A new chance

What has been going

Days have passed since Sabito woke up. The haze that used to hang over my days has lifted, like the early morning fog dispersing under the sunlight. There's a sense of peace now, a warmth I had forgotten could exist. With Sabito back, life feels like it's coming together again, as if I've found a part of myself that had been missing for too long.
Sabito has started training again. Watching him return to his old self, the way he moves with such fluidity and strength—it's like watching water take form and flow through obstacles. He's so focused, but in his usual way, he's also reckless. That never changes. He doesn't hear me when I call out, and a part of me worries he'll get hurt. The thought of losing him again tightens a knot in my chest. Yet, I remind myself—this is Sabito. He's always diving headfirst into trouble, but that's what makes him who he is. There's one thing that keeps coming up, though. Sabito doesn't want to become a Hashira. He insists that water breathing is all he knows, and he doesn't want to take my place. He laughs it off, saying the position was made for me, but I know better. He would make a better Hashira than I ever could. I've told him as much, but he just brushes it aside, smiling in that way only he can. It doesn't matter to him. He doesn't need a title, and I suppose that's what makes him so great. Yesterday, I took him to Mr. Urokodaki—our "grandpa." When Sabito stepped through the door, it was like the years had never passed. Urokodaki-san's eyes widened in disbelief, his lips trembling before he broke down, rushing to embrace Sabito with tears streaming down his face. The moment was too much for me to hold back, and soon, I found myself crying too. There was something about seeing Urokodaki-san so vulnerable, holding us both so tightly as if he could never let go again. His sobs grew louder when he saw my tears, and soon we were a mess of emotions, three men standing together, weeping in each other's arms.It felt like we had taken a weight off Urokodaki-san's shoulders. For the first time in a long time, it felt like a family again.After a while, once we had all composed ourselves, I sent Tanjiro to train with Urokodaki-san. It felt right, as if the cycle was continuing. Urokodaki-san accepted him immediately, sensing the same resolve in Tanjiro that he must have seen in us years ago. I watched from a distance as Tanjiro pushed himself through the grueling exercises. It was almost nostalgic, seeing Sabito step in to help. I could see them from afar, Sabito standing beside him, guiding his sword until—crack—the rock split in half. The same rock that once stood between us and the Final Selection. I still remember the weight of that practice, the purpose behind it. It wasn't just about cutting a rock—it was about learning to sever the unbreakable, to slice through the strength of an enemy like the Hand Demon.The same demon who almost took Sabito from me forever.But Sabito is here now. And with him, I've felt a sense of calm that I haven't known in years. I can breathe easier, the air less heavy. There's still danger ahead, of course—there always will be in our line of work—but for now, there's a sense of peace. Sabito is by my side, and for as long as he's here, I feel like I can handle anything.The next Final Selection is approaching, and Tanjiro is training harder than ever. I can see it in his eyes, the determination to carry out his mission and protect Nezuko. There's something special about him. I have no doubt he'll pass. More than that, I believe he'll be one of the best Demon Slayers the Corps has ever seen. There's a fire in him that won't be extinguished, and it reminds me of the same fire Sabito had all those years ago. Still, my responsibilities within the Corps never change. 

Today, I decided to visit the Master. There are things I need to discuss, but I wasn't expecting to walk into a full-fledged Hashira meeting. I was early, too early. When I arrived, only Kocho and Gyomei were there, quietly preparing. They greeted me with their usual calm demeanor, but something about their presence always puts me on edge. As I greeted them, a thought struck me. Tokito... where was he?

I turned back immediately, already knowing the answer. Sure enough, when I arrived at my estate, Tokito was wandering aimlessly, his usual lost expression plastered across his face. How he always managed to lose his way was beyond me, but I had grown used to it by now. With a sigh, I took his hand and led him back to the Corps' grounds. He followed without complaint, his eyes vacant and lost in his own world.Back at the meeting, I sat off to the side, away from everyone, watching as the others filed in. Tokito sat next to me, silent, staring off into the distance, his thoughts a million miles away. I sometimes wonder what goes on in his head, but perhaps it's better not to know. The meeting droned on, discussions about upcoming missions and strategies, but my thoughts kept drifting. I couldn't shake the feeling that something big was coming, something beyond our control.Still, as I glanced over at Tokito, his stillness oddly comforting, I reminded myself: we've survived this long. We've overcome the impossible before. And with Sabito back, I feel stronger than ever.Whatever comes next, we'll face it together.