If the outer and inner rings of Mount Fujikasane could be considered a trial forest with a touch of dreamlike charm, thanks to the Wisteria that shimmered across the mountains, then the area could be considered a trial forest.
So,
When you cross that invisible dividing line and step into the "core area," the entire world undergoes a dramatic change.
Here, the sun never shines.
Towering ancient trees, some living for countless centuries, completely obscured the moonlight and starlight.
However.
Right here on this gloomy and terrifying forest path!
"Da, da, da."
Walking in front was a petite and delicate figure.
Shinobu Kocho walked with her hands behind her back, taking light, cheerful steps, occasionally kicking a small black pebble or two from the roadside with her toes.
But,
On her exquisitely beautiful doll-like face, there was a terrifying smile, as deep and sinister as a wronged woman's, radiating a black, tangible resentment!
"This is infuriating!"
Shinobu Kocho tilted her head slightly and began her half-hour-long rambling.
"She's just a delicate, defenseless medical support staff member!"
Why? Why is that?
"Why me of all people, was I assigned to this filthy, dark, and sewer-smelling ravine to carry out a mission?"
In Shinobu Kocho's imagination, Giyu Tomioka is currently being torn to pieces!
[Damn it! Giyu Tomioka! You're the most clueless jerk in the world! You big idiot!]
Recalling what happened last night, Shinobu was so angry that she kicked a big tree by the roadside hard.
My older sister, who's always the "third wheel," finally went on a business trip, and her chance has finally come!
She made up her mind to seduce him!
As a result, Giyu Tomioka said something that broke her heart on the spot:
"Ben, you'll catch a cold if you don't wear enough clothes!"
"Also, pack your first-aid kit and head to Mount Fujikasane. There's a Lower Rank demon imprisoned there, but he's too weak to be effective in the assessment. Go and give him a little 'spice'."
--Adding ingredients?! Add my ass!!
--For a charcoal seller like you, you not only run around doing all the chores, but now you're even ruthlessly taking away my date time!
--Giyu Tomioka, I've got you in my memory!
--@#$__&&$#@
At the same time,
About ten steps behind her.
There is also a "beast" on the verge of exploding.
Wind Hashira - Sanemi Shinazugawa.
This grumpy old man, covered in horrible scars, was clenching his back teeth like someone suffering from severe constipation!
So noisy! So noisy! So noisy!!
He is one of the Nine Pillars! He is the Wind Hashira, determined to exterminate all evil spirits!
Why was I sent here by our Master to be a babysitter for a bunch of brats?!
What drove Sanemi even more crazy was that a full half hour had passed since they stepped into Mount Fujikasane!
For the better part of an hour, the woman in front of him was like a broken record, only uttering "Mr. Giyu," "that blockhead Giyu," and "that bastard Giyu," and not uttering a single other word!
[What the hell are you doing here? Huh?! Damn it!]
Hey! You woman!
Finally, Sanemi's taut nerves completely broke down!
"Shut your incessant mouth!"
Sanemi strode forward, his eyes blazing with fury, his finger almost poking Shinobu's delicate nose:
"From the moment you entered the mountains, you've been here constantly 'Giyu,'"
"If you're that thirsty, then get the hell back to your Butterfly Mansion right now!!"
"Don't you dare pollute my ears here!"
"This deep mountain forest is already annoying enough as it is. If you dare utter that idiot's name again, believe me, I'll sew your mouth shut right now with a knife!"
Sanemi's chest heaved violently. If it weren't for the fact that before he set off, Kagaya Ubuyashiki had personally held his hand and given him orders in a gentle, fatherly tone:
"Sanemi, this plan is extremely important; it concerns Tanjiro's future."
"The pharmacological procedure for Shinobu cannot be flawed. As the Wind Hashira, you must control your temper and protect her safety at all times. Absolutely, absolutely no mistakes can be made."
If it weren't for this damn "nanny ban"!
Sanemi swore that he would turn around without hesitation right now, leave this love-struck woman here to be fed to the stray dogs, and then go outside to slaughter everyone in sight to vent his hatred!
"This is so annoying!!"
Sanemi looked up at the dark canopy of trees and let out a long howl.
Faced with Sanemi's furious, demanding roar.
Far from being frightened, Shinobu Kocho gracefully extended a slender white index finger and gently picked at her ear.
"Oh dear, why is Mr. Shinazugawa so angry?"
Shinobu clasped her hands together, tilted her head slightly, and smiled, her purple eyes curving into crescent moons.
"Is it because I'm getting older, and being single for so long, that seeing others with sweet troubles has stirred up some indescribable bitterness and jealousy in my heart?"
"Actually, you can't really Shinazugawa. After all, with your fierce and menacing appearance and your volatile temper, finding a girl willing to listen to you is harder than climbing to heaven."
"But it's alright. As the manager of the Butterfly Mansion, I can prescribe you a few doses of herbal soup free of charge to reduce internal heat, calm the mind, and treat menopausal mania. I guarantee it will cure you completely!"
???
!!!
"You—you—vicious—green—tea—bitch!!"
Sanemi's reason completely evaporated!
"I don't care about any of your bullshit orders today! I'm going to chop you up first!"
Sanemi roared, and the Nichirin Blade, gleaming with a blue light, was instantly half-drawn from its sheath!
A chilling killing intent locked onto Shinobu Kocho without reservation!
However--
Just as Sanemi was about to draw his sword to scare (or actually slash at her)!
An unexpected change has occurred!
"Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish!"
Suddenly, a piercing shriek, like countless sharp blades tearing through the air, emanated from the dense, impenetrable canopy of the trees overhead!
Before Sanemi and Shinobu could react...
Dozens of incredibly sharp spider silk descended from above their heads without warning!
The spider silk intertwined, like a deathly net that blotted out the sky, descending upon the two people directly below!
Each spider silk thread is enough to easily cut through an ordinary Nichirin Blade!
"What is that?!"
Sanemi's combat instincts were terrifying; the Nichirin Blade, which he had only drawn halfway, instantly changed its trajectory, and the violent Wind Breathing exploded in his lungs.
And in mid-air, this inescapable net descended.
A pale, thin figure dressed in a white kimono slowly descended from the depths of the dark canopy.
He had pale skin, his face and body were covered with strange red dots and Demon Slayer Mark, and his pale white hair flew wildly in the eerie wind.
Lower Rank Five - Tired!