I Became Spider-Man's Cousin in Anime Crossover

Chapter 383 [3 Chapters Combined into 1] Victory Celebration Banquet

She could almost see herself, controlled by Muzan and unable to control her own actions, with the soul that took her life questioning why she could still live on in this world with a clear conscience.

She even saw the figures of her husband and children, who had also died at her hands, among these countless wronged souls.

That was a past she could never return to, and it was also the deepest pain and guilt in her heart.

This caused Tamayo's lips to twitch uncontrollably, forming a bitter smile, her heart filled with self-loathing.

"Someone like me, whose hands are already stained with the blood of innocents, and even... even a sinner who personally killed her own loved ones during those chaotic years... a widow who is already married and whose heart has died with them... what right do I have to accept such a pure, passionate, and unadulterated love?"

"How could my defiled soul be worthy to taint his true heart?"

"In the long years to come... how should I face him... and how should I conduct myself?"

Clearly, Tamayo was not truly indifferent to Yushiro.

Just like Yushiro, who started from scratch and gradually fell in love with Tamayo, who gave him new life and meaning.

Over the past few centuries, the years of living together day and night, relying on each other for survival, have subtly woven this affection into every inch of Zhushi's life.

It can be said that the feelings between the two have transcended ordinary romantic love, becoming a deeper and more complex bond.

Not to mention, even for ordinary humans who have short lifespans and therefore cherish those around them even more, a passionate and sincere affection that can last for decades without fading, or even remain unchanged for just a few decades, is already a very precious and praiseworthy miracle!

Yushiro, however, has consistently demonstrated through his actions over the centuries that Tamayo has always been the only person in his heart.

In this situation, let alone responding verbally, even if Tamayo simply expresses tacit agreement, it can immediately cause a qualitative change in the relationship between the two!

But that heavy past, like a bottomless, insurmountable chasm, stood in Tamayo's heart, making her hesitate.

She didn't know if, after finally breaking free from the heavy shackles of revenge, she had atoned for her sins and was qualified to let go of past pain, embrace new relationships, and begin a completely new destiny that truly belonged to "Tamayo".

This complex mix of emotions made her feel particularly awkward, flustered, and at a loss when faced with Yushiro's unwavering and silent devotion.

In the end, Tamayo could only feign composure and, once again, habitually chose to avoid the situation.

This time, however, Tamayo no longer appeared as calm and collected as before. Her face flushed slightly, and she almost awkwardly averted her gaze, forcing herself to focus on the noisy, bustling banquet before her, attempting to conceal the turmoil within her.

Even so, for Yushiro, who had been focusing all his attention on Tamayo...

Based on his familiarity and understanding of Tamayo's every subtle expression and breathing frequency over the past few centuries, he naturally and keenly captured Tamayo's momentary lapse in concentration, the struggle that flashed in her eyes, and her hasty retreat.

He realized that Tamayo wasn't truly indifferent to him. She just needed more time to calm her confused and bewildered heart.

Therefore, when faced with Tamayo's almost instinctive avoidance, Yushiro did not feel lost or discouraged like those who often cannot obtain what they desire in the world.

On the contrary, deep within his eyes, which were always filled with loyalty and adoration, a secret joy and an even firmer determination emerged, unable to be suppressed by the wavering and hesitation shown by Tamayo.

After all, the fact that she was in such an awkward state was enough to show that her long-standing feelings had finally not sunk into the sea, but had stirred up a real ripple in Lady Tamayo's frozen heart.

This shows that he has already occupied an important place in her heart!

Compared to the long years in the past when no matter how much he tried, he always felt like he was separated by an invisible barrier and never received any response, his situation was now infinitely better!

"It's okay, it's okay..."

With this in mind, Yushiro slightly withdrew his gaze to avoid making Tamayo feel uncomfortable, quietly clenched his fist, and silently cheered himself on.

"We still have plenty of time..."

"I don't mind waiting patiently for a longer period of time until you are fully ready and willing to accept this relationship."

"Whether it takes decades or centuries..."

"Just being by your side is a blessing to me."

As he murmured to himself, Yushiro had already decided to use almost an infinite amount of time to wait for the day when her heart would truly open to him.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the banquet, a more straightforward and touching scene was unfolding, in contrast to the subtle atmosphere on Tamayo's side.

