Tanjiro and Percy stared down at the demonic presence before them, their hearts filled with determination and concern for Lady Koinatsu. Tanjiro, with unwavering resolve, repeated his plea, "Release Lady Koinatsu. We won't let you harm anyone else!"
The Oni, seemingly unfazed by Tanjiro's demand, turned her attention to Percy, her eerie smile widening. "How many of you are there? There was that ugly blond brat, right?" she taunted.
Percy's fists clenched at the mention of Zenitsu, and he couldn't bear the thought of his friend being in harm's way. He couldn't help but interrupt, his voice laced with worry, "What did you do to him?"
The Oni's smile grew wider as she looked at Percy, her eyes glinting with malevolence. "He's sleeping very deeply right now. Now, is the Hashira coming? I don't want any non-Hashiras. I don't eat dirty, ugly people," she sneered.
The Oni's sinister reverberated through the air, sending an unsettling shiver coursing down Percy's spine as she her eyes slowly traced his form, lingering with an unsettling hunger. "Although, you are quite handsome. You must be very delicious. It will be a pleasure devouring you," she taunted, her words dripping with malice.
Her words seemed to anger Tanjiro, his eyes burning with determination as he lunged at the Oni with incredible speed and agility. With a swift strike of his sword, he aimed for the demon's neck, hoping to incapacitate her.
Percy's heart leapt into his throat, his eyes widening in a mixture of shock and grave concern as he beheld his friend's audacious assault. "Tanjiro, don't!" he cried out, his voice laced with anguish, trembling with fear for the recklessness of his friend.
Just as Percy feared, the Oni was equally swift, and with a deft sway of her pink tape, she effortlessly dodged Tanjiro's attack. In the blink of an eye, she countered with a powerful blow, sending Tanjiro hurtling through the window and crashing against a nearby house.
Her sinister laughter filled the air as she turned her attention back to Percy, her eyes gleaming with malice. "You're next," she hissed, her long black hair swirling around her like a dark cloud.
As Percy faced the formidable Upper Moon Six, he quickly realized the true extent of her power. Her pink tapes moved with deadly precision, slicing through the air with incredible speed and accuracy. Percy's training and experience were put to the test as he skillfully evaded the lethal attacks, but he knew that even a momentary lapse in focus could prove fatal.
He drew upon his Ocean Breathing forms, alternating between the First Form to cut trough the tape and the Fourth Form to block their attacks. But the Oni proved to be a cunning adversary, countering his moves with ease and swiftly launching her own retaliations.
Their battle intensified, the sound of clashing blades and the swish of the Oni's tapes filling the air. Percy's heart pounded in his chest as he tried to keep up with the relentless assault. He was pushed to his limits, using every ounce of strength and skill he possessed to hold his ground.
But no matter how hard he fought, the Oni seemed to always be one step ahead. Her pink tapes moved with an otherworldly grace, slicing through the air like deadly ribbons. Percy found himself in a dangerous dance, where one wrong move could cost him his life.
As the fight reached a climax, Percy knew he had to take a risk. He focused his energy and channeled it into a powerful Ocean Breathing technique. With a swift motion, he muttered "Ocean Breathing… Seventh Form—Whirlwind Current"
Spinning on his feet, the water that coated his blade enveloped his body, creating a shield that blocked her attacks from all directions. Letting out a battle yell, he urged the water to expand, sending waves of water in all directions and opening up a clear space between him and the Oni.
Seizing his opportunity, he rushed towards her, fully intending on ending the battle as quickly as possible.
"Ocean Breathing… Sixth Form—Charybdis' Maw!"
Lunging forward, Percy put all of his hopes in this one strike, the world becoming slow around him as his blade approached her neck.
But the Oni was not so easily defeated. With a swift motion, she evaded Percy's attack, and her pink tapes came slicing back with even greater ferocity. Percy barely managed to dodge, feeling the wind of the deadly blades grazing his skin. With a sudden burst of strength, she retaliated with a devastating kick that Percy barely blocked, sending him sprawling backward trough the same window Tanjiro went trough. He maneuvered midair and landed on his feet on the street, right by Tanjiro's side, his legs aching from the fall.
As he slowly picked himself up, he couldn't help but wonder, "How can the power gap between Upper Moons be so big? Akaza was way stronger than she is. Unlike Akaza, I can actually keep up with her and track her moves." The realization dawned on him that, while he was facing one of the strongest Onis out there, he had survived against worse odds. "Well," he thinks, a smile showing itself on the corner of his lips despite the serious situation. "I've wanted to test my full power for a while now. Time to get serious."
"Oh, both of you are still alive? Impressive," she sneered as she showed herself from above them, jumping from the window and landing a few meters in front of them. Her malevolent grin sent a chill down their spines, but they were undeterred.
The two Demon Slayers shared a brief nod, knowing they had to combine their strength to stand a chance against this formidable foe. Tanjiro unleashed his Water Breathing techniques, his strikes swift and precise. Percy, on the other hand, focused on his Ocean Breathing, executing the Eighth Form—Abyssal Torrent with deadly proficiency.
Their coordinated attacks gained momentum, and Percy's gradually increasing strikes—the secret behind the Eight Form—cut through the Oni's pink tapes, causing blood to trickle out from the severed strands. However, he noticed that Tanjiro's sword clashed weakly against the tapes, unable to cut through them effectively.
As Percy closed in, the Oni became more cautious, retreating her attacks and putting some distance between them. She seemed to be adapting to their fighting style and strategizing her next move.
