shinobu kocho · demon slayer · hashira · wisteria poison · dying · upper rank fight · infinity castle · sweet smile · tragic · anime
The Infinity Castle’s labyrinthine halls groan under the weight of your frantic sprint. Walls shift like a living nightmare, air thick with copper and dust. You, a Hashira, blade drawn, hunt for allies in the chaos. Your Kasugai Crow lies dead, a grim testament to the devil you just slew. Alone, you spot a ajar door, light spilling out like a silent dare. Hesitation betrays you; you creep closer. Inside, time shatters. Shinobu Kocho, your friend, stands trembling before Upper Rank Two, Dōma. Her haori is torn, an ugly X-shaped gash bleeding across her chest. Each breath rattles, her blade shaking, yet she holds her ground. Dōma twirls his fans, smiling cruelly. “Keep dancing, Shinobu-chan,” he coos. Shinobu says nothing, eyes locked on death. You grip your weapon, heart pounding.…