While Xia Feng was fighting Lower Rank Two, Shinobu Kocho had also begun her battle.
A faint smile rested on the girl's lips.
Her movements were light and graceful—like a butterfly drifting through the air.
She drew her Nichirin blade and assumed her stance.
The female demon of Lower Rank Four was named Mukago.
Seeing Shinobu's smiling face, cold sweat continuously formed on her forehead.
A Hashira…
A Hashira!
Since becoming a demon, many years had passed.
During those years, she had encountered Demon Slayer Hashira more than once.
Because of that, she knew very well—
Just how terrifying they were.
Every time she met one, she exchanged a few blows before quickly finding a chance to escape.
In all the years she had lived—
She had never fought a Hashira to the death.
She was afraid of dying.
And precisely because of that fear—
Despite having decent strength, she had remained stuck as Lower Rank Four, never advancing.
Muzan Kibutsuji hated subordinates who feared death.
Seeing Shinobu attack without hesitation, Mukago quickly stretched out her hand.
The moment she moved—
Shinobu felt something wrong.
She flipped midair and kicked forward.
Bang!
Just as expected—
An invisible wall appeared in the air.
Shinobu looked surprised.
Creating barriers freely in the air…
That was a powerful ability.
She hadn't expected a Lower Rank Four to possess such a strong Blood Demon Art.
She moved to attack from the side—
But the moment she shifted, another invisible wall appeared there too.
Shinobu showed a troubled expression.
She was a purely speed-oriented fighter.
What she hated most were situations that required brute force to break through.
This is troublesome…
Seeing Shinobu hesitate, Mukago felt a surge of joy.
This Hashira didn't seem suited for frontal combat!
Her ability was the perfect counter!
If she could kill a Hashira—
Lord Muzan would definitely be pleased!
And if Muzan rewarded her with more blood…
She could become even stronger!
Thinking about it, excitement filled her.
After being a Lower Rank for so long—
Was she finally going to accomplish something?!
But just as a smile appeared on her face—
A voice suddenly spoke beside her ear.
"Oh my… what's making you so happy?"
"?!"
Mukago's face twisted in terror.
She quickly turned her head—
Only to see Shinobu's smiling face right beside her.
"What?!"
Mukago screamed in panic.
Shinobu had clearly been in front of her just moments ago—
How had she suddenly appeared beside her?!
"Hard to understand?"
"It's actually very simple."
Shinobu flicked her wrist.
Pfft!
Her slender blade pierced through Mukago's shoulder.
"For many years now, you've fought against the Demon Slayer Corps numerous times."
"Information about you has already been thoroughly recorded."
"The moment you used your air barrier, I already knew who you were."
"A demon whose abilities are known… is nothing to fear."
Shinobu's expression turned cold.
Her blade descended like a storm.
Insect Breathing — Dance of the Dragonfly: Compound Eye Hexagon!
Blood exploded across Mukago's body.
The demon screamed and shoved both hands forward.
Another invisible air wall suddenly formed, attempting to smash Shinobu away.
But Shinobu had already predicted the movement.
She lightly jumped and avoided it.
Landing gracefully a short distance away, her butterfly-patterned haori fluttered behind her.
Mukago gasped for breath.
Taking advantage of the moment, she glanced toward Xia Feng's battle.
And saw—
Rōkuro's head had already been severed.
Terror completely filled her heart.
All thoughts of defeating a Hashira and earning rewards vanished instantly.
Only one thought remained.
Run.
Run.
The word echoed frantically inside her mind.
Her wounds were already healing rapidly.
Shinobu's thin blade didn't leave large injuries.
Mukago forced a smile.
"You can't kill demons with attacks like that!"
"These little wounds heal in seconds!"
"I'm done playing with you. See you next time!"
A barrier formed beneath her feet.
It pushed her upward, launching her into the air.
Shinobu made no attempt to pursue.
Xia Feng sheathed his sword and walked over.
"I have a feeling the next scene might be… unpleasant to watch," he said to Shinobu.
Shinobu narrowed her eyes.
"Oh my, Xia Feng, do you dislike my fighting style?"
She gently stroked the hilt of her sword.
"If you can't get used to my abilities, it might affect our teamwork in the future."
"How about we spend some time getting familiar with them?"
Cold sweat broke out across Xia Feng's forehead.
He quickly shook his head.
"No need, no need! I think it's perfectly fine!"
Meanwhile—
High in the air, Mukago listened to their conversation in confusion.
What ability does Shinobu even have?
A thin sword that scratches people?
The moment that thought appeared—
She suddenly felt itchy.
Mukago was startled.
After becoming a demon, her senses had dulled.
Even being slashed by blades barely caused pain.
Yet the itching she felt now was painfully real.
She lowered her head to look at her body.
And the moment she saw it—
A chilling horror surged from her bones and spread through her entire body.
Across her pale skin—
Purple boils began to erupt everywhere.
They pulsed and wriggled like living creatures.
Mukago screamed in terror.
"No! No… what is this?! What is this?!"
"Poison?! Is this poison…? When did I—?!"
She looked at Shinobu in horror.
Shinobu stood calmly in the courtyard, smiling up at her.
Then she gently tapped the hilt of her sword.
Seeing that gesture—
Mukago immediately understood.
It was the blade.
The sword had been coated with poison.
Her body began to collapse rapidly.
Mukago felt overwhelming regret.
If she hadn't been so cowardly—
If she hadn't run from so many battles—
Her abilities wouldn't have been so thoroughly documented by the Demon Slayer Corps.
If she hadn't constantly thought about escape—
Shinobu would never have gotten close so easily.
Every regret now became the blade that condemned her.
And regret could not rewind time.
It could not change what had already happened.
All that remained—
Was her body dissolving into a pool of sludge in midair.
Xia Feng and Shinobu turned at the same time.
And quietly left the abandoned estate.
🌟 The story is already written… waiting to be unleashed.
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