Chapter 32: Rengoku's Last Smile
Moving as fast as he could, Kaoi makes a leap and manages to grab hold of Tanjiro's haori and the engineer's torso.
[Crash!]
The mugen train fully derailed when it hit the dirt. Coming into a slow but destructive stop.
With no safe platform to land on. Kaoi brace himself as he aims for one of the flesh piles left by Enmu. It was rough but Kaoi was able to land safely with Tanjiro and the engineer in tow.
After putting the two down Kaoi looks at the wreckage upon him.
Kaoi: It looks bad. I hope Rengoku-sama and the others were able to save everyone from the crash.
Tanjiro: [coughs] Kaoi-san?
Kaoi: Kamado-kun!
Kaoi kneels down to check on the sword fighter who seems to struggle to move.
Tanjiro: That engineer… is he alright?
Kaoi: The engineer is fine.
Tanjiro: That's… good…
Inosuke: Santaro!
Both of them turn their heads to Inosuke as he rushes to aid his underling.
Inosuke: You see me bounce off that demon's flesh just now? Wait! What am I saying? Are you alright!
Tanjiro: I'm-I'm all right. What about you?
Inosuke: I've never felt better.
Kaoi: I'm fine as well but Kamado-kun what happened? You don't seem to be able to move.
Tanjiro: It is a repercussion of…. switching into the Hinokami Kagura. After use… my body is rendered immoble.
Kaoi: I see. Hashibira-kun can you go check to see that everyone is okay. I'll stay behind and look after Kamado-kun.
Inosuke: [growls] Fine! You better take care of my underling, Glass Eyes!
With that Inosuke goes off to check upon the passengers.
Kaoi: Now Kamado-kun, focus your breathing, if you can keep it steady then you can move to a degree.
Tanjiro: I will try, Kaoi-san.
As Tanjiro regulates his breathing Kaoi goes into his thoughts again.
Kaoi: The Hinokami Kagura. That was like nothing I've seen before. To think a technique so powerful would be hidden with a family dance. Could his ancestor have been a demon slayer?
A few moments later Tanjiro was able to get up.
Kaoi: There we go.
Rengoku: You've mastered Total Concentration, Constant. That's quite impressive.
Tanjiro/Kaoi: Rengoku-san/sama.
Rengoku: You're one step closer to being a hashira. That's one step out of ten thousand mind you.
Tanjiro: I'll do my best.
Rengoku: Mastering your breathing will open many doors for you. Now, it won't solve everything, but it will help. You will continue to grow stronger. Both of you.
Tanjiro: Thank you.
Rengoku: [chuckles]
Kaoi: [relieved sigh]
Rengoku: As for the others, there are many who are injured, but they're safe for the time being.
Kaoi: So don't strain yourself. Make sure to rest up.
Tanjiro: [chuckles] Thank you both, I will.
Rengoku: Good.
Kaoi: I'm just glad it all ov-
[Rumble!]
Kaoi was interrupted as something crashed near them. With the booming noise loud as thunder. The dust cloud obscured the figure with glowing eyes.
Tanjiro/Kaoi/Rengoku: [gasps]
[ Play watch?v=SxXRZYkLvOE ]
The demon slayers got up to their feet as the dust started to clear.
It was a man with pale skin and blue line tattoos. His hair is red as the vest he wears. The most troubling thing about him to our slayer is his glowing yellow eyes. Yellow eyes inscribed with the kanji for the upper three.
Kaoi is even finding it hard to stand in this demon's presence. This ferocity, bloodlust and malice makes what he sensed from Enmu small in comparison. Only one thing could run through his head.
Kaoi: Why is he-
But before he could finish thinking, Upper Moon Three disappears like lightning and in mere moments is inches away from colinding his fist and Tanjiro's head.
Rengoku: Flame Breathing, Second Form…
However, just as quickly Rengoku brings his blade up. The demon quickly retreated as his arm was sliced in half.
Rengoku: Rising Scorching Sun!
Upper Moon Three backflips a few times before coming to a stop. His arm quickly snaps back together and the cut is sealed up.
Upper Moon Three: That's a fine sword.
He then slurps his blood that was left behind by his regeneration.
Kaoi: I've never seen a demon regenerate that quickly before. So this is an Upper Rank.
Rengoku: Why would you go after an exhausted person first over me?