Perhaps it was because the calamity of demons that had threatened humanity for millennia had finally come to an end with Muzan's defeat. This allowed the tension that had been taut in Shinazugawa Sanemi's heart since the night his mother underwent her transformation to finally relax completely.

From the moment he witnessed Muzan vanish into thin air under the golden light and the Infinity Castle completely collapse, the fierce and sharp aura that seemed to never dissipate on the Wind Pillar, known for his irritability, anger, and ruthless style, visibly subsided and subsided.

During the banquet, he could even barely tolerate Tomioka Giyu, whom he always disliked.

Especially when the other person silently pushed a Hagi mochi in front of him as always, Sanemi would just habitually frown, make an impatient "tsk" sound, and take the plate with a look of disgust.

Even more unusually, he didn't unleash any growls at Giyu Tomioka, such as "Who wants to eat what you gave me!" or "Who said I like eating hagi mochi?!" nor did he display his signature murderous expression.

This subtle change made those familiar with his style take a second look.

Among them is the thoughtful and angelic Tanjiro.

While taking care of Nezuko like a mother hen, and occasionally offering words of advice to balance the conflict between Zenitsu and Inosuke, Tanjiro also noticed Genya Shinazugawa, who was sitting alone not far from him, occasionally glancing at Sanemi with a constantly uneasy expression.

He could clearly smell the complex scent emanating from Xuanmi, a scent that was a mixture of deep guilt, long-held fear, and a profound longing and dependence on his brother.

Furthermore, through a deeper understanding gained over time, I realized that there were too many things that needed to be resolved between these two brothers.

After greeting him, Tanjiro approached Genya. Meeting Genya's slightly flustered gaze, he gently patted Genya's shoulder and encouraged him in his characteristic warm yet firm tone, "Go, Genya. If you have anything you want to say to Sanemi-sensei, now is the time... You've seen it, haven't you? Sanemi-sensei is different now."

Xuanmi trembled, his hands nervously twisting the hem of his clothes, his lips trembling, his eyes looking timidly at his older brother, whose figure, even when relaxed, still exuded a strange sense of oppression and loneliness.

After a brief silence, he nodded vigorously, finally mustering the greatest courage of his life.

Then, like a frightened little animal, he moved slowly but steadily, step by step, toward Sanemi.

Meanwhile, Sanemi had already noticed Genmi's subtle movements the moment Genmi stood up... or more accurately, the moment Genmi first glanced at him.

When he saw his younger brother, though still afraid of him, taking a step forward and slowly approaching him, his hand holding the wine glass paused almost imperceptibly. His knuckles tightened slightly, then slowly relaxed.

He did not immediately respond to Xuanmi's overture, but instead drank the remaining wine in his cup in one gulp, as if trying to calm some turbulent emotions.

When Genya cautiously walked a few steps behind Sanemi as if walking through a minefield, he stopped as if he had exhausted all his strength.

Taking a deep breath and trying to calm his complex emotions, Xuanmi opened his mouth, his voice barely audible, muttering intermittently, "Brother... I... I'm sorry..."

Before he could finish speaking, Sanemi, who had his back to him, suddenly moved.

Suddenly, Sanemi stood up, the chair scraping against the ground with a slight sound.

The sudden action startled Xuanmi, making him jump. All the words of apology that followed stuck in his throat.

For a long time, every meeting between the two brothers had ended with the elder brother's furious outburst, causing Xuanmi to almost reflexively close his eyes and shrink his neck. He awaited the familiar, angry rebuke from his brother, or the utter indifference that pierced his heart, as if he were a complete stranger.

However, the expected storm did not arrive.

Instead, there was a long-lost yet incredibly familiar warm embrace, tinged with the smell of alcohol.

Sanemi stood up and walked to Genya. Without the slightest hesitation, he stretched out his arms and, with unusually firm strength, tightly embraced his younger brother, who had grown tall and strong but, in his eyes, still looked as pitiful and wronged as he did in childhood.

Xuanmi suddenly opened his eyes, his pupils contracting violently in disbelief, his body completely stiffening, and his mind going blank.

Sanemi felt his younger brother's stiff body and slight trembling in his arms, and the last bit of the mask of pretense that he had forced himself to wear because of his past experiences was finally removed.

Yes, the evil spirit has been eliminated, and the greatest threat has vanished.