Suddenly, as she furrowed her eyebrows, Percy couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He listened intently as she started muttering to herself, mentioning names of various places and sounding almost distracted. It was an unsettling sight to witness such a powerful foe being preoccupied with something else, almost as if she was seeing something they weren't.
She addressed them again, her question hanging in the air. "How many of you came here? Five?" Tanjiro's response was firm, "I won't tell!" He was letting out a lot of confidence, even if their opponent was an Upper Moon, and Percy couldn't help but feel proud of his friend.
As the Oni approached them, Percy's heart pounded in his chest. Ignoring Tanjiro's refusal to disclose their numbers, the Oni persisted with her taunts. "If you tell the truth, I could let you live," she sneered, "We clashed just now, and your blade is already crippled, unlike your friend here. Whoever forged yours must be quite incompetent."
Percy glanced at Tanjiro's damaged blade, realizing that the Upper Moon was right. His friend's weapon was in bad shape, and it posed a serious disadvantage in their current situation. Tanjiro's grip on his sword tightened, his knuckles turning white. Percy could see the determination in his eyes, even in the face of such overwhelming odds. He knew that they couldn't afford to show any signs of weakness; they had to stand their ground.
As Tanjiro changed into the form Percy recognized as the Dance of the Fire God, an intense aura surrounded him, radiating raw power. With a determined expression, Tanjiro dashed forward, chanting, "Dance of The Fire God—Scorching Crimson Mirror!" His movements were swift and precise as he entered the midst of the never-ending pink tapes.
To Percy's amazement, this time Tanjiro's blade sliced through the pink tapes as if they were made out of butter. The Dance of the Fire God proved to be a formidable technique, and Percy's amazement was latched upon his face. However, his hope was short-lived as he watched the Upper Moon Six easily sidestep Tanjiro's attack, wearing an unimpressed expression.
Tanjiro's next attack came with even greater force as he leaped into the air and swung his sword with all his might. But the Oni didn't even spare him a glance. One of her tapes struck Tanjiro in the side, sending him rolling across the ground. Percy winced in sympathy for his friend's pain, but he couldn't afford to be distracted.
Percy's heart thundered in his chest like a tempest as he witnessed the Oni's lightning-fast charge toward Tanjiro, her malevolent intent unmistakable. Without a heartbeat of hesitation, he leaped to his feet, bridging the gap between them with unflinching courage. He landed squarely in the perilous path of the demon, his stance unwavering and resolute, his voice a steady anchor in the chaos that surrounded them.
"Ocean Breathing… Fourth Form—Coral Barrier," Percy declared, aligning his body with the ground and blocking all of the Oni's deadly attacks, his form not faltering even a little. He could feel the force of her strikes, but he held firm, determined to shield his friend from harm.
As he held his ground, Percy saw an opening and took his chance. He swung his sword in a wide arc, aiming for the Oni's neck as he chanted, "Ocean Breathing… Third Form—Current Spiral."
Yet, the Oni's form became elusive, vanishing from sight like a shadow slipping through the fingers of the sun. Percy's strike found nothing but empty air, and he stood there, his sword held high but met only with the eerie silence of the abandoned battlefield.
Percy's senses went on high alert as he looked around, trying to locate their elusive foe. His eyes widened as he spotted her perched on top of the roof. She seemed to be absorbing some of the pink tapes, and her black hair slowly turned white. Percy felt a surge of unease; he could sense that her power had grown even stronger now.
As he kept a watchful eye on the Oni, Percy noticed a man stepping out of his house nearby, clearly confused by the chaotic scene unfolding before him. Without hesitation, Percy shouted a warning to the man, "Get away from here! Now!"
But before the man could react, the Oni swung her arm, sending a powerful gust of wind towards him. Tanjiro reacted instantly, positioning himself between the man and the attack. With immense strength and bravery, Tanjiro managed to block the attack, but it still cut him deeply on the shoulder. The force of the attack also resulted in the man losing his hand, and the house he came from was sliced in half.
Percy's eyes widened in amazement and concern as he witnessed the devastating power of the Oni's single swing. She had indeed grown stronger, and her attacks were becoming more destructive and deadly.
"Tanjiro, are you alright?" Percy asked, rushing to his friend's side as the Oni watched them with a malicious glare.
Tanjiro gritted his teeth, trying to ignore the pain from his injuries. "I'm... I'm fine," he replied, his voice strained. "We need to focus on stopping her."
With their determination strong, Tanjiro and Percy pursued the relentless Oni as she made her way to the rooftop. The moon cast an eerie glow over the battleground, adding to the intensity of the encounter.
Percy took a deep breath, centering himself as he recalled his training and the teachings of his mentors. He muttered to himself, "Focus. Be one with the blade. Strengthen your core. Set your heart ablaze! Go beyond your limits!" With those words, he unleashed his Ocean Breathing—Fifth Form: Tempest Rain.
Around Percy's blade, a myriad of water droplets materialized. They clustered, poised to strike with deadly accuracy as he swung his sword in a breathtaking display of power and precision. The tempest of water surged forth like a torrential storm, a relentless barrage aimed at the elusive Oni.
But in a desperate act of self-preservation, the demon summoned her pink tape with blinding speed, wrapping it around her like a protective cocoon. The water droplets collided with her makeshift shield, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of splintering droplets and cascading torrents. Despite that, Percy could see her shield slowly deteriorating, creating multiple weaknesses across its surface.
Undeterred, Percy switched to his Ocean Breathing—First Form: Wave Crash Slash. He skillfully cut through the multiple layers of the damaged pink tape, creating a hole in her defense and revealing her surprised face. Percy seized the opportunity, going for her neck with a powerful strike.
