The Demon Slayer Corps headquarters stood atop a mountain covered in wisteria. The rich, sweet fragrance of the flowers filled the mountainside, and the sea of purple blossoms swayed gently in the breeze, looking particularly lovely.
Although wisteria should have lost its purpose after Hollows and Shinigami replaced demons, the members of the Demon Slayer Corps still used it as their symbol. Perhaps it was a reminder never to forget their original purpose: to protect defenseless humans. That was also what attracted countless righteous souls to join their ranks, though most were weaklings only slightly stronger than ordinary people.
With her hair swept into an updo, Shinobu Kocho directed the Butterfly Mansion members as they treated the wounded lying in their beds. Under the medical team's care, the grievous injuries of the Shinigami began to improve.
Although Shinigami and Hollows appeared similar, their essential natures were vastly different.
Hollows discarded most of their humanity in exchange for monstrous physiques and terrifying destructive power. They leaned toward the berserker class, with plenty of health, toughness, and damage output. Most Hollows, however, were not particularly bright. Their lack of reason made them terrifyingly stubborn and straightforward, leaving them easily caught in enemy traps.
Shinigami retained the rationality they had possessed as humans. Though their physiques were not as formidable or ferocious as those of Hollows, they were still ten times stronger than ordinary people. They excelled at manipulating spirit particles, using them to perform all sorts of incredible feats, such as constructing barriers, healing injuries, and firing spiritual projectiles. They were like a combination of versatile mages and spellswords, fragile and low on health but capable of powerful bursts of damage.
In short, each had its own strengths and advantages.
After treating the last patient, Aoi wiped the sweat from her face