As Percy faced the ominous presence of Upper Moon Three, he could feel the weight of the battle still lingering in his tired body. Yet, his determination to protect the innocent and defeat the demons pushed him forward.
The figure with the pink hair and blue marks continued to advance, his sinister grin never leaving his face. Percy had encountered many formidable foes in the past, but this one was different. There was an air of confidence and power that sent shivers down his spine.
Before he could even react, the demon moved with astonishing speed towards Tanjiro, his fist poised to strike. But just in the nick of time, Kyojuro appeared between them, saying "Flame Breathing… Second Form—Ascending Blazing Sky!". With a powerful upward cut, Kyojuro sliced through the Oni's right arm, severing it up to the elbow.
Taking a few steps back, the Oni, seemingly unfazed by the loss of his limb, extended his arm and instantly regenerated it. "Good blade," he said, licking the last droplets of blood. Percy's eyes widened in astonishment. This was no ordinary opponent; his regenerative abilities were on a whole new level, unlike any other Oni he encountered before.
Percy could feel the tension in the air as the demon taunted them with a sinister grin. It was clear that this battle would not be an easy one.
Kyojuro's eyes blazed with fury as he confronted the demon. "I cannot understand why you're targeting a wounded person," he said, his voice tinged with anger.
The Oni simply smiled viciously and replied, "I thought he'd just get in the way between you and me. All of them." He glanced at Percy and Inosuke, who still lay on the ground, a look of disdain in his eyes.
Kyojuro's grip on his sword tightened. "Do we have something to talk about? It's our first time meeting, but I already hate you," he retorted.
The demon's grin widened, and he responded, "Is that so? I really hate weak humans too. When I look at weaklings, I feel disgusted."
Percy could feel the anger rising within him. His arrogance and cruelty were infuriating, but he knew that getting consumed by his emotions would not help them win this battle.
"Weak or not, we won't back down," Percy said, his voice firm and resolute. "Our strength doesn't come from underestimating others or seeking dominance. It comes from protecting those we care about and standing up for what's right."
The Oni turned his eyes to look at him. "Oh, so you think you are strong, don't you? In that case, I have a wonderful proposal for both of you. How about becoming an Oni too?" he asked, his sinister grin never faltering.
Percy felt a surge of anger rising within him. He had faced countless challenges and fought to protect both his world and the innocent lives within it. The idea of becoming a demon, surrendering to darkness, was inconceivable to him.
Before Percy could respond, it was Kyojuro who spoke up with unwavering conviction, "No chance."
The demon turned his gaze to Kyojuro, his eyes scanning the Flame Hashira intently. "I know your strength just by looking at you. You're a Hashira, right? Your battle spirit is quite polished. You're getting close to supreme territory," he remarked.
Kyojuro didn't waver in the face of the Oni's scrutiny. "I am the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku," he declared proudly.
His smile only grew wider as he continued, "And I am Akaza. Kyojuro, I'll tell you why you aren't crossing into supreme territory. Because you are human. Because you'll grow old. Because you'll die."
Akaza opened both of his arms, as if offering a tantalizing gift. "Become a demon, Kyojuro. If you do, you can continue to train for a hundred, even two hundred years. You can become stronger," he enticed.
It reminded Percy of when he was offered godhood. He decided to speak up, his words echoing with determination, challenging Akaza's twisted offer. "You are a fool if you think any of us will be persuaded by immortality. What makes our lives special is the feeling of experiencing something for the first time and knowing it'll be something unique. Because we grow up and die, all of our experiences are more memorable. It's what makes life special for us!"
Kyojuro nodded in agreement, adding his unwavering resolve to Percy's statement. "It's true. These boys aren't weak. Don't insult them. I'll say it once and for all: you and I have very different moral values. No matter what kind of motivation I may have, I will never become a demon."