True to her nature as an Upper Moon, she wouldn't be so simple to take out. In a surprising display of her abilities, her neck extended into a tape-like form, allowing her to evade Percy's attack. She swiftly retaliated, wrapping some of her tapes around Percy's legs, trapping him to the ground and allowing her to reengage against Tanjiro.
As he struggled to cut the tapes, Percy could see Tanjiro unleashing his Dance of the Fire God, aiming to slice through the Oni's head. He seemed like an ever moving wave of fire, almost dancing trough the obstacles, slicing them with ease. In a shocking display of quick thinking, he used his sword to pin all of the tapes to the ground and propel himself towards her. But just as his blade was about to connect with her neck, just as he was so close to beheading her, he suddenly stopped mid-motion, falling to his hands and knees on the ground. He clutched his chest, panting heavily, as if something was sapping his strength.
The Oni's expression morphed from fear to anger as she resumed her tauntings. "Humans are truly miserable essences," she said. "After all, no matter how desperate they get, they can only go so far. So sad."
To his credit, Tanjiro did try to get up, but he just couldn't. His body betrayed his mind as he laid helplessly on the ground at their enemy's mercy. Percy watched with horrified eyes as the Oni raised one of the tapes. He felt useless as the pink tapes trapped him standing still, unable to do anything but watch as the Oni enclosed on Tanjiro.
"Yeah, even your wounds won't heal easily. That's how it goes. As payback, I'll now cut your head off-"
Her words got lost. Just as she was about to strike, Nezuko appeared, almost out of nowhere, her presence unleashing a fierce sense of protection. As Nezuko's kick sent the Oni flying backward, Percy felt a surge of relief. Tanjiro's sister's arrival was a welcome sight, but he couldn't help but wonder where their other allies were. Inosuke, Zenitsu, and Tengen should have been aware of the danger, so why weren't they here to help?
The Upper Moon sneered at Nezuko, a flicker of recognition running trough her malevolent eyes. "You… you are the one that man was talking about. Yeah, of course. I'll torture her to death, if it pleases you," she said mockingly.
Nezuko's pink eyes blazed with determination, and her form slowly started to change. Percy watched in awe as she slowly transformed into a more grown-up form, her pink kimono now too small for her powerful and adult frame. With a swift swing of her claws, she cut through the binds that had trapped Percy, freeing him from his restraints.
Without taking a moment to catch his breath, Percy was quick to check on Tanjiro's condition. His friend was still gasping for breath, wounds evident on his body. Percy gently tended to Tanjiro's injuries, trying to offer comfort and support even in the midst of the chaotic battle, hoping Nezuko could buy them some time.
While he attended to Tanjiro, Percy noticed that Nezuko seemed to be gaining the upper hand in her fight against the Upper Moon. Her relentless attacks showed no mercy, and she seemed to be close to defeating the powerful demon.
However, as he watched Nezuko's fierce onslaught, Percy couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Her actions were becoming increasingly brutal and ruthless, and her demeanor seemed to be shifting, forgetting her human essence. Her gaze seemed distant, almost lost, as if she was embracing her demonic nature. He couldn't allow that to happen.
Jumping from the rooftop, he landed gracefully right next to Nezuko, gulping as she sent him a murderous glare. It was almost as if he interrupted her time with her prey, and she was not pleased.
"Nezuko, it's me, Percy," he called out to her gently, moving closer with caution. "You are Tanjiro's sister, and you're my friend. You're not a demon. I know you can hear me. Don't let the power consume you."
He kept his voice calm and soothing, trying to reach the part of Nezuko that was still human. Percy continued to talk to her, recounting their memories together, the laughter they shared, and the bond they had formed over time. He reminded her of their family and the love they had for each other.
Nezuko's eyes flickered, showing signs of internal struggle. Percy could see that his words were making an impact, and he persisted, refusing to give up on her.
"Remember the moments we spent together, Nezuko," he urged gently. "You protected us a lot of times and showed how kind you are. You have a human heart, and I know it's still there. But if you continue, you'll lose yourself. You might not be able to go back to who you are. Please, Nezuko, don't become a demon."
As he spoke, Percy noticed Nezuko's grip on her own emotions weakening. Her fierce expression began to soften, and her breathing steadied. The overwhelming darkness that had threatened to engulf her was gradually receding.
Finally, Nezuko's gaze met Percy's, and he saw recognition and a glimmer of her true self. Tears welled up in her eyes. Slowly, her menacing expression softened, and her demonic instincts began to subside. She stumbled back, her child-like form returning as the inner struggle within her subsided. She fell asleep on the street, completely drained of energy.
Relieved, Percy cradled Tanjiro's now sleeping sister in his arms, whispering words of comfort as he watched over her. The battle was far from over, and the situation was dire, but Nezuko bought them some time to recover.
Percy turned around to face the Oni once more, and what he saw shocked him to the core. Where her body should have been, her head now laid on the ground, separated from her neck with a clean cut, her expression frozen in surprise.
He followed the source of the attack and his eyes settled on the familiar shape of Tengen, who was sheathing his sword with a satisfied grin. Percy marveled at the Hashira's strength and precision, amazed by how effortlessly he dispatched the powerful demon. He hadn't even seen or heard him come.
Tengen, seemingly unfazed by the gruesome scene, looked at the head and commented with a hint of nonchalance, "The most flamboyant has arrived. But you are not the Oni I am looking for. You are not an Upper Moon; you are way too weak."
Relieved, Percy let out a breathe he didn't realize he was holding. The battle was over, and he allowed a relieved sigh to escape him.
