Kaoi's introduction began to cause quite the stir among the knights. Those that pledged their services to the candidates especially.

Reinhard: Slayer?

Julius: Just what is he thinking?

Felix: What a moron, talk about being irresponsible

Al: Is he not….?

Even the candidates to the throne have to voice out their own thoughts.

Priscilla: What could the insolent fool be spouting?

Crusch: I've never heard of such a corps…

Anastasia: Tsuguko…

Felt: Demons? Does he mean Oni?

Miklotov: Roswaal! I demand that you elaborate the meaning of this.

Roswaal: Well, it's quite simple, you see the man before you is a swordsman from beyond the great waterfall. In other words he is from another world where a race that is entirely different from Oni, called Demons hunt humanity. Kaoi here is part of an organization dedicated to fighting these monsters. He is essentially that of a knight.

Councilman: Is this true, young man?

Kaoi:... It is true. I am indeed from another world and everything else that you heard from Roswaal about my home is true.

Kaoi then felt the feeling of pure shock emanating from both the throne candidate, Crusch and the Red Knight, Reinhard.

Councilman: Lady Crusch? Knight Reinhard?

Crusch: I don't believe it…

Reinhard: To think such a person exists…

Crush/Reinhard: He is telling the truth!

This causes an uproar among the knights and nobles as they quickly murmur about this huge revelation.

Knight: He really is from beyond the great waterfall?

Noble: This can't be true! It has to be a trick!

Priscilla: He really is making this more interesting.

Felix: If Lady Crusch says it's true…

Felt: Wow! No wonder he's amazing!

Anastasia: This is very useful information.

Al: So he really is from…

Julius: Reinhard, you can't be serious!

Kaoi: I'm sorry but I'm a bit lost here. What is happening?

Reinhard: Apologies, Kaoi. You see Lady Crusch and I share a divine protection that allows us to tell if someone is telling the truth or not. It simply caught us off guard that everything we heard to be true.

Kaoi: I see.

Head Councilman: Order! I demand order!

The crowd was once again silenced as the Head Councilman began to speak.

Head Councilman: Now that your identity has been made and verified to the council. Demon Slayer Kaoi, what is your relation to the throne candidate known as Emilia.

Kaoi: Currently, I am employed to be her bodyguard.

Emilia: Kaoi…

Councilman: And what is it that you wish to speak on the behalf of the witch?

Kaoi: I am simply appalled by the actions by the people of this court. It disgusts me that you all find it proper to throw such insults at a lady and not just any lady. But one chosen by the dragon himself to rule this country. By insulting his candidates that had done nothing to warrant such words, is to practically insult his authority. Which I hear is a grave grievance akin to heresy in this country.

Suddenly most of the people that threw insults at Emilia and Felt began to become pale as they soon realized the mistakes they had made. They could only hope that the divine dragon would be merciful to them.

Kaoi: Then there are the Knights of this room. I heard that they were supposed to be these honorable warriors who fought for chivalry and justice. However, you showed me that you all are too self-absorbed with your own prejudices to fulfill your duty. The hypocrisy in your hearts honestly makes me sick. One's birth should not dictate how they are treated in the world! In the end, I suggest that you all shape up your act and manners. Lady Emilia and Lady Felt deserve your respect as it is decreed by the dragon himself.

As much as the nobles and knights in the room want to cry out in rage at the swordsman. They couldn't find the words to refute his claim. Otherwise it would all be just meaningless noise.

Then one of the most unexpected things happened as the room started to fill the room.

Kaoi: What now!

Felt: What are you doing?

Reinhard then goes into action as he uses his sword to clear the smoke and reveal that Rom, the giant from the bar had somehow snuck in to rescue Felt. However, due to being caught he was quickly incapacipated.

Markus: I don't know who you are, but for stealing into the castle, you must be executed.

Felt: Stop it! Let him go!

Markus: Unfortunately, I can not comply, Let me remind you that you have publicly renounced your place in the Royal Selection. Thereby, I am not obligated to obey your orders.

Kaoi: Damn it! It's just one problem after another in this country. As much as I want to help, I can only see one way this can be resolved peacefully.