The sinister grin on Akaza's face turned into a scowl. His eyes narrowed, burning with an intensity that sent chills down their spines. "I see. If you won't become a demon, then I'll kill you!" he declared, his voice cold and menacing.
With a deadly swiftness, Akaza assumed a formidable fighting stance. His extended arm, palm facing his target, and the other bent at the waist with a closed fist, all showcased his immense power and skill. As he uttered the words "Destructive Kill: Compass Needle," he lunged towards Kyojuro, aiming to deliver a lethal blow.
But Kyojuro was prepared for Akaza's powerful attack. Calmly assuming a stance, he declared, "First Style—Sea of Fire!" Meeting Akaza's fist with the flat of his blade, the two clashed with a force that sent shockwaves through the air. Percy, holding tightly onto Riptide, felt the urge to join the fight, but Kyojuro stopped him in his tracks. "Stop! I will handle him! He's an Upper Moon, you are no match for him," he warned.
Although Kyojuro seemed determined to protect Percy from harm, Percy felt his own strength was not lacking. His injuries were manageable, and he could keep up with the others in the battle. Still, he respected Kyojuro's concern for his safety and decided to trust his judgment.
As the intense fight continued, Akaza spoke once more, expressing his frustration at the Hashira's refusal to accept his offer. "Of all the Hashiras I killed until now, none of them were of flames. And none of them ever agreed to my invitation! Why is that? As someone who trained in martial arts, I find them hard to understand. And they say only those who were chosen can become demons. This is unbearable! Just die, Kyojuro, while you're young and strong!"
With each swing of his sword, Kyojuro defended himself against Akaza's relentless assault, but the demon's attacks were unyielding. Percy watched as Kyojuro's resolve never wavered, even under the immense pressure. He couldn't help but admire his strength and determination.
Kyojuro's movements were swift and precise as he expertly blocked Akaza's powerful shockwaves. By punching the air in front of him, Akaza was creating strong bursts of winds that Kyojuro was blocking with his sword. Each blow was deflected with a calculated precision, showcasing his mastery of the Flame Breathing techniques. The shockwaves crashed against Kyojuro's blade, but he stood firm, refusing to yield an inch.
Percy observed the intense battle between Kyojuro and Akaza. Kyojuro fought bravely, but as the fight progressed, he noticed that the Flame Hashira was beginning to show signs of fatigue. Fighting such a formidable opponent and using various forms in a row was taking a toll on his body.
Unwilling to stand idly by, Percy made a decision. He knew he had to support Kyojuro, even if it meant going against his orders. Taking a deep breath, he called upon his water powers, and as he held Riptide, his sword began to radiate with a gleaming aqua light as the moisture from the air condensed itself around it.
"Tanjiro, Inosuke, I'm going in. Don't follow me, your bodies are not in shape to continue fighting" he said before turning his back to them.
With a burst of agility, Percy leaped over Kyojuro and positioned himself in front of the Hashira, prepared to face Akaza head-on. Taking a deep breath and adjusting his stance to block the attack, Percy muttered "Ocean Breathing… Fourth Form—Coral Barrier."
As Akaza rushed in for a close-range attack, Percy stood his ground, meeting the demon's powerful fist with the flat of his blade. The impact sent shockwaves through his body, but Percy held firm. He adjusted his posture to lessen the force of the blow, using the water-infused blade to absorb and disperse the attack.
Amidst the clash, Percy marveled at the effectiveness of the Fourth Form. It was a technique he had been developing with Giyuu just the day before, and its defensive capabilities were impressive. The stance held strong against Akaza's onslaught.
Gritting his teeth, Percy spoke to Kyojuro from the corner of his eyes, determined to prove himself. "Don't underestimate me. I'm very strong. If we fight together, we can hold him until the sun arrives."
Kyojuro, though surprised by Percy's sudden appearance, couldn't help but smile. "You're right. Together, we'll win."
