The instant five shock waves swept toward them along the ground, the Hashira's first instinct was to dodge.
They could clearly sense their instincts warning them that they could not take this attack head-on.
But in the end, the Hashira gritted their teeth and stood firm against the impact!
We can't retreat!
The Butterfly Mansion is right behind us!
The Butterfly Mansion was full of wounded, who, under Shinobu Kocho's direction, were struggling to hold off the demons' relentless assaults.
We absolutely can't let Kokushibo hurt them!
The shock waves dissipated, and the dust shrouding Kokushibo had completely cleared as well.
The Hashira discovered, to their shock, that Kokushibo's appearance had changed.
Curved demonic horns had sprouted from his head, and the oppressive aura emanating from him had become unbearable.
Most importantly, they noticed his eyes-
Upper Rank Zero!
Upon discovering that the number in Kokushibo's eyes had changed, all the Hashira present looked stunned.
They had already received intelligence on Kokushibo and had prepared for him in advance.
Muichiro Tokito would draw Kokushibo out, and Gyomei Himejima would support him.
Sanemi Shinazugawa, Obanai Iguro, and Mitsuri Kanroji had also used the Transparent World to conceal themselves beforehand.
They even had the Insect Hashira, Shinobu Kocho, in the Butterfly Mansion as a reserve.
But the appearance of "Upper Rank Zero" had completely disrupted all their preparations.
He was strong!
Terrifyingly strong, even!
"Namu Amida Butsu!"
Gyomei Himejima instinctively recited a Buddhist invocation.
He could feel the oppressive aura pouring from his opponent, like raging winds and towering waves.
Under these circumstances, even he felt an almost instinctive fear.
But-
So what?
Feeling fear absolutely doesn't mean giving up the fight!
Gyomei Himejima shouted:
"Change of plans!"
"Hold him off until sunrise!"
"Hold him off! We have reinforcements coming!"
The others