Chapter 5 : Akaza's Escape

"Excellent choice! This situation is ripe for a clash that will lead to a fierce battle! What a commendable warrior!" Aizen nodded from his throne.

"Go for it! Take him down!" Naruto cheered, as though his shouts could grant the opponent strength.

Whitebeard's eyes held admiration. "It's a shame, he could've been my son."

"Very well!" Sengoku concurred, with just one word carrying significant weight and gravity.

It was a brief statement, but a weighty one, brimming with profound meaning. His eyes showed not pity or sadness, but acknowledgment and respect.

Such individuals were a rarity in the entire pirate world.

Even Garp, who was known for his stubbornness, sat up straight at that moment, acknowledging this person.

In the world of hunters, the Ant King's expression shifted, and he murmured to himself, "A wholly different human being..."

The sorrow of the Demon Slayers in the Demon Slayer Corps transformed into anger.

In the Rengoku Mansion, Rengoku Kyojuro's father stood up, a surge of pride emanating from him. He exclaimed, "Kyojuro, my son, I'm proud of you! Your mother would be proud too!"

However, there were those who harbored disgust.

"It's mere stubborn resistance. The fight is already lost!" Enmu sneered.

On a rooftop under the moonlight, Akaza shook his head, disappointment evident in his eyes. "Is this all you can muster in your final moments? What a shame, you were a worthy adversary."

[The scene continues!]

[Akaza hadn't expected his opponent to still be capable of striking back. Nonetheless, he reacted instantly, tilting his head and firmly clamping down on the blade, preventing it from severing his head further.]

[Simultaneously, he launched another punch, aiming for Rengoku Kyojuro's head.]

[If you're not gonna be a demon, then die!]

[Had that punch landed, Rengoku Kyojuros head would've exploded.]

[But in the next second, something unexpected occurred.]

[Akaza was taken aback to find that his wrist was tightly held by his opponent, rendering him immobile.]

["What is this?"]

[Akaza's golden eyes widened in shock and puzzlement.]

["My right hand had fully pierced his chest, so how does he possess such incredible strength?"]

[In that moment, the corner of Akaza's eye caught a hint of brightening on the horizon.]

[A look of terror overcame him.]

["No, I need to finish him off swiftly!"]

[Yet, Akaza was horrified to realize that the arm impaled in his opponent's chest couldn't be withdrawn!]

[He was immobilized!]

["No! No! No!"]

[Akaza's initial composure had vanished. His face contorted in extreme madness and panic.]

[But regardless of his might, Kyojuro continued to hold his arm fast.]

[He couldn't break free!]

In this moment, it wasn't only Akaza who was shocked; observers from other worlds also wore expressions of astonishment.

To possess such strength in the face of impending death was astounding! What fearsome willpower and incredible conviction!

Perceptions were heightened, even surpassing those of individuals much stronger than Rengoku himself.

Even in the One Punch World, Saitama, who had been lying on his room and perusing discount posters in the supermarket, lifted his head, his eyes showing a hint of movement.

And in that boiling moment, in the world of the ninjas...

"Fight, my friend! Fight until your last breath! Fight to the very end!!"

"Let your life bloom!!!"

Inside Konoha Village, Might Guy blushed, nearly shouting with all his might. He then embraced Rock Lee tightly, tears streaming down his face.

This was a warrior, a bond formed without ever meeting face to face!

[Kyojuro's eyes were bloodshot, his unwavering determination exuding immense strength.]

[He roared, "Absolutely! I won't let go!!"]

As the sun began to rise, victory was within reach.

In that moment, among the Demon slayers in headquarters, Kyojuro clenched his fists, his heart resounding with one voice.

That was himself on the screen. Don't release the grip!

Absolutely not!

[Tanjiro staggered to his feet.]

[He wished to aid, to sever Akaza's head.]

[Meanwhile, Inosuke was roused by Tanjiro's shout.]

[He dashed forward, leaped into the air, the serrated sun blade whirling as he aimed for Akaza's neck.]

[Akaza had already noticed this turn of events.]

[The threat of decapitation, the threat of the rising sun.]

[Amid the shadow of death, his eyes grew wild.]

["Get away!"]

[Yet, Akaza's plea was futile. Instead, it fueled Kyojuro's strength further. The sun wheel knife cut through flesh and nearly severed Akaza's neck.]

[Excruciating pain surged.]

[In the next instant, Akaza snapped.]

[He no longer exhibited the might of a strong individual, nor the honor of a warrior. He tore his arms away in a desperate bid!]

[Inosuke's attack went in vain!]

[Akaza ignored the sun blade embedded in his neck. He regenerated his arms and fled into the dark forest in a state of panic.]

[Upper Moon No. 3 Akaza vs Flame Hashira Rengoku Kyojuro!]

[Akaza fled!]