With renewed determination, Kyojuro and Percy stood side by side, ready to confront Upper Moon Three and protect those they cared about. The battle was far from over, but they refused to back down. Akaza grinned menacingly, sensing the unwavering resolve in their stance. "So a weakling came out to play? That's an interesting trick you've done with your blade. No matter, the result will be the same," he taunted, his eyes fixated on Kyojuro.
Ignoring the demon's taunts, Kyojuro shouted a warning to Tanjiro, who was trying to stand up despite his injuries. "Kamado! Don't move! If your wound opens, it will be fatal!" Kyojuro's concern for his comrade was evident, and Percy admired the Flame Hashira's sense of responsibility.
As Percy locked eyes with Tanjiro, silently urging him to stay put, he noticed the frustration in his friend's expression. It seemed that Tanjiro's determination to help had been ignited by Percy's own actions, but he understood that his body couldn't handle another fight.
Akaza's sinister grin grew wider, clearly enjoying the challenge before him. "Don't mind the weaklings, Kyojuro! Give it all you got! Focus on me!" the demon goaded, his voice dripping with malice.
As Kyojuro tightened his grip on his sword, Percy felt an increase in heat, almost like there were invisible flames surrounding the Hashira, his voice reverberating with unwavering determination. "I won't let you lay a finger on them!" he declared, his eyes locked on the menacing figure of Upper Moon Three. "Flame Breathing… Fifth Style—Flame Tiger!"
Without missing a beat, Kyojuro unleashed his intense and fierce attack that resembled a roaring tiger charging forward. The blade surged towards Akaza with formidable speed.
Akaza, not one to be outmaneuvered, prepared to meet Kyojuro's attack with his own technique, his arms coiling back, ready to strike with deadly precision. However, before he could unleash his counterattack, Percy intervened with incredible speed.
"Oh, no you won't!" Percy shouted, his voice resolute as he summoned the power of the Ocean Breathing First Form—Wave Crash Slash. With a swift and precise strike, he aimed straight at Akaza's arms, determined to disrupt the demon's movements and create an opening for Kyojuro's attack.
Percy's blade cut through both of Akaza's arms, causing the demon to falter and lose his balance for a moment. This split-second interruption was enough for Kyojuro's attack to cleanly make his path towards the Upper Moon's neck, fully intending on decapitating him.
However, Akaza's reactions were quick. With lightning-fast reflexes, he tilted his head back, causing Kyojuro's blade to only do a halfway cut through his neck. Despite the serious wound, Akaza managed to put some distance between himself and the demon slayers, leaping backward to create space for his limbs and neck to regenerate.
As the wound rapidly healed, Akaza sent a murderous glare towards Percy. "So the weakling is not that much of a weakling, after all," he sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "Very well. I'll take this more seriously."
Percy and Kyojuro braced themselves for the next onslaught as they felt the atmosphere around Akaza shift. A dazzling blue compass, seemingly made out of pure magic, appeared underneath the demon, its intricate design pulsating with an ominous aura. The air around them grew heavy, and Percy could sense the immense power gathering within Akaza.
With a cruel smirk, Akaza taunted them, his voice dripping with arrogance. "If you were Onis, you wouldn't be so tired as you are now," he sneered, his eyes locking onto Kyojuro's and Percy's forms. "Pathetic humans, barely clinging to life."
Percy felt a surge of anger rising within him. "We won't fall for your empty words," he retorted, his grip on Riptide tightening. "We choose to cherish every moment of our lives, to fight for what's right, and to protect the people we hold dear. Becoming a demon would mean abandoning everything we stand for!"
Akaza chuckled darkly, as if thoroughly amused by their defiance. "Such idealistic nonsense. You're nothing more than fleeting mortals," he scoffed, his eyes shifting between Kyojuro and Percy. "But perhaps, in time, you'll come to realize the true meaning of strength. The allure of immortality is unmatched. Think about it carefully."