He no longer had to worry day and night that his younger brother, who had joined the Demon Slayer Corps, would die tragically and unexpectedly like everyone else around him, leaving him forever.

There's no need to deliberately play the role of a cold-blooded, sarcastic older brother, belittling him to nothing, just to force Genya to leave this dangerous area. The only hope is that he will become disheartened, voluntarily leave the Demon Slayer Corps, and live a peaceful and fulfilling life as an ordinary mortal, pursuing the life and dreams unique to "Shinazugawa Genya."

Thinking of this, Sanemi's gaze softened completely.

That was the tenderness that Xuanmi had never seen from his older brother since their mother passed away.

Then, Sanemi raised his calloused hand and, just as he had done countless times as a child, gently stroked Genya's spiky short hair.

"...Thank you for your hard work, Genya."

Sanemi's voice was low and hoarse, yet it carried a calm and sincerity born from the weight of a great burden lifted. In such close proximity, even without Sanemi's usual shouting, every word he uttered was enough to ensure that it would reach Genya's ears clearly.

"You've always done an outstanding job. You've stuck to your path and fought to the very end..."

He paused, then tightened his arms around her, as if trying to make up for all the hugs he had missed over the years in this moment.

Then, meeting Xuanmi's stunned gaze, he spoke with absolute certainty, word by word.

"I... am proud to have a younger brother like you."

"Brother...brother...wait...ahhhhhh—!"

These few words, like the sharpest blade, instantly cleaved through all of Xuanmi's defenses and grievances, shattering his long-held self-blame and misunderstandings.

It turns out my brother didn't dislike him after all!

It turns out my brother has always been proud of him!

The overwhelming emotional shock made him unable to hold back any longer; a strong pang of sorrow shot straight to his nose.

He suddenly stretched out his arms and hugged Sanemi tightly, like a drowning person grabbing onto a piece of driftwood, burying his face deep into his brother's shoulder with all his might. Like a child who had been lost for many years and finally returned home, he burst into tears, his cries filled with catharsis and relief.

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry, brother! I was wrong! I've always been wrong!"

Genya cried out incoherently, his tears quickly soaking through Sanemi's uniform.

"Back then, you were clearly... clearly in just as much pain as I was... you sacrificed your mother to protect me... yet... I said so many terrible things... I ignored your feelings... I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!"

Sanemi didn't say anything more, but silently endured his younger brother's torrent of tears.

The hand that was stroking Xuanmi's hair never stopped. In this silent way, it conveyed forgiveness, comfort, and the unchanging brotherly affection.

At the same time, the surrounding noise, which had been filled with laughter and chatter, gradually subsided like the receding tide, eventually turning into a respectful tranquility.

Many people noticed the deeply moving scene between the Wind Pillar brothers.

Where eyes met, there was no mockery, no disturbance.

Only silent blessings and heartfelt empathy.

Tanjiro looked at the two brothers who were tightly embracing and sobbing uncontrollably, and a heartfelt smile of relief appeared on his face, with warm tears welling up in his eyes.

Noticing her brother's change in mood, Mizuko quietly raised her hand and quickly wiped the corner of her brother's eye with her fingertips.

Beimingyu Xingming clasped his hands together, his rugged face already streaked with tears.

He chanted scriptures for salvation and blessings in a low voice, not only to comfort the deceased, but also seemingly to pray for the future peace and happiness of the two brothers who had gone through hardships and finally reconciled.

Even Giyu Tomioka, who is usually expressionless and seems indifferent to everything around him, stopped bringing his glass to his lips for the first time.

Those blue eyes, as still as a tranquil lake, gazed silently at the Shinazugawa brothers. They seemed to be contemplating something, or perhaps simply moved by this pure emotion.

Sitting not far from him, Shinobu Kocho also wore a gentle, gratified smile.

But out of the corner of her eye, she kept an eye on Giyu Tomioka's movements.

Her slender fingers seemed to be casually toying with the wine glass, but in reality, she was already prepared.

The moment this "eloquent" colleague shows any sign of wanting to speak, she'll immediately unleash her lightning-fast skills, delivering a "manual mute" before Tomioka Giyuu utters any "famous quote" that might ruin the precious warm atmosphere!

However, amidst this atmosphere of emotion and relief, one person's emotions took a completely opposite turn.

Mist Pillar - Tokito Muichiro.