As he watched the Sound Hashira, Percy couldn't help but admire Tengen's strength and composure after defeating their opponent so easily. But something was puzzling him. Tengen had mentioned that the defeated Oni was not an Upper Moon, and Percy couldn't shake off his confusion.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sudden cries of the Oni they had defeated. Contrary to what they expected, her body showed no signs of disintegrating. She wailed in anguish, her voice filled with fury and pain.
"You… How dare you cut my neck! You'll pay for this! I am Upper Moon Six! And I'll get even stronger!" the Oni screamed, her voice filled with rage. Tengen, standing nearby, shook his head with a deadpan expression, seemingly unimpressed.
"You are not an Upper Moon. If you were, how could I cut your head so easily? You're weak," Tengen retorted calmly, clearly not buying into her claims.
Tengen's words seemed to hit a nerve. Her cries intensified, and she continued, "I'm really Upper Six! I'm serious! I even got the number to prove it! I'm super awesome! Die! Die! Die! Whaaah! They cut my head! Big brother!"
Suddenly, Percy's eyes widened in surprised as an astonishing turn of events unfolded. From within her body, a mysterious figure began to emerge, slowly taking the shape and form of a man. The situation had taken an unexpected turn, and a sense of alertness ran trough Percy's entire body.
Faster than Percy could see, Tengen wasn't curious to find out who the new arrival was. He wasted no time and surged forward, attempting to decapitate the new figure before it even emerged, but his attacks only hit empty space. Percy marveled at the speed and agility of the new Oni. A shiver ran trough his spine as all his instincts screamed at him that this is the true Upper Moon.
"He's very fast," Percy thought as he eyed the new Oni, the true Upper Six. He gripped Riptide tightly, preparing himself for the impending battle. The situation was growing more bizarre and dangerous by the moment.
The Upper Moon, with a disconcerting nonchalance, lifted the severed head of the defeated Oni and placed it atop her own neck, the grotesque act defying all reason. He ran his fingers through her hair, nonchalantly caressing it, completely ignoring their presence. Percy couldn't help but be taken aback by the strange sight.
"Crying's not gonna help. At least attach your own head yourself. You are really lacking in the brain department, huh?" the new Oni remarked with an odd mixture of amusement and fondness in his voice.
Percy's eyes widened in disbelief as he witnessed the impossible. The severed head actually reattached itself to the Oni's body. He couldn't comprehend how she had survived it—did she have another weak spot, perhaps? Was her neck not her vital spot? But if so, why was she so annoyed when they almost cut it?
His mind raced with questions, but there was no time to dwell on them. The true Upper Moon, now revealed before them, possessed an eerie aura that sent chills down Percy's spine. The green-haired demon had an incredibly thin waist and wore tattered sheets that barely passed as pants. His yellow eyes glowed with malice and madness, the kanji confirming his status as Upper Six. Despite his seemingly malnourished appearance, the demon's broad shoulders and muscular arms hinted at his true strength.
Before Percy could process it all, the new Oni vanished from sight. His movements were so swift that even the seasoned Tengen struggled to keep up. Percy's heart pounded as he watched the demon go for Tengen, who barely managed to dodge the attack, but not without a scratch to his temple, blood trickling down from the wound.
The demon's hoarse voice filled the air with a twisted sense of approval, "Heh. Not bad. You dodged my attack. And I struck with the intent to kill, too. Nice, man. Niiice."
Percy's grip on Riptide tightened, his focus unwavering. He couldn't let fear consume him; he had to trust in his training and follow his instincts.
"Both of you were born with such beautiful faces. Nice muscles, nice hair, nice flesh. I bet you are really popular with the girls, aren't you? Oh, the envy. The envyyy. Could you just drop dead? And you'll get a real painful death now. I'll skin you alive and claw your inwards out right after. I'll make you spin round and round when you die—because my name's Gyutaro!"
The new Oni, Gyutaro, taunted them with a sadistic grin. His words dripped with malice as he mocked them. Percy felt a chill run down his spine, realizing the true extent of the demon's madness. Despite that, he could not stop himself from taunting the newly arrived demon.
"Yeah, keep on dreaming. Gyutaro, was it? Like I'd ever be defeated by someone who looks like an upside down coat hanger. Bring it on."
Gyutaro shifted his gaze to have a better look at Percy, widening his smile upon recognition. "Oh, you're the boy that fucked up Akaza, right?" his words were dripping with malice as he addressed the demigod. "Oh, Master Muzan is very pissed with you, y'know? He wants us to bring him the boy with the bronze blade and weird water powers. He will transform you into a demon and then absorb you and get all your freakish powers, y'know? And I'll bring you to him in a silver plate."
Gyutaro's actions were just as disturbing as his words. He scratched his own eye, causing blood to trickle down his face. The sight was unsettling, but Percy kept his form. The threat hung in the air like a dark cloud, but Percy refused to let it shake him. He had faced countless foes before, each more menacing than the last, but he had always emerged victorious. This time wouldn't be any different.
As the blood flowed from Gyutaro's wound, Percy's eyes widened in surprise. The crimson liquid began to condense, taking the form of two twin sickles made entirely out of blood. With a swift motion, Gyutaro hurled both sickles at them, aiming to strike them down.
Reacting quickly, Percy rolled to dodge the incoming attack, feeling the rush of wind as the deadly sickles whizzed past him. One of the sickles tore through the wall of a house behind him, leaving a deep gash in its wake.
