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Chapter Twelve: The Fire Shadow
To dispel any doubts about his strength, Tanjiro Kamado must face an unprecedented challenge: a duel against all the Hashira, the most powerful swordsmen in the Demon Slayer Corps.
The duel is set on the expansive, empty training grounds near the Ubuyashiki estate. Tension hangs in the air as other demon slayers gather around the perimeter, their eyes fixed on the battleground. Overlooking the scene from his balcony, the Head of the Corps, Kagaya Ubuyashiki, watches intently, his expression calm but serious.
As the battle begins, the Sound Hashira, Tengen Uzui, charges at Tanjiro with incredible speed, his twin blades flashing.
"Let's see what you've got, Kamado!" Tengen shouts.
Tanjiro, quicker still, becomes a green blur. In a heartbeat, he appears behind Tengen and delivers a precise chop to the back of his neck, rendering him unconscious before he can react. The swift and decisive move shocks the onlookers and sets the tone for the battle.
The remaining Hashira, now fully aware of Tanjiro's capabilities, ready themselves for the fight.
"He's faster than I thought," murmurs Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira, his eyes narrowing.
Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira, steps forward next, his fierce eyes locking onto Tanjiro as he launches a swift, powerful assault. His wild, white hair stands on end, and the scars crisscrossing his face give him a menacing appearance. The muscles in his arms ripple as he grips his Nichirin blade, the air around him crackling with energy.
"You won't get the drop on me!" Sanemi roars, his voice echoing across the training ground. His blade slices through the air with deadly precision, creating shockwaves that rustle the leaves of nearby trees. His movements are a blur, each strike filled with raw power and intent to dominate.
At that crucial moment, Tanjiro's hands flash through a series of signs, his eyes narrowing in concentration. He calls out, "Hidden Mist: Water Style: Silent Killing!" Instantly, a dense mist envelops the entire area, shrouding everything in an impenetrable fog. The temperature drops, and the world becomes a cold, damp void.
"What's this?" Sanemi growls, frustration evident in his voice. He swings his blade furiously, trying to clear the mist. "I'll blow this mist away!" His voice is a mix of anger and surprise, unaccustomed to being caught off guard.
Sanemi uses his wind techniques, whipping up powerful gusts in an attempt to disperse the mist. His blade cuts through the air, creating whirling torrents, but the mist remains stubbornly thick, undisturbed by his efforts. The opaque fog seems to absorb his attacks, rendering his efforts futile.
The Wind Hashira's eyes dart around, searching for any sign of Tanjiro. He tries to use his breathing techniques to sense his opponent, but the mist is impenetrable, clouding his vision and dulling his senses. His grip on his blade tightens, and he begins to curse, frustration mounting as his swings find nothing but empty air.
Right at that moment, Tanjiro appears in front of him, his form emerging from the mist like a specter. Sanemi's instincts kick in, and he swings his blade with lethal speed, aiming for Tanjiro's throat. But just as the blade is about to connect, Tanjiro fades into a swirl of charcoals, dissolving before his eyes.
Sanemi curses again, realization dawning on him. "A genjutsu..." he mutters through gritted teeth, recognizing the powerful illusion technique. He finds himself surrounded by multiple illusions of Tanjiro, each one an indistinguishable copy of the original. They move around him in a disorienting dance, their faces calm and focused.
Enraged and disoriented, Sanemi attacks the illusions, each one dissolving into charcoals as his blade passes through them. His frustration grows with every failed strike, his breathing becoming more ragged and desperate. The illusions seem endless, each one mocking his efforts with their ephemeral nature.
In a moment of pure fury, Sanemi decides to let one of the 'illusions' hit him, determined to end the maddening game. As the figure approaches, he braces himself, expecting it to dissolve like the others. To his surprise, the 'illusion' makes contact, revealing itself to be the real Tanjiro.
Before Sanemi can react, Tanjiro swiftly strikes, his hand glowing with a soft blue light. "Medical Style: Paralysis Jutsu!" Tanjiro's fingers press into a specific point on Sanemi's back, and a surge of chakra flows through, temporarily paralyzing him. Sanemi's muscles seize up, his body stiffening as he falls to his knees.
