Chapter 3
The next day, the Hashira were on their knees in front of the Headquarters. Tanjiro was standing on the side, feeling nervous. They were all looking at the Master, Sanemi, and Kyojuro who were standing underneath the shade of the Headquarters building.
Kyojuro stood in front of Sanemi. He went down on his knees and looked up at Shinazugawa.
"I am ready Shinazugawa." Kyojuro said.
Sanemi looked at the Master who was standing near them.
"Begin, Sanemi." Ubuyashiki said.
Sanemi pulled out his sword and he sliced his arm. He presented his arm towards Kyojuro, his blood dripping onto the floor between them.
Then Rengoku felt something stir inside him. The instinct. The demon instinct for human blood. He felt himself get up slowly though his human self wasn't controlling him, it was the demon self that was.
Shinazugawa started to tense up. What he saw in front of him was an expression he didn't think he would see on Rengoku. Rengoku's eyes were hard and fierce, his mouth was pulled back in a snarl, revealing two sharp fangs, and his claws were revealed to be long, sharp, and they had a color from a deep red to an almost orange-red. Rengoku stared at the blood of Shinazugawa but he knew deep down inside he had to stay strong, he had to restrain himself from attacking his fellow Hashira.
Shinazugawa continued to stare at Rengoku, his expression tense. I didn't think I would see Rengoku like this. He isn't the one to attack first. He's doing well to restrain himself from attacking me.
Kocho looked on with slight surprise. I can see he is shaking. I hope he doesn't snap and attack Shinazugawa. I would hate to poison him.
Kanroji looked on in fright and worry. Oh! Rengoku looks so scary! I really hope we don't have to kill him!
Tokito wasn't even paying attention. He was looking up at the clouds though at the same time he is aware of what is going on.
Himejima had tears streaming down, praying for Rengoku. Bless this passionate soul from becoming a fiery soul.
Iguro looked on with a disbelieving expression. He'll never make it.
Uzui looked on with interest. So far he's not attacking Shinazugawa. Maybe he can still fight as a Hashira.
Tomioka looked on with no emotion. He continued watching the scene before him in silence.
Tanjiro looked on with worry and nervousness. I have never seen Rengoku like this before. His scent is completely different. Please Rengoku, I know you can do this. If Nezuko can do it, so can you!
Then Rengoku started to get even more tense, to the point where he starting growling. Everyone started to tense up. Shinazugawa tightened his grip on his sword, ready to block in case Kyojuro attacked. Kocho had also griped her sword, ready to poison Kyojuro in case Sanemi couldn't block him in time.
Rengoku closed his eyes, struggling to win against his demon blood. Then an image of his mother appeared in his mind.
Kyojuro's eyes flung open. Mother!
Then taking a deep breath, Rengoku went back down on his knees, and he looked back at Sanemi with a calm gaze. Sanemi looked at him with slight shock. All the Hashira looked at Rengoku with slight shock as well. Only Tanjiro looked at him with relief.
Ubuyashiki smiled and he had his children lead him to Rengoku. Rengoku stood up and he faced the Master.
"You have done well Kyojuro. You have proved you will not hurt a human. You may continue fighting as a Hashira." Ubuyashiki said.
Rengoku bowed. "Thank you, Master."
Tanjiro walked up to Rengoku. "Rengoku, you made it!"
"Yes, young Kamado. I have!" Kyojuro said with a smile.
"Even if you didn't make it, I would have protected you, even if I have to go through every Hashira." Tanjiro said, determined.
Kyojuro placed a hand on Tanjiro's shoulder. "Thank you, Kamado. You believed in me and in doing so, you would have put your life at risk to protect me, just like how you protected your sister."
Tanjiro smiled.
"Which reminds me, I would like you to join me on visiting my younger brother, Senjuro. He needs to know what has happened." Kyojuro said.
"Of course! I will join you to visit your brother." Tanjiro said.