The courtyard remained silent, dust still settling from Gyomei's fall.
Kagaya raised his hand gently, his calm voice carrying across the field. "That is enough."
All heads turned to him with reverence. His eyes, though clouded, held unwavering clarity.
"Sahiru Orasawa," he said. "You have not only returned to us—you've proven your strength beyond doubt. What you carry is more than raw power. It is pain. Experience. Resolve."
He took a breath, then declared, "From this day forth, you shall hold a rank above even the Hashira… a title known as Meiyo—one of honour, one of legend."
Gasps echoed. Even Sanemi was speechless.
Sahiru lowered his head in silent respect, hand resting briefly over his heart. "I will accept it… but not for glory."
He turned without another word and began to walk toward the edge of the courtyard.
But just before the path curved into the forest, he stopped.
"Tanjiro Kamado."
Tanjiro, startled, straightened up. "Y-Yes?"
Sahiru glanced over his shoulder, his scarlet and violet eyes unreadable. "Remember that masked man… the one who called you 'interesting' in the Entertainment District?"
Tanjiro's eyes widened. "That was… you?"
Sahiru nodded once. "It always was."
And with that, his cape fluttered as he vanished into the trees—leaving the Corps in awe, and Tanjiro with a whirlwind of questions.