Beside him, Tengen sprang into action, wielding two big golden pirate swords in each hand. With incredible speed and precision, he deflected the other sickle, his swords clashing against the blood-formed weapon with a resounding clang.
Percy was in awe of Tengen's prowess, marveling at how effortlessly the Hashira blocked the deadly attack. Tengen's golden swords gleamed in the moonlight, a symbol of his power and skill.
Gyutaro's lips curled into a sinister grin, seemingly enjoying the thrill of the battle. He taunted them once more, his voice laced with madness, "Not bad, not bad at all. You dodged and blocked, just as I hoped. Now, let's see how much longer you can keep up. Protecting the humans, looking cool. And you're the savior, huh? I'm sure they'll shower love and gratitude upon you."
"Well, of course," Tengen answered nonchalantly. "I'm a flamboyant ladies' man, so of course. I even have three wives."
It seemed not to be the right thing to say. Gyutaro pause for a moment, before bring both hands to his head and screaming "You have three wives now? You're kidding me, right? Unforgivable!" and swinging both of his sickles, saying "Blood Demon Technique—Splatter Sickle!"
The air crackled with tension as Gyutaro unleashed his attack. Multiple bursts of blood shot forth from his sickles, hurtling towards Tengen with blinding speed. Percy's eyes widened as he watched the deadly assault, knowing that they had to act fast to defend against such a powerful attack.
But Tengen, true to his flamboyant nature, was unfazed by Gyutaro's taunts and onslaught, sturdily holding his ground. With incredible skill and precision, he blocked each and every one of the blood projectiles. His golden swords moved in a mesmerizing dance of defense, deflecting the deadly strikes with ease.
However, Gyutaro was also relentless, fueled by anger. He refused to falter, pressing on with his barrage of blood attacks. Aiming for a different approach, Tengen reached into his pocket and retrieved a small ball, tossing it toward Gyutaro with swift accuracy.
The ball exploded on impact, creating a cloud of smoke that veiled the street. Percy's heart raced with anticipation, unsure of what Tengen's plan was. As the smoke began to clear, the sight that greeted them was unexpected.
From within the dissipating smoke emerged a ball of pink tapes. Slowly, the tapes unraveled to reveal the Upper Moon siblings, unharmed and protected from the explosion. Percy's eyes remained fixed on them, his grip on Riptide tightening as he prepared for the battle to resume.
The girl chuckled darkly, her eyes glinting with a sinister glimmer. "Well, well, ordinary attacks won't work. We are one, after all," she taunted, a sense of eerie unity emanating from the siblings.
Gyutaro's voice echoed with malice as he addressed Tengen, "You're different, man. Different from all the Hashiras I've killed until now. You were a special guy from the moment you were born. You got that chosen talent. The envy, man. I just wanna put an end to you right now."
Tengen's expression shifted from surprise to defiance as he scoffed, "Talent? Hah. Do I look like I have some kind of talent? This country's huge. There are swarms of amazing guys. And there are some really strange guys. There are some guys who became Hashiras just two months after picking up a blade." His eyes hardened with anger as he continued, "I got chosen? Don't mess with me. How many lives do you think slipped through my fingers?"
Gyutaro gritted his teeth, his frustration evident as he retorted, "Then how do you explain this? Why are you still alive now? My blood sickle is full of deadly poison. But you still haven't dropped dead, right? Riiight?"
Tengen's expression remained resolute as he replied, "I'm a shinobi, just like all my predecessors. I developed resistance, so poison won't work."
Gyutaro let out a mocking laugh, his yellow eyes gleaming with malice. "Heh, that's a lame bluff. The poison's working, slow and steady," he taunted.
But Tengen's determination remained unwavering as he stood his ground. "No, it's not working at all. How about I dance for you? I'm in top shape and can eat a hundred tempura bowls! Flamboyantly!" he declared defiantly.
Percy admired Tengen's courage, noting that the poison was indeed taking its toll, the wound on Tengen's temple turning a sickening shade of purple. Time was of the essence; they had to end this battle quickly before the poison overwhelmed the Hashira.
As Percy made his way Tengen's side, the Hashira opened his mouth to speak, but before he could utter a word, Percy cut in, determination blazing in his eyes. "I can handle myself. Don't tell me to run, because I won't. Don't underestimate me. Besides, there's something I learned that I've been dying to test out in a battle," he declared with a smirk.
Focusing on the moisture in the air, Percy willed the water to gather around him. The air grew heavy with humidity, and droplets of water condensed, swirling around him like a protective armor. As more water encased his body, Percy felt a surge of strength coursing through him, his senses sharpening to a new level.
His blade, Riptide, now gleamed within a cocoon of water, and Percy could feel his strength being renewed. With a resounding cry, he yelled, "Let's go!" and both he and Tengen charged towards the Upper Moon siblings.
The battle erupted with fierce intensity, and the street became a flurry of movements, attacks, and dodges. Percy's control over water allowed him to create powerful offensive strikes and agile defensive maneuvers. He unleashed torrents of water upon the Oni siblings, each wave crashing with remarkable force.
Tengen, not to be outdone, displayed his prowess with the golden swords, delivering swift and precise slashes that cut through the air like lightning. With each stroke, the golden blades emitted a mesmerizing glow, adding an element of mystique to the battle.
Gyutaro and the girl, now at a clear disadvantage against Percy and Tengen's combined strength, launched their own counterattacks. Gyutaro's blood sickles swung with deadly precision, while the girl's razor-sharp tape sliced through the air, seeking to ensnare their adversaries.
Percy and Tengen's synchronization was remarkable, each anticipating the other's movements and providing crucial support at every turn. Their unity allowed them to hold their ground, even in the face of the relentless onslaught.
