Deep within the fortified Tokyo Corps headquarters, silence reigned under the weight of tension. A lone room stood in dim light, scattered scrolls and reports delivered by Kasugai crows resting neatly across the polished wood table.
Behind the veil of a shadow-cast wall, Sahiru sat.
The papers before him detailed every thread of blood spilled in the Swordsmith Village — the fall of Hantengu and Gyokko, the awakening of Nezuko to the sun, Tanjiro's new blade, Muichiro's elevation in strength.
And finally… a separate report.
Hiyori Ubaka.
The 19-year-old swordswoman of the Tokyo Corps who dared clash with Kokushibo, the Upper Moon One.
Her condition: Alive, but heavily wounded.
Sahiru's fingers lightly tapped the paper. His eyes, hidden in darkness, flicked across every word — every detail of the blade she drew, the way she fought, her unfinished strikes.
A short silence.
Then, a soft scoff escaped him.
"…So, she rushed into a storm and expected to command the wind?"
His voice was cold — not cruel, but cutting, like tempered steel.
"She burns with ambition, yet forgets she's just an ember."
He leaned back slightly, the shadow around him stretching wider.
"But," Sahiru continued, "even an ember can scorch the hand if held too long."
He rose, footsteps echoing with quiet power as he approached the open window. The city skyline gleamed beyond, and the wind carried distant crow cries.
"She faced the strongest demon to ever walk these lands," he murmured, almost to himself.
"Though she failed… she didn't die. Perhaps… she's not worthless yet."
A pause.
He turned toward the window, gaze still unreadable.
"Still, if she ever hopes to stand beside me… she must learn that resolve without clarity is just noise."
The door creaked open.
A Tokyo Corps messenger stepped in with another report.
Sahiru didn't even turn.
"…Send word to Hiyori. Tell her this: If you can't land a cut, don't draw your blade."
The messenger nodded and vanished.
Alone again, Sahiru folded his arms.
The flames of war were growing. And soon, even the Upper Moons would learn that Tokyo's shadow watches all.