With another wave of his hand, the blue compass beneath him glowed even brighter, crackling with immense energy. "I'll give you both one last chance," Akaza said, this time extending the offer to Percy as well. "Embrace the gift of immortality, and you can be stronger than you could ever be."
Kyojuro's eyes narrowed, his resolve unwavering as he firmly refused Akaza's offer once again. "I will never forsake my humanity for the sake of power," he declared, his voice echoing with conviction. "My strength comes from my humanity, my bonds with others, and my unwavering will to protect them!"
Without hesitation, Kyojuro and Percy charged towards Akaza, their swords gleaming with determination. However, they soon realized the immense difference in their strengths. Percy was quick to realize Akaza was not joking about taking this more seriously. His movements became almost too fast to follow, and his counterattacks were devastatingly precise.
Percy swung Riptide with all his might, but Akaza effortlessly ducked under the wide arc of the blade and delivered a powerful punch to Percy's gut. The demigod felt the air knocked out of his lungs as he was sent flying through the air, crashing onto the ground several meters away.
Percy lay sprawled on the ground, gasping for air as intense pain coursed through his body. Every breath felt like a cruel struggle, as if his ribs were daggers embedded in his chest, piercing deeper with each inhale. He could almost hear the distinct crack of his bones as they splintered from the force of Akaza's punch. Agony rippled through him, and he clutched his side, cradling the source of his torment.
"Get up! Kyojuro needs you!" Percy's thoughts screamed in his mind, urging him to rally against the pain, to rejoin the battle. He knew that his friend was fighting with every ounce of his being, and he couldn't let Kyojuro down.
Summoning every last ounce of determination, Percy attempted to take a deep breath, willing his battered body to obey. But as he inhaled, the taste of iron filled his mouth, and he coughed, spraying droplets of crimson onto the ground. Bloodied and weakened, he clenched his teeth and tried again, managing a shallow, painful breath.
His trembling hand fumbled for his water pouch, fingers slick with his own blood. With a grimace of pain, Percy managed to grasp it and, with unsteady hands, poured the cool water over his wound. The shock of the liquid made him shiver, but as it coursed over his injured ribs, it felt like a balm on his burning flesh. The pain slowly ebbed away, and Percy could feel his fractured bones knitting together as he focused his attention on the battle that raged not far from him.
Desperation etched on his face, Percy pleaded silently, his eyes locked on Kyojuro's struggle. "Hold on," he whispered through gritted teeth, his voice barely a murmur amidst the chaos. With every second that passed, he could feel his strength returning, the healing waters of his heritage mending his wounds. Percy knew that he had to get back into the fight as soon as he could, not only for himself but also for Kyojuro, who needed him now more than ever.
Struggling to catch his breath, Percy looked up at the sky, feeling the weight of his injuries pressing upon him. He knew that he was no match for Akaza's overwhelming power. Still, he refused to give in to despair. He didn't have to kill him, after all—his plan was to stall him until the sunrise.
Meanwhile, Kyojuro's sword clashed with Akaza's arm, and for a brief moment, hope sparked within Percy. But it was short-lived, as Akaza's incredible strength allowed him to overpower Kyojuro's attack. The demon's fist connected with Kyojuro's face, drawing blood from his eye.
Despite the pain and the blood trickling down his cheek, going blind on one eye, Kyojuro stood tall, his spirit unyielding. And Percy's respect for the Flame Hashira grew once more. Kyojuro's panting grew heavier, his body strained from the relentless battle. Akaza's mocking words echoed in the air, taunting him with the futility of his efforts.
"Hey. Don't die on me, Kyojuro," Akaza jeered. "Even if you fight with the intention to sacrifice your body, it's all pointless. The wonderful slashes which you and your friend attacked me with have already completely healed. But how about you? Your left eye is smashed, your ribs are broken, and your organs are wounded. You can't recover from this anymore. If you were a demon, you would be cured in the blink of an eye. If you were a demon, this would be just a scratch. No matter how much you struggle, humans can't beat demons."
