The next day, while Sasuke was in his dojo, trying to repair the cracked Nichirin Blade by channeling chakra through it, an unexpected visitor arrived at the Thunder Hashira's residence.
The Insect Hashira, Shinobu Kocho.
She dismissed all the maids and walked into the quiet, deserted residence alone.
Today, she was not wearing her signature butterfly-wing haori, only a simple Corps uniform. The unchanging, practiced smile on her face was gone as well, replaced by unprecedented gravity and resolve.
"Lord Thunder Hashira."
Shinobu stood at the dojo entrance without stepping inside and bowed deeply from a distance.
Sasuke did not turn around. He merely gave a quiet "Mm" and continued what he was doing. He could sense that Shinobu's breathing and heartbeat were both intensely suppressed, yet on the verge of erupting.
"I have come to ask a favor." Shinobu straightened. Her voice was quiet, but every word carried an unshakable weight.
She took a thick stack of files from inside her uniform and gently placed it on the dojo's threshold.
"This is all the information I have spent years gathering on Upper Rank Two, Doma."
"His cover identity is the leader of the Eternal Paradise Cult. His cult specifically takes in followers who have suffered misfortune and are in emotional pain, especially women. In the name of 'salvation,' he toys with them, then devours them."
"My older sister, the former Flower Hashira, Kanae Kocho, died at his hands."
At this, an almost imperceptible tremor entered Shinobu's voice, but she quickly forced it down.
Sasuke stopped what he was doing.
He turned, his black eyes watching her quietly as he waited for her to continue.
Meeting his gaze, Shinobu continued, "I know you have just finished a major battle and need time to rest and recover. This request is terribly