Argentum: Alright! Time for some more plot elements!
Daki: Oh joy… I can't wait.
Argentum: Your sarcasm is noted and ignored.
Daki: Why you little-
Zohakuten: Oh don't whine and complain now.
Daki: Shut up!
Muichiro: All of you demons are starting to confuse me.
Gyokko: It's going to get even more confusing then this chapter.
Genya: Great… just what we needed.
Argentum: Heh, well seeing how we don't have any reviews as we make this chapter. We'll just move on. Zohakuten if you would please?
Zohakuten: I mean I technically did it last chapter but meh. The Dark Guard productions do not own anything but oc and reality stuff. Now without further ado…
Everyone: Here's the story!
Argentum: Wow that was lazier than last time!
Zohakuten: Meh.
Hello= Regular talk
Hello= Thoughts
[Hello]= Radio
(Hello)= Telepathy/Mind reading
Chapter Fifty Six: Special third Person Chapter! Chapter Ten! Fight for the smiths' village! With crimson blades and see through eyes!
As the rest of the group fought off a large horde of demons as well as two uppermoons. Tanjiro and Kanao were beginning to struggle.
"Die!" With a yell Daki sent Tanjiro flying with a kick, his back slamming against a tree. As he coughed out in pain Kanao now with her Demon slayer mark activated, used her fifth form to push the uppermoon away. Getting up Tanjiro used his own mark and rushed in. His speed now great enough to contend with Daki's.
Hinokami Kagura! Retsujitsu Kokyo! With two swings of fire he cut through Daki's obi and left slashes around her middle. Ignoring the pain Daki backfliped out of the way, hoisting herself up with her obi before slicing down with two other pieces of the cloth. Rolling out of the way Tanjiro avoided the attack as Kanao jumped forward.
Ni no kata Mikage Ume! Twisting her body Kanao deflected another attack before cutting off Daki's right arm. Superficial blow to a demon of her caliber, as such the arm grew back as she landed on the ground. Her face was contorting in anger, her thirst for vengeance clouding her mind. Yelling in frustration she charged forward as Kanao and Tanjiro got ready to unleash more forms. They however were not prepared to see her form two fleshy sickles from her arms. Dripping with something she swung them at the demon slayers.
Tanjiro guessed what was happening when the substance turned gaseous. "Damn!" Grabbing Kanao by the waist he jumped as far back as he could. Thankfully it was just out of range from the gas. Letting his girlfriend go Tanjiro narrowed his eyes at Daki. "You weren't able to do that before." The uppermoon smirked as she twirled the sickles.
"While it's true I couldn't, my Nii San could." She then scrunched her face up in fury. "When he died he gave me his powers through the use of this third eye of mine." She took a few steps forward. "You have no idea the anger and hatred I have for all of you! Sure I may not have treated him the best from time to time. But he was still my Nii San!" She then looked at Tanjiro cruelly. "That traitorous demon bitch I fought before was your little sister right? I wonder if she'd feel the same pain and anguish I feel now if I were to kill you!" With her yell Daki rushed forward once again. Spinning the sickles and covering the area with poisonous gasses.
Furrowing his brow in determination Tanjiro swung. Hinokami Kagura! Shakkotsu En'yō! The burning bones dance mixed with the gas and caused it to explode. As Tanjiro defended them from the gas Kanao jumped over him with a yell.
"I've lost my older sister! And to you demons at that!" Landing she engaged Daki in close combat. "I know how it feels to lose people you love! Yet you don't see me being consumed with the want for revenge!" What Daki said next would actually enrage the flower girl.
"Then maybe you didn't love her!" In that moment images of her time spent with her adopted older sister flashed through Kanao's mind. Until it eventually ended with the conversation she had with her older sister's ghost.
Her words echoed in Kanao's mind. "I'm proud of you imouto." How dare she ever say I didn't love my sister! With a roar of anger she attacked her opponent with fierce strikes. Tanjiro was even a little shocked at the change in is lover. Though he could understand her anger, he'd feel the same way if someone said he didn't love his family. Taking a breath he jumped in to help. His sword lit ablaze as he seemed to disappear behind Daki.
Feeling something behind her Daki swung out with a sickle, locking blades with both Tanjiro and Kanao. Her strength straining against the both of them as Kanao yelled at her.
"How dare you?! How dare you ever say I didn't love Kanae Onee Sama!" Raising a leg she unleashed a round house kick into the demon's stomach. Daki spat out blood as she was sent flying away. Landing Daki wiped the blood from her mouth as she growled.
