Everyone stared at the screen, staying in absolute silence as they tried to register how a young Jaune was causing havoc in all of Beacon. As they stayed silent 3 portals opened up again and out came Cardin looking deep in thought while Winter and Cinder came out blushing a bit.
"Welp, I'm sure that was quite a shock to many of you." Azura chuckled lightly as everyone tried to come back to their senses. "Um the next reality will be a little sadder but for now Mr. and Mrs Arc if you could go through this portal you will be able to see your grandchildren." she finished as a portal emerged
"What do you mean it will be sa-" Nichocals began before getting cut off
"GRANDCHILDREN! OUM LET'S GO NICKY" Shouted Juniper as she pulled her husband with such force it made the large man wince a little before they were gone.
"Well then…Ahem now children I'm sure this future will not happen so please rest assured." Said Ozpin as he made a mental note to cancel Dust classes that Jaune was in.
"Y-yes that is true since we now know about this future we will do our best to prevent it." Said Glynda as she regained her composure.
"Yeah good luck with that" Whispered Qrow and Tai
"Oum am I glad he is not at Atlas Academy." Said Ironwood as he rubbed his forehead before Winter came to him.
"I Apologize for my absence sir but if I may ask what have I missed?" Winter asked her superior.
"You are honestly better off not knowing Winter but if that reality does appear again I will let you know." Responded Ironwood as Winter nodded but looked towards Weiss for a little knowledge.
Weiss just looked at Winter and cringed, shaking her head in a way that told Winter she was better off not knowing. Cinder passed by the group and sat with her team as she asked them the same as Winter.
"What have I missed? And do tell me everything as I'm sure you know I don't like things kept secret." Cinder spoke as Emerald began to speak up.
"W-well Cinder we saw a reality where Jaune was ex-" Emerald began whispering to Cinder before Mercury interrupted
"Jaune became a kid in the reality becoming somewhat of a bomb or animal according to his parents and now he is wrecking shit up at Beacon before they stopped the screening." he summarised as Emerald gave him a death glare for stealing her moment
Cinder raised an eyebrow clearly finding Mercury's story to be lacking much information but as she looked at Neo who was giving a grin and nodding her head she could tell that his story was true.
"S-so what did you see when you were on the other side of the portal?" Emerald spoke as CInder suddenly froze and began to blush a bit
"Hey yeah what did you 3 see in the other portals?" Asked Yang as she overheard Emerald ask
"I-I would r-rather not speak of it." Winter stated quickly as she began to blush and fidget
"I believe it is best that they tell us when they are ready." Penny said, earning a happy smile from Winter and secretly Cinder before she spoke again. "It seems that they might have seen something referred to as 'Smutty' on the other side of the portal as they both appear to be fidgeting and blushing quit-" Penny kept going before Coco covered her mouth.
"Sorry for that girl but try to read the mood" Coco said as Penny looked around to see the 2 ladies avoiding eye contact and trying hard to disappear as everyone stared at them.
"W-well…Um Cardin what did you see on your portal?" Asked a blushing Ruby as she caught on to what the ladies might have seen.
"Y-yes Cardin if you could. Please tell us what you saw." Weiss blushing also said trying to move the conversation
"I'm gonna puke if he had a smutty reality with Jaune." Whispered Neptune as Sun snickered
"Shut up the both of you cause it wasn't smutty." Cardin said to the relief of a few people. "It was just a weird reality if Jaune and I were friends."
"Well could you tell us a bit more about it?" Asked Pyrrha before Nora shouted.
"WAIT!" Nora shouted as almost everyone flinched from the sheer volume of her voice. "What do you mean the next reality will be sadder? What's gonna happen? Is one of us gonna die?" Nora said as everyone's attention turned to Azura.
"Yes, well before everyone began talking I wanted to say that the next few realities will be sadder as unfortunately….." Azura hesitated before speaking again "Mr. Arc will die in them…..so whenever you are ready we can begin." She finished as most went silent
"If I may ask, why will you be showing us realities of Mr. Arc dying?" Asked Ironwood as he was one of the few who remained unfazed.
"I do agree with the General. Why show us this if he just ends up dying?" Asked CInder
"Well my master wanted to show you all that even though in some realities Jaune dies. His death has an impact on future events and although we will not see most of them he would still like for you to witness your friend and acquaintance in these realities."
"Why on Remnant would he want us to witness his death?" Goodwitch said angrily
"I am not sure but if you will all face the screen I will begin." Azura finished as most of them looked on nervously.
The screen came to life and on display it showed a young boy with ruffled black hair with burgundy tips and a scar on the top left of his forehead, wearing a uniform that was beneath a checkered haori. However, they all saw the young boy trying to control his bleeding as they noticed blood coming from his abdomen and on the side of him was a train that had derailed from the tracks.
"Wait what's going on? Who is that kid?" Asked Blake confused
"Also what happened that the train derailed." Velvet added
"Well to summarize it the young man is named Tanjiro and along with his sister, 2 friends and Mr. Arc battled a demon known as lower rank 1 Enmu. The demon tried to kill all those on board the train but was stopped by the combined efforts of everyone. Although demons do not exist in your reality I can tell you that they are very powerful." Azura finished
"Then those that mean the demon hurt Tanjiro?" Ruby asked worried about the boy.
