in the connections he'd built and the strength of the family and friends by his side. He knew they would face whatever came next together, no matter how dark the road ahead.
A week later, Bell received another letter, full of relief. Tanjiro, Nezuko, and their companions had recovered from their injuries and were already dispatched on their next mission to a mountain rumoured to be crawling with demons. Bell felt a surge of pride and unease he couldn't shake. He had no idea that this mountain would soon become the site of one of the most harrowing battles the Corps had seen, a place that would push every slayer to their limit, and claim the lives of too many.
The following day, an urgent summons arrived from Kagaya. Bell, Giyu, and Shinobu were called to headquarters at once. Kagaya's expression was grave. "We've lost contact with several teams sent to the mountain. Reports say a Lower Moon demon, possibly with allies, is there. I want you three to go immediately, find survivors, eliminate the threat, and report back."
Bell, Giyu, and Shinobu nodded without hesitation and set off immediately. The air grew heavier as they approached the mountain, the scent of blood and fear lingering in the mist.
Upon arrival, they split up to cover more ground. Giyu moved like a shadow through the trees, cutting down a hulking demon and saving a wild, boar-headed slayer who fought with feral intensity. Shinobu, quick and precise, reached a terrified young slayer just as he collapsed, the poison of his fallen demon foe coursing through his veins. She acted without pause, neutralising the toxin and offering words of steadiness.
Bell, meanwhile, raced deeper into the mountain's heart, his instincts pulling him toward a fierce, desperate battle. He found Tanjiro and Nezuko locked in combat with Lower Moon Five Rui, the spider demon. The siblings were battered and bloody, on the brink of collapse as Rui prepared to unleash his deadliest attack.
Without a second thought, Bell surged forward, his fused Thunder and Insect Breathing igniting in a crackle of lightning and razor precision. He moved faster than Rui could react, cutting through the demon's web with a single, decisive strike that instantly obliterated the threat. Rui's eyes widened in disbelief before he crumbled to dust.
As silence fell, Bell rushed to Tanjiro and Nezuko's side and immediately began first aid. His hands were gentle but firm, and his voice low and calming as he worked to stem the worst of their wounds. Relief flooded their faces, and the mountain felt a little less haunted for a moment.
All across the battlefield, survivors gathered, battered but alive, thanks to the swift intervention of the Hashira. But as Bell looked at the carnage left behind, he knew this would not be the last time the Corps was tested so cruelly. He silently vowed to grow even stronger and to always arrive in time.
The aftermath of the mountain battle was felt deeply at the Butterfly Mansion. Tanjiro, Nezuko, and their two new companions, Inosuke, the wild boar-headed slayer, and Zenitsu, the anxious but lightning-fast swordsman, were among the many injured slayers brought in for treatment. The mansion was a whirlwind of activity: healers moved swiftly from room to room, tending wounds, changing bandages, and distributing medicine. The air was thick with the scents of herbs and antiseptic, but also with hope, the knowledge that, this time, many lives had been saved.
Bell moved through the halls, checking on the Kamados and their friends, offering quiet encouragement and gentle smiles. Even the most battered slayers seemed to rest easier with the Thunder Hashira nearby. Kie, Kanae, and Aoi worked tirelessly alongside Shinobu, ensuring each patient was comfortable.
Once the immediate chaos had settled and the worst wounds were treated, Bell, Shinobu, and Giyu received a summons to meet with Kagaya and the other Hashira. In a hushed, solemn chamber, the three debriefed the master on everything they had seen and done: the overwhelming number of demons, the presence of Lower Moon Five, the courage and losses among the slayers, and the desperate battles fought by even the youngest recruits.
Kagaya listened with grave attentiveness, absorbing every detail. The other Hashira were silent, the weight of the situation pressing down on them all. Bell spoke honestly about how the mountain had become a slaughterhouse, how the demons' cunning and bloodthirst had nearly overwhelmed even their strongest. Shinobu described the poisons she'd encountered, while Giyu recounted the slayers he'd managed to save, and the ones he hadn't reached in time.
"We must adapt," Bell concluded, his voice steady but passionate. "Our training, preparation, even our patrol patterns, demons are getting bolder, and their arts more dangerous. We can't afford to lose so many again."
Kagaya nodded, his voice gentle but resolute. "You all did well. We will honour the fallen and learn from what has happened. The Demon Slayer Corps will not falter."
As the meeting adjourned, the Hashira exchanged determined glances. There was no question: they would train harder, work closer, and do whatever it took to protect those who could not defend themselves.
Meanwhile, life at the Butterfly Mansion continued, wounds healing, spirits lifting, and the bonds of friendship and family growing ever stronger. Bell watched over them all, more resolved than ever to be the shield between the darkness and everyone he cared about.
Months slipped by as the Butterfly Mansion transformed from a haven of recovery into a bustling hub of training and growth. Tanjiro, Nezuko, Inosuke, Zenitsu, and the other surviving slayers made steady progress, finishing their rehabilitation with newfound strength, especially after facing the challenges of Bell's rigorous course. Zenitsu was as dramatic as ever, often bursting into tears mid-training or hopelessly flirting with Nezuko, which only earned him a swift bonk and a dismissive "hmph" before Nezuko went to Bell for a comforting headpat and hug. The sight never failed to draw laughter from everyone nearby, the mansion alive with camaraderie and hope.