The onlookers are shocked by Tanjiro's cunning and skill. Whispers ripple through the crowd, their faces a mix of awe and disbelief. Even the other Hashira, seasoned warriors themselves, are taken aback by the effectiveness of Tanjiro's techniques.
From the mist, Tanjiro's voice rings out, calm and steady. "I do not wish to hurt anyone. Please, surrender." His words carry a weight of sincerity and resolve, his eyes reflecting a deep compassion even in the midst of battle.
Sanemi, kneeling and unable to move, looks up at Tanjiro with frustration. He recognizes the younger slayer's strength and strategy, the skill that allowed him to incapacitate one of the strongest Hashira without inflicting lasting harm.
.Just then, Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira, steps forward, his presence exuding confidence and fiery determination. His aura is radiant, matching the brilliant flames that suddenly engulf his sword as he activates his Flame Breathing technique.
"Tanjiro! Your resolve is strong, but can you withstand my flames?" Rengoku bellows, his voice a mix of challenge and admiration.
The fiery light cuts through the lingering mist, casting an eerie, golden glow that reveals Tanjiro's silhouette standing steadfast amidst the chaos. The heat from Rengoku's blade causes the air to shimmer, intensifying the atmosphere of the impending clash.
Rengoku's eyes narrow with determination. "If the mist won't clear, I'll burn it away!" he declares with fervor.
Tanjiro quickly forms a series of hand signs, his fingers moving with practiced precision. He calls out, "Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!" From the moisture in the air, a massive water dragon emerges, its serpentine body coiling and rising high before clashing violently with Rengoku's flames. The collision produces a tremendous burst of steam, hissing and swirling around them, momentarily blinding both fighters.
"Impressive, Tanjiro!" Rengoku shouts, his voice cutting through the steam. "But it won't be enough!"
Anticipating Rengoku's next move, Tanjiro swiftly forms another set of hand signs. "Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!" he yells. Multiple small fireballs shoot towards Rengoku, who leaps and spins through the air with impressive agility, evading the fiery barrage with graceful movements.
However, Tanjiro is not done. As soon as Rengoku lands, Tanjiro shouts, "Wind Style: Gale Palm!" He thrusts his hands forward, sending a powerful gust of wind towards Rengoku. The wind howls as it rushes forward, forcing Rengoku to brace himself against its force, his feet digging into the ground to maintain his stance.
"Your elemental mastery is commendable," Rengoku says, genuine admiration in his voice as he steadies himself. "But let's see how you handle this!" He unleashes his devastating flame attack, "Flame Breathing: Ninth Form, Rengoku!" His sword becomes a blazing inferno, and with a powerful swing, he sends a massive wave of flames roaring towards Tanjiro.
Tanjiro, undeterred, quickly forms another set of hand signs. A clone materializes beside him, mirroring his movements perfectly. Together, they shout in unison, "Lightning Style: Electromagnetic Murder!" and "Water Style: Water Dragon!" The clone charges forward with crackling electricity while Tanjiro summons another water dragon. The combined elemental attack surges forward, a fearsome amalgamation of water and lightning.
The electrical currents dance along the surface of the water dragon, enhancing its power as it hurtles towards Rengoku. The searing heat of Rengoku's flames meets the icy coolness of the water and the sharp sting of electricity. The sheer force of the impact creates a spectacular explosion of steam and sparks.
Rengoku tries to dodge, his body moving with the speed of a seasoned warrior, but the overwhelming combination of elements is too swift and too powerful. The attacks strike true, and Rengoku is thrown backward, falling to his knees, his body singed and smoking from the intense heat and electricity.
Tanjiro quickly dispels the clone and rushes to Rengoku's side. His hands glow with a soft, healing light as he kneels next to the fallen Hashira. "Medical Style: Healing Palm Jutsu," Tanjiro murmurs, channeling his chakra to mend Rengoku's wounds.
