The last long-clawed demon broke down completely and turned to flee.
Rokuya sneered, and the Shura Blade suddenly flew from his hand!
"Returning Blade!"
The spectral blue wheel of light sliced through the air with a sonic boom, severing the long-clawed demon's legs with pinpoint precision. As the demon screamed in agony, the wheel turned at a sharp angle in midair and returned to Rokuya's hand.
Rokuya strode forward, planted a foot on the demon's back, and mercilessly drove his blade through its heart.
In less than two seconds.
All three demons turned to ash.
The heavy rain continued, washing away the blood on the ground. Rokuya flicked the droplets off his blade, turned around, and looked at the Kocho Sisters huddled in the corner.
Thirteen-year-old Shinobu Kocho stared blankly at the figure standing in the rain.
Spectral blue armor, a cold, stern profile, and that Arcana Blade that seemed capable of cutting through anything.
At that instant, the memories Enmu had sealed away surged wildly into Shinobu's mind like a flood bursting through a dam. Fear, despair, the shock of being saved, and the hurt that had built up in reality all erupted at once.
"Rokuya..."
Little Shinobu pushed Kanae's hand aside and stumbled toward Rokuya. When she was only a step away, her legs gave out, and she pitched forward.
Rokuya immediately put away the Arcana Blade, stepped forward, and caught her securely.
"Rokuya! Rokuya!"
Shinobu clutched Rokuya's clothes, buried her face in his chest, and sobbed aloud. These were not the tears of a thirteen-year-old girl, but the release of the sixteen-year-old Insect Hashira, who had finally found a safe haven after enduring endless repression and torment.
"You came to save me... you came to save me again..."
Rokuya gently patted her back, letting her tears soak