"No, he was stabbed by the train conductor under the demon's influence." Azura finished as everyone went back to looking at the screen.
As Tanjiro was controlling his breathing his view of the night sky was suddenly interrupted by the familiar face of Jaune.
"Hey it's the kid" Qrow said as everyone looked on with a little confusion on his facial appearance but decided not to speak on it.
"Yeah Jaune!" shouted Ruby
Jaune had long bright Blonde hair with red streaks akin to flames along with two shoulder-length bangs and two chin-length bangs on the side of his head, black forked eyebrows but still kept his blue eyes. He also wore a uniform similar to Tanjiro's but he wore red kyahan with yellow flames erupting from the bottom-up over his. As he looked at Tanjiro he began talking.
"I see you've mastered Total Concentration, Constant." He said with a smile and as his squeaky voice was now a deeper tone. "Impressive!"
"Rengoku…" Tanjiro spoke
"Wait Rengoku? Isn't his last name Arc?" Mercury asked
"Yes it is but Mr. Arc uses his mothers last name instead of his fathers." Azura spoke
"What is Total Concentration Constant?" Penny asked with her hand raised high.
"It is a breathing technique that maintains concentration status continuously, even while sleeping. Now please your attention to the screen." Azura said as everyone had a few questions about it still.
"After all, Constant is the first step toward becoming a Hashira." Jaune said
"What's a Hashira?" Tai asked
With a sigh Azura answered. "I apologize if I sound frustrated but since my master wanted me to show you this reality without me giving you knowledge on it…..it can become bothersome with so many questions. However I will say that the Hashira are the highest ranking combatants in the Demon Slayer Corps. As such, they are the organization's most elite and powerful warriors. The Demon Slayers being who Jaune and company work with. I will also tell you that although the Hashira are the strongest and can take on even the lower rank demons, It is the 6 Upper rank demons in which they can truly struggle against. The Upper ranks are the strongest demons out in the world. They have slain many Hashira and none have been killed in over 100 years." Azura finished as she turned to everyone. "You should be happy these demons do not exist in your reality. Just the lower ranks have enough power to go against even a maiden." She finished making most of the adults freeze from shock.
Cinder bit her lip at the knowledge of this but still thanked the heavens as she did not have to encounter a single one. "If you say they are as strong as a maiden how is it that this kid along with 4 others were able to defeat it?" Cinder asked curiously
"I would also like to know this." Ironwood said
"Wait what's a maiden?" Yang asked
"Oh thank god she asked, I was so confused." Sun said
"Well to tell you the truth most in the demon slayer corps are actually well trained to the point where they could beat huntsmen. Although some are still weak none of them have aura and/or semblances but they have what is called breathing techniques. Those who can master these techniques are incredibly strong. Tanjiro along with his friends except for his sister are slowly mastering these techniques and so are slowly becoming stronger. They might be as strong as you Headmaster Ironwood. However Mr. Arc being a Hashira has honed his techniques to near perfection. He has far surpassed any huntsman in power, intellect and battle experience and to put it simply. Mr. Arc has become stronger than anyone here. As for the maidens I will tell you all that later." Azura said as she began playing the reality.
Although furious about hearing that mere kids in the reality they were watching were almost as strong as her, Cinder could not help but be intrigued about these breathing techniques. Besides her, Neo was also curious about the techniques and what could be done with them.
'She already said the guy is gonna die but I'm sure he's gonna be displaying his techniques. Hopefully the battle is awesome so I can learn a lot.' Neo thought as she smiled evilly.
"Although, there might be 10,000 steps before you can become a Hashira." Jaune said, still smiling.
"I'll do my best." Tanjiro replied.
"You're bleeding from your abdomen. You have to concentrate harder and improve the precision of your breathing. Make your nerves reach every corner of your body. There's a blood vessel. A torn blood vessel." Jaune continued "Concentrate Harder." As Tanjiro closed his eyes for a few moments before opening them. "That's it. Stanch it. Stop the bleeding." He finished
As Tanjiro looked down to his abdomen he grit his teeth in pain but tried his best even as blood kept coming out. He then felt a finger on his forehead and looked up to Jaune "Focus" was all he said as Tanjiro grit his teeth and began to focus until finally stopping the bleeding.
Jaune kneeled down, happy that Tanjiro had succeeded. " Great! Looks like you stopped it. Youll be able to do all kinds of things when you master breathing. Not that youll be able to do everything, but you'll become a stronger version of yourself than yesterday for sure." Jaune finished
"Right." Tanjiro spoke as he was given a big smile from Jaune
"Those are some fine words of wisdom." Ozpin said as Glynda lightly nodded agreeing
"Everyone is safe!" Jaune shouted as he spooked Tanjiro a bit from the sudden loudness. "There are hordes of injured people, but no one's life is in danger. Don't strain yourself. Take it easy and rest up"
Tanjiro smiled up "Thank you very much" while Jaune gave him a nod.
Everything was quiet for a few minutes before a loud explosion came from behind them. Jaune turned his head slightly, losing his smile while Tanjiro tried to look and see what had happened. The dust cloud was slowly disappearing as Jaune turned his body around and gripped his katana ready for battle. As the dust cloud disappeared they were all able to see what caused the explosion. They saw a young man near Jaune's age. He had skin that was bright green-tinged white, decorated by a pattern of thick blue lines across his body. Also short, bright pink hair that fluffed out around his head, and inward-tilting yellow eyes with pink eyelashes and blue sclera that looked somewhat like cracked glass.
