Shinobu Kocho, as she was now.
Her strength ranked above average even among the Nine Hashira of the past hundred years.
She already had enough power to overwhelm an ordinary Lower Rank.
Even against the stronger Lower Rank Chief, she could put up a fight.
And once she activated her [War Mark], which directly doubled her physique, unless she encountered an extremely bizarre or troublesome Blood Demon Art...
Even without using poison techniques...
Shinobu Kocho could easily swing her Nichirin Blade and tear through their ranks.
Her only regret was that her upper-body strength was far too weak.
Even after activating her [War Mark], the girl, not yet fifteen, still could not master Grip of Ten Thousand Jun.
All in all.
The current Shinobu Kocho occupied the delicate position of being "above the Lower Ranks, below the Upper Ranks."
Just like right now.
Gyokko squeezed a smug smile onto his face. "You're the third swordsman fortunate enough to witness my true splendor."
But Shinobu Kocho held her Nichirin Blade horizontally and spoke calmly.
"Is that so? Then no one else will ever see it again."
Gyokko said, "Tch. All talk."
Clearly, the demon was very satisfied with his current half-human, half-snake "perfect form."
His speed and strength had improved across the board.
His body was also covered in special scales that neither guns nor swords could penetrate.
Add to that his Composite Blood Demon Art, which could handle any situation, and the killing technique available in this form.
Gyokko felt that even if the rumored Matsushita Shousha came...
He might still be able to fight him!
The next second, several ceramic pots placed throughout the forest...
Suddenly spewed large quantities of blue viscous liquid without warning, sending it sweeping toward Shinobu Kocho at high speed.
[Blood Demon Art: Water Prison