"Seems as if the little girl has some fangs after all! Doesn't matter! I'll kill you all!" Forming more sickles from her flesh, her obi strands caught them as she tossed them into the air. "For my Nii San's death! I will make sure you all suffer you ugly little insects!" Swinging wildly the uppermoon spread the poisonous gas even further than before. Tanjiro using the burning bones dance again cleared a path for Kanao to rush in once more. Following behind her Tanjiro used his flame dance to strike at any gas forming behind them. Clearing out the area as Kanao slashed away at Daki.
He was starting to worry for her. It's as if the longer the fight goes on the angrier Kanao gets with Daki! It didn't help howthat Daki kept insulting Kanao's older sister and her love for her.
"Would you just shut up! I'm not insulting your care for your older sibling, so why can't you give me the same curtesy?!"
Daki growled as she deflected another slash. "Because you're the ones who took my brother away from me! If it weren't for you we'd have never ended up in the situation we did! If you simply just died before we arrived in that weird maze he'd still be here! So it is all of your faults that he's gone!" There was some tears in Daki's eyes now as she pushed Kanao back. "It is all your fault!"
Picking up on a scent Tanjiro's face morphed into one of understanding. The scent of anger that was simply wafting off of Daki had another underlining scent. A scent filled with despair and sorrow. Tanjiro understood that pain all too well. It was the same pain he felt when he discovered the bodies of his family. With her eyesight Kanao could also see some of the pain Daki was feeling. A pain reflected in her eyes.
Pulling back Kanao frowned sadly at the demoness. "You're in a lot of pain aren't you?" That got Daki to pause mid-strike, her eyes wide at how a human could see through her.
"Wha-what are you on about? I'm perfectly fine! A little revenge is all that I need!" Swinging again Daki struck as Kanao deflected her much weaker slash. "Whatever I'm feeling now will be fine once I kill all of you!" Tanjiro jumping forward to join Kanao deflected a blow upwards.
"It won't though! At first when I discovered what Muzan had done to my family, I wanted nothing more than to kill him! To make him feel the same pain I felt! After all these years of dwelling on it and thinking on the things I've learned I no longer have that desire!" Swinging and cutting off the end of an obi Tanjiro continued. "As I replaced my desire for revenge with other things, the pain in my heart dulled! I became stronger than I ever thought possible!"
Daki was practically shaking in disbelief as she continued to swing at the pair. "Just who are you people?! You're showing concern for someone like me? You're trying to comfort someone like me?! Just who do you think you're fooling?! Besides I don't care for all of that! I just want my Nii San back!" There were some tears in Daki's eyes as she said that. "But since I can't have that… I'll settle for your heads!" Jumping back as Tanjiro swung at the gas Daki created, the two demon slayers understood Daki. Or at the very least understood a part of her motivations.
The fight was changing as they continued to try and reach out to the demoness. Daki however was having none of it as she continued to try and slice them to pieces. The area around them was being filled with poison that was only kept at bay by Tanjiro's flames. Unfortunately for Daki her emotions were making her sloppy, and her opponents were able to capitalize on that and strike at her flesh.
Eventually the two with a burst of speed slashed at Daki's neck, separating her head from her body. As Daki's head fell the two looked at her in pity, unfortunately that wasn't the end, and Daki wasn't going to let those looks slide.
"How dare you? How dare you look at me like that?!" Surprised they weren't expecting Daki's headless body to move and pick up her head. "With this power I've gained from my Nii San… I will kill you all!" Reattaching her head Daki rushed in. Grabbing their faces and throwing them through a number of trees.
Standing up and healing a broken arm Tanjiro looked forward. "How did she survive that?" Kanao healing herself grimaced.
"I don't know but she must have a weakness somewhere. Makes we wish we had Michael San, he'd be able to see right through her and this little trick of hers." Something that she said resonated a bit within Tanjiro.
What is this feeling? Standing up Tanjiro helped Kanao to her feet as he looked forward. See through her? Why does that mean something to me? Shaking his head Tanjiro readied himself for round two. Hoping to understand what he was feeling before it costed them their lives. It's the same as when I used sun breathing for the first time. Closing his eyes he opened them before rushing in. The fight had now entered round two.
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"Gah!" With a yell of pain Muichiro was launched back by a demon fish. Seeing what was happening Michael cut the monstrosity in half. Helping the young man up Michael refocused on Gyokko. Having been forced to split up from Mitsuri and Genya, it was now only them fighting the upper two. Unfortunately Muichiro still didn't have a sword of his own.
As they jumped back from another attack Michael addressed his fellow pillar. "If we're going to do this, then we'll need to work together." Muichiro scoffed and was about to retort when Michael yelled at him. "This isn't the time to argue!" Shocked Muichiro didn't respond as Michael cut through another fish. "Who knows how many pots he's created over the village, and neither of us can destroy them all by ourselves. Go and destroy his pots, I'll keep him busy." Conflicted Muichiro eventually nodded and ran off to do as was suggested.