Rengoku looks up at Tanjiro, his eyes filled with respect and a hint of a smile. "Well done, Tanjiro. You truly are remarkable," he says, his voice weak but filled with sincerity.
Tanjiro's eyes reflect both relief and determination as he continues to heal Rengoku. "Thank you, Rengoku-san."
Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Hashira, smiles faintly. "He's quite something, isn't he?" she remarks to Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira.
"He really is," Mitsuri agrees, her eyes wide with admiration. "But we can't hold back."
Observing this, Giyu Tomioka and Muichiro Tokito prepare to join the fray. The stoic Giyu's expression is one of deep respect, while Muichiro's silent intensity speaks volumes about his determination and focus. The air around them thickens with anticipation as they step forward, their combined presence exuding an aura of formidable strength.
Giyu steps forward first, his Nichirin blade gleaming under the sunlight. His calm demeanor belies the power he is about to unleash. "Let's see how you handle this," he says quietly, his voice steady and composed. "Water Breathing, Tenth Form: Constant Flux!"
With a fluid, graceful motion, Giyu swings his sword, generating a powerful torrent of water that spirals and surges forward like a relentless river. The water roars as it cuts through the air, its power aimed directly at Tanjiro.
Tanjiro remains composed, quickly forming a swift series of hand signs. "Earth Style: Mud Wall!" he calls out. The ground rumbles and shakes as a massive earthen wall erupts from the ground, towering between him and the oncoming water attack. The wall absorbs the full brunt of Giyu's technique, the water crashing against it and dispersing harmlessly to the sides.
Undeterred, Muichiro Tokito joins the battle, his Mist Breathing techniques coming into play. He moves with a silent, ghostly grace, his form almost blending into the mist he conjures. The battlefield is soon shrouded in a dense, swirling fog, creating an atmosphere of confusion and disorientation.
Tanjiro, anticipating Muichiro's approach, quickly forms another set of hand signs. He gathers his chakra, focusing it into a swirling, condensed ball of energy in his palm. "Rasengan!" he shouts, charging towards the indistinct figures within the mist.
He moves with precision and speed, aiming the weak Rasengan at each of his opponents. The ball of chakra strikes with pinpoint accuracy, catching both Giyu and Muichiro off guard. The force of the Rasengan is enough to immobilize them instantly, the concentrated chakra disrupting their movements and rendering them unable to continue the fight.
Giyu falls to one knee, his breath coming in short gasps as he looks up at Tanjiro with a mix of surprise and respect. "You truly are too strong, Kamado," he says, his voice tinged with admiration.
Muichiro, equally stunned, manages a nod of acknowledgment. His silent intensity is now mixed with a newfound respect for Tanjiro's abilities. "Remarkable," he mutters, more to himself than to anyone else.
Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Hashira, steps forward next, her smile gentle but her eyes sharp and calculating. Known for her deadly poison techniques, she moves with a delicate grace that belies the lethal precision of her attacks. As she approaches Tanjiro, the air around her seems to hum with a subtle, dangerous energy.
"Let's see how you handle this, Kamado-sama," she says softly, her voice almost a whisper. She raises her blade, coated with a potent poison, and with a swift, fluid motion, she sends a cloud of toxic mist towards him.
Tanjiro's eyes narrow as he quickly assesses the threat. With practiced ease, he forms a series of hand signs. "Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!" he shouts. A powerful gust of wind erupts from his position, surging forward and dispersing the poison cloud into harmless wisps. The force of the wind is so strong that it sweeps through the training ground, scattering leaves and dust in its wake.
Shinobu's eyes widen slightly in surprise, but she quickly recovers, a smile playing on her lips. "You're full of surprises, Kamado-sama," she remarks, her voice filled with a mixture of amusement and admiration.
Before she can react, Tanjiro moves with lightning speed, closing the distance between them in an instant. He lands a soft but precise kick to her abdomen, his foot striking just below her ribcage. The blow is perfectly controlled, delivering just enough force to incapacitate her without causing serious injury. Shinobu gasps softly as the air is driven from her lungs, and she crumples to the ground, momentarily unable to move.