'T-that's the third strongest demon." Neptune said with a little bit of fear.
"He's just a young kid too." Winter said
"Looks can be deceiving." Qrow said, now paying close attention.
What caught everyone's attention though were his eyes. Etched into his irises as well was the kanji for Upper Rank 3. 'Upper….three. What's he doing here and now' was all that Tanjiro thought as the demon looked at Jaune before slowly turning to Tanjiro and narrowing his eyes. Within a few seconds the demon disappeared and moved so fast that his fist was about to hit Tanjiro's face but Jaune saw the demon.
'Flame Breathing, Second Form'…..Rising Scorching Sun!" Jaune said as he unsheathed his katana and sliced the demon's arm in 2 while flames surrounded the slash. They saw the demon jump back a few feet, he showed his sliced arm before it quickly slapped back together completely healing itself.
"That's a fine sword." It spoke, licking some blood as Jaune stayed alert.
His blade was engraved on the side with the word destroyer of demons. There is also a noticeable flame pattern on each side of his katana. His hilt was shaped as a fire ember
"Holy shit! How the hell did Jaune even see the demon. I was paying attention and couldn't see him." Mercury said shocked
"It moved so fast! It might even be faster than Ruby." Coco said
"Why did it attack Tanjiro though?" Tai asked as the adults began to look at this fight even more seriously.
"Sir I don't think that even the Tanjiro kid will survive." Winter whispered "That demon is too fast as it is the third strongest."
Before anyone spoke Ozpin raised his voice. "Students I know many of you are friends with Mr. Arc so I will ask you this once. If you are not prepared to see what is about to happen then I suggest you avert your eyes." he finished looking around as some looked around conflicted whether to watch this losing battle or not. However in the end they all faced the screen.
'He sure can regenerate fast.' Jaune thought 'This heavy and overwhelming demon aura…So, this is an Upper rank demon.'
"I can't understand why you'd go after a wounded person first!" Jaune said
"He could get in the way of the chitchat… of you and me." it responded
"What would you and I have to talk about? I'm meeting you now for the first time, but I already dislike you."
"Is that right? Well I loathe weak humans, too. The sight of a weakling makes my skiing crawl."
"Then, it looks like our senses of value are completely different."
"All right, then I have a brilliant proposal for you. Why don't you becvome a demon too?"
"I will not"
"I can tell your strength at a glance. You're a Hashira, aren't you? " The demon said as he looked at Jaune and could see a yellow orange light surrounding him. "Your fighting spirit has been honed to the hilt. It's close to the realm of the highest."
"I'm the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Jaune Rengoku."
"Im Akaza '' The demon spoke "Kyojuro… let me tell you why you can't enter the realm of the highest. Because you're human. Because you're going to grow old. Because you're going to die." Akaza said as he extended his hand. "Become a demon Kyojuro. Do that, and you can go on training for a hundred, for two hundred years. You can become stronger." he finished smiling
'Of all the demons that I've met until now, he has the strongest scent of Kibutsuji! I have to help him fight.' Thought Tanjiro as he turned to his stomach.
"Both growing old and dying are part of the beauty of being an ephemeral creature like a human. The fact that we grow old and die is what makes human life so unbearably precios and noble." Jaune said as the screen showed many people trying to get off the train and a young man with a boar head trying to forcibly pull a woman and an unconscious kid out from underneath the train. It then showed a young unconscious boy with yellow hair and a yellow haori with white triangles holding a child and a girl in pink close to him.
"'Strength' Isn't a word used to describe just the body. This boy isn't weak! Don't insult him." Jaune started as Akaza lost his smile "I'll repeat it as many times as it takes. You and I have different senses of value. No matter what the reason, I will not become a demon!"
"Good on you kid" Qrow said
"That's our leader." Pyrrha smile along with Ren
"Yeah Fearless leader would never become evil!" Shouted Nora
"Yeah!" agreed Yang, Ruby, Penny and Velvet
'What a fool. He would give up power and immortality just to die and grow old.' Cinder thought
'Idiot this why you're going to die' Emerald thought
A brief moment of silence passed before Akaza narrowed his eyes. "I see." he said as he cracked the knuckles in his right hand before stomping the ground and getting into a stance. Around him a snowflake glyph appeared and glowed red briefly before glowing blue.
"Technique development. Destructive death…Compass needle!"
They saw Jaune prepare himself for battle as the Akaza spoke once more.
"If you refuse to become a demon, I'll kill you."
Most watching held their breath for a second before the demon charged at Jaune with such speed that the ground where he stood broke. Jaune met him head on as he blocked a hit with his sword before swinging it himself as flames came forth. It then panned out to Tanjiro watching the 2 battle but could only see slashes and dust clouds form.
"They're moving incredibly fast. Not even I can keep up with their movements." Cinder spoke, narrowing her eyes at the screen.