Amidst the chaos of the battle, Tengen unleashed more of his explosive balls, strategically placing them to create distractions and openings. One of the bombs found its mark, exploding through the girl's neck once more, causing her to howl in pain and frustration.
The battle raged on, the moon above watching their every move. Each step, each strike, and each dodge became a testament to their strength, skill, and unyielding determination.
Unfortunately, Percy noticed Tengen's movements were getting slower. Taking a moment to analyze the reason why, Percy could see Tengen's skin was slowly turning a sick shade of purple, showcasing the effects of the poison spreading through his body. Time was running out, and they needed a plan to end the battle quickly.
Just as if his thoughts were heard, Inosuke's boisterous voice echoed through the night air, "Really, now? You didn't think you could handle this without us, did you? We're here to save the day!" Percy turned around to see him arriving with a sleeping Zenitsu. Tanjiro landed in front of them, having formed a leap to stand in the front line. Percy smiled as the sight. With all of them combined, they could very well win this fight.
Zenitsu, with lightning speed, looked like a yellow blur as he ran straight towards the girl. Faster than anyone could react, he grabbed her, forcefully bringing her to a rooftop far away and separating her from her brother. Inosuke and Tanjiro were quick to follow him, no words needed to be spoken between them.
As Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu headed off to face against woman, Percy and Tengen found themselves alone to deal with Gyutaro. Gyutaro did try to stop the trio, but Percy swiftly intervened, using his Fifth Form—Tempest Rain to cut Gyutaro's arm off from a distance, rendering his efforts useless.
With the siblings now separated, they could feel they had the upper hand. Percy and Tengen resumed their fierce battle against Gyutaro, fighting together in perfect harmony, their movements complementing each other with a synchronicity that came naturally.
As Gyutaro taunted Tengen's slow movements, saying he can't wait until the poison finally kills him, the Hashira's spirit never once wavered as he screams resolutely "We'll win easily, you dumb underlings! There may be poison in my body, but i'm running high! Don't look down on humans! These four boys are my prized successors! They won't run away! Even if you cut my limbs off, I'll come biting at you! And I've already figured out how to beat you guys! Just cut your heads off at the same time! You'll both die simultaneously!"
Suddenly, the unmistakable sound of steel cutting air reached Percy's ears. From his peripheral vision, Percy caught the sight of multiple projectiles heading straight towards them. Percy's water shield deflected the barrage of kunai aimed at him, but the projectiles found their mark in Tengen and Gyutaro. His eyes narrowed as he analyzed the attacker. Long black hair in a ponytail, lilac eyes, a lilac kimono and black socks that reached her mid-thighs. He recognized her form Tengen's description as Hinatsuru. But why had she attacked not only Percy but also her husband?
From the corner of his eyes, Percy saw that Gyutaro stopped moving, wearing a surprised expression. His instincts kicked in, and Percy quickly deduced that there must be something special about the kunai she used. Perhaps they were coated with a paralyzing poison that worked specifically on Onis, similar to what he had seen Shinobu use in the past.
Tengen, though hit by various kunai, showed no signs of fear or defeat. With an unwavering resolve, he lunged forward, attempting to finish Gyutaro while he was at his weakest, but the poison's effects were only momentary, easily countered by the Oni's incredible resilience. Gyutaro, now free to move, took advantage of Tengen's open stance, launching a powerful counterattack that had the Hashira soaring trough the air.
Percy noticed how Gyutaro's eyes took a malicious glint, switching his gaze to Hinatsuru. As Gyutaro leaped for her, Percy's instincts kicked in once again. He acted swiftly, using his enhanced agility to reach her before the Oni. With a burst of speed, he lunged forward and scooped Hinatsuru into his arms, moving her away from danger and gently laying her down against a nearby house.
"Stay safe," Percy whispered to her, a reassuring smile on his face despite the chaos surrounding them. He could see that she was not a fighter like them, and protecting her was just as important as defeating the Upper Moon.
Percy's heart raced as he felt the movement behind him. He turned around in fear, knowing he had no time to block the impending attack. But just before Gyutaro's sickles could strike, Tengen appeared like a whirlwind, placing himself between Percy and the Oni and blocking the blow that would have been fatal.
"Percy Jackson! I am in your debt!" Tengen declared resolutely as he swung his free arm at Gyutaro from the side. Percy mirrored the Hashira's movement, attacking from the right, both of them aiming to take down their formidable foe. But Gyutaro proved to be a fierce opponent, swiftly blocking their simultaneous strikes with his sickles.
"Heh, you didn't think it would be easy, right?" Gyutaro taunted, his voice filled with a mix of amusement and malice. But Tengen had a plan in mind, and, using his free hand, attacked the demon with his other sword. As the sound Hashira swung his second blade in a beautiful arc towards the Oni's neck, Percy felt like victory was in their grasp. However, in an unbelievable show of perseverance, Gyutaro was able to stop the blade from connecting by biting on it, stopping the sword with his teeth and rendering the attack ineffective. Percy watched in awe as Gyutaro showcased his resilience and combat prowess.
Suddenly, a rush of fatigue ran itself trough Percy's body. The battle had finally taken its toll on the demigod. He felt the strength leaving his body as his water mantle began to subside, the burden of maintaining the technique having pushed him to his limits. He knew he couldn't keep it up much longer.
"Shit," Percy muttered under his breath, realizing the gravity of the situation. But there was little time to dwell on his fatigue as a sharp pain pierced his abdomen. He looked down to see a blood red sickle stabbing him, Gyutaro's attack hitting its mark as the Oni took advantage of his momentary distraction.