Percy, despite his aching body, refused to give up. He struggled to stand, getting on his hands and knees, panting heavily like Kyojuro. His friend's unwavering determination fueled his own resolve.
"Kyojuro! Don't give up! We are almost winning! The sun is almost up!" Percy shouted, urging Kyojuro to keep fighting.
Kyojuro's eyes blazed with determination as he adopted a new stance. "I will fulfill my duties! I won't let anyone die here! Set your heart ablaze… go beyond your limits! I'm the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku!" he declared, his voice filled with resolve. "Full Focus Breath… Flame Breathing Esoterica… Ninth Style—Rengoku!"
In a burst of fiery power, Kyojuro charged towards Akaza with blinding speed. The air crackled with intensity as their attacks clashed once again, sending sparks flying and making a thunderous sound echo trough the clearing. Percy shielded his eyes from the dust raised by their meeting, unable to see the outcome of their fierce clash.
As the dust slowly settled down, Percy felt his heart drop as he saw what had transpired. Kyojuro had his blade raised up in an attacking motion. However, Akaza was quicker, for he had punched straight through Kyojuro's stomach, his arm going through his entire body and making a huge hole. It was a killing blow, one that Kyojuro would not recover from.
"No..." Percy whispered, his voice barely audible amidst the chaos of the battle. His heart pounded in his chest, and a surge of emotions washed over him. Anger, sadness, and frustration all welled up inside him.
But just as Percy thought all hope was lost, a flicker of surprise and hope ignited within him. Kyojuro, defying the odds, descended his raised arm onto Akaza's neck. Both Percy and Akaza gasped in astonishment as Kyojuro's sword connected with the Oni's neck.
The Flame Hashira's sword penetrated about a quarter of the way into Akaza's neck, showcasing the immense resistance of the demon's body. Kyojuro's grip tightened as he put all of his strength in this one last attack, refusing to back down. And, despite the arm impaling him and the blindness in one eye, he mustered the strength to block Akaza's attempted punch.
The blade sunk a little deeper into Akaza's neck, now reaching about halfway through. Despite the tremendous pain, Kyojuro screamed, "I won't let you go until I cut your neck!"
Percy watched in awe as Kyojuro displayed his unyielding determination. He was awestruck by the Flame Hashira's strength and willpower, but he knew that he needed to act. He attempted to rush towards them, fully intending to aid Kyojuro in finishing the fight, but his body betrayed him. He stumbled and fell to the ground, his strength depleted from the relentless battle.
"Get up, Percy! You have to get up!" he urged himself, but his body refused to respond. His mind screamed in frustration, realizing he could only watch helplessly from afar.
As Percy lay on the ground, he saw the first rays of sunlight appearing on the horizon. The sun was rising, and with it came a glimmer of hope. Akaza's face contorted with fear as he realized the situation.
The Oni was desperate. In a shocking move, he twisted his body and cut off both of his own arms, freeing himself from Kyojuro's grasp. Blood gushed from the wounds, but Akaza didn't flinch. He turned his gaze towards the nearby trees, looking for somewhere he could seek refuge from the sun.
But Percy wouldn't allow it. "If I can't move, I'll stop him from escaping instead!" he thought. Focusing on the humidity of the air around Akaza, Percy willed the vapor to slowly freeze around the Oni, creating a thick ice crust around his form that momentarily immobilized him.
Kyojuro's blade, now unhindered by Akaza's resistance, sliced through the demon's neck with a swift, brutal motion. The sword moved like a blur, and Akaza's scream echoed through the air. The Oni's eyes widened in terror as he realized his fate, the fear etched deeply into his demonic features. Droplets of blood sprayed through the air, painting a gruesome picture of the final, decisive strike.
The night was punctuated by Kyojuro's mighty yell as his blade cleaved through Akaza's neck, severing it from his body. The head rolled away, and the Oni's once formidable form slumped to the ground, arms useless and body lifeless. The frozen crust of vapor around him shattered as he fell, a macabre dance of ice shards accompanying his demise.