When the time came, the four set out on a mission with Rengoku, this time investigating troubling disappearances surrounding the Mugen Train. Spirits were high, but an unspoken tension lingered; somehow, everyone sensed this would be a turning point. The Hashira and mansion residents wished them luck, and Bell promised them their favourite foods upon their return.
No one expected the outcome.
When it arrived, the news struck like a hammer blow. The mission had ended in tragedy. Lower Moon One was defeated, but the actual threat had been far greater. An Upper Moon, Akaza, had appeared out of nowhere, and despite Rengoku's immense strength and will, he fell in battle, protecting everyone to his last breath. His wounds and the rising sun drove off Akaza, but the cost was devastating.
The Butterfly Mansion fell into mourning. Every head bowed in respect to the fallen Flame Hashira. The halls, usually so lively, were hushed. Even the children were sombre, understanding that a hero had been lost. Bell stood quietly in the garden that night, looking at the stars. He whispered, "Rest in peace, brother Rengoku. Your sacrifice won't be in vain. We'll carry your flame forward."
The loss left a mark on everyone but lit a fire: a determination to grow stronger, honour Rengoku's memory, and never let such a tragedy befall their family again. The lessons learned from the train, the courage shown, and the bonds forged would shape the Demon Slayer Corps for years.
As the year ended, the Demon Slayer Corps faced a relentless onslaught of battles, each a test of resolve and unity. Victories were hard-won, but they came at a cost.
During a fierce mission alongside Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke, the Sound Hashira, Tengen Uzui, lost an arm in the heat of battle. The aftermath brought not only physical pain but a trio of stern warnings from Kie, Shinobu, and Kanae, who cornered him in the Butterfly Mansion and made him swear, sweat pouring down his brow, that Nezuko would never be put in such danger again. Still, their combined efforts paid off: together, they managed to defeat the deadly sibling duo of Upper Moon Six, Daki and Gyutaro, in a battle that would be remembered for its brutality and heroism.
Elsewhere, the hidden Swordsmith Village came under attack. The Mist Hashira and Mitsuri, backed by the young slayers, rose, taking down Upper Moon Five and Four in a desperate, chaotic defence. The victory was a much-needed triumph, but the scars it left on the land and in the hearts of those who fought would linger.
Yet even as the Corps celebrated these hard-fought wins, troubling news came from the front: Sanemi and Obanai, sent to investigate reports of demons gathering in a mysterious castle, arrived only to find it had vanished without a trace. The elusive demons and the uncertainty surrounding the castle's disappearance left everyone on edge.
Kagaya ordered a joint training session for all young slayers, who were determined to test and strengthen their resolve. Bell and the other Hashira took charge, overseeing rigorous drills, sparring matches, and simulated battles that pushed every participant to their limits. The air rang with the clash of blades and the cries of determination, a new generation of Demon Slayers rising from the crucible of hardship.
The Butterfly Mansion remained a sanctuary, a place of healing, laughter, and hope. Bell watched over his expanding family fiercely, knowing the battles ahead would demand everything they had and more. As the seasons changed, so did the Corps, growing stronger, closer, and ever more ready for the final confrontation with the darkness threatening their world.
The joint training was soon in full swing, pushing every young slayer to their physical and mental limits. Each Hashira brought their brand of challenge, but Bell and Gyomei quickly gained a reputation for the most gruelling, arduous but deeply fulfilling sessions, for they taught not just technique but the spirit that held the Corps together. Obanai and Sanemi's intensity drove many to tears, even the usually unshakeable Muichiro. Mitsuri, ever cheerful, encouraged everyone through her smiles, though her infamous splits routine drew groans and curses from every participant. Tengen's ninja-inspired drills added an unpredictable edge to the training, challenging the slayers' reflexes and teamwork.
During these days, the young slayers began to truly understand the weight and cost of becoming a Hashira. Bonds deepened as shared exhaustion, laughter, and even frustration knit them together in ways only the battlefield could achieve.
But even as spirits were rising, true terror lurked on the horizon. It struck unexpectedly: an urgent call from the Butterfly Mansion. Muzan himself had attacked Kagaya's estate. Yet it was not a defeat; Kagaya had turned his home into a trap, buying precious time for the Demon Slayer Corps to gather.
All the Hashira and their young protégés rushed to Kagaya's side, arriving just as Muzan revealed his monstrous form. In a flash, the world twisted, and Muzan's power dragged them all into a nightmarish domain filled with demons, including the remaining Upper Moons.
The battle erupted in every corner of this hellish place. Each Hashira and slayer faced their mortal struggle, blades flashing in the darkness, courage burning against impossible odds. Bell found himself fighting alongside Muichiro, Sanemi's brother, against Kokushibo, the fearsome Upper Moon One. The clash was brutal; Kokushibo's Moon Breathing overwhelmed even the best defences.
Despite their combined might and unbreakable resolve, the cost was devastating. Sanemi's brother fell in battle, his life claimed by Kokushibo's relentless assault. Battered but unyielding, Bell pressed on, only to find himself caught in the demon's final, merciless strike.
Pain flashed through him, the world going cold. As Bell dropped to his knees, Kokushibo's shadow looming, he heard the system chime in his mind.
"Ding! You have died."
The simulation ended, leaving the memory of sacrifice and valour echoing in the silence, a reminder that even legends can fall, but their courage lives on.