Upper Moon Three: I thought that he'd get in the way of our little chit chat is all.
Rengoku: What is it you would like to discuss? While this is our first time meeting I already dislike you.
Upper Moon Three: Is that right? Well, I dislike weak human beings. The mere sight of them makes my skin crawl.
Rengoku: If that is the case, I do not believe we will ever get along.
Upper Moon Three: Be that as it may, let me make you an offer. Why don't you become a demon as well?
Rengoku: No, thanks.
Upper Moon Three: I can tell just by looking at you that you're strong. A Hashira, huh? Your fighting spirit has been tempered like quality steel. Your name?
Rengoku: I'm the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku.
Akaza: I am Akaza. Kyojuro, let me tell you why, despite being a Hashira, your strength is not enough. Because you're merely human, destined to grow old and eventually die.
The Upper Moon now known as Akaza extends his hand towards Rengoku.
Akaza: Become a demon, Kyojuro. Doing so would alloy the two of you to better yourselves for another hundred, even 200 years.
Tanjiro, threatened by the presence of this new foe, goes for his blade but is stopped by Kaoi who shakes his head.
Rengoku: Both growing old and passing away, these are things that make being human beautiful. Those may seem like weaknesses to you, but our lives are all the more precious and honorable because of them. You see, true strength does not just refer to the physical body. This boy is not weak.
Tanjiro: [gasps]
Rengoku: Don't insult him. Let me be clear. The two of us will never see eye to eye. No matter what twisted reasons you give, I will not yield.
There was a moment of silence before Akaza finally spoke.
Akaza: I see. Technique Development. Destructive Death, Compass Needle.
The ground breaks as his foot stomps on it. A snowflake pattern appears beneath the upper moon.
Akaza: I guess I'll just have to kill you then.
Rengoku: [grunts]
Hashira and Upper Moon dash at each other. Rengoku blocks a punch and dodges another. He swings at Akaza who jumps away. He comes back to throw another punch that is blocked by Rengoku's blade.
Meanwhile Kaoi is having trouble keeping track of the fight while Tanjiro couldn't.
Akaza: In all my years, I've never gotten to kill a Flame Hashira! No one has yet to take me up on my offer, either.
Akaza then makes a jump kick to which he follows it up with a punch. Rengoku was able to block them both as he managed to hit directly on Akaza's wrist.
Akaza: Why do you think that is? As a fellow master of the martial arts, I just can't comprehend it. Not when only the chosen ones can become demons!
He then makes a go to side chop Rengoku but instead gets his arm cut clean off. Only for it to regrow immediately and another of his punches is blocked.
Akaza: Watching the hideous decline of someone blessed with your powers, it pains me more than you know! While you're still young and strong your life should be cut short.
Rengoku takes a mighty swing at Akaza but he jumps into the air.
Akaza: Destructive Death Air Type.
The upper moon punches the air which sends a bullet of pressurized air that hits Rengoku square in the chest. Knocking him back temporality.
Rengoku: [grunts]
Akaza launches two more air attacks which successfully hit Rengoku despite him blocking it. Akaza launches more air type attacks.
Regoku: Flame Breathing, Fourth Form: Blooming Flame Undulation!
Swing his sword in a circular motion. Rengoku was able to block all of the projectile attacks aiming for him. Akaza tries again but Regoku uses the fourth form to block them all.
The battle pauses for a bit after Akaza lands on the ground. That is until Regoku closes the distance. He makes go for Akaza's neck but he dodges.
Akaza: Those reflexes! Brilliant!
Fist met blade and blade met fist between the two.
Akaza: Those breathtaking sword skills will be lost, too! Doesn't that thought make you sad, Kyojuro?
Rengoku: They are simply aspects of being human! Why would it?
Inosuke joins Kaoi and Tanjiro in being spectators to the fight. Tanjiro once again tries to move but is stopped by Kaoi.
Kaoi: We don't have the energy left to participate.
Tanjiro: But Kaoi-san!
Kaoi: I know it's hard but we have to let him handle it.
Tanjiro: [gasps]
Kaoi: Although even if we hadn't fought that Lower Moon I don't think we would be much of help. We'd only get in the way.
Rengoku: [yells]
With a single hit, Rengoku launches Akaza into the nearby forest. He soon followed in pursuit. Then he is intercepted as he dashes through the forest.
