The two men in the clearing heard the voice, drew back their swords, and stepped apart at the same time, stopping their movements. They steadied their breathing and turned to Rokuya.
Rokuya walked over, setting aside his usual casual manner, his gaze turning intensely serious.
"Giyu, Sabito." Rokuya looked at them.
"What is it?" Giyu wiped the sweat from his chin.
"I have a favor to ask." Rokuya's tone was solemn. "In the coming final battle, look after my student, Tanjiro."
Sabito came over, resting his wooden sword on his shoulder.
"Tanjiro's no weakling." Sabito looked at Rokuya. "Why make a point of asking us?"
"His Breathing Style is an absolute counter to Muzan. He's a crucial part of our victory," Rokuya explained. "But he still lacks experience in prolonged life-or-death combat. You two are Water Hashira, and you also vouched for Tanjiro to remain in the Demon Slayer Corps. On the battlefield, you're bound to work with him better than anyone else. If a crisis comes, I ask that you keep him alive."
Giyu was silent for a moment before nodding solemnly.
"I'll protect him," Giyu answered.
Sabito smiled too, thumping his chest.
"Leave it to us," Sabito said loudly. "That kid has the backing of our Water Breathing lineage. I absolutely won't let him fall before my eyes."
Rokuya nodded, then turned and left the backyard.
[Countdown to the final battle: twelve hours remaining.]
Rokuya left the Butterfly Mansion and walked along the mountain path toward the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters.
Tall trees grew on either side of the path, and sunlight filtered through gaps in the leaves, casting dappled light and shadows on the ground.
At a bend halfway up the mountain, Rokuya suddenly stopped.
Two people stood in the shade of a tree a