Standing on the deck gazing at that small island, you'd hallucinate it into a dagger thrust into the sea.
The island seemed covered everywhere with trees. Looking from afar—a dark, oppressive mass. Made one's heart feel stifled.
This ship reached the island in the latter half of the night. Five people stood on shore to receive it.
Nearly at the landing, Tengen and Obanai didn't wait for the ship to stabilize. Already charged ahead first.
The receiving people were probably shinobi by origin. When attacked, didn't panic. Several kunai appeared in their hands. Immediately fought Tengen and Obanai.
I observed from the side. Felt even if their strength wasn't Twelve Kizuki level, it was extremely close.
After Tengen and Obanai tested their strength, they mercilessly beheaded four demons. Captured the remaining one and walked toward the ship.
The captured demon looked up. After seeing my face clearly, his expression seemed to change. His body also began violently transforming.
I shouted urgently: "Tengen! Drop him! Get back!"
Tengen reacted extremely fast. Flung him toward the other end with a swing. Retreated rapidly backward.
The next moment, that demon's body swelled. Exploded in one burst. Spattered blood stains fell on the ground, emitting a foul stench.
Seems Muzan also started finding ways to guard against me. Wouldn't let me so easily extract intelligence from demons' mouths anymore.
Was this island also hiding traps he'd prepared?
Even if that possibility existed, as long as demons hid here, we still had to come.
I beckoned the gloomy Tengen back. According to the previous plan, methodically established a simple base on shore.
Tamayo would guard this rear position. Responsible for treating injured Corps members. Yushiro would remain by her side as guard and assistant.
The Hashira would lead them to first enter the island's central area to investigate. Then according to four directions—east, west, south, north—split into teams. Begin searching for demon traces.
Ume and Gyutaro weren't restricted. They were responsible for places Corps members couldn't investigate.
Everyone carried different colored signal flares. Could fire them when encountering enemies. Ume and Gyutaro would go help when they saw them.
I originally hadn't decided what I should do. Also categorized myself into this mobile team.
But after landing, I smelled a different scent.
Intense stench blew over from atop the cliff. Told me there were Upper Rank demons there. More than one.
And in this island's central location, there was a similar smell.
My pupils tightly contracted into slits. Stared at the cliff's direction. Didn't move.
Not until they finished arranging the base did Sabito come to my side and ask: "Lady Chihaya, what are you looking at?"
"This island has at least four Upper Rank demons."
Were new members added later? If counting six Upper Rank demons, where did the remaining two go?
A trace of uneasy gloom swept through my heart. Made me worry about everyone left guarding home.
After steadying myself, I told myself not to overthink.
Most important was first resolving the four Upper Rank demons before me.
Even if this was a trap—who said it would definitely work?
I briefly explained the situation. Everyone discussed. Finally decided to have me bring Obanai and Gyutaro to the cliff side. The remaining Hashira would head to the island center.
This island still had quite a few demon presences. Those demons outside the Upper Ranks would be left to Corps members to handle.
Though given Muzan's degree of self-preservation, he probably wouldn't casually run onto the battlefield.
But I still had Tamayo and Yushiro hide. Come out when wounded were brought over.
Besides this, I had another doubt. The Twelve Kizuki mobilizing in full force was no small matter. Would definitely summon them for a meeting.
Why couldn't Akaza come inform me in advance?
Was he discovered? Or was he being watched?
He shouldn't be dead yet. Was Muzan starting to suspect him now? And to what degree?
Did tonight's operation also contain this layer of meaning—Muzan testing me?
After reaching the cliff top, I saw the answer.
Waiting there was precisely Akaza and another Upper Rank demon.
His appearance was like a youth. Jagged demon horns grew from his head. His eyes were carved with the characters for Upper Rank Four.
Seeing me, Akaza rapidly blinked once. As if impatient from waiting, stepped forward.
"I've long admired you, Lady Chihaya." Akaza crouched low and deployed his Blood Demon Art. The corners of his mouth curved into a smile.
"I was worried you'd choose the other side. Seems my luck is good—I can fight a strong person like you."
His appearance didn't arouse suspicion. Upper Rank Four snorted coldly. Held his weapon pointing at me: "Great treacherous villain!"
I ignored his demon talk. Rapidly turned my mind thinking—this side was Upper Rank Three and Upper Rank Four... meaning the other side was Upper Rank Five and the newly added Upper Rank Six.
Why weren't Kokushibo and Doma here?
As expected—while we split our forces, they also launched a surprise attack?
Akaza again seemingly casually said: "Pity Lord Kokushibo has a karmic debt to settle. Cannot fight a strong person like you. Truly regrettable for him."
Mm—Muzan probably still hadn't found the Ubuyashiki estate or Swordsmith Village addresses. His objective should be the same as mine—take this opportunity to eliminate as many Hashira as possible.
This way was actually easier to handle.
My hand behind my back made a gesture.
Had Obanai deal with Akaza. While I'd handle Upper Rank Four. Gyutaro would assist.
Gyutaro made a puzzled sound. Clearly didn't understand why I'd leave the harder-to-handle Upper Rank Three to Obanai.
However, Obanai had no objections. Almost simultaneously with me, launched an attack.
Closing in on Upper Rank Four, I could smell the intense stench on him. Far stronger than the Upper Rank Six seen before. Don't know how many people he'd eaten.
His strength and speed were both first-rate. His Blood Demon Art could also control trees. His mouth could emit strong sonic vibrations to shake opponents.
In normal times, this was a very difficult demon to handle. Enough to make the Demon Slayer Corps lose dozens or hundreds of Corps members.
But fortunately, he encountered me.
My arm was torn off during the attack. But my rapidly regenerating fist still solidly smashed into his face. Smashed his nose bridge. Made him fall down the cliff. Emitted a thunderous crash.
Picking up the Nichirin Sword that fell by my feet, before jumping down I shouted: "Gyutaro! Go help Obanai!"
No choice. Though I didn't have to fight Akaza, Muzan was undoubtedly monitoring all Upper Rank demons right now. Couldn't make the fake fight too obvious.
Upper Rank Four, who'd fallen to the ground, hadn't gotten up yet. I already pounced down like an eagle. Cleanly beheaded him with one strike.
But he kicked my abdomen. Kicked me flying sideways. The severed neck rapidly grew another head.
This demon... his weakness wasn't his neck.
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