"Sharp words."
Upper Moon One sighed, and his figure gradually faded. "I hope that when we next meet, we'll still..."
"He's getting away!"
Inosuke charged, but it was too late.
No matter how fast he moved, it meant nothing. The Blood Demon Art had already taken effect, and Upper Moon One's form was about to vanish.
Just then, a line of blood appeared across Upper Moon One's neck.
For an instant, he looked stunned. Then understanding dawned in his eyes, and he sighed softly. "To leave like this... it's hard to accept."
His head parted from his body without spilling a single drop of blood.
Then Tetsu no Sosuke and the others saw the world around them shatter a second time.
The surrounding space and courtyard fell away like shards of glass, finally dissolving into nothing.
They remained where they stood, frowning at the illusion around them.
This... was not the Water Pillar's home. They were outside the Mansion.
There was no vanishing demon corpse, no severed head of Upper Moon One. Only a silent, empty forest surrounded them beneath a sky full of stars.
"What's going on now?"
Inosuke was completely lost. Why was the world so fragile? It just kept shattering!
Tetsu no Sosuke frowned as well. Clearly, the decisive change had been that line of blood across Upper Moon One's neck.
"Let's check the Water Pillar's home."
Shinobu Kocho made the suggestion.
Tetsu no Sosuke nodded at once. They set off, scaled the courtyard wall, and entered the Mansion.
Someone stood in the middle of the courtyard.
He appeared to have just stepped out through the doorway. Inside, a corpse was still dissolving.
"Water Pillar!?"
Shinobu Kocho froze.
Tanjiro hurried over to him. "Are you all right?"
Giyu Tomioka glanced at Tanjiro, then at Tetsu no Sosuke