Justice is Blind |『 Female OC 』• Kimetsu no Yaiba

Act 47: Until We Meet Again

Three months had passed since the fierce battle against Muzan, the demon who had plagued humanity for centuries. For the first time in countless years, the air was free of the oppressive weight of evil.

The night no longer carried the oppressive weight of fear, nor did travellers hurry to seek shelter before the sun dipped below the horizon. The world was free of demons.

Yet for the survivors, the scars of that battle lingered. They carried their losses with them, trying to forge a new life in this unfamiliar peace. They held their memories like snow clinging to bare branches, cold, heavy, and inevitable. Some days, they smiled despite the burden. On other days, they faltered.

Today was one of those quiet, heavy days. The earth lay blanketed in snow, the pure white drifts reflecting the pale light of winter. The Butterfly Mansion stood quiet, the halls filled only with the soft murmurs of daily chores. Outside, snowflakes fell steadily, their descent graceful and serene.

Kage walked through one of the mansion's hallways, his steps echoing faintly against the wooden floor. He wore a simple haori over his shoulders, its fabric slightly worn but still warm. As he passed, his eyes flicked toward the window, his gaze drawn to the snowfall outside.

For a moment, he stood there, staring at the world beyond the glass. The gentle fluttering of snow seemed to muffle the world's sounds, leaving him alone with his thoughts. His breath fogged the window as he leaned slightly closer, the faint chill seeping through the glass a contrast to the warmth inside.

'It's been three months,' he thought, the weight of that time pressing heavily against his chest. 'Three months without demons. Three months without Akira. Three months without...' he caught himself mid-thought, the ache in his chest intensifying as he swallowed hard.

Kage shook his head abruptly, exhaling a sharp breath as if to clear the memories away. But they were persistent. Images of Akira's steadfast grin and Ayuna's sharp wit surfaced, uninvited but vivid. His hand tightened into a fist at his side, his nails biting into his palm. He closed his eyes briefly, forcing his emotions into check.

"You look troubled," a voice broke through his reverie, startling him slightly. Kage turned to see Aoi standing nearby, a basket of clothes balanced in her arms. Her expression was calm, though her brow furrowed slightly as she regarded him. "What's wrong?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.

A faint smile tugged at Kage's lips, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Nothing," he said, shaking his head lightly. "I just...miss some people," he admitted. Hearing this, Aoi's gaze softened, her own expression flickering with unspoken understanding.

She shifted the basket in her hands, glancing briefly out the window where Kage's attention had been moments before. "I miss people too," she admitted, her voice quieter now. Her thoughts instantly lingered on Shinobu.

Her smile, her quick wit, the way she had always seemed unshakable even in the darkest moments. Aoi's lips curved into a faint, bittersweet smile. "But...like Shirayuki always says, we'll meet in another life," she said, her tone carrying a soft reassurance.

Kage blinked at her words before his smile grew warmer. "Yeah," he said, his voice thoughtful. "I hope so," he said before his gaze returned briefly to the snow outside, his expression distant. "I wonder if...our descendants will have a good relationship with each other," said Kage.