Seeing Muichiro run drew a chuckle form Gyokko. "I see that he's learned the true deadliness of my art!" Looking back towards Michael the demon gave a grotesque grin. "I wonder how long it'll take you to learn of it?" The young dragon simply smirked before taking a stance, his blade lit aflame. As the heat washed over his body Gyokko couldn't help but sweat. I think I made a mistake on which pillar to fight…
Raising his blade Michael brought it down, sending forth a flame tiger towards the demon. Sensing the danger Gyokko ducked back into his pot before teleporting to a nearby one. However with his tenth form Michael was already on him. Swinging his blade and forcing the demon to lean backwards. The flame covered blade instead cutting deeply into his chest. Moving to another pot Gyokko clapped his hands and summoned tentacles from his previous pot. As they flailed out at his opponent Gyokko only became enraged as Michael slashed downwards. Destroying the tentacles and his artful pot.
"You cretin! How dare you destroy my beautiful art!" Michael however wasn't having any of it, and instead rushed in with his first form. Using the variation Kyojuro created to get in close with an opponent. His flaming blade coming down on the demon's neck. "Waah!" With a yell of fear Gyokko ducked back into his pot. The heat was starting to dry out his skin. This man is the worst opponent for me! Further enraged Gyokko spread his arms out. "Fine! Take this wonderful masterpiece! Ichiman Kakkūnengyo!" As those words left his mouth hundreds of fish launched themselves at Michael.
Seeing himself surrounded he quickly used a defensive form. Hachi no Kata Kanpeki En! Cutting all the fish his eyes widened as a liquid spilled from them before they turned to dust. As the liquid spilled on him he felt the effects immediately. "Poison!" Coughing out some blood he glared at a now laughing Gyokko.
"HAHA! That's what you deserve for destroying my art!" As he laughed he didn't notice movement from behind him.
Shi no kata Iryūgiri. Unleashing his forth form Muichiro having returned from destroying all the pots around the village struck. However as if sensing the attack coming Gyokko turned around.
"I was wondering when you'd come back to appreciate my art more!" Throwing a pot in front of Muichiro the mist Hashira was forced to contend with some tentacles. On the other side the young dragon was still able to move, and rushed forward before swinging his blade in a circular motion.
"Jū Ni no kata Enbaton'neru!" Feeling the controlled twister of heat Gyokko threw out another pot before teleporting to it. "Dammit! Gah…" Coughing out more blood Michael fell to his knees. "Could really use Nezuko's flames right now…" Looking at the dark flame pillar made Muichiro nod in agreement. "Alright so you know, the fish without the spikes release a poisonous liquid if you slash them. Unfortunately it can also be absorbed through your skin so be careful."
Grateful the teen gave a nod before preparing to continue the battle in Michael's stead. "I'll keep that in mind." Sheathing his sword Muichiro dashed forward in a burst of speed. Seeing this Gyokko tossed out numerous pots, summoning forth a wall of tentacles that were easily slashed through by Muichiro's form. Unsheathing and then sheathing his blade Muichiro narrowed his eyes at Gyokko. "Those useless pots won't keep me from you."
Appalled Gyokko yelled at the kid. "Useless?! How dare you! Honestly you young'uns have no understanding of true art these days!" Throwing more pots he continued to yell. "But I'm sure you'll appreciate it more whence you're dead!" Straightening his stance Muichiro swung, and with a flash of steel and mist all the pots were destroyed. "What?"
"Ni no kata Yaekasumi." Even as he coughed Michael couldn't help but smile. His time training with Muichiro was truly showing now. "You're next trash." Shaking in fury Gyokko let out a yell of primal fury. Narrowing his eyes Muichiro prepared for whatever the demon was planning. He did not expect the demon to start molting his skin.
"You'll pay… you'll pay!" Now while he looked similar the demon now had legs and transparent looking scales. "Heh… with this I have become free once more! Only three others have ever seen this form!" Preparing for an attack Muichiro wasn't fast enough to block all of the demon's now supersonic attacks. "How do you like that?! Am I fast enough free enough for you?" Muichiro couldn't only grit his teeth as he was blasted back.
"Muichiro!" In worry Michael ignoring the poison in his veins charged forward. Slashing at the Demon's hard scales, only to grit his teeth as his blade got caught in them. "Shit!" With the uncharacteristic curse, Michael jumped back. The poison is sapping too much of my strength! Throwing a pot at him Gyokko chuckled as Michael was enveloped in a sphere of water. "Gah!"
"You can stay there until you drown… or the poison kills you. I'm honestly not that picky." As Michael struggled with holding his breath as well as the poison in his veins. He tried to come up with some way that he could get out alive. With a feeling familiar yet unrecognizable Muichiro rushed forward.
