[center][img]https://i.postimg.cc/ZngvS3Wv/48f4798c5091435d7676f6e03cd985b9.png[/img]

[color=silver]Daikaku Shrike[/color][/center]

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Kōshin watched for a moment as the demon slowly drank the few drops of blood that fell on it's mouth, before gently placing it down and getting up as he nodded towards Hinotora.

[color=B8860B]"Do not be sorry. Although the loss of some of these trees is undeniably painful due to their history, the garden can always be cleaned and the trees, replanted."[/color] Kōshin said with a gentle smile.

[color=B8860B]"Do not be reckless. The enemy is undoubtedly powerful. As soon as the temple is safe and secure, I shall assist you and your companions."[/color] Kōshin said just before Hinotora jumped to the walls of the shrine and dashed away.

While Kōshin couldn't exactly spare much of his own blood to the barrier demon, he hoped it would suffice as he ran back to the temple, stopping just before the steps to the main temple. 

With a clear and loud tone, Kōshin told the monks about the barrier demons brought by the Slayer Corps, drawing their attention. Once the monks who were already in a defensive formation were looking at him, Kōshin started to explain.

[color=B8860B]"The demon will be busy for as long as the Slayers are fighting him. We shall use this time to defend the barrier demons so they can put their barrier up again. Further attacks to the barrier demons might happen. Keep your eyes open to arrows and be prepared to deflect them."[/color] he said with a serious expression.

Just as he said that, loud booming noises of explosions and bright flashes of fire came from the skyscraper nearby. The sound waves echoed through the temple grounds as Kōshin and the monks looked up.

[color=B8860B]"The fight still rages on. We need to protect the temple before anything else."[/color] Kōshin said with a determined expression.

It didn't take long until the monks were already ready and coordinated. A group of three monks was designated to each barrier demon. Two of them wielding Naginatas and one of them wielding a bō staff. Despite each group having only three monks, their formation was a strictly defensive one, aiming to drive away those approaching them and deflect attacks from range with their pole weapons.

The damage the previous attack caused in the temple's garden was undeniable and looking at it filled Kōshin's heart with sadness. Fortunately the oldest trees in the garden seemed to have avoided the fate of the other ones, the one tree his master chose as his final resting place included. 

[color=B8860B]"This was not the first time the Daikaku temple was attacked and it won't be the last. As long as I stand, the temple will not fall."[/color] Kōshin said to himself with a serious expression as his grip tightened around his sword and he began making his way to the skyscraper where the fight was happening.

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