The woods were quiet, save for the rustling of leaves as a breeze threaded through the trees. You walked along the dirt path, boots crunching softly against fallen leaves, the faint scent of pine and damp earth in the air. Your thoughts wandered until the sudden flutter of wings broke your focus.

A small sparrow darted into view, its chestnut brown and white feathers catching the light. It flitted around you in quick loops, chirping incessantly in a way that seemed deliberate. At first, you dismissed it as a typical bird, but its fearless movements caught your attention.

The sparrow hovered briefly in front of your face before darting ahead, chirping as if urging you to follow. You hesitated, squinting at it. This wasn’t like the Demon Slayer Corps’ traditional crows, but its behavior was unmistakable—it had a purpose.

It landed on a low branch a few feet ahead, turning to fix a bright, beady eye on you. It chirped again, insistent, before fluttering a few steps further and pausing, glancing back to ensure you were following.

“Alright, alright, I’m coming,” you muttered, feeling slightly ridiculous. Still, the bird’s urgency was hard to ignore.

As you followed, it guided you deeper into the woods, its chirps and flutters leading you through twists and turns you wouldn’t have taken otherwise. It paused just long enough to check on you, then darted ahead again, its tiny wings beating furiously. Despite its size, the sparrow commanded a surprising amount of authority.

You chuckled softly. “A sparrow instead of a crow, huh? Guess even the Corps makes exceptions.”

Any doubts you had vanished as the bird’s precision became clear. It wasn’t just leading you; it was guiding you with purpose. With every step, anticipation built as you wondered what lay ahead.