The Shingan’s orders were simple.

  Now that the Death Phantoms had formed a New Order, it was time for their underlings to rise. Strength alone wouldn’t bring change—not unless it was shared. Not unless it echoed across the Kegare.

  The only way forward was to evolve.

  Not as individuals.

  But as a force.

  And to begin that evolution—

  Only one would be sent.

  Not the full squad.

  Just one.

  A statement.

  A message to the Chūkan Households. To the Elders. To the world.

  A glimpse of what was coming.

  Imminent.

  Inevitable.

  It was Toshiro who stepped forward.

  Still seething after being outranked by YuYu, he dropped to one knee and bowed low before the Shingan.

  “Let my underling lead the charge, my lord. I ask for this honor.”

  The Shingan raised his head slightly. Though his face remained hidden, his eyes glowed beneath the hood.

  “I see failure in your path, Toshiro.”

  He paused.

  “I was going to send Uta.”

  Toshiro clenched his jaw—then smmed his forehead to the ground.

  “Please, my lord. I do not doubt the path you see… but I believe I can forge a new one.”

  A long silence.

  Then—

  A smirk.

  YuYu stuck his tongue out from the side of the chamber. “Better not choke.”

  The Shingan’s voice carried the weight of finality.

  “Very well. Toshiro will handle this mission.”

  He stepped forward and pced a single hand against Toshiro’s cheek—almost gently.

  “This is our first true showing to the Elders,” he said softly. “I trust… you won’t disappoint.”

  Then, as if becoming air itself—

  He vanished into mist.

  Toshiro stood.

  His eyes burned.

  “Alright then.”

  He turned toward the swirling air behind him.

  “Sylvetta. Let’s get this show on the road.”

  The ripple shimmered.

  And from it—

  A small, timid girl stepped forward, her frame almost disappearing beneath the folds of her deep bck cloak.

  The fabric shimmered faintly, stitched with threads of corrupted Tamashkii—Kegare silk, whispering softly with every motion.

  Her dark hair was cut short, neat but slightly uneven at the ends, framing a pale face with wide, unsure eyes that barely met anyone’s gaze.

  A small ornamental ribbon sat tucked behind one ear, delicate and oddly pristine—like a remnant of who she used to be.

  The cloak parted just enough to reveal a sheathed bde at her side, its handle thin and wrapped in faded crimson cloth.

  She bowed low, her voice almost a whisper in the mist. There was fear in her posture… but obedience in every step.

  “Sir Toshiro. My form… and the defective Ubuyō soldiers are ready.”

  Toshiro crossed his arms. “Good. Keep your eyes open.”

  He turned toward the darkened chamber one st time.

  “Watch us, YuYu.”

  A pause.

  “Watch as I rip this realm open with my bare hands.”

  And then—

  He vanished.

  Sylvetta followed.

  The st thing that echoed through the void—

  YuYu’s ughter.

  Unhinged.

  Unstoppable.

  Far across the Chūkan, a ripple opened.

  The squad was already on their way.

  And they had no idea what they were walking into.