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After Muzan has crumbled and burned, there is still much work to be done.
A painful recovery and lots of adjusting is what comes from losing a part of yourself, Rengoku tells Tanjiro and Kanao. Many hours are spent beneath the tree in the Butterfly Mansion garden, reminiscing and grieving as the petals float from the branches.
Repairing old bonds is an emotionally exhausting journey, as Inosuke will find out by overhearing Sanemi and Genya’s stilted, tearful conversations. When he thinks of his mother, he can’t help the tears that drip down his face, hidden under his mask.
Making new memories is a heartwarming way to pass the weeks of healing, as Nezuko continues to notice Zenitsu’s constant blush and (attempts at) minimized admiration. She looks forward to seeing him more unafraid in his affections, and is thankful that, for the first time in a long time, she is in control of her life.
Establishing new homes is an experience that is intimidating and exciting all at once, as Tengen well remembers. He knows that his marriages are not what his younger self would have imagined, just like he knows that Mitsuri and Obanai’s future will be more incredible than they could imagine.
Life is not always sunny, and it is not always snowy , Tanjiro can be heard saying. Muichiro thinks of this as he lays in bed recovering, and he thinks of this when Gyomei sits with him and hears him mourn and vent.
Family is a devastating thing to lose, and Shinobu knew this from an early age. So she is surprised when Kagaya introduces the demon doctor and her companion, both Kamado siblings run to her and for the doctor to take them into her arms. But what is more surprising is the faint shimmer of tears lining Tamayo’s eyes as she holds the children tight (for that is what they are, all of them fighting so young), and Shinobu knows that even if her parents and Kanae are watching over her, nothing could ever replace them.
Shinobu also knows that things have turned out better than she could have ever thought possible, and that is what she chooses to remember today.
Life is not always sunny, and it is not always snowy repeats in Giyu’s thoughts, and he can’t help but daydream about what Sabito would be doing now if he had lived, or his sister, or any other innocent victim had lived. Eventually, he leaves his dreaming and returns to the celebration and healing of the living. What he, and by extension everyone else, does not see is their loved ones celebrating with them. Jigoro, teary-eyed at his grandson’s accomplishments, reminiscing with Kotoha, who is eternally relieved that her son is not alone; Kie and Tanjuro stand with Kanae and her parents, Rengoku Ruka, Shinazugawa Shizu and Muichiro’s parents, while the younger siblings unintentionally pester Yuichiro. Sabito, Makomo and all their predecessors watch as Urokodaki begins to let go of his guilt, and Tsutako watches her younger brother.
After Kibutsuji Muzan is dead, a new page can be turned.
After Muzan is gone, lives can be lived.