Rokuya considered for a moment, then gave his orders decisively. "Tanjiro, Inosuke, go back and hide near your respective houses. Be ready to provide support at any moment. Do not act without my signal under any circumstances. Shinobu and I will stay here and watch for any developments to confirm Warabihime's exact location and strength."
Tanjiro nodded solemnly. "Understood. Mr. Rokuya, you two be careful too."
Although Inosuke was reluctant, the combined pressure of Rokuya's icy gaze and Shinobu Kocho's unnerving smile left him no choice but to grunt unwillingly and turn to leave with Tanjiro.
Watching the two disappear into the night, Shinobu Kocho let out a soft sigh of relief and turned to Rokuya. "Rokuya, do you think that Warabihime really is an Upper Rank?"
Rokuya's gaze cooled slightly. This enemy was certainly no trifling threat.
"Almost certainly." Rokuya touched the Shura Blade at his waist. "Muzan has been making frequent moves lately. Since he ordered the Lower Ranks eliminated, most of those operating outside now are probably Upper Ranks. Shinobu, if a fight really breaks out later, make sure you don't stray too far from me."
Shinobu Kocho's lips curved slightly, a flicker of haughty defiance crossing her eyes. "Hmph, I'm the Insect Hashira. I don't need you going out of your way to protect me. You should worry more about yourself, so I don't end up having to save you with medicine."
As they spoke, a sudden commotion rose from the street in the distance.
After parting ways with Inosuke, Tanjiro crept through the alleys alone. His nose kept twitching as he tried to distinguish the scent of a demon in the murky air.
Suddenly, an intensely strong, nauseating smell of blood invaded his nostrils. Tanjiro stopped short and looked around warily.
"This smell... it's rotting