Akaza: Such skilled movement.
Rengoku dodges a punch and slices his arm off. But he is kicked back out of the forest and hits a dirt hill.
Tanjiro: Renogku-san!
Kaoi: Rengoku-sama!
Inosuke: Watch out, Bug Eyes!
Rengoku recovers from that last attack but is now leaning on his sword.
Akaza: You sure you won't turn into a demon?
Rengoku: [panting]
Akaza: Think of it this way. If you did, we could spar with each other endlessly. Imagine how much stronger we'd become!
This made Rengoku grip his blade harder.
Rengoku: Never. Let me make this clear. I do not like you.
He stands up, his face full of determination as he readies his sword.
Rengoku: I will not become a demon!
Thus the Flame Hashira jumps into the air.
Rengoku: Flame Breathing, Third Form: Blazing Universe!
Slashing downwards Akaza's chest as he jumps back.
Akaza: What a magnificent attack!
The demon said as he rushed forward.
Akaza: Destructive Death Air Type.
While the hit lands and knocks Rengoku away. He recovers quickly and continues his assault. He once again slices into Akaza's wrist.
Akaza: This struggle is futile. Continuing this meaningless assault will only result in one outcome, your death!
Akaza's fists clashed with Rengoku's sword. Until one of his punches grazed Rengoku's head and caused the skin to split open.
Rengoku: Flame Breathing, First Form: Unknowing Fire!
With a single swing of his sword, Rengoku slices off both of the demon's arms but like before they grow back.
Akaza: Killing you now will be a haven't reached your peaked yet.
It seems like now the Upper Moon was gaining the upper hand now as he pushes Rengoku back with his punches. In a flash, Akaza delivers a right hook into Regoku's side. Breaking his ribs in the strike.
Rengoku: [gags]
The Flame Hashira staggers back before he takes his stance.
Rengoku: Second Form: Rising Scorching Sun!
But it was for nought as Akaza dodges the attack and resumes his punching assault.
Akaza: In just a few short years your abilities would be sharpen to an even finer point.
His last punch slides off the blade and hits Rengoku in the face. Crushing his left eyeball. He stumbles back but he then makes a swing downwards.
Rengoku: Third Form, Blazing Universe!
Akaza moves out of the way and counter attack.
Rengoku: Fourth Form, Blooming Flame Undulation!
Akaza: Destructive Death…
Rengoku: Fifth Form, Flame Tiger
Akaza: Disorder!
Their attacks are not increasing in power.
Akaza: Come at me!
Rengoku dodges a punch and delivers one last swing that slices Akaza's arm off. The fight then stops.
Inosuke: Is that it? Did he win?!
The combatants were just standing still. Kaoi had never seen Rengoku fighting this hard nor have he ever seen him this injured if ever. He shudders at the sight of his master bleeding.
Rengoku: [panting]
Kaoi: No way. It can't be.
Meanwhile the upper moon just stands there with an emotionless expression.
Akaza: Don't tell me it's over. I won't have you die on me.
Rengoku: [panting]
Kaoi: Rengoku-sama.
Akaza: Don't you see that fighting to death in the frail human body will never measure up to mine? Those impressive attacks that you inflicted upon me have already healed completely. You on the other hand – a smashed left eye, shattered ribs, damage to the internal organs – all irreparable. If you were a demon, you'd heal in the blink of an eye, and those wounds would be but mere scratches. In the ende, a human can never surpass a demon.
Kaoi wanted to go help him to join his master in this fight even when he's not skilled enough to face an upper moon. But he held himself back know that isn't what his master wanted.
[ Play watch?v=WkS8WYmQH8g ]
The panting Hashira then focuses his breathing as the fighting spirit inside him ignites!
Akaza: So this is how it is, then.
Rengoku: I… I will see my duty fulfilled! No matter what it takes, no one shall die here! Flame Breathing, Esoteric Art!
Akaza was amazed by Rengoku's refusal to give in.
Akaza: [gasps] What an impressive fighting spirit. To press on, despite your bodily injuries! That brilliant strength of mind! And that ironclad! [laughs] Now you have to become a demon! Just imagine it! We'd be able to fight each other for the rest of eternity!
Rengoku: Set your heart ablaze. Overcome your limits. I am the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku! Ninth Form, Rengoku!
Akaza: Destructive Death, Annihilation Type!
