A battle between Hashira was on the verge of erupting.
Tanjiro held the box, his mind blank.
He could not understand.
Why would a powerful Hashira turn against another Hashira to protect him and Nezuko?
At that moment, with swords drawn and the air nearly frozen solid-
Sasuke moved.
He merely took one step forward from where he had been watching.
Just one step.
A cold, pure killing intent, seemingly from the depths of hell, instantly enveloped everyone.
This killing intent was unlike the brutality of demons or the resolve of the Demon Slayer Corps.
It was an absolute indifference that regarded all things as worthless.
Shinobu Kocho and Giyu Tomioka both froze.
Both looked at Sasuke in horror.
They could not imagine how a human could give off such a terrifying aura.
Sasuke did not look at them.
His gaze fell on the tattered, checkered haori Tanjiro wore.
That haori was so similar to the last garment his mother had sewn for him in his memories.
"Caw!!"
A crow's cry, sharp enough to pierce eardrums, descended from above, forcibly tearing through the frozen air.
A crow that looked far older than an ordinary Messenger Crow, with luxurious fabric tied around its neck, circled down. Its voice carried unquestionable authority.
"Orders! Orders!"
"By command of the Master!!"
The crow's voice instantly made Shinobu Kocho and Giyu Tomioka withdraw their imposing auras, their expressions solemn.
"Take Tanjiro Kamado and his demon-transformed younger sister, Nezuko!"
"And..."
The crow's head turned mechanically toward Sasuke, its emotionless eyes fixed on him.
"The Corps member who uses unknown techniques, Uesugi Sasuke!"
"Escort them all back to headquarters under guard!!"
The command echoed repeatedly through the silent forest.
Shinobu Kocho stopped moving entirely, the gentle smile on her face turning somewhat amused and unfathomable.
Giyu Tomioka's