"Flame Breathing, Fourth Form: Blooming Flame Undulation!!"
All of Akaza's invisible shockwaves were swept away without exception by the flaming whirlpool generated by Kyojuro's blade.
The very next second, as soon as Akaza landed, Kyojuro closed the distance and struck without hesitation.
He understood—fighting from afar would never let him reach Akaza's neck. Close quarters was his only chance.
To Akaza, this only made him more admirable. Dodging Kyojuro's blade with ease, he grinned.
"What exceptional reflexes!"
Kyojuro didn't respond. His first strike missed, but he didn't falter. He kept up his onslaught, slashing again and again, aiming for Akaza's neck.
But Akaza met each attack with fists full of destructive might—blocking and countering simultaneously.
He was defending, yes—but his strikes came with deadly intent.
Kyojuro couldn't find an opening.
"That magnificent swordsmanship of yours… it'll vanish with you! Doesn't that make you sad, Kyojuro?!"
This time, Kyojuro replied, unwavering:
"That's what it means to be human. Everyone is destined to die someday."
At the same time, Kyojuro noticed Tanjiro and Inosuke attempting to rush over to help.
He shouted, voice firm:
"Stay back! Move and your wounds will reopen! You'll die if you do!"
Seeing Kyojuro divided in focus, Akaza sneered.
"You dare look away? Don't waste your energy on weaklings, Kyojuro. Focus on me!"
But Kyojuro didn't waste breath replying. He took the opportunity the moment Akaza landed to slash again—but the surprise attack did no damage.
Akaza leapt into the air, evading. Then, with unnatural agility, he flipped midair, caught the ground with his hands, twisted, and launched a punch aimed directly at Kyojuro's head.
But that reckless attack gave Kyojuro the opening he needed.
Blocking with the back of his Nichirin Blade, he used the rebound to his advantage and slashed Akaza across the back!
Boom!
Akaza flew into the forest, a stunned expression on his face. He hadn't expected that.
But it wasn't over.
Kyojuro exploded forward again, sword igniting the air, diving into the woods. He wanted to end it while he had the upper hand!
However, cruel reality struck.
Akaza was already standing—and completely unharmed. He counterattacked directly from the front.
Kyojuro knew it—his stamina was waning. He wouldn't last much longer.
He baited Akaza's punch, then leaned and accelerated forward in a burst of speed—vanishing behind the tree behind Akaza.
He slashed at Akaza's neck, using the blind spot to land a killing blow!
But Akaza had been watching him the whole time.
He ducked back instantly, sacrificing an arm to evade decapitation.
Kyojuro didn't hesitate. Gripping the sword with both hands, he brought it down again—
But Akaza's leg was faster. He spun and kicked Kyojuro square in the head.
Kyojuro blocked, but the sheer power launched him across the clearing.
Boom—!!
He slammed into the earth. Dust rose.
"Rengoku-san!!"
"Big Eyes!!"
Tanjiro and Inosuke screamed in horror.
When the dust settled, Kyojuro was on one knee, both hands on his sword, breathing heavily.
His strength was nearing its limits.
Akaza emerged slowly from the woods and, seeing Kyojuro's condition, extended the offer once more.
"Become a demon, Kyojuro."
"Fight beside me. Grow even stronger. You're worthy!"
Kyojuro glared, panting, but his voice remained steadfast:
"I refuse."
"I'll say it again—I despise you!"
"I will never become a demon!"
Just as he readied himself to rise and strike again—
A familiar voice rang out, full of unshakable calm.
"Well said, Kyojuro!"
"Water Breathing, Tenth Form: Constant Flux!"
A magnificent azure water dragon spiraled forth—fierce and relentless—
Tomioka Giyu had arrived!
Akaza sensed him too late. Giyu's overwhelming aura was already surging forward before his form was even visible.
BOOM—!
The ground cracked as water surged.
Akaza had no time to react.
Tomioka retreated to Kyojuro's side and said coolly:
"Rest. I'll handle this from here."
"Tomioka… I'm fine!" Kyojuro insisted.
"He's Upper Rank Three. I can't let you fight alone—let's do it together!"
But Giyu's eyes were composed, his voice certain:
"Don't worry, Kyojuro. Dawn is near. Focus on recovering your strength—and maybe you won't even need to fight again."
"He won't kill me so easily."
Then Giyu turned to Tanjiro, sighing with mock exasperation:
"Tanjiro… why do you always look like a mess every time I see you?"
Tanjiro blinked, then grinned despite himself.
"Haha…Tomioka, you're here! That means Rengoku-san will be alright!"
"Half-and-Half Haori! You came at the perfect time!" Inosuke added, still unable to remember Giyu's name, but remembering everything else about him since the kidnapping incident.
Akaza had already regenerated and now turned toward the newcomer with genuine interest.
"Oh? You must be Giyu Tomioka?"
He smiled.
"My name is Akaza. Pleased to meet you, strong one."
"You must be a Hashira as well. I can tell. Your fighting spirit might even surpass Kyojuro's."
"Why don't you become a demon too? You might reach the highest realm!"
Giyu's face didn't change, but his thoughts were blunt.
(This guy's Muzan's most committed recruiter… Does he get a commission for every Hashira he converts?)
Aloud, he replied:
"Tomioka Giyu. And no—I'm not happy to meet you."
He didn't immediately move to attack. His goal was to protect Kyojuro, not to win.
He knew full well—even if he risked his life and decapitated Akaza, it might not end him.
One wrong move, and both he and Rengoku could die here.
"It's pathetic, really. Becoming a demon? Immortality? That's just a gift from Muzan Kibutsuji."
"You think you're strong? A truly strong person doesn't serve someone else like a dog."
"One day, you'll understand—being a demon isn't something to be proud of."
But it was clear that words wouldn't reach Akaza.
His fist was already coming.
"Don't insult Lord Muzan—!!"