Rengoku: [yells]
In a mere moment, Rengoku launches himself at Akaza. With the power and ferocity of a mighty flame dragon!
Akaza: [laughs]
While the gleeful Akaza met him with full force!
The destructive clash creates an explosion of dirt and debris.
Kaoi: Rengoku-sama!
Unable to see what had happened, Kaoi stood in the dust cloud for a few moments.
Kaoi: Master…
When the dust settled, what Kaoi saw shook him to the core. Akaza, majorly damaged with his arm through the flame hashira's chest.
Rengoku: [gags]
Akaza: Kyojuro you must know this wound would kill you. Save yourself. Say that you'll become a demon! Can't you see? Your strength make you truly special.
Never before did Kaoi feel helpless to save anyone. Not since all those years ago back on the island.
Rengoku: [gasps] [roaring]
[ Play watch?v=2R1CASakH4E ]
Kaoi is broken out of his stupor by Rengoku's roar as he embeds his sword right into Akaza's neck!
Akaza: [gags]
Akaza tried to punch him with his other arm but it was quickly grabbed by the unbelievable strength of the hashira!
Dawn approaches as the sun will rise soon. Akaza knows he must get away but Rengoku has him immoble. He can't even pull his arm out of his chest.
Kaoi: Now!
Inosuke: Huh?
Kaoi could wait no longer, not when his master is still pressing on despite being skewered. He rushes to his master's aid with Inosuke and Tanjiro following suit.
Kaoi: This is our only chance. We need to finish him while Rengoku-sama has him locked.
Akaza struggles more as he sees the morning light from atop of the crashed train. However Rengoku will not budge!
Akaza: [roars] Let go!
Rengoku: [yells]
Kaoi: Quickly attack from all sides.
The Tsuguko launches behind Akaza while Inosuke takes to attacking from above.
Kaoi: Flame Breathing, First Form: Unknowing Fire!
Inosuke: Beast Breathing! Fang One: Pierce
The upper moon witnessed this incoming all out attack but was more worried about the approaching light. In an act of desperation, Akaza forcibly ripped his own arms off. He then kicks Kaoi square in the stomach and uses him as a launch pad.
Kaoi: [gags]
Tanjiro: [gasps]
Akaza: [Growls]
Akaza scowls with rage at the demon slayers but he has no time now. He has to find sanctuary from the sunlight. After regrowing his arms, Akaza makes a mad dash into the forest.
Tanjiro: [panting]
Tanjiro would not give up however as he throws his sword right through the forest. Akaza, distracted with his retreat, was hit right through the chest by Tanjiro's black blade. He winces from the pain but he continues with his retreat.l
Tanjiro: Don't run away! I'm not done with you, coward! Turn and face me!
[ Play watch?v=jLec2L2WGz8 ]
Akaza is further filled with rage. Doesn't that kid have any brains? He's not running away from him. He's running from the sun! To him the battle's already been decided.
Tanjiro: Don't forget that the demon slayer corps is always fighting you demons in the dead of night, where you have the advantage! We're not like you at all! We don't regenerate as fast, and when we lose a limb it's gone for good! Don't run away, you bastard! You're a coward, a coward! Rengoku-san is stronger than you'll ever hope to be! Much Stronger! You didn't win against him! He kept everyone safe! He fought to the very end so no one would die! You're the one who lost! Rengoku-san is the true victor! [panting]
Tanjiro tried to keep burning passion against the demon moon but his panting soon turned into sobs.
Tanjiro: [wails]
The flame hashira, in awe of this display, smiles at the sobbing Tanjiro.
Kaoi: Rengoku…
Upon being called his name, Rengoku turns his head towards his tsuguko. Clutching his stomach as he kneels down in front of him.
[1:11]
Rengoku: Young Kamado come here… I have something to say to you… Both of you…
Tanjiro stopped crying for a moment and did as Rengoku asked.
Rengoku: When I was dreaming of the past… there was something I remembered. My old residence… Kaoi you should take young Kamado and go pay it a visit. There are notes left by the previous Flame Hashira there.
Kaoi: You mean the Record of the Twenty-first Flame Hashira?
Rengoku: Yes… Within those notes you may find the dance young Kamado mentioned, the Hinokami Kagura.
The bleeding worsened as Akaza's arm turned to dust from the sunlight.