"Jaune, please be safe." Pyrrha spoke worried but knowing it would not help
"What you are watching right now is the battle if all you were there in that reality. It seems like only 2 of you can barely keep up with their pace. One more than the other right, Ozpin." Azura spoke as most of the students and even Miss Goodwitch turned to him
"You can actually keep up with them?" Miss Goodwitch spoke
"As Miss Azura said, I can barely keep up with them. If anything I believe Miss Rose is faring better than me. Isn't that right Miss Rose?" Ozpin said as everyone turned to look at her in shock
"You can actually keep up with them?" Blake said shocked
"Mmm barely, they're moving way faster than I can but there are times when I can keep up just not a lot." Ruby said, trying to keep her focus on the battle.
'I can't follow their movements!' Tanjiro thought
"There were never any Flames among all the Hashira I've killed until now." Akaza spoke as Jaune dodged some swings before he bagan blocking the attacks. As he blocked they all noticed that sparks were being produced.
"The demon skins musty be extremely strong to be producing sparks against a sword" Neo thought
"And no one ever took me up on my offer, either." Akaza said as Jaune pushed back before they both attacked each other. As Jaune swung down he cut Akaza right on the wrist. As Akaza bled, everyone watching noticed that the blade did not go through. "Why do you think that is? As a fellow martial artist, I just don't get it. Not when only the chosen ones can become demons!" He finished as he swung at Jaunes head only to have his arm cut off. As the hand flew it showed Akaza smiling before a new arm sprouted where the old one had been cut off.
"He can regenerate?!" Shouted Sun
Watching the hideous decline of someone blessed with extraordinary powers… It pains me! I can't bear it!" Akaza shouted as he traded blows against Jaune's sword. "Die Kyojuro while you're still young and strong." Akaza said, looking at Jaune before he leaped in the air to avoid a slash.
"Destructive death…" Akaza began as he got into a different pose in the air and made fist. "Air type!" he said as he swung. Jaune looked around to see where the attack would come from but to his surprise he was knocked back by a shockwave hitting his sword. Akaza swung more times and Jaune defended.
'Shockwaves now….' Ozpin thought as he and his students looked on worriedly
"I see." Jaune said, looking at Akaza as he swung more times. "Flame breathing.. Fourth form… Blooming Flame Undulation!" He shouted as flames came forth almost looking like a whirlpool coming to him while the flames blocked the attacks. 'When he strikes the air with his fist, the attack will reach me here!' Jaune thought as he brought more flames forth to defend himself.
'He can move faster than the blink of an eye' He thought as Akaza landed. 'If I allow him to fight from a distance like this, slicing his head off will be tricky…. In that case…' Jaune thought as he made a stance before disappearing in a swirl of flames before reappearing in front of Akaza who looked surprised. 'I'll have to get up close!' Jaune swung his sword but Akaza moved back and dodged it.
"Holy crap this fight is insane. They're too fast." Tai said
"This superb reaction speed of yours…." Akaza began as they began trading blows again. Streaks of flames could be seen with Jaune's slashes while small shock waves covered Akaza's fists. "And these breathtaking sword skills will be lost too…Kyojuro! Doesn't that make you sad?"
"It happens to everyone! It's a fact of life for a human!" Jaune shouted while swinging his blade. The screen then turned back to Tanjiro trying to get up while the Boar head kid came into view witnessing the battle. "Stay where you are!" Jaune shouted while looking at them, making them both freeze.
"No Jaune don't take your eyes of the enemy!" Shouted Coco
"He's trying to keep those two safe and away from the battle" commented Ren
"If that wound reopens, It'll be fatal!" Jaune finished as he barely slashed a fist away
"Don't bother with that weakling, Kyojuro! Come one, give me your best shot!" Akaza said as he leapt away before landing a few feet away "Concentrate on me" He said as Jaune rushed him swinging as Akaza dodge it before he himself swung and was blocked by Jaune but then was blown away when Jaune used the momentum from the block to swing again.
Akaza was launched into the forest. The screen showed some trees getting blown away from the power of the swing. Jaune then rushed into the forest to keep being on the offensive and not letting the demon attack. As he ran through the forest Akaza suddenly appeared in front of him.
"Nice moves!" Akaza said as he swung while Jaune dodge before slashing himself. Akaza met the slash head on and lost an arm again but managed to kick Jaune away who barely blocked the kick. Jaune was sent flying all the way back to the train from the power of the kick.
"Rengoku!" Tanjiro shouted
"Ol' Goggle-eyes!" shouted Boar head
"The demon is too strong. Jaune is outmatched" Said Cardin
"Yeah but Jaune is still keeping up with him." Neptune said
"Exactly plus he's been able to land blows." Yang said
"I believe what Cardin is trying to say is that although friend Jaune is a strong fighter he is outmatched because the demon can not only regenerate but seems to have a lot more stamina." Penny chimed in
"The kid is right. As much as many of you don't want to believe it, Jaune is outmatched. Hell the demon might not even feel fatigue or pain while Jaune can feel it all as a human." Qrow spoke, silencing them all.
"Turn into a demon, Kyojuro" Spoke Akaza as he came out of the forest while Jaune leaned on his sword a bit trying to catch his breath. "Fight me forever and get stronger with me. You have what it takes to do that!" he finished as he regenerated his arm instantly
"I'll pass! Let me repeat it. I don't like you!" Jaune responded as he stood up and prepared himself again. "I will not become a demon!" He shouted as he charged at Akaza then jumped 'Flame Breathing… Third Form….' "Blazing Universe!" shouted Jaune as he came down with a powerful slash as his blade was engulfed with heavy flames.