As Akaza's scream faded, the night was filled with an eerie silence. The battleground, once filled with the clash of steel and the roars of a battle, was now still. Percy, though victorious, couldn't shake the somber realization that victory came at a cost.
Tears welled up in Percy's eyes as he looked upon Kyojuro. The Flame Hashira kneeled on the ground, breathing heavily, his eyes reflecting the toll the battle had taken on him. The open hole on his stomach, a testament to his unyielding determination, bled profusely. Percy's heart sank, realizing the severity of Kyojuro's injuries.
Kyojuro, unaware of Percy's gaze, raised his sword to the sky, a symbol of triumph and the end of a fierce battle. The first rays of sunlight bathed the scene in an otherworldly glow, casting long shadows and illuminating the aftermath of the struggle.
Percy, despite his exhaustion, managed to crawl closer to Kyojuro. He wanted to say something, anything to express his gratitude and admiration. But his words caught in his throat as he saw the blood dripping from Kyojuro's belly. It was a reminder of the sacrifice the Flame Hashira had made to secure their victory.
Kyojuro turned to Percy, a weary smile on his face. "We did it," he said, his voice carrying a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction. But Percy couldn't respond. He could only nod, his throat tight with unspoken emotions. The silence lingered, broken only by the rustling of leaves in the morning breeze and Akaza's disintegrating body.
"We won, you bastard! We won!" Percy turned to look at Tanjiro, whose voice rang with conviction as he stared down at Akaza's vanishing body. "The demon hunters will always fight you in the darkness of the night when it's advantageous for you! We're humans in flesh and blood! Wounds don't just simply close up! And the limbs we lose won't ever come back! Don't think you are better in any way! You damn dolt! You damn idiot!"
Tanjiro's heart-wrenching yell echoed through the battlefield, filled with a mix of emotions that cut straight to the core. His words carried both anger and sorrow as he poured out his feelings, as refusing to let Akaza fully die without saying a few last words first.
As the words spilled from Tanjiro's lips, Percy could feel the weight of his emotions.
"Compared to the likes of you, Rengoku will always be more amazing!" Tanjiro's voice cracked with grief, but he continued undeterred. "He's strong! He didn't lose! He didn't let anyone die tonight! He fought to the end! He protected till the end! You are the loser! And Rengoku is the winner!"
The grief in Tanjiro's voice tugged at Percy's heartstrings. Despite their exhaustion and pain, he was deeply moved by Tanjiro's raw emotions. He too mourned the loss of Kyojuro.
"There's no point in shouting a lot now," Percy heard Kyojuro's frail voice as he turned his attention to the Flame Hashira's beaten form on the ground, kneeling with his last bit of strength. "Your wounds are opening. And you don't have any minor injuries either. Kamado, my boy, if you die, it will be my loss. Come over here. Let's have a final chat."
Without hesitation, Tanjiro ran towards Kyojuro, tears flowing freely from his red eyes as he got on his knees in front of his mentor. "I just remembered some things when I saw the dreams of my past," Kyojuro continued. "You should try to go to my parents' house, the Rengoku house. There should be some notes which the previous Flame Hashiras of old left behind. Perhaps there is some record of this Dance of the Fire God you were talking about."
Desperate to ease his mentor's pain, Tanjiro raised one arm and said, "Rengoku… Please stop talking… Preserve your strength… Try to close your wound with your breathing…"
"It is not possible. I will die soon," Rengoku replied, his voice weakening. "I'm going to talk while I still can, so hear me out. I want you to tell my little brother, Senjurou, that he should proceed down the path that he thinks is right, as his heart tells him to. Tell my father to take care of his body. And also, Kamado, my boy, I believe in your sister. I accept her as a member of the demon slayers. Inside that train, I saw the girl protect the humans despite her bleeding out. Those who risk their lives to fight demons and protect humans are demon hunters, no matter what anyone else tries to say."