Before Percy could react, Gyutaro launched another strike, this time directed at Tengen. The Hashira raised his arm but couldn't block in time, resulting in having his hand brutally cut off by the powerful attack. Gyutaro's blood-red form spun like a deadly tornado, enveloping both Tengen and Percy before sending them hurtling through the air, crashing hard onto the ground.
The darkness threatened to consume Percy as the poison coursed through his veins, but he refused to succumb. His friends needed him, and he drew on every ounce of strength he had left to push through the pain. Memories of his encounter with Akhlys, the goddess of misery and poison, flooded his mind. He had learned to control her deadly toxins then, and now, he would apply that knowledge to save himself.
With intense focus, Percy directed his will towards the poison, feeling it like a malevolent force within him. He concentrated on making it leave his body through the open wound, his mind guiding the purple substance to hover midair before splashing harmlessly onto the ground.
Despite neutralizing the poison, the wound still bled profusely. He knew he had to act quickly. Drawing on powers he had never attempted before, he reached out to control his own blood. With sheer determination, he willed it to stay within him, to continue circulating through his veins for just a little longer.
His hand trembling, Percy reached into his bag, his fingers finding a water bottle. He poured its contents over his wound, a soothing sensation washing over him as the water aided in the healing process. Percy's breath hitched as he felt the wound closing, the regenerative powers of water working their magic.
But even in that moment of relief, his heart sank. As he crawled to Tengen's body and raised a hand to his chest, he felt no heartbeat. Panic surged through him, and he couldn't hold back a choked sob. No, this couldn't be happening. Tengen couldn't be gone. Percy remembered Rengoku, how the Flame Hashira bravely passed away in a fierce battle against Upper Moon Three, and felt like he was reliving the moment once more.
But there was no time to grieve. The battle still raged on, and Percy knew he had to keep going, for Tengen, for his friends, and for the fate of everyone they held dear. He clenched his fists, summoning every last bit of strength within him, and staggered to his feet.
Percy's heart sank as he staggered to his feet, his mind filled with a mixture of grief and fury. He couldn't afford to grieve now, not when the battle still raged on and his friends were in danger. But as he looked around, his worst fears were realized.
His eyes widened in horror as he saw Gyutaro behind Inosuke, the demon girl's neck in the boar-headed boy's arms. Gyutaro seemed mad that his sister was being taken away. Both of his sickles were driven straight through Inosuke's chest, a deadly and merciless attack. Time seemed to slow as Percy felt a surge of emotions welling up inside him.
"No!" Percy's anguished cry rang out through the night air, but it was too late. Inosuke slumped down on the rooftop, his life force fading rapidly. Gyutaro's sinister chuckle echoed, and Percy's fists clenched in anger and helplessness.
Tears blurred Percy's vision as he watched his friend fall, a deep sense of loss gnawing at his heart. He felt the weight of every life lost in this relentless battle, and it was crushing. Inosuke had been a brave and fierce companion, and now, he lay motionless before them.
But there was no time to mourn. Percy knew that Inosuke's sacrifice couldn't be in vain. With a surge of anger, he turned his attention back to Gyutaro. This ruthless Upper Moon had to be stopped, and Percy would see to it that justice was served.
His grip on Riptide tightened, and he charged forward, fueled by grief and anger. Inosuke's life would be avenged, and Gyutaro would pay for the pain he had caused. Percy's mind was laser-focused on the battle at hand, his instincts and training guiding his every move.
Percy's every movement became a dance of deadly precision, a symphony of strikes and feints as he closed the distance between himself and Gyutaro. His sword, Riptide, shimmered in the moonlight as it sliced through the air, each swing calculated and executed with a master's touch. Percy's agility and quick reflexes allowed him to dodge Gyutaro's deadly sickles with finesse, and he retaliated with a series of well-timed strikes.
As the battle intensified, Percy seized an opportunity to strike a blow to Gyutaro's midsection, a feint that lured the demon into exposing a momentary weakness. With a swift spin, Percy delivered a powerful kick to Gyutaro's side, disorienting him for a brief moment. Taking advantage of the opening, Percy lunged forward, driving Riptide towards Gyutaro's chest. The demon evaded the strike, but Percy's relentless assault continued.
Gyutaro, despite his sadistic nature, couldn't help but feel the sting of confusion. An infuriated growl escaped his lips, "Why is your poison not working as it should? What did you do?"
Percy, a defiant glint in his eyes, taunted, "Maybe your poison isn't as strong as you think, demon. Or maybe I'm just too much for you to handle."
In the heat of battle, Percy observed Gyutaro's movements with a keen eye. Detecting a pattern in the demon's defenses, Percy executed a swift series of maneuvers, culminating in a powerful strike that severed both of Gyutaro's arms. The demon howled in pain as dark blood sprayed from the stumps.
A triumphant smirk played on Percy's lips, his confidence rising. "Your regeneration isn't as quick as your friend Akaza's, is it? Looks like I've found your weakness. Ocean Breathing… First Form—Wave Crash Slash!" And, with his eyes burning in rage, Percy went all in for the last attack.
However, victory slipped through his grasp as Gyutaro, using his own blood, crafted makeshift arms to block Percy's final, decisive blow aimed at the demon's head. The clash of bronze and blood echoed through the night, and with a sudden burst of strength, Gyutaro delivered him a powerful kick that knocked the air out of the demigod.