Felt: Alright, then! I'll do your stupid selection! You just want me to be the next ruler, don't you!?

Rom: Hold on a second. What are you saying, Felt?

Felt: That old man is my family! So let him go right now! Treat him with care!

Markus: Very well,

After getting up, the old giant could only turn to his granddaughter.

Rom: Really sorry, Felt. We'll talk later, Rom, okay?

Kaoi: Poor guy, he really cares for her.

Councilman: Now that has been settled, Demon Slayer Kaoi.

Kaoi: Yes.

Council: While you have made irrefutable points for us to dwell on, by the express order of the council I must ask that you leave the room.

Kaoi: Very well, I'm glad that my point came across to you all. Farewell.

Kaoi then makes his way to the exit without giving anyone a passing glance.

Emilia: Kaoi, what have you done?

Markus: Miss Emilia. If nothing else, he has shown us that you are a candidate deserving of at least our respect. You have a fine attendant. On behalf of the knights of Lugnica, you have our sincerest apologies.

Emilia: Thank you, but he is not…

Despite Kaoi leaving the room, he couldn't help but feel the convictions of the blonde thief suddenly flare up.

Kaoi: Even Felt had shown you up, Emi. I don't know what she has planned but I can tell she shouts it with greater passion.

Looking out the window he can't help but think about how his master would react to what he had just done.

Kaoi: Rengoku-sama, did I do the right thing? Do you think I was in the right to say all of those things? I know what I did was out of bounds, but I couldn't help feeling it was necessary for me to do.

Julius: Kaoi!

Broken out of his stupor, Kaoi sees the Purple-haired knight walking towards him with Reinhard and Felix tagging along.

Kaoi: What is it, Julius?

Julius: I would like to come with me for a bit.

Kaoi: Just spit out what you want?

Julius: Very well then, Kaoi I hereby challenge you to a duel for disrespecting the knights of Lugnica.

Reinhard: Julius…

Kaoi: I refuse.

Julius: What!

Reinhard and Felix also became shocked at Kaoi's answer.

Kaoi: I said I refuse your challenge.

Julius: You dare refuse a duel. After all that you have said in the throne room! Do you have no pride as a so-called demon slayer?

Kaoi: Let me tell you something, Julius. My pride as a demon slayer does not hinge on me raising my blade at every person that calls out my flaws. No, my pride lies in the families that didn't lose a member in a demon attack and in the fallen comrades that I've avenged with every demon I slay. If you want to show me that you're deserving of respect, then uphold your duty.

With that, Kaoi turns to make an exit only to be blocked by a pair of knights.

Julius: I'm afraid, I just can't let you walk away.

Reinhard: Julius just what are you doing?

Julius: What is best for the both of us.

Kaoi: You're really going to force my hand here? Fine, I accept your duel, but on the condition that we use our blades.

Felix: Nyah?

Julius:...I accept your conditions.

Kaoi: Sorry, Rengoku-sama, I wasn't able to end this without a fight.

Scene Change

Now standing in a colosseum with the entire knight army of lugnica as an audience. Julius had taken off his cloak and jacket, while Kaoi had simply removed his haori.

Reinhard: Julius, please! You shouldn't do this, it isn't like you!

Julius: He insulted the knights directly in front of the candidates that one of is to be our future ruler. He also made light of our chivalry.

Reinhard: Yes, he may have said some things that were out of line, but the proper manner to handle this would be a warning.

Julius: I hereby, administer the death penalty!

The crowd goes wild as they cheer for Julius.

Julius: I had originally planned for us to use wooden swords as you are Miss Emilia's servant but as you insist we will be using our real swords.

Kaoi: If you're going to execute someone, you may as well use your own weapon.

Julius: Shall we begin?

Kaoi: On your mark.

As soon as he said this, Reinhard reluctantly starts the match and the crowd goes wild as Julius charges at Kaoi. Julius tries to strike at Kaoi only for the blade to be blocked by Kaoi's own.

His assault did not stop, but the same can be said for Kaoi's counters. As the two blades clash repeatedly.

The cheer's began to die down as soon it became clear that Julius wasn't landing a single hit on Kaoi.

Julius: Why won't you fight back!

Kaoi just silently stared back at the knight as he continued to block his attacks.