"Magnificent! That's sensational!" Akaza said as they all saw him take some of the hit but dodge the rest before rushing forward. "Destructive death.. Air type!" He shouted as Jaune blocked the shockwave in the air before landing and rushing at him too.
As the 2 kept battling Tanjiro and the Boar Head could only stay and watch.
'There's no opening… I can't jump in. I can't keep up with the speed of their movements. Those two are in a different dimension. Getting between them would only mean death! I can feel it in my bones!' the Boar head thought as he watched the battle
"He can't help him either….." Velvet said sadly
"He isn't strong enough to help that's why." Emerald said
"I-i know but still…" Velvet responded
"It's not just that. Those two really are on a different level but even if the boar head could help I'm sure it would only hinder Jaune." Ironwood said
"Why would you say that? Wouldn't they be able to help each other out?" Asked Nora
"No they wouldn't. Jaune would have to not only defend himself but also the Boar Head and that could leave him with many openings." Blake spoke
'I can't move…because I know that even if I jumped in to back him up, I'd only be a hindrance to him!' Boar head finished confirming what Ironwood said. As Jaune and Akaza battled it was beginning to show that Jaune was tiring a bit as he barely dodged an upper kick from Akaza.
"Rengoku…" Tanjiro said as Jaune leapt back while Akaza created a crater with his fist where Jaune was just standing. Akaza then charged at Jaune and punched his sword while Jaune used the momentum to swing it back but Akaza blocked it with his forearm.
"You still don't get it? That if you continue attacking, you're just getting closer to death, Kyojuro?" Akaza spoke seriously
Jaune roared a bit as he pushed Akaza back before the demon was already attacking him again. As Jaune began blocking again from the barrage of fists he was not able to block in time as Akaza's right fist grazed Jaune's upper left forehead slicing him a bit making some in the audience worry. Jaune jumped back a bit before he charged forward ignoring his wound before dodging another fist.
'Flame Breathing, First Form…Unknowing fire!' Jaune thought as his blade glowed red for a moment before he swung and concentrated flames sliced both Akaza's arms as he blocked.
"It would be a shame to kill you now!" Akaza shouted as he regenerated both his arms instantly and went to attack again while Jaune began to struggle to block him. "You havent reached your physical peak yet!" He shouted before he made a feint and then struck Jaune while he made to block the feint. As Akaza's fist collided with Jaune's right side it began digging into him as he coughed up some spit and was pushed back a bit with a pained expression.
"Oh no Jaune!" Shouted Ruby as she saw
"Damn that hit was solid." Mercury mentioned
"I'm surprised he did not cough up blood considering he must have damaged organs." Cinder said, making some of the others tear up.
"Hey! Keep your comments to yourself. Can't you see his team and his friends are worried." Tai shouted as Cinder looked at him before looking back at the screen.
'Second Form, Rising Scorching Sun!' Jaune thought as he slashed upwards while Akaza blocked and leapt back a bit before moving towards Jaune.
"In a year or two, you'll have polished your skills even more, and you'll have greater precision!" Akaza said punching at Jaune while he blocked. Akaza then went for a punch to Jaune's face.
As Jaune blocked the attack with all his might the wound from the punch to his right side began to hurt him as he slightly faltered in the block. Akaza pushed his fist past his blade and collided with Jaune's left eye damaging it shut but as Jaune moved back he pressed on and began to slash at Akaza again.
"Oh no his eye!" Pyrrha said
"This is bad. He is taking too much damage.." Winter said
"And yet the enemy hasn't been dealt anything." Miss Goodwitch said sadly
"Third Form…Blazing Universe!" Jaune shouted as Akaza reared back a fist but before the attack reached his neck he swung his fist into the air. Jaune knowing already what Akaza did, stopped his attack midway and went to block.
"Fourth Form.. Blooming Flame Undulation!" Jaune shouted as the whirlpool of flames blocked the attack and pushed Akaza back.
"Destructive Death…" Akaza began as he got into a stance again.
"Fifth Form…" Jaune said as he got into a stance and moved towards the demon. "Flame Tiger!" He shouted as he lifted his sword and heavily swung it down, producing a tremendous amount of flames that transformed to a tiger roaring and charging at Akaza.
"Disorder!" Akaza shouted as massive blasts of blue began to glow and shoot towards Jaune. As the Tiger and blasts collided they seem to be equally matched in strength.
"Kyojuro!" Akaza shouted charging with his blast while Jaune charged in with his tiger. He swung at Jaune's head who was able to dodge it and enter Akaza's space before they looked at each other for a brief moment. Jaune then swung his sword aiming for the demon's neck but Akaza moved back in time and was slashed in his chest and his arm was cut.
They all saw as Akaza moved into the dust cloud and crouched down. The viewers also saw blood dripping to the ground from Jaune
"..… He's to hurt…." Weiss said
"The battle is over. He's a goner." Signed Neo
"It seems like Mr. Arc has reached his limit.." Ozpin said
Akaza regenerated his hand as he stood up from the dust cloud and just looked at Jaune who looked back but was panting. He had blood covering most of his left side of the face and blood was showing through his black uniform.
'Don't tell me..' Tanjiro thought as he looked at the katana in Jaune's hand trembling slightly 'No way! Rengoku!'