"Let him go!" Swinging at Gyokko's raised arm the mist pillar's eyes widened as his sword shattered. "Dammit!" Laughing Gyokko punched out at the Hashira, turning the rest of the sword Muichiro used to block his attack into a fish. "Double dammit!" Laughing Gyokko launched a series of high-speed punches on Muichiro. The young Hashira was just barely able to dodge all of them. However without a weapon he couldn't strike back.
Gritting his teeth Michael raised his fingers slightly in the water. This is going to hurt! Using his lightning spell Michael not only electrocuted himself. But also the sphere he was trapped in, the spell however was enough to destroy the trap and he fell to the floor on his knees. Coughing out blood Michael looked up as his body steamed. Standing up with blood dripping down his chin, Michael rushed forward. Jū Ni no kata Enbaton'neru! Though it was shallow, the slash across Gyokko's back was enough to switch his attention onto him.
"Annoying pest!" Punching out the uppermoon's fist impacted against Michael's blade. However thanks to the enchantments his sword stayed the same. Its wielder however was tossed back through a tree. As he rolled in front of a shed, Michael could hear the distinct sound of metal pounding on metal. Though confused as to why someone would still be working in the current situation, he ignored it and rolled out of the way of another attack. "I'm surprised your sword resisted my art. However it won't last for long!" Unleashing numerous attacks on the weakened dragon Gyokko laughed.
Taking a swing as his vision blurred, Michael was then kicked through the wall behind him. Jumping through Gyokko paused at what he saw. It was Hotaru, and he was still working on Tanjiro's sword. Joining the fight with a kick Muichiro launched Gyokko out the other wall.
That's when he too saw Tanjiro's smith. "What is he doing?!" Michael could only shrug before coughing out more blood. "Michael!" Rushing to his friend the young dragon waved him off.
"Don't worry about me! Just focus on Gyokko. Think you could use my sword properly?" Looking at the large blade he bit his lip while shaking his head. "Figured…" Turning to Tanjiro's smith Michael had an idea. "Hotaru San! How much longer until the sword is usable?"
Not even turning from the blade Hotaru spoke. "Just a bit longer! If you can hold that demon back then my ultimate creation will be able to kill it!" Turning to Muichiro Michael stood up.
"Guard him for when Gyokko gets past me." The young teen looked at him in shock. "Don't give me that look; with the demon slayer mark I'm still stronger than you. Plus my sword can actually withstand his powers. Besides… I still have a few more tricks up my sleeves. Not to mention saving people is something that gives me purpose." The mist Hashira's eyes widened as Michael took a stance. His flames turning black and purple. He could feel a pressure coming from him as he rushed after Gyokko.
"Saving people gives him purpose? What does that mean?!" His head was starting to hurt, and flashes of something were starting to invade his vision. Figures and people familiar filled his vision for just a moment. Hos head was pounding as his mind tried to remember something. "What is going on with me?" Holding his head he watched as a still weakened yet empowered Michael struck at Gyokko.
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With ragged breaths Genya slashed at another demon before shooting at another. "Just how many are there?!" Fighting off the upper one Mitsuri yelled at her young friend.
"Don't give up yet Genya Kun! We just need to wait for the others!" Ducking under a blast of wind she looked at her now four opponents. Having cut the other two in half a bit earlier in the fight, they had split up into four bodies. Come on Mitsuri! You're the most senior Hashira here! You can deal with this and protect your juniors! Taking a breath she rushed in, jumping she dodged a spear and a sonic scream from a harpy looking demon. San no kata Koi Neko Shigure! Unleashing a series of slashes on her opponent she could help but grit her teeth as they were deflected.
Laughing the harpy rushed in, screaming at Mitsuri and sending her flying. As her ears started to bleed Mitsuri stood up and whipped her sword at it. Her anger grew as she was only able to cut off a few feathers. Sensing another attack she twisted around and whipped her blade at the neck of the spear wielding demon. With tears streaming down his face he dropped to his knees and slid under the slash. Then rolling forward he dodged a wave of wind, an attack that hit Mitsuri straight on.
As she rolled along the ground she caught herself and jumped up before slashing at them all again. Go no kata Yurameku Renjō Midarezume! This time she was able to take off the spear demon's right arm. Unfortunately it was only superficial and the arm grew back instantly. Feeling her hair stand up on the back of her head, Mitsuri jumped to the side as lightning struck where she just was. Healing her wounds with some magic she stared forward at her four opponents.
Stepping forward the one with the staff glared at her. "For a woman you're really annoying."
"For a cheat you're very arrogant!" Her patience was growing thin with her opponents. Ichi no kata Hatsukoi no Wananaki! Rushing forward she slashed at all of them, damaging them before turning around and back flipping. Go no kata Yurameku Renjō Midarezume! With her combined forms she was able to deal enough damage to give herself some breathing room. Even cutting off the heads of two of them, however as she kneeled to catch her breath. The demon with the staff started yelling.
