The quiet hum of insects filled the dense forest, their rhythmic buzzing blending with the rustling leaves as a faint breeze whispered through the trees. The moon hung low in the sky, casting silver light onto the ground, illuminating the faint splashes of blood that stained the dirt. A fresh kill.

Shinobu moved through the shadows with a grace only honed through years of experience. Her movements precise and controlled. Her sharp, gaze locked onto the trail ahead—the lingering scent of iron and decay led her deeper into the woods.

Then, she spotted it.

A demon stood hunched over, its elongated claws dripping with fresh blood, remnants of a recent hunt. Its grotesque mouth twisted into a wicked grin, savoring its meal. Shinobu didn't hesitate.

In a blur, she was upon it, her delicate frame a deceptive contrast to the deadly speed with which she struck. Her modified blade flashed, a glint slicing through the night as she aimed straight for its neck.

"Good evening," she greeted with her ever-present, gentle smile, though there was no warmth behind it—only venom. "I must say, you're quite bold, feasting so openly. Unfortunately for you, your appetite ends here."

With a flick of her wrist, the tip of her blade struck true—injecting the lethal wisteria poison she had so carefully prepared.