The next day.
The demon army in the north finally moved.
When the news arrived, Sakura was swinging her sword in the courtyard.
"Big Sis!"
Inuyasha's voice came from high atop the castle, carrying a trace of tension.
"They're here!"
Sakura looked up and saw Inuyasha standing on the battlements, staring north.
Her heart sank.
What was meant to come had come.
Sakura sheathed her sword and hurried up the wall.
Abihime was already standing atop the highest crenellation, her white armor gleaming coldly beneath the sunlight. Her wings were folded behind her, and she held a long spear in her hand.
Her expression was even more grave than it had been a few days ago.
"How many?"
Sakura asked.
"At least fifteen hundred."
Abihime's voice was calm, but Sakura could hear what lay beneath that calmness.
"And... that King-level one is here too."
Sakura followed her gaze.
On the northern horizon, a vast black mass was slowly advancing.
It was not a storm cloud.
It was demons.
Countless demons, densely packed and blanketing the land, stretching from the foot of the mountains to the edge of sight.
They did not move quickly, but every step seemed to stamp on everyone's chest.
"Where's Saku?"
Abihime asked.
"In her room."
"Don't let her come out."
"But..."
"No buts."
Abihime turned to look at Sakura, her gaze as sharp as a blade.
"Her sensory ability is our only set of eyes on the battlefield."
"But her body is too weak. She can't even defeat an ordinary demon."
"She can't go onto the battlefield."
Sakura gritted her teeth and nodded.
"Go tell Saku to stay at the highest point of the castle."
"Use her senses to tell me every movement the enemy makes."
"Understood."
Sakura turned and ran down from the wall.
In