Julius: Is that how you want to be then fine!

Julius increases his speed and strength in hopes of either out powering or out speeding the demon slayer.

[Clink!]

Only to be shocked when Kaoi was able to perform the same increase in speed and strength.

Kaoi: This is getting really annoying.

Scene Change

A knight in a hurry comes forward to the hall where the candidates stood.

Knight: Reporting! Knight Julius and Kaoi have engaged in combat in the training ring!

Emilia: How did that happen? I have to-

Anastasia: I just wanna know one thing. Which one of 'em issued the challenge?

Knight: I'm told it was the knight Julius and that Kaoi accepted.

Anastasia: Well, I'm against stopping them, then.

Emilia: What! But your knight and my bodyguard are fighting! Aren't you worried!

Anastasia: Worried? About what? That Julius will go too far, and I'll have to pay for your boy's treatment?

Crusch: If we're questioning their mock battle, I can't agree with stopping it before they finish, either.

Felt: You could've waited until it ended and told us who won.

Knight: Well, it's just that the fight might be prolonged with how equal the fighters are and they are using their actual blades!

Anastasia: What?

Emilia: We have to go stop them!

Alarmed by learning the conditions of the fight, all of the candidates ran to the training grounds.

Knights: How can this be?

Now getting a good look at the fight, the candidates can see that while Julius had been on the assault. Kaoi looks like had not a single scratch on him.

Felix: Lady Crusch!

Crusch: Felix, how has the fight been progressing?

Felix: Well Julius so far have been the only one in the duel to attack while Kaoi had been blocking every strike.

Back to the fight, Julius was getting more and more frustrated.

Julius: I heard that you fought against the Bowel Hunter, so why don't you show me the same ferocity you showed her!

Once again he increases the speed, this time to match the infamous assassin.

[Clink]

Kaoi: You're still too slow.

Despite the close relations, Kaoi has with Rengoku. One does not simply become tsuguko to the Flame Hashira overnight.

Julius: Enough!

With a mighty swing, the two swordsmen finally disengage in battle.

Julius: Kaoi, I realize that your title of Demon Slayer is not for show. You have indeed shown some skill with the blade. However this is all pointless if you don't fight seriously!

Kaoi:...

Kaoi: If you really want to see my full power, then you should as well?

Julius: If that is what you want then you shall finally feel the sting of my blade!

Anastasia: Julius?

Kaoi: That's not what I meant.

Julius: What do you mean then?

Kaoi: I believe you can figure it out.

It takes a moment for the thought to settle, but soon Reinhard, Felix and Julius figured out what Kaoi is asking.

Felix: How did he know about them?

Julius: Are you insane? If I were to call them then-

Kaoi: So what, this is supposed to be my "death" penalty.

Emilia: Death penalty!

Julius: Errrrrr…. Very well.

The knight closes his eyes as six orbs of light manifest at his side. These are the six quasi-spirits contracted to Julius.

Julius: I just hope you know, what is to come is of your own doing.

Kaoi: Same to you.

Julius and his spirits then take a pose.

Julius: I am Julius Juukulius, Finest of Knights!

Kaoi, following Julius' example, did the same.

Kaoi: and I am Kaoi, the Flame Tsuguko of Kyojuro Rengoku!

( watch?v=rVlSt4JM2t8)

Kaoi: Flame Breathing, First Form: Unyielding Flame!

Before Julius knew it, Kaoi was already behind him as he swung his sword! Although the strangest thing about this to Julius is that he swears that he couldn't see Kaoi's face for the rest of the fight.

[Clank!]

Julius: Enhanced Strength!

Using he newfound strength, Julius was able to push back against the demon slayer.

Julius: Alo! Ake!

Using a combination of magic, Julius summons an earth dome around Kaoi.

Kaoi: Flame Breathing, Eight Form: Torching Wildfire!

The earth dome instantly shatters into a thousand pieces.

Reinhard: This is like nothing I've ever seen!

Felix: I know! I never thought in a million years that there would be somebody that could match Julius and his spirits without using magic themselves!

Emilia: I know Kaoi was strong but this strong.

Anastasia: Just who is this Kaoi? I never saw Julius fight this hard before.