"That's it! I've had enough of you! Prepare to die!" With his yelling done all the bodies started forming into one. The demon became smaller and younger looking. With five drums now floating around him, and looking at Mitsuri he smirked. "I'm am Zohakuten! I am pride!" As he hit his drums the ground started to move, sensing something Mitsuri jumped back as a wooden dragon tried to swallow her whole. That's when more wood dragons popped out of the ground. "Die!" As the dragons rushed her Mitsuri used her extreme flexibility and strength to weave her way through them. Dodging attacks of lighting, sound, and wind.
Sweat dripped down her face as she landed on a dragon, only to jump off it as another head formed from the spot she landed on. Her sword swinging constantly to destroy the small dragons that branched out from the larger. As Zohakuten laughed the sound of a gun rang out.
"ARGH!" Yelling out in pain as his right off was blown off his body, Mitsuri turned and smiled at a smirking Genya.
"And the Calvary has arrived! You okay Kanroji?" Wiping off some blood from a small cut over her right eye she nodded.
"Yeah I'm okay; this guy is just really tricky." Genya nodded seriously as they both faced the demon. Looking at the pieces of wood on the ground gave Genya and idea.
Well you only live once. Picking up a piece he bit into it chewing up the wood before swallowing it. "Woah! Not as much of a rush as eating Akaza's arm but this will do!" With eyes becoming dark and his pupils turning red he grinned as he rushed in. Shotgun in one hand Thompson in the other. Grinning herself Mitsuri rushed in after him.
Having now recovered from the wisteria covered nichirin bullet, Zohakuten growled before sending out his dragons to deal with the two. His powers combined to shout out thunderous explosions of lighting. Something which Mitsuri dodged but Genya barreled on through. Grabbing the wooden dragon before tearing it apart with his bare hands. Despite the guns hindering him somewhat he still tore it in half before throwing half of it at the demon.
While surprised the uppermoon was able to use another dragon to defend himself. As he focused on the super powered teen Mitsuri jumped into the fray. Her mind calm and full of conviction now.
Remember everything Michael has told you! All the compliments the others have given me! And remember how much fun it is to compete with Nezuko Chan's strength! Do not hold back! As she thought this a mark formed over her right collar bone. The mark was made up of two hearts, upside down and opposite from each other. With angel wings on both sides where the two heart tips meet that appear near her neck. She had finally done it, with her speed now quintupled. Mitsuri had awakened her own demon slayer mark.
The increase in speed and strength was a shock to Zohakuten. For with a simple kick she smashed through all of his defenses and hit him square in the chest. As he coughed out blood Mitsuri twirled around.
Shi no Kata Neko no itami no Yuri kago! As she twirled, she unleashed a series of slashes that destroyed all incoming attacks while shredding Zohakuten's body. It wasn't enough to put him down, but it did blow him back so far that the uppermoon was sent flying. Genya could only watch in awe at the sight.
His mouth turned into a strained grin. "Hope I never get onto her bad side."
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Feeling as if his blood was on fire, Michael kept on slashing at the demon. Cutting off arms and cutting through his pots and fish with ease. However he couldn't land a decisive blow. Gyokko however was getting in some good hits, constantly pushing the young new Hashira back.
"What's wrong?! Can't handle my magnificent art?!" Michael said nothing as he did everything he could to make sure a punch never landed. Constantly blocking with his sword only to be blown back. The back of his blade acting as an ineffective buffer between punches.
His breathing was becoming ragged and his dark flames were flickering back to his regular flames. Dammit! If only I could slow down his healing! Not for the first time did he curse Tanjiro's and Mitsuri's insane explanations. As he fought and grew more exhausted from the poison in his veins. Michael thought of what Tanjiro said, looking down at his blade as he let his instincts defend him. Just why can't I do it? Is there something I'm missing? Is it only usable to sun users? His hands shaking he cut off another arm as his flames turned to their regular color.
Now only barely flickering black and purple, he realized he was out of time and Michael used whatever magic he had left to heal himself one last time. With that small boost his flames turned dark once again. The fight was even more brutal without his mage armor, and he was now taking more damage. Watching the fight with worry Muichiro could only curse his inability to jump in. However as he watched his mind started to wander, memories long forgotten since his amnesia so long ago started to surface. A comparison of Tanjiro came to his mind.
Tanjiro… he has the same eyes as my father. That's when a splitting headache hit the boy, his memories resurfacing to the point that he remembered his mother. How she died from an illness, how his father tried to save her, how his twin brother… how Yuichiro constantly berated his father until his death for wasting so much on trying to save their mother. How Yuichiro started berating himself for trying help others and for defending his father.
