At this, Rokuya's brows suddenly furrowed. The Eternal Paradise Cult? Young women mysteriously disappearing? This pattern was all too familiar. On Hachijo Island, which he had visited half a year ago, that greedy family had used similar methods to offer Obanai as a sacrifice to the serpent demon.
In a world where man-eating demons existed, ninety-nine percent of all "mysterious disappearances" were all-you-can-eat feasts for demons.
"That is not all." Kagaya's voice grew graver. "We have lost contact with all three Kanoto swordsmen sent to investigate. According to the information carried by the last Kasugai Crow they sent back, the demonic presence there was appallingly dense. I suspect that what lurks there... is very likely one of the Twelve Kizuki."
At these words, an intense, murderous aura instantly erupted from the Hashira present.
The Twelve Kizuki!
"Master, a mission involving religious brainwashing and undercover reconnaissance is obviously best left to me, the former god of shinobi!" Tengen Uzui declared, thumping his chest.
Kagaya, however, gently shook his head and turned toward Kanae. "Kanae, that town lies within your patrol jurisdiction. Moreover, the Paradise Cult seems to have a particular preference for beautiful young women. If you infiltrate it as a civilian, you may be able to uncover the truth most quickly."
Kanae bowed her head slightly, her gentle voice carrying unquestionable resolve. "As you command, Master. I will uncover everything. If demons are behind this, I will sever that evil with my sword."
Rokuya's heart clenched.
An overwhelming sense of unease coiled around his spine like a venomous snake. The Twelve Kizuki? A demon that specifically ate women? And in Kanae's jurisdiction, of all places?
Rokuya did not know how this world's future story would unfold. He was merely an outsider who had crossed into it with the Demonic Path