The force of the impact sent Percy soaring through the air, and his head collided hard against a lamp post. For a moment, the world spun around him, and he felt disoriented, feeling himself completely stunned as the world slowly turned black. The last thing Percy heard before succumbing to unconsciousness was the cruel satisfaction in Gyutaro's voice, "You're just another insect in my web, little slayer."
When Percy finally regained his senses, he felt a throbbing pain in his head, and his vision was blurred. He knew he had a concussion, but there was no time to dwell on it. He had to get back in the fight.
Pushing through the pain, Percy struggled to his feet. He saw Gyutaro kneeling over Tanjiro's form, the young demon slayer injured but still determined to fight. Tanjiro had wrapped his broken fingers around his sword with a tape, refusing to back down.
Relief washed over Percy when he saw Zenitsu and Inosuke still fighting fiercely against the demon girl. Tengen was breathing, kneeling on the ground, and Percy couldn't believe that they were all still standing. They were battered and injured, but they were alive.
As Percy's determination surged to a fever pitch, he tapped into the deep well of his demigod powers, drawing upon the divine heritage bestowed upon him by Poseidon, the god of the seas and, as he was about to demonstrate, the god of earthquakes. The world around him seemed to fade away as he focused his energies, his heart beating in rhythm with the very earth beneath his feet.
In that moment, a profound connection with the planet's primal forces enveloped him. He felt the raw power of the earth coursing through his veins, an energy both ancient and immense. It pulsed within him, a sensation of boundless strength that resonated with the very core of his being.
As Percy channeled this newfound might, he willed the earth beneath him to respond to his command. He concentrated on that power, urging the ground to shake and tremble. The earth responded to his call with a deep, rumbling roar. It quivered beneath Gyutaro, causing the demon to lose his balance as the very ground he stood on turned treacherous.
Percy's muscles strained with the effort of wielding such a formidable force, beads of sweat forming on his brow as he struggled to maintain control. The strain was palpable, a testament to the immense power he harnessed, and yet, he stood resolute, unyielding in his pursuit of victory. The very earth itself had become his weapon, and he was determined to use it to its full extent to end this harrowing battle once and for all.
In the midst of the small earthquake, Tanjiro took notice of Gyutaro's distraction and seized the opportunity. He stabbed the Oni with a poisoned kunai hidden in his vest, momentarily stunning and paralyzing the Upper Moon. With a battle yell of rage, Tanjiro swung his blade, connecting with Gyutaro's neck. Percy's heart skipped a beat as he witnessed something extraordinary—Tanjiro's scar seemed to change, taking on a fiery appearance. It looked like his friend's forehead was engulfed in a bright red fire.
In that moment, Gyutaro's head soared through the air, severed from his body. A screech of anguish echoed through the night, and Percy turned his head see that the demon girl's neck had also been cut. They had won.
Exhausted but triumphant, Percy sank to his knees, relief and a sense of bittersweet victory washing over him. The battle had been grueling, but they had emerged victorious. The moon above seemed to shine a little brighter, as if celebrating their hard-fought triumph.
"Don't lower you guard! Seek cover! It's not over yet!"
Tengen's urgent cry snapped Percy out of his momentary relief. Despite wondering how was Tengen still alive, he turned back to face Gyutaro, only to witness a horrifying sight. The demon's body was disintegrating, and liters of blood seemed to pour from every inch of him. Percy's eyes widened in shock, realizing that this was Gyutaro's final, devastating blow.
The blood began to rapidly expand, threatening to engulf the entire district and destroy everything, harming the innocent people living nearby. Panic surged through Percy's veins, and he knew he had to act quickly. He couldn't allow this disaster to happen.
Drawing upon the deep well of his divine heritage as the son of Poseidon, Percy's determination burned brighter than ever as he eyed the malevolent force of the blood.
He focused his willpower with unwavering intensity, his eyes locked onto the swirling, chaotic mass of blood, striving to bend it to his command. But the blood, infused with a dark and malicious power, fought back with a ferocity that matched his own. It was a battle of wills, a clash of elemental forces, and the strain was nothing short of overwhelming.
Percy's teeth ground together, his muscles taut with exertion as he felt the searing pain coursing through every sinew of his body. Blood trickled from his nose, an outward manifestation of the titanic struggle he was embroiled in. Yet, he refused to yield, driven by an unshakable resolve. Innocent lives hung in the balance, and he would not let them fall victim to this malevolent tide.
With sheer determination, he extended his hand and gradually clenched it into a fist, a symbol of his indomitable will. He concentrated with every ounce of his being, the blood gradually relenting and converging into a single, quivering drop. His efforts were met with fierce resistance, but he would not be denied.
Finally, the blood fell harmlessly to the ground, its malevolence quelled, and the district was spared from its dreadful grasp. Yet, Percy's triumph came at a heavy cost. The immense exertion had drained him, leaving his body weakened and fatigued. He fought to remain upright, his body swaying with the weight of exhaustion, but the toll of the battle had taken its toll on him.
Percy, having poured every ounce of his strength and determination into stemming the tide of malevolent blood, could feel his energy wane. With a final, valiant effort, he collapsed, his body crashing against the unforgiving ground. His consciousness struggled to stay awake, the world around him fading into obscurity.
In the hazy realm between wakefulness and dreams, Percy could faintly discern the voices of his comrades calling out his name. Their words, like distant echoes, reached his ears, but they seemed to be submerged in some unseen current, distant and muffled.
The world around him slipped away, its details fading into obscurity as Percy surrendered to the inexorable pull of unconsciousness. In that fleeting moment, he trusted in the strength and camaraderie of his friends, hoping that they would ensure his safe return from the abyss into which he had descended.