Bang!
The wooden dragons slammed into the ground few meters before Shinobu as she gracefully dodged Gyokko's fish attacks.
The two Upper Moons would have made a quick work of her if not for her deadly poisons. Realizing how efficient the poison was, they become warier and avoided direct contact with her sword. This however, was to her advantage. Since they avoided her sword, they were unable to fully attack her.
And anytime now, reinforcements would arrive.
"Shinobu!!!"
A high pitched scream tore through the air as a streak of dazzling pink struck Zohakutan, pushing him back by several meters.
When the lights cleared, it revealed Mitsuri holding her whip-like sword with a sharp look in her eyes.
"You're here."
Shinobu said, breathing a sigh of relief.
"She's not alone."
Behind her, Obanai Iguro appeared silently, startling her.
"You almost scared me, Iguro-kun."
Shaking her head, Shinobu smiled. Suddenly, a placid voice attracted her attention.
"Mist Breathing. First Form—Low clouds, Distant Haze."
'Muichiro's here too?'
Shinobu smiled. And attacked.
Together with Muichiro, she attacked Gyokko who kept slipping away through his pots.
Meanwhile, Mitsuri and Obanai attacked Zohakutan. The battle which was in favor of the two Upper Moons instantly turned against them. Under the combined pressure of Muichiro and Shinobu, Gyokko quickly activated his strongest form, matching their strength.
Zohakutan however, wasn't so lucky. He was immediately brought down by the combined efforts of Mitsuri and Obanai. However, strangely, he didn't die. Instead, he simply reappeared. As strong as ever.
This puzzled the two Hashiras but they didn't have the luxury of thinking. Instead, they attacked again.
Suddenly, a green flash appeared on the battlefield. Instead of targeting any of those fighting, it struck a small corner.
Bang!
As the light cleared, it revealed Sanemi holding a miniature demon head with the kanji number four in it. At the same time, Zohakutan began disintegrating into red and black ashes—signalling the death of Upper Moon Four.
"Oi, don't tell me you guys didn't see this?"
He scowled at Mitsuri and Obanai, then sprinted to join Shinobu and Muichiro.
"Wind Breathing. Third Form..."
...
[Infinity Castle]
Still in his lab, Muzan's veins bulged as he felt Upper Moon Four die.
'Damn it!'
Cursing inwardly, he instantly ordered Nakime to get Gyokko back before he was killed. He definitely couldn't survive against five Hashiras.
"The current Upper Moons are useless. I'll have to create more."
Suddenly, Kokushibo appeared behind him holding a demon slayer by the neck.
"Muzan-sama. I believe you should delegate me with the task of finding suitable humans to become demons."
Muzan glanced at him, the red hair reminding him of that demon slayer.
"Good. You do that. Let me know if you need my blood." He said coldly. "I'll find something to do about that Hashira."
...
[Butterfly Mansion]
After Gyokko retreated, the five Hashiras took a moment have their breaths before they suddenly tensed. A strong demon was still around. And it was inside the mansion.
"More demons? I love to kill!" Grinning, Sanemi said as he took a stance and rushed forward.
Clang!
Unexpectedly, Shinobu had intercepted his charge, skidding backwards from the impact.
"Huh? Shinobu?"
He frowned, confused.
The others were also shocked. Why was Shinobu blocking him?
"You. Can't."
She panted, raising a hand for him to stop.
Obanai stepped forward. "What are you doing, Shinobu?"
Shinobu struggled to come up with an excuse. She felt like she was running mad. What the hell was she doing? She didn't even know why she was protecting Douma.
Finally, she realized something. She didn't need to lie. She only needed to twist some facts.
"Oyakata-sama needs the demon alive."
Instantly, the Hashiras eased.
"Oyakata-sama? I didn't know he needed demons for anything." Muichiro said placidly.
"And I'm sure that demon is an Upper Moon." Sanemi added, his expression grim.
"Well, he asked me to keep it a secret. I didn't expect it to be out this early." She explained.
"Ah, Oyakata-sama is truly impressive. Studying a demon will greatly help us."
Mitsuri clapped innocently, praising Kagaya for his wisdom.
"Hah? I still don't buy it." Sanemi suddenly said, raising his sword. "I'll find other demons to compensate if it's true."
Shinobu felt her heart tighten. What was she supposed to do? Was she going to defend Douma? Or allow Sanemi to kill him in his vulnerable moment?
"Sanemi."
Unexpectedly, Muichiro spoke up.
"That's enough. We all listen to Oyakata-sama."
Hearing this, Sanemi scowled but backed down. Suddenly, Mitsuri raised her hand.
"Uhm, we still don't know why two Upper Moons came after Shinobu-chan."
Instantly, the Hashiras turned to Shinobu, curious. And she knew. Why they'd come.
"It's because I've developed a poison capable of killing or severely injuring Upper Moons." She answered, remembering the coldness of Douma's skin.
"Strong enough to kill Upper Moons?!" Sanemi almost shouted, shocked. Even Mitsuri and Muichiro were stunned. Only Obanai remained silent.
"This is a major success! Shinobu-chan, you're so amazing!"
Mitsuri hopped about excitedly, holding Shinobu's hands.
"Well, we'll have to inform Oyakata-sama." said Muichiro.
.....
[Ubuyashiki Mansion]
The next day, the mansion was filled with all the Hashiras except for Rengoku who had died recently. However, the mood seemed to be a mix of unease and excitement.
"Welcome Oyakata-sama."
The white haired twins said in chorus as the frail man arrived. Sitting on the chair, his eyes scanned the Hashiras with a gentle smile on his face.
"I'm glad everyone of you is here." He said, "Let's begin immediately."
Shinobu stepped forward, feeling a sense of deja Vu. This was just like the last time. When she had to report Douma's appearance.
"Yesterday, I was able to come up with a poison different from usual." She started. "Just like you instructed me, I was able to trick Upper Moon Two to become my lab rat. With his aid, I was able to build the poison. And after using the poison on him, his cell structure was totally broken down."