Kasugai Crows wheeled above the Butterfly Mansion, crying mournfully like people who had lost their homes.
A girl wearing a black Demon Slayer Corps uniform and a white haori, with a sword at her waist, looked up at the Kasugai Crows that had lost their masters. Her black hair fell loose, its ends streaked with blue-purple, and she wore a Butterfly Hairpin.
Beside her stood a girl dressed the same way, only without the white haori. Compared with the tall girl, she was rather petite, reaching only to her chest.
They were the Flower Hashira, Kanae Kocho, and her younger sister, Shinobu Kocho.
"Demons have been growing more and more active lately. Horrific cases of people being eaten have suddenly broken out in so many places."
Kanae Kocho watched the masterless crows overhead, sadness in her gentle voice.
Every helpless cry from a Kasugai Crow meant that a Demon Slayer Corps swordsman had died while hunting demons.
"Those wretched demons deserve to die."
Shinobu Kocho pressed a hand against the hilt at her waist, her eyes filled with murderous intent.
"More and more swordsmen have been dying. With demons so active now, we're short of people everywhere."
Kanae Kocho was worried. There had previously been signs of Kibutsuji Muzan appearing, and now the demons had suddenly changed like this. She did not know what they were plotting.
"The Mount Fujikasane selection is starting soon, too. Another batch of newcomers should be arriving. Maybe things will get a little better."
Shinobu Kocho frowned as well.
"Newcomers don't have much experience dealing with demons. Who knows how many more will die while hunting them?"
"You're always so gentle and considerate of others, Sister. Some newcomers will die hunting demons, but others will become veterans, demon slayers as strong as you. Sacrifices are