Kyojuro's voice carried a mix of pride and encouragement, urging them to stay strong. "Live with your chest high. If you are feeling disheartened, that you are somehow not enough, set your heart ablaze. Dry your eyes and look ahead. You may feel like you're digging your heels, but the flow of time waits for no one. It won't patiently stand by as you grieve. Don't worry about me dying here. If you're a Hashira, it's only natural to shield one of your juniors. Kamado, my boy, Hashibira, Percy. You all have ways to grow. And next time, you all will become pillars who will support the demon slayers. I believe in you. I truly do."
Percy felt a lump forming in his throat as he listened to Kyojuro's final words of encouragement and faith in them. The tears that blurred his vision matched those streaming down Tanjiro's face. The weight of Kyojuro's belief in them, even in his final moments, was both comforting and motivating.
As Kyojuro showed them one last smile, Percy knew that the Flame Hashira had passed away, leaving them with the responsibility to carry on his legacy. The grief and sadness weighed heavily on their hearts, but they knew they couldn't let their emotions consume them. Kyojuro's sacrifice would not be in vain.
Tanjiro, Inosuke and Percy bowed their heads, paying their respects to the fallen Hashira. Together, they vowed to honor his memory and protect humanity from the demons that threatened their world. The rising sun bathed the scene in a beautiful warm, golden light, a stark contrast to the heaviness in their hearts.
A few hours later, they were telling Zenitsu what happened. Zenitsu's usual anxious demeanor was replaced with a sense of solemnity. "To think that an Upper Moon would appear," he said, his voice steady. "I can't believe it... Rengoku was incredible inside that train. His techniques were so powerful, and he fought with everything he had to protect everyone."
Percy looked at Zenitsu, grateful for the words of comfort and admiration for their fallen comrade. "Yeah, he was amazing," Percy replied, his voice tinged with sadness. "Kyojuro was a true pillar of the Demon Slayer Corps. He gave his all to protect everyone."
"I'm sorry I couldn't be there to help," Zenitsu added, his expression filled with regret. "But I promise, from now on, I'll train even harder. I'll become stronger, just like Rengoku."
Tanjiro nodded, his eyes reflecting determination. "We all will," he said. "Rengoku believed in us. He saw potential in each of us, and he entrusted us with the responsibility to protect humanity. We can't let his faith in us go to waste."
The journey back to the headquarters and Butterfly Manor felt long and difficult. The weight of loss and the memory of Kyojuro's sacrifices were etched into their hearts. They knew they had to keep moving forward, to become stronger, and to honor the legacy of the Flame Hashira.
As they reached their destination, the four friends vowed to carry on Kyojuro's spirit. They would continue their training, mastering their breathing techniques, and pushing themselves beyond their limits. They would not falter in the face of adversity, for they now had an unwavering determination to protect others, just as Kyojuro had done.
Inside the walls of the headquarters and the serene Butterfly Manor, the atmosphere was a strange mix of sorrow and resolve. The loss of Kyojuro was deeply felt by all the demon slayers, and they mourned him as a hero who had given everything for their cause.
But amidst the sorrow, there was also a shared determination to get stronger, to become pillars of strength just like Kyojuro. The memory of his words and his faith in them ignited a fire within the hearts of the demon slayers.
Days would turn into weeks, and weeks into months. The cauldron of emotions within them continued to brew, but so did their strength. They trained tirelessly, embracing the legacy of Kyojuro Rengoku, who remained a guiding presence in their hearts.
In the face of the relentless demons, they stood united and strong, drawing strength from the memory of their fallen comrade. They would continue to fight, to protect, and to honor the spirit of the Flame Hashira. And though the pain of loss would never fade completely, they found solace in knowing that Kyojuro's memory would forever live on in the hearts of those he had touched.