The onlookers are stunned by Tanjiro's speed and efficiency. His ability to neutralize Shinobu's poison techniques so effortlessly speaks volumes about his growth and adaptability as a warrior. Even the other Hashira, who are well aware of Shinobu's prowess, are impressed by Tanjiro's skillful counter and precision.
Shinobu looks up at Tanjiro, her eyes twinkling with a mixture of respect and curiosity. "You've certainly outmatched us all, Kamado-sama," she says, her voice breathless but sincere. "I look forward to seeing how much more you will achieve."
Tanjiro kneels beside her, offering her a hand to help her up. "Thank you, Shinobu-san. Your techniques are incredible. I'm honoured to have faced you."
Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira, steps forward with an air of calm authority. His towering frame and imposing presence are matched only by his reputation for immense strength and unwavering resolve. The ground seems to tremble slightly with each of his steps as he approaches Tanjiro, his expression serene but determined.
"Prepare yourself," Gyomei rumbles, his deep voice resonating through the training grounds.
Tanjiro stands his ground, fully aware of the daunting challenge before him. Gyomei's raw power is legendary, but Tanjiro knows that brute strength alone can be countered with strategic ingenuity. He takes a deep breath, centering himself, and begins to form the necessary hand signs.
"Earth Style: Mud Coffin!" Tanjiro shouts. The earth beneath their feet responds to his call, rising up and molding itself into a solid, impenetrable prison around Gyomei. The earthen walls are thick and sturdy, designed to contain even the mightiest of warriors.
Gyomei, despite his formidable strength, finds himself momentarily trapped. He tests the walls of his earthen prison, his powerful fists striking the barriers with resounding force. The ground shakes with each impact, but the Mud Coffin holds firm, its solid construction a testament to Tanjiro's mastery of elemental techniques.
The onlookers watch in awe as the scene unfolds. Gyomei's raw power is well-known among the Demon Slayer Corps, and seeing him contained, even momentarily, is a testament to Tanjiro's strategic prowess.
Inside the Mud Coffin, Gyomei's calm demeanor does not waver. He closes his eyes, feeling the structure around him, and takes a deep breath. His immense strength gathers as he prepares to break free. With a mighty roar, he channels all his power into a single, devastating strike.
The earthen walls crack under the pressure, but before they can completely shatter, Tanjiro moves swiftly. He anticipates Gyomei's immense strength and knows that a prolonged struggle would not be in his favor.
"Water Style: Water Prison Jutsu!" Tanjiro calls out, seamlessly transitioning to another elemental technique. A swirling sphere of water forms around Gyomei, replacing the crumbling earthen walls. The water's constant motion exerts pressure from all sides, making it difficult for Gyomei to gather the necessary force to break free.
Gyomei's eyes widen slightly in surprise, recognizing the fluid adaptability of Tanjiro's tactics. "Impressive, Tanjiro," he says, his voice muffled by the surrounding water. "You have not only strength but wisdom as well."
Tanjiro maintains his focus, ensuring the water prison remains intact. He knows that Gyomei's strength, while incredible, can be countered with quick thinking and versatility. The water sphere glows faintly as Tanjiro channels his chakra to sustain the jutsu.
Gyomei, undeterred, channels his own breathing technique. "Stone Breathing, Fifth Form: Arhat Requiem!" His muscles tense and bulge as he summons every ounce of his strength. The water prison ripples and distorts under the pressure of his formidable power.
The strain is visible on Tanjiro's face as he fights to maintain the water prison against Gyomei's overwhelming force. He grits his teeth, sweat beading on his forehead. But he knows he must hold on just a bit longer.
Finally, with a final, explosive effort, Gyomei breaks free from the water prison, the liquid dispersing in all directions. He stands, soaked but undeterred, his chest heaving from the exertion.