The corners of his mouth, which had been slightly upturned by the atmosphere of the banquet, began to droop uncontrollably as he witnessed the deep bond and reconciliation between the Shinazugawa brothers.

That touching brotherhood was like a key, unexpectedly unlocking the door to his deliberately sealed memories.

He thought of his brother, who was also related by blood, but was now gone forever...

Genya has finally waited for the day when he can reconcile with his brother and they can be friends again...

But what about myself...?

The stark contrast brought him a profound sense of loss and loneliness that overwhelmed him like a cold tide.

He silently lowered his head, his soft bangs falling down, covering most of his face and concealing all his expressions, making it impossible for anyone to know what he was thinking.

One could only sense an immense sadness, so unlike his age, silently spreading around him.

The campfire still leaped and danced, casting light and shadow on every face with its unique expression, together creating a vivid picture of a post-war reunion filled with mixed emotions.

Joy, sorrow, relief, longing...

A mix of emotions, all of which are the real and complex human experiences after this long, dark night.

The atmosphere at the banquet, fueled by alcohol and laughter, grew increasingly lively over time.

After a few rounds of drinks, many people had flushed faces and their eyes became softer and more dreamy.

At this moment, Shinobu Kocho remained seated upright in her position, her posture impeccable.

With that signature smile on her face, as gentle and elegant as a blooming wisteria flower, yet subtly carrying a sense of unapproachability, she calmly dealt with the team members and "Hidden" members who came to toast her from time to time.

Her speech was refined and her demeanor serene, as if she maintained a delicate balance with the boisterous feast.

However, if one observes carefully, one will notice that her smiling gaze always seems to drift, as if drawn by invisible threads, towards a corner not far away that is her own little world.

There, Yoshiyuki Tomioka, the Water Pillar, was sitting alone at a small table.

Even at this lively victory celebration, the ever-expressionless Giyu Tomioka maintained his unchanging aloof and unapproachable demeanor.

He stood upright, like a proud pine tree, pouring himself a drink with a blank expression, a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere of clinking glasses and boisterous laughter around him, making him seem out of place.

He seemed completely immersed in his own world of thoughts, invisiblely shutting out all the noise from the outside world. His deep blue eyes gazed at a point in the void, as profound as a tranquil lake, without a ripple.

No one dared to disturb him easily.

The aloof aura he naturally exuded created an invisible boundary.

Even the most unruly and mischievous Hashibira Inosuke, when chasing and playing around, would subconsciously restrain his movements and volume and take a detour if someone accidentally got too close to his area, just like a small animal sensing danger.

In the past, Giyu Tomioka would most likely have continued drinking alone until the end of the banquet.

But Shinobu Kocho tonight seems a little different from usual.

Whether it was the joy of victory or not, she drank a few more glasses in her excitement, and her fair cheeks were flushed with an alluring blush, like the sunset, as the intoxication clouded her judgment.

Or perhaps it was because, in the Infinity Castle, she had truly faced death, witnessing firsthand the complete end of a nightmare that had haunted her for millennia. Along with it, the heavy shackles that had bound certain genuine emotions within her finally began to loosen and crumble with Muzan Kibutsuji's demise. This sense of relief and liberation after surviving such a catastrophe allowed her to see things more clearly and become much braver.

She took a deep breath, as if making a decision, and gracefully picked up the exquisite wine glass in front of her, slowly standing up.

Her actions immediately attracted the attention of some people nearby.

Under the gazes of those slightly surprised and curious eyes, she did not walk towards the more bustling center of the crowd, nor towards her adopted sister, Kanao. Instead, she strode firmly towards that lonely, seemingly forgotten corner.

Then, under the watchful eyes of everyone, whether overt or covert, she placed her wine glass on the table with remarkable ease, and then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, gracefully and steadily sat down next to Yoshiyuki Tomioka in the empty seat that seemed to have been specially prepared for her, just big enough to accommodate an extra person.

This action was like throwing a pebble into a calm lake.

Those nearby who noticed this scene unconsciously lowered their voices, their eyes filled with inquiry and surprise. They then looked around, seemingly realizing something, and began to whisper among themselves as cautiously as possible, yet unable to hide their excitement.

Even Tanjiro and the others, who had just been letting loose and making a lot of childish noise, stopped what they were doing. They all turned their heads toward that corner, craning their necks, their faces filled with undisguised curiosity.