"Let's fight more." Akaza said as he calmly looked at Jaune. "Don't die on me, Kyojuro… Even if you fight to death, you can't win, Kyojuro." He said, narrowing his eyes at Jaune before touching the slash on his chest as it healed. "Those impressive slashes you inflicted on me have already healed completely…. But what about you? A smashed left eye, Shattered ribs and damaged internal organs….. If you were a demon, you'd heal in a blink of an eye." He continued as some of the audience looked on sad at the news of the damage Jaune had received.
"Those would be mere scratches to a demon." Akaza said, opening his arms to show he was ok despite the damage he took. "You can struggle all you want, but a human can never beat a demon."
"Humans can defeat demons if it weren't for their regeneration." Penny said seriously hoping the demon would hear.
'I want to go help him!' Tanjiro said as he struggled to get up past kneeling. 'But there's no strength in my arms or legs. It's partly because of my injury but this always happens after I use the Hinokami Kagura technique!' he thought wincing from the pain
The screen then panned to Jaune still panting before he took in a deep breath. His body was then engulfed in a bright red orange light looking like a flame as some light wind surrounded him.
"Kyojuro,why….." Akaza said
"I…" Jaune began as he picked up his katana and moved his foot readying himself. "I will fulfill my duty! I will not allow anyone here to die!" he went on now smiling. 'Ill damage his body as much as I can in an instant!' Jaune thought as he got into a stance.
'Flame Breathing… Esoteric Art!' Jaune thought as the flame light suddenly dispersed surrounding the area around Akaza who felt it.
"What tremendous fighting spirit!" Akaza said in awe "Amazing aura despite all those injuries! That mental strength." He continued as he began to smile "That airtight stance! Heh heh haha…. You have to become a demon, after all, Kyojuro! Lets fight each other for all eternity!"
'Set your heart ablaze.' Go beyond your limits!' Jaune thought as flames engulfed his heart and spread throughout his body.
As everyone stared at the screen no one said anything. Some out of anticipation, some out of fear for their friend but one thing they knew is that the battle was about to end.
"I'm the Flame Hashira… Kyojuro Rengoku!... Ninth Form… Rengoku!"
"Destructive Type… Annihilation Type!"
As Akaza got into a new stance Jaune stepped with such power that it cracked the earth as flame embodied his foot before panning out as he charged towards Akaza. Jaune's whole body then became engulfed in fierce flames as the screen panned out further to show that the flames had become a the dragon roared its way to Akaza. He smiled before he opened both hands revealing blue orbs with immense power they looked like they were steaming blue.
Everyone watching both in the reality and the void held their breath and were in awe at the immense power being shown.
As Jaune and Akaza collided it their power seemed to match each other as the force of the clash caused a massive explosion. The shockwave reaching Tanjiro and the Boar Head
"Rengoku!" Tanjiro yelled
It then showed Jaune inside the explosion surrounded by flames as he roared while slashing at Akaza who tried to punch only to have his arm split in half. Smiling maniacally, Akaza looked towards Jaune who brought his sword up to slash down again, this time aiming for his neck. As the blade neared the Akaza's neck he was able to deflect it to the right side of his body. Jaune's blade carved through the demon's body all the way to its lower right abdomen where it seemed as though Jaune blade shot flames through the wound. As the demon showed a moment of actual worry Jaune turned the blade upward and roared fiercely as he carved upwards and exited Akaza's left shoulder.
The screen then panned out showing that Jaune and Akaza were inside a flaming tornado. As it swirled fiercely it then died out causing a large dust cloud to form and blind all seeing.
'Rengoku!' Tanjiro thought as the dust disappeared "I see hi–" Tanjiro said as he tried to see Jaune "Ren…..goku.." He stopped as his widened in horror before he began to scream.
"AAAH!" screamed out Nora
"NOOO! JAUNE!" Velvet shouted
"Oh….no" Pyrrha choked on her words as she began crying
In the audience the reactions were all different. While Cinder's team did not cry they could not help but feel sorry and bad for Jaune.
'You tried your best Jaune..but sadly you were outmatched..' Cinder thought as she remembered a time when even though someone was stronger she wanted to keep fighting. Not for others but to protect herself.
Neo gave a look of sadness as she was secretly rooting and hoping Jaune would win
General Ironwood could only close his eyes knowing all too well how the students are feeling at seeing their friend. Winter looked down sadly. 'It seems he couldn't live afterall' she thought as she went to comfort Weiss who was trying to hold her tears back
Qrow just took a heavy chug from his flask before noticing that Tai had left to hug Ruby who was crying uncontrollably. "Fuck" he cursed as he went to Yang and hugged her as she began crying too
Ozpin simply looked on with no emotion shown on his face but in his eyes he was deeply saddened and seeing his student. Miss Goodwitch was no better as she closed her eyes and had to look away covering her mouth. As much as people say she is very strict and mean she was still human and although Jaune was her weakest student she still cared for him.
On the screen it showed Jaune with his blade still held up in one hand and then it showed Akaza with injuries too looking up at Jaune but then it showed that his right arm had completely gone through Jaunes abdomen. Jaune then coughed up some blood while looking at Akaza.
"You'll die! This will kill you, Kyojuro!" Akaza said almost sadly. "Become a demon!" He went on as his body began healing itself from all the damage. "Say that you'll become a demon!.. You are…. Strong and one of the chosen ones!"
