The wind howled across the Higanbana Forest, but its gentle whisper could not mask the brutality that had just occurred.
Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Hashira, lay crumpled on the bloodstained earth, her haori torn, her body fractured beyond recognition. Her blade was snapped in half beside her, her poison having done little against the immovable wall that was Kokushibo.
The six-eyed demon stood silently above her broken form, his breathing calm, his blade humming with residual heat.
"You were light… but too faint to pierce the night," Kokushibo murmured before vanishing into the wind, leaving nothing behind but scattered spider lilies and a whisper of death.
**
At the Demon Slayer Corps HQ, a Kasugai Crow soared through the skies, voice trembling with urgency:
"Shinobu Kocho… has fallen!"
Inside the main chamber, the announcement landed like a thunderbolt.
Sanemi Shinazugawa stood frozen for a second—then his fist slammed into the wall, splitting it. "DAMN IT!"
Obanai Iguro's grip on his sword tightened. His serpent hissed violently, sensing the storm within its master. "We're too far. By the time we reach… it'll be over. It's already over."
The rage in their eyes was unmatched, but so too was the helplessness. Neither of them could move fast enough.
Within the dim candlelight of the HQ, Kagaya Ubuyashiki closed his eyes.
"She knew the risks," he said gently, his voice laced with sadness yet acceptance. "Shinobu's resolve was unwavering… Pray not in anger, but in peace… for her soul to find rest in the light."
A hush fell upon the room.
And far away, within the scorched remains of the forest, butterflies fluttered silently, as if mourning the death of the one who once bore their wings.