He remembered the first time he met Amane, Kagaya's wife who informed them of their heritage. How while he expressed interest in becoming a swordsman, his brother chased Amane out and insulted him. Then finally the incident that robbed him of his memories. The demon that killed his brother and how he crushed in rage, letting him disintegrate in the sun. Holding his head Muichiro looked on at the fight, Michael was on the back foot. The demon's regenerative abilities were too much. That's when the final memory hit him. The final words of his estranged brother.
"Mu… it means infinity." Determination swelling he looked back at Hotaru. "Is it done yet?!" The swordsmith shook his head and continued to now grind the blade on a stone.
"I'm nowhere near done! It still has to be polished!" The young pillar's jaw dropped at that.
"Polished?! What does that have to do with its effectiveness in combat?!" As he tried to reason with the smith Michael was now running on fumes.
I can't keep this up. Shaking his head Michael blocked another series of punches from the demon. Each blow felt as if they were shattering his arms. His flames were once again flickering as his mark slowly returned to dormancy. Raising his sword he was able to defend from a punch, but a kick sent him through another tree. Laying there in the shattered wood Michael groaned in pain.
With a gait of superiority Gyokko walked right next to him. "And now to put the ending onto this little fight of ours." Grabbing him by the throat Gyokko raised the dragon to eye level. "I'd say it was fun, but that'd be a lie." Michael now with a lack of oxygen, his breathing interrupted, and his mark and flames almost gone. Put everything he had into one last move. Swinging his sword Michael cut off the arm that was holding him from the base of the elbow. "Yes more futile effort how I…why isn't my arm growing back?" Not even realizing it Michael's blade had turned crimson, no instead he took advantage of the confusion to swing again.
Gyokko never did figure out why the color of the blade brought about such an instinctual fear in him. Only that he knew he had to get away from the sword. So with a mighty leap he put as much distance between himself and the rookie Hashira as possible. As he did so the sword flickered back to its normal color. With his blade now normal, his dark flames receded to nothing, and the demon slayer mark inactive. Michael was completely vulnerable.
Gyokko laughed and would've said something but he felt a presence from behind. Moving to the side he felt a blade rip into the side of his neck. It didn't cut it off but it was too close for comfort. Looking at the new threat he saw Muichiro standing in front of Michael.
"I won't let you hurt him anymore!" As he shouted dark mist like wisps formed over his whole body. His demon slayer mark had awoken.
Getting into another stance Gyokko prepared for combat. "I don't know what those markings are but this fight ends here! For my art! And my honor as an artist! I will kill you now!" Rushing forward as Muichiro closed his eyes, the young man prepared to end the fight.
Shichi no kata Oboro. Mist filled Gyokko's vision as Muichiro disappeared. Growling in anger the demon punched out widely trying to hit the mist user. It was to no avail as Muichiro kept on the move, the demon slayer mark increasing his abilities to the point he was now toying with the demon. He was still wary however, for one punch was all that was needed to take him out. Watching Michael coughed out more blood before grinning and raising his sword.
I can't fight anymore, but I should be able to do this. His sword turning crimson again he threw it. As it twirled in the air he finally blacked out. At the sound Gyokko turned around only for his other arm to be cut off. Now armless Gyokko yelled out in fear.
"NOOO!" Taking the chance presented to him Muichiro didn't hesitate. Jumping forward, his borrowed sword also flickering crimson. He struck with speed he never knew he had. Turning around Gyokko summoned a pot to defend himself with, but it was futile. The mist pillar cut through it and his neck like a hot knife through butter. "Impossible…" The fight over Muichiro collapsed to his knees. Looking over to an irate Hotaru he knew the fight wasn't truly over yet.
"Take care of Michael! I need to get this sword over to Tanjiro!" He didn't wait for an answer. Simply taking off to save his other friend. "I just hope I'm not too late!"
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His borrowed sword was chipped and damaged all over. He was certain that despite turning it crimson it would break at any moment. Dammit! If Daki is this strong and she's just the fourth strongest Muzan has now. Then how strong is Muzan himself?! Both Tanjiro and Kanao were breathing heavily as Daki smirked at them.
"Seems as if I'm finally wearing the two of you down." Though they didn't want to admit it they knew Daki was right. Whipping her sickles around Daki spread out more poison gas, in retaliation Tanjiro burnt it away before flashing forward. As sword met sickle Tanjiro could feel his strength slipping further as he swung his sword. Left, right, up, down did he swing, his blade lighting up the clearing the three were fighting in.
Running around their opponent Kanao struck from the back. Her sword in perfect condition still as Tanjiro's continued to break. She knew the fight had to end soon or else Tanjiro would be defenseless. Looking at Tanjiro's sword sparked a sense of jealousy inside her. Kanao knew she was talented, extremely so especially with her now dragon blood pushing her development along. However it seemed to her that Tanjiro was even more talented than she was. It was starting to feel as if he was slowly leaving her behind.