As Jaune looked down he then heard a small chime and remembered a moment he had with his mother. It then showed a woman with red eyes and long dark hair who looked bedridden looking out to the yard. On her side was medicine and a young girl by her legs sleeping while a younger Jaune sat by her side.
"What's going on?" Emerald asked, confused.
"Kyojuro…"
"Yes, Mother?"
"I want you to think hard….about what I'm about to ask you. Do you know why you were born stronger than others?"
As the young boy looked to his mother he thought about speaking before stopping himself.
"I don't know!"
"So that you can save weaker people. Those who were born blessed with more gifts than others are obligated to use those gifts for the world and other people.
The woman spoke as Jaune listened. It the showed the young girl on bed asleep before showing the lady again.
"You must never use that God-given strength to hurt others or for personal gain. It is the duty of those born strong to help the weak. It is a mission they must fulfill responsibly. Make sure you never forget that."
"I won't!" Said Jaune diligently
As she spoke some in the crowd calmed down listening to the words of who they could only know was Jaune's mother in their reality. Some taken her words to heart while others scoffed mentally
She suddenly held her arms out for Jaune to come and hug her. He seemed surprised for a moment before he got up and hugged her. She held him closely as she began to tear up.
"I don't have much time to live. I was blessed to be the mother of such a strong and gentle child. I will entrust everything to you." she finished as it showed Jaune's eyes widened before becoming teary.
The screen then switched to Jaune's hand holding the katana as his veins began to pop up. It then showed him gritting his teeth as he swung down and caught Akaza off guard while his blade cut a little into the demon's neck. As Jaune grit his teeth trying to muster as much strength as he could veins began to pop in his face too.
'Mother. It was an honor for me to have been born to such a person as you!' Jaune thought as he then shouted and sliced into Akaza's neck more.
As Akaza felt the blade go into his neck more he balled his right hand into a fist and swung at Jaune's face but before it could connect Jaune's free hand grabbed his arm stopping it and surprising him.
Those who had been crying and averting their eyes began to look towards the screen again in some hope that Jaune could win.
'He stopped it! What unbelievable strength! I've pierced through his solar plexus with my right arm!' Akaza said as he then looked towards the top of the train in panic as some light could be seen. 'Damn! It'll be daybreak soon! I have to kill him and get out of here!'
As Akaza moved to free himself he found himself dragging Jaune with him as he was stuck. He began tucking his arm but to no avail
'I can't….Pull my arm out!"
'I won't let you escape!
It then showed Akaza struggling to free himself as Jaune looked at him and tried to keep him from escaping. Tanjiro was then seen running to his katana.
'No matter what Rengoku says…' He thought as he picked up his katana 'I have to…do it right now! I have to slice off the demon's head! Quickly!' Tanjiro finished as he began running towards Jaune. It then showed more light appearing over the train as the morning sun began to rise.
As everyone watched they could not help but hold their breaths. Hoping that Tanjiro can reach Jaune in time or that the sun rises faster.
'The sun's coming up! There'll be sunlight here! I have to get away!' Akaza thought, becoming more panicked and desperately trying to free himself. 'I have to get away!' he finished as his veins began to pop in his head and then gave a roar loud enough that it echoed and even hurt Tanjiro's ears as he covered one.
'No way am I ever letting go! Not until I chop off your head!' Jaune thought as he himself began to roar
"Out of my way!" Akaza shouted as Jaune continued to roar
"You can do it Jaune!" Shouted Coco trying to shout some support
"Go Jaune!" Sun shouted
"Yeah you can win!" Neptune joined his best friend
"Jaune, please you can win!" Pyrrha yelled
As Jaune's blade carved its way halfway through Akaza's neck the Boar Head held his head up. He was frozen in place by this battle and the situation at hand before he heard a voice
"Move, Inosuke!" Tanjiro yelled as Inosuke then looked back to his friend who was running desperately towards the duo. "Mover your body for Rengoku's sake!" as Tanjiro finished it seemed to snap Inosuke out and he began to charge towards Jaune and Akaza
"Come on, you can do it!" shouted Weiss
"Defeat the damn demon" shouted Tai as Ruby nodded her head hard.
"Please be able to beat him." Ozpin said quietly, hoping for his student's victory.
'Beast Breathing, Fang One…' Inosuke thought as he leaped into the air before positioning his two blades forward in the direction of Akaza 'Pierce!'
It then zoomed in on a desperate Akaza who by sheer power was able to rip both his arms in half. Stomping the ground and cracking it he leapt into the air breaking Jaune's katana in the process and sending Inosuke back from the shockwave.
"NO!" Yelled Blake
"Damn it!" Shouted Ironwood in frustration
"He was so close." Mercury commented feeling sorry for Jaune
It then showed Inosuke falling behind Jaune while the latter began to fall forward onto his knees. Akaza was shown in midair still scared and now angry with both his forearms missing and the broken katana stuck halfway in his neck. He then looked at the train and saw that the sun would be on him in seconds.
'I have to find refuge from the sunlight!' Akaza thought, still sweating and with his veins out he regenerated his forearms before charging into the dark forest.
Tanjiro then arrived where Akaza charged from and lifted his katana and took a deep breath as redder flames came from his mouth looking at Akaza. He then threw his sword which looked to be engulfed in the redder flames too.
