A Kasugai crow had delivered the summons less than an hour ago.

“An unidentified demon of extreme power has appeared. Details are scarce. Bring all available Demon Slayers.“

The Corps moved silently through the empty streets. At the front, the Hashira led. Giyu Tomioka’s dark eyes swept the rooftops, his expression calm and unreadable. “One presence?”

Tanjiro nodded. “Just one.”

Zenitsu’s knees wobbled beneath him, Inosuke flanked his side, grinning from beneath his mask. Zenitsu squawked frightfully. “One? That’s worse! That could mean an Upper Rank! Why didn’t the crow say Upper Rank? I need specifics!”

Sanemi Shinazugawa smirked, letting his hand rest casually on his blade. “If it’s Upper Rank, we kill it. Simple.” Gyomei Himejima walked silently, eyes ahead, his prayer beads clicking softly with each step.

“Simple?” Mitsuri Kanroji’s voice was gentle, but her grip tightened on her flexible blade. “It doesn’t feel simple, Sanemi. The air itself is… heavy.”

The warehouse rose ahead: corrugated metal, rusted siding, shattered windows. Empty. Silent. Waiting. The rest of the Hashira moved forward, directing the three Kanoe backwards.

Tengen took the lead, Sanemi beside him. Mitsuri clung to Obanai’ sleeve, peering past him at the double doors ahead. Shinobu nudged past Giyu, moving past both him and Gyomei to take hold of the door handles. Muichiro didn’t say much to stop her, eyes flicking away to the sky. It was dusk and the air smelt like unshed rain.

“Whenever you’re ready.” Tengen announced. Hands moved to their blades and without another word the doors slid open.