Shaking her head Kanao refocused on the fight. You can't think like that! Sun breathing is just better for all the techniques! It was true and that helped her as she swung. As she was thinking Tanjiro was having his own thoughts. Thoughts about his family, his siblings, and his still living little sister. Thoughts about the pain his death would bring to her fueled Tanjiro's crimson blade. He wasn't about to let her suffer anymore. But more than that his determination was fueling something else.
Something his father had tried to teach him long ago. I can feel it… the more strength I lose the slower I lose it! But… what am I doing differently? That's when he saw it! It was just for a moment but he saw it! Was that her organs? Confused he tried to concentrate as Daki kicked him to the side. Itai!
"Ignore the pain… just keep focused Tanjiro." He felt a hand on his shoulder. "Concentrate and lose yourself." Turning around he saw no one. But the voice he just heard was indeed his father's. Remembering their conversation about the deceased Tanjiro smiled down at the ground.
Standing up as the love of his life fought he winced at his broken ribs. "Ignore the pain…" As he reiterated his father's words, he looked forward as he used the rest of his magic to slightly heal his wounds. Calming down his inner turmoil Tanjiro closed his eyes. Having faith in Kanao's strength, though she was now wondering what her boyfriend was doing. However Kanao also trusted him and knew he was doing something. Daki however didn't know anything so instead she mocked them.
"HAH! So weak is he that he needs to take a break in the middle of a fight?! Pathetic!" Kanao didn't say anything; instead her actions spoke for her as her expression seemed to finally snap. The flower girl's anger had finally reached its peak, and with heavy swings Kanao started to beat Daki back. One slash in particular cut across Daki's right eye. "ARGH! You bitch! Just for that I'm killing you first!" Hearing that made Tanjiro want to snap but he continued to focus. He couldn't let anything distract him now.
Using everything he had learned, everything he had trained for, and everything he could remember. Tanjiro shut off everything but the fight and moved. As she fended off an attack from the upper three, Kanao's eyes widened as Tanjiro seemed to vanish. His speed matching that of even dark flame Michael, and not only that but she simply couldn't feel his presence anymore. To her Tanjiro always felt like a warm sun, always there, always warming everyone up. But now…
He simply doesn't have a presence… Just what did you do Tanjiro? Daki's only warning of an attack was Kanao's eyes widening as Tanjiro stopped behind the uppermoon. Knowing something was up she bent backwards as a blade sailed over her head.
With grit teeth Daki jumped to the side, spinning in mid-air while spreading more poison. The only sign of Tanjiro's movement was the slight twitch of his eye. In return her own eyes widened as he quite literally blew her poison away. His sword breaking from the pressure put on it. The demoness smirked at seeing the broken sword, believing she now had the fight in the bag. She soon realized that the length of a blade didn't matter to the Hinokami Kagura.
"Ha!" Pointing her finger she laughed. "That's what you… get?" In confusion she noticed Tanjiro now in front of her, her arm flying away, and her neck bleeding. The stump of a sword glowing crimson red as Tanjiro simply looked at Daki. "How?" That's when she saw it, an image superimposed over Tanjiro. What is this fear?! She was seeing Yoriichi's image, an instinctual fear welled up from the blood of Muzan himself. "Get away from me!" Yelling she jumped back throwing more poison out. A futile effort as Tanjiro blasted it away again before charging forth. Cutting through his opponent's defenses, but jumping away as her blood turned to poison.
"Tanjiro!" Daki's eyes widened as Muichiro, now out of breath threw Tanjiro his new sword. "Catch!" Dropping his ruined blade Tanjiro caught the new blade. The sword lit up crimson as Tanjiro put his strength into it. The image of Yoriichi was now stronger than ever with the ultimate demon slayer's old sword.
Rushing forward Tanjiro used his new sight to finally see Daki's weakness. The third eye in the middle of her forehead, as he vanished in a burst of speed Daki knew she was going to die. At least if she didn't do anything to stop the powerful slayer. The fear coming from Muzan's blood actually aided her in figuring out a way to survive. Raising her hand up she ripped her third eye out of her forehead. A moment later Tanjiro had cut right through her skull. As blood flew everywhere Daki smirked as her body crumbled.
"You may have won this time! But I will kill you for what you did to my brother! That is a promise!" She then looked to the sky and shouted. "Nakime! Get me out of here!" She then threw her eye into the sky, a door opening up and closing as the eye passed through it. She then looked at the demon slayers, at Tanjiro's still calm face. "I promise… I won't stop until… I've… won…" Her body crumbled into dust and Tanjiro sighed before looking back at his friends, still keeping his concentration.