Tanjiro, recognizing the limits of their elemental battle, switches tactics once more. "Wind Style: Gale Palm!" he shouts, sending a powerful gust of wind towards Gyomei. The force of the wind pushes the massive Hashira back, momentarily unbalancing him.
Gyomei regains his footing quickly, his respect for Tanjiro growing with each passing moment. "You are truly formidable, Tanjiro," he acknowledges, his tone filled with genuine admiration.
Tanjiro, breathing heavily, bows slightly. "Thank you, Gyomei-san. Your strength is incredible, and I am honoured to have faced you."
Finally, the Snake Hashira, Obanai Iguro, and the Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji, stepped forward together, their movements synchronised and their determination palpable. The two shared a brief glance, a silent communication passing between them that spoke volumes about their resolve and readiness to combine their strengths against the formidable Tanjiro Kamado.
Obanai's voice, cold and lethal, sliced through the air. "Let's see how you handle both of us."
Mitsuri's eyes blazed with fierce determination as she nodded in agreement. "We won't go easy on you, Tanjiro!"
Without another word, the two Hashira launched their assault, their attacks perfectly coordinated. Obanai's serpent-like strikes darted towards Tanjiro with deadly accuracy, his blade moving as if it were an extension of a snake's body. Simultaneously, Mitsuri's flexible, whip-like sword swirled around her, creating a mesmerizing yet deadly whirlwind of steel.
Tanjiro, ever vigilant, anticipated their intricate attacks with remarkable agility. His movements were fluid, his breathing steady as he parried and dodged the relentless onslaught. The sound of clashing blades filled the air, each impact a testament to the intense combat.
As the battle intensified, Tanjiro's mind raced, analyzing the patterns and timing of his opponents' strikes. With a surge of resolve, he leaped back, creating a momentary gap between him and the attacking Hashira. He shifted his grip on his Nichirin blade, preparing for his next move.
"Water Breathing, Fourteenth Form: Hammer Smash!" Tanjiro's voice rang out with unwavering confidence.
In an instant, a colossal hammer formed of water materialized above Obanai and Mitsuri, its presence casting a shadow over the battlefield. The sheer force of the water hammer's descent caught both Hashira off guard, their synchronized attacks momentarily disrupted. The massive hammer crashed down with immense power, striking them both and sending them sprawling to the ground.
As Obanai and Mitsuri struggled to regain their footing, Tanjiro stood tall, his blade at the ready. "I do not wish to hurt anyone further. Please, surrender," he declared, his voice carrying both authority and compassion.
The dense fog that had shrouded the battlefield began to dissipate, revealing the fallen, unconscious forms of the Hashira. The assembled onlookers, demon slayers and kakushi alike, were stunned into silence, their expressions a mix of awe and disbelief.
"My children," From his balcony, Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, addressed the crowd. His voice was calm, yet it resonated with the weight his authority. "Tanjiro was once a part of a world that we have no knowledge about. He was reborn in this world with knowledge intact about that world. He passed the final selection by slaying every demon and in the mountain. Not only has he fought but also defeated two Upper Moons simultaneously. He saved Kanae too," he said. "Tanjiro Kamado has proven himself to be the strongest warrior we have ever seen. He has been able to defeat all the Hashira at the same time, effortlessly, in such a short time… it is completely unheard of."
Kagaya paused, his gaze sweeping over the assembled demon slayers and the fallen Hashira. "I, Kagaya Ubuyashiki, give you—Tanjiro Kamado, your Hokage—the Fire Shadow."
At these words, every demon slayer, Hashira, and Kakushi present dropped to one knee, bowing their heads in respect to their new Fire Shadow...
Tanjiro, still catching his breath from the intense battle, looked around in disbelief. "I am honoured," he said, his voice humble yet resolute. "I will do my best to lead and protect everyone."
The crowd erupted into cheers, their admiration for Tanjiro clear and heartfelt. The Hashira, now regaining consciousness, also acknowledged Tanjiro's new position with nods of respect, their expressions showing a newfound respect for his abilities.
"Looks like I am famous again..." Naruto smiled.
TBC
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