This... this was completely beyond their comprehension!
The sheer shock froze them in place, as though even their blood had congealed.
"Tch." Kirishima Bupai seemed somewhat displeased with their slowness, his brow creasing ever so slightly.
That tiny change in expression pierced the stagnant air like an icicle, instantly snapping both of them awake.
"...Yes!" Tanjiro abruptly came to his senses, forcing himself to endure the intense pain in his body and the towering waves within his heart.
Without hesitation, he faced Kirishima Bupai and bowed deeply in a formal Demon Slayer Corps salute, his reverence coming from the depths of his soul.
After the salute, he grabbed Inosuke, who was still somewhat dazed. "Inosuke! Hurry, let's go!"
"Huh? Oh, right!"
Inosuke came around as well. Though his mind was still a complete muddle, his instincts told him that he absolutely had to obey this terrifying man with slicked-back hair right now.
He hurried after Tanjiro, enduring his injuries as he staggered yet sprinted swiftly into the depths of the ruins, away from the battlefield. Their figures soon disappeared behind the shattered walls.
Watching the direction in which they had vanished, Kirishima Bupai seemed satisfied.
He returned his attention to the head in his hand.
Daki was staring fixedly at the creepy, enigmatic smile that had never left his face.
Fear poured over her like tangible ice water from above her head, instantly drowning all her anger and arrogance.
"Wuh... waaah-!!!!"
Utter terror finally overwhelmed her last shred of reason, and she burst into tears like an ordinary, frightened little girl.
Tears streamed down, even outstripping the blood she shed.
"So scary! You're so scary! You monster!!"
She screamed between her wails. "Big brother! Come save me, big brother!"
That cry, so shrill her voice cracked, was like a stone