Tanjiro: Please! Rengoku-san… enough of that. Just think about yourself now. Can you heal up with a breathing technique?
Rengoku: Very soon, I'll be dead. But before that happens, I need you both to hear me out. Kaoi, you need to talk to Senjuro.
Tanjiro: Senjuro?
Kaoi: His younger brother.
Rengoku: Please tell him to follow his heart and walk down the path you feel is right. And tell my father… that I want him to look after himself. and about your sister, Young Kamado… know that I believe in her. I accept her as part of our ranks. Your sister shed blood to protect the people inside that train from demons. And anyone who does that, regardless of what is said to the contrary, is a rightful member of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Kaoi could't take what he was hearing may be his master's last words as he downcast his eyes to the ground. But he raises them again when his master starts speaking again.
Rengoku: and lastly… Kaoi, my dear tsuguko…
Kaoi: Huh
Rengoku: I am sorry… it seems now you must mature faster than intended… For in accordance with the code of the Demon Slayer Corps, my title as Hashira will fall onto you… it will now be up to you to fulfill the responsibilities that were once mine… it is a heavy burden to carry…. But these past years, I've seen you grow into a fine swordsman and a very capable person… so hold you head high.
[ Art: tokujensen/art/Re-Slayer-CH-32-Rengoku-s-Last-Smile-948132577]
Kaoi: [sniffling]
Rengoku: If you are feeling disheartened, that somehow you are not enough… set your heart ablaze. Dry your eyes, and look ahead. You may feel like digging your heels in, but the flow of time waits for no one. It won't patiently stand by as you grieve. Don't feel bad that I'm going to die. As a hashira, it's natural I'd protect you all. The young buds must be allowed to bloom. Any other Hashira would have done the same as I. Young Kamado… Young Boar… Boy of Yellow… you must continue to grow and eventually lend your aid as the next hashira… and you young Kaoi I trust that you will see them through this… I believe… in each and every one of you.
Kaoi couldn't hold back anymore as tears started flowing from his eyes. Even while on death's door, Kaoi could sense nothing but pride and joy from his master. Up until the very end the last thing Kaoi sees before everything turns white. Was his master smiling…
[ End OST ]
Kaoi's eyes slowly open as he finds himself within the trial room of Sanctuary. He gets up from the floor as his face gets wet from the tears streaming down.
Kaoi: Rengoku-sama… it can't be… why did an upper moon show up…? There's no way that happened while I was gone… there's just no possible way…
Then the voice of a witch interrupted his thoughts.
Echidna: Oh… but there is a possible way.
Like that, Kaoi finds himself on green grass and behind him sits the witch of greed.
Kaoi: Echidna…
Echidna: Just sit down and I can explain…
Author Notes
And that is where we will leave off. Like always the art in my deviant art of the same name. But wow did that hit feels then again Mugen train always does that to me. So excited for the next arc! Anyhow, how did you guys like the chapter? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.
Bloopers:
It was a man with pale skin and blue line tattoos. His hair is red as the vest he wears. The most troubling thing about him to our slayer is his glowing yellow eyes. Yellow eyes inscribed with the kanji for the upper three.
Kaoi is even finding it hard to stand in this demon's presence. This ferocity, bloodlust and malice makes what he sensed from Enmu small in comparison. Only one thing could run through his head.
Kaoi: Why is he-
But before he could finish thinking, Upper Moon Three disappears like lightning and in mere moments is inches away from colinding his fist and Tanjiro's head. The demons make contact and..
[crack!]
Shatters every bone in his hand on Tanjiro's forehead.
Kaoi: What!
Akaza: Ah! How did your human head break my hand?!
Tanjiro: Oh! You see Mr. Upper Moon for some reason my forehead has been abnormally harder than most. So you made the mistake of hitting it.
Kaoi: ….What!
[Poof!]
Akaza: You sure you won't turn into a demon?
Rengoku: [panting]
Akaza: Think of it this way. If you did, we could spar with each other endlessly. Imagine how much stronger we'd become!
This made Rengoku grip his blade harder.
Rengoku: Never. Let me make this clear. I do not like you.
Kaoi: Come on Rengoku! Don't be like that! You're going to hurt his feelings!
Akaza and Rengoku burst out laughing.
Akaza: wah! [fake cries]
Kaoi: Oh look at what you did!