'That took too long!' Akaza thought, running through the dark forest as he pulled out Jaune's broken blade and threw it aside. 'I have to get away from the sun!' he finished as he suddenly looked back only to see Tanjiro's blade hurling towards him. As he was impaled he suddenly looked back angrily but began to run again.
"Don't run away!" Tanjiro shouted "Don't run away, you coward! Don't run away!"
As Akaza stopped he looked back at Tanjiro with such anger and bloodlust his veins popped up again on his face.
'What the hell is that brat talking about? Doesn't he have a brain in his head? I'm not running from you! I'm running away from the sun!' Akaza thought angrily before he began running again. 'And besides, the battle's already been decided!' He thought as it showed Jaune on his knees with the fist still in him. 'He'll run out of strength and die soon!' he finished as he disappeared into the darkness.
"The Demon Slayer Corps.. Is always fighting you demons in the dark of the night where you have the advantage! That's right, us flesh and blood humans!" Tanjiro shouted "Our wounds don't close up that easily! And we cannot regenerate a limb once lost! Don't run away, you bastard! You bastard! You coward!" He went on as it showed Inosuke shaking slightly. Then it showed as Jaune shook a bit and looking at Tanjiro "Rengoku is way more amazing than you! He's stronger! Rengoku didn't lose! He didn't let anyone die! He fought to the end! He protected them to the end! You're the one who lost! It's Rengoku who won!" Tanjiro finished out of breath as he began to sob instead.
Those watching could only look on as Tanjiro was shouting out of frustration. Those who were crying began again and even Sun and Coco began crying while their partners hugged them trying to hold their own tears back
Tanjiro then fell to his knees screaming and crying while Inosuke continued to shake. Jaune looked at him a little surprised before he smiled
"Stop yelling already. You'll reopen your stomach wound. You're badly injured, too, remember? If you die young Kamado,it'll mean I'm the loser." Jaune said
"Rengoku.." Tanjiro spoke
"Come over here. Let's talk a bit one last time." Jaune said as Tanjiro got up and walked towards him. In the back a crow could be seen landing on the train and looking towards them.
"There's something I remembered while I was dreaming. You should go to my parents' home, the Arc residence. There should be some notes left by the preceding Flame Hashira. My father read them often, but since I never did, I don't know what's in them." Jaune said as it showed the demon's hand disintegrating in the sunlight now opening his stomach wound completely.
"There might be some kind of record of that Hinokami Kagura you mentioned." Jaune went on, his voice straining a bit as blood began to pool out of his wound staining his uniform fast.
"R-Rengoku, please don't talk any more." Tanjiro spoke with a shaky voice "Please stop the bleeding with a breathing technique! Isn't there a way to close up your wounds?" He finished as Jaune continued to smile.
Everyone watching remained silent trying to hear the last conversation between Jaune and the kids who were there with him.
"No. I'll be dead soon." Jaune said, making Tanjiro widen his eyes from shock. "I'm going to tell you all I can while I can still talk, so listen, will you? Tell my little sister Joanne…. To follow her heart….and to walk down the path that she feels is right. Tell my father… that I want him to take care of himself." He continued as it showed Inosuke shaking beside him. On the floor a pool of blood was beginning to form around Jaune as it stained the bottom portion of his kyahan while Tanjiro looked down in horror.
"One more thing. Young Kamado… I believe in your little sister. I accept her as a member of the Demon Slayer Corps. I saw her bleeding as she protected the humans inside the train" Jaune said as it showed a young girl slashing at meat tentacles with her claws. "Anyone who risks their lives fighting demons to protect humans… is a rightful member of the Demon Slayer Corps no matter what anyone else says." It then showed Jaune still smiling looking at Tanjiro. "Go ahead and live with your head held high! No matter how devastated you may be by your own weakness or uselessness.. Set your heart ablaze."
As Tanjiro kept crying he could only nod to Jaune's words. "Grit your teeth and look straight ahead. Even if you stop and crouch down, the time won't wait for you… or snuggle you and grieve along with you. Don't feel bad that I'm going to die here. As a Hashira, of course I would shield my juniors. Any other Hashira would've done the same thing. We never let the young buds get nipped. Young Kamado…. Young Boar Head…" Jaune said, making them both look at him "Yellow boy…" as it showed the unconscious yellow haired kid from earlier trying to hide Tanjiro's sister from the sun in a box. "Keep learning and grow and then, become the next Hashira supporting the Demon Slayer Corps. I believe in you. I believe in you all." He finished
Tanjiro kept crying as he held his head down and tried to remove his tears. Inosuke was shaking badly from trying to hold his tears back and after hearing what Jaune had to say. Jaune who was still smiling kept looking at Tanjiro even as his vision started to fade but at a moment a figure appeared in white a few feet away. As Jaune's eyes widened in shock he could see that the figure was his mother looking at him.
'Mother…. Do you think I did it right? Did I carry out what I had to do… and my duties?' Jaune thought, looking towards his mother.
'You made me proud' she said giving him a warm smile and nodding
Jaune who kept looking at her gave one big smile, happy to have kept his promise to his mother. Smiling he closed his eyes as his life faded away he kept on being happy.
Before the screen could show more Azura stopped it looking on as everyone was still silent. Some cried while others held their heads down in thoughts.
"I believe we should probably end this here." Azura said.