"We need to go help Mitsuri and Genya. They're the only ones still fighting." As the two nodded in understanding Tanjiro briefly looked up at the sky. That's the third time an upper rank has escaped me. Now filled with determination he took off. I won't let a fourth do the same!
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Sensing something was up a battered and beaten Zohakuten paused in his movements. "It would appear that two of my fellow moons have failed." A dirtied Mitsuri and Genya smiled upon hearing that. Genya in particular couldn't help but boast.
"Oh yeah! See?! You uppermoons aren't so tough!" With a fist bump Mitsuri also yelled out her excitement.
"Hell yeah! Time for all of you villains to finally go down!"
That line seemed to piss of the uppermoon because he snapped at her. "I'm the villain?! No! All of you who prey and pick on the weak are the villains! Now die!" Sending out more wooden dragons the two slayers continued to destroy them. It was a battle of attrition now, what with Mitsuri's boundless vitality, and Genya's ability to regain strength by eating pieces of the demon's blood art. It was now a matter of when someone would make a mistake. Or as starting vestiges of light also suggested, a matter of when the sun rose up and killed the uppermoon.
It didn't help that the leftover weaker demons were now scattered and dusted. "Alright! Prepare to fire!" Looking at the source of the yell Zohakuten's eyes widened upon see the now armed smiths. Each one of them holding a rifle of some sort.
"Shit!" As the curse left his mouth, the swordsmiths opened fire and his body was riddled with bullet holes. Genya couldn't help but smirk and fire his own guns at the demon moon. Now with his body riddled with holes Zohakuten spat out blood as he literally leaked the life giving fluid. "You insects! Using fire arms is cowar-" He was cut off as another barrage of bullets hit his body. This is bad! Even if these don't cut off my head the bullets are actually hitting my real body! With thoughts of panic he decided he needed to do something about the smiths. "If you all want to fight! Then fine! I'll kill you all first!" Ignoring another barrage as Mitsuri and Genya panicked at the increase in wooden dragons.
Zohakuten heard something that sent a shiver down his spine. "That's enough." Turning around he saw Tanjiro looking at him, the young man's expression showing nothing but contempt. Jumping away the uppermoon tried to create as much distance as possible. His blood screaming at him to run from this foe.
"How did he get behind me?! I didn't even feel his presence!" Sending more dragons at Tanjiro the young man seemed to stand there, but as the dragons got within range of his blade. Tanjiro cut them all to pieces, his expression not changing one bit. "WHAT?! How did you do that?!" Tanjiro only looked forward; he was done letting uppermoons escape.
Only a dull tone could be heard as Tanjiro spoke. "Pray to Kami for a second chance where you don't become a demon." With a breath he remembered both Zenitsu's form as well as Michael's tenth and sheathed his sword.
Zohakuten shook his head, a look of confusion on his face. "What the hell are you-" He was cut off as he felt something off, his vision was getting closer to the ground, and he was now seeing things sideways. It was only then that he realized what had happened. "How did you know where my real body was?" He could feel it, the neck of his real body was destroyed, and now he could feel himself being turned to dust.
Tanjiro with a click sheathed his sword before letting his selfless state go turned to him sadly. "I could see it, don't ask me how. Even I'm not exactly sure how it works." Hantengu let out a laugh as the body around him disintegrated.
"I see… guess I really was just pathetic and weak after all." As he vanished Tanjiro sighed before feeling a pain come from his lungs. Holding his chest he fell to his knees.
Kanao with wide eyes ran over to her lover. "Tanjiro!" Kneeling down she started using a healing spell on his lungs. "You pushed yourself too far!" Tanjiro couldn't refute this… both figuratively and literally. Instead he opted to hug her close and kiss her with a smile. After a moment Kanao pulled back and hit him over the head. "Don't think that will keep you out of trouble!" Leaning over to Genya Mitsuri whispered to the young man.
"She says that… but her face is too red to be taken seriously." Genya folded his arms and nodded sagely.
"Ain't that the truth."
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Argentum: Well that's that for that chapter-
Grel'Slyfer: No! Enough of that!
Tanjiro: You did do that a couple chapters ago.
Argentum: Fine ruin my fun!
Muichiro: I thought it was funny.
Grel'Slyfer: Of course you did.
Daki: Argh! I can't believe I lost again!
Argentum: Well selfless state is pretty OP. Plus I do love the concept of it.
Grel'Slyfer: Yeah too bad you-
Argentum: No spoilers!
Grel'Slyfer: Fine…
Tanjiro: It really tires me out though.
Muichiro: Give it some time.
Argentum: Yeah, and with that I think we should end this. Daki! Mind doing so again?
Daki: Eh sure why not? Ahem… This has been a Dark Guard production now signing off!
Everyone: Goodbye!