Crusch: This Flame Breathing of his is quite unique.

Felt: Yeah! Big Bro go kick his A**!

Al: hmmmmm

Priscilla: Speak your mind, Al or cease making those untasteful noises.

Al: Sorry Princess, it's just that the way Kaoi is moving kinda reminds me of a dance back home.

Priscilla: A dance, you say? Elaborate.

Al: Yeah, I remember in my home town that the priests would do these ancient dances. The way he is moving is kinda like one of those dances but modified for battle.

Priscilla: I see! What an interesting person you've become, Commoner.

Kaoi: I have to admit! This guy is really putting me on edge here!

Julius: Al Clarista!

Julius' sword begins to glow brightly as he imbues it with the power

Julius: Let's see how your sword handles this!

At amazing speed and strength Kaoi could only do his best to block each strike.

Kaoi: I believe this is enough. It's time to end this!

Julius: Agreed. AL

Kaoi: Guess I should finally use this.

Kaoi: Flame Breathing

Julius: CLA

Kaoi: Fire Magic

Now finally imbuing his own magic into his blade. The Sword became covered in flames.

Felt: His sword! It's on fire like it was last time!

Julius: RIS

Kaoi: Third Form

Julius: TA!

Emilia: Kaoi!

Immediately the two clashed, which caused a huge dust cloud to cover the arena.

Emilia: [Coughs] I can't see anything, is Kaoi okay?

Felix: Reinhard?

Reinhard: On it.

Once again using his sword to clear the area. Everyone can see Julius standing as Kaoi is right behind him with his nichirin blade out.

Kaoi: Blazing Universe!

As Julius' sword was sliced in two.

Anastasia: Julius lost!

Emilia: Kaoi Won!

Felt: Yeah, way to go Big Bro!

Al: Wow….

Crusch: What kind of fighting style was that?

Priscilla: That was amusing while it lasted.

Julius couldn't find it himself to turn around. Even as he heard Kaoi approaches and felt a blade placed upon his neck.

Kaoi: I believe you know what to do.

Julius: ….. I yield.

The crowd cries in disbelief, Julius, finest of knights was defeated by someone working under the most hated candidate.

After sheathing his blade, Kaoi made his way to Emilia, who was just standing at the entrance of the training ground.

Kaoi:...Emi.

Emilia: ….Kaoi…. Come with me.

Kaoi: Sure.

The pair reunited with Ram and Roswaal, the maid looking at him with shock as he was really bruised all over. After a quick healing session, the group made their way to the hotel they were staying at. Where Emilia brought Kaoi to her room.

Emilia: Kaoi, why?

Kaoi: I did what I thought was right.

Emilia: What you thought was right? Kaoi, you insulted the kingdom's knight and nobility on my behalf! Do you know how that makes me look!

Kaoi: Did you know how you looked when you were just passively taking their insults?! I'll tell you, a pushover!

Emilia: How could you say that!?

Kaoi: Cause I can feel it! Emi, when your rivals made their claims to the throne. I can feel how hot their convictions are. How their hearts burn brightly. That kind of fire is what gets people to back you. However, you would rather shield your heart in ice than let anyone be near you!

Emilia: What are you talking about!

Kaoi: Everytime I ask about your past, you have been just deflecting every question. You had tried your damndest to keep me out of the Royal Selection. Why are you trying so hard to keep me out of your life?

Emilia: Because what would be the point if you're just going to leave anyway!

Silence falls upon the two as Kaoi becomes stuned. Emilia's eyes start to water with tears.

Emilia: Sorry Kaoi but I henceforth release you from your services as my bodyguard. Roswaal and I will be heading back to the mansion tomorrow. You will stay in the capital to have your gate inspected.

Kaoi: Emilia…

Emilia: You can continue your services as Roswaal's butler afterwards so you can continue to work with Beatrice. I hope you can find your way back home [sobs]

Not being able to be composed, Emilia runs out of the room, as she leaves Kaoi to sink on her words.

Kaoi: Damn…

Author's note

Wow, was this chapter fun to type. So what did you guys think of the fight? I really hope I did a good job on this.

Like always, feel free to type your thoughts in the comments.