Chapter 6 : Rengoku's Death
"Heh, is this a demon? It's utterly ridiculous!" Aizen's eyes were brimming with disdain, not even bothering to get angry.
However, deep down, he had already recognized Kyojuro. If such an individual were in his own world, they'd undoubtedly be an immensely powerful captain, even in death!
"Trash, trash, trash!" Zaraki Kenpachi shouted in fury.
Initially intrigued by Akaza, he had wanted to engage in a brawl with him. But now, he found Akaza repulsive, like a stain on his vision. To fight amongst themselves felt like an affront to his very being!
Boom!
A building within the Naval Headquarters suddenly erupted, and an immensely powerful pressure descended upon them!
"As expected, a malevolent entity caring not for the dignity of strength!" Sengoku stood up at this moment, eyes seething with anger. If he were in the world of pirates, he'd hunt down this entity to the ends of the earth!
On the flip side, Luffy seethed with rage, his body seeming to burst, almost triggering his second gear prematurely. He pounded the deck, speechless.
The Ant King lowered its gaze, looking at the earth below, and smirked condescendingly:
"A being inferior even to humans—how pathetically low. Why didn't you turn to ash from the start, gripped by your fear of death?"
Enmu, previously noisy, narrowed his eyes. They now glowed scarlet, his face stinging with a burning sensation.
And beneath the moonlight, Akaza seemed to struggle with the unfolding scene. Blood surged within him, his muscles bulged, and his teeth rattled.
[The scene continued!]
[Tanjirou's eyes burned with intensity at this sight. He chased after with all his might.]
[He inhaled deeply, drawing in air through his mouth's corners. He harnessed the Breath of Kagura, the God of Fire, converting his inner fury into power!]
[Boom!]
[The Sun Blade blazed like a javelin through the air, striking Akaza's chest in an instant!]
[However, the demon's heart was not a weak point. Akaza merely felt pain, withdrawing his long knife and continuing his flight!]
[At that moment, Tanjirou's voice echoed through the deep forest:]
["Don't flee!"]
["You cunning demon!]
["Don't flee!"]
[Akaza turned back in surprise!]
[He wore an expression of bewilderment! Frustration growled within!]
[Flee?!]
[Am I running away?!]
[What absurd nonsense was that brat spouting, what sort of lunacy had gripped him!]
[I did not flee on account of the demon Slayer team; I fled from the sun!]
[Moreover, the outcome was already decided; that guy was going to meet his demise!]
[He would never admit defeat!]
[In the next instant, without hesitation, Akaza plunged into the depths of darkness!]
[As though he could hear Akaza's inner thoughts, Tanjirou cried out:]
["Regardless of the battle, the demon slayer team shall forever fight under the shroud of the night, in your favor!"]
["We are beings of flesh and blood. Injuries persist, our bodies do not heal instantaneously!"]
["Even the severing of limbs does not grant us swift recovery!"]
["Don't run away!"]
["Asshole!"]
["Coward!"]
[However, regardless of Tanjirou's roars, Akaza remained silent, vanishing without a trace.]
"Heh, refusing to concede even in defeat? Truly unsightly!" Brother Ming, presently villainous, laughed mockingly.
While rebellious, cruel, merciless, and unscrupulous, one could not help but acknowledge Doflamingo's grandeur. He adhered to the law of the jungle, and even if he escaped, he would never stoop to shameless denial!
Seated on his throne, Aizen smirked contemptuously:
"Since you cower from the sun, then the sun is your adversary's ultimate weapon. Wouldn't your defeat be imminent as day breaks? How pitiful and pathetic!"
Within the ninja world, Naruto's eyes blazed red. It was as though he resonated with the sentiment, roaring in fury:
"Damn it! You've lost! Brother Kyojuro safeguarded over two hundred lives without losing a single one! He fulfilled his duty! He fought until the end, while you ran away in shame!"
"Big Brother Kyojuro emerged victorious!"
With that declaration, Naruto clenched his fist:
"I'll always be proud of Kyojuro and strive to protect everyone just like he did!"
Kakashi, observing nearby, felt a warmth surge within him at this scene, melting his icy demeanor.
Did Naruto truly think that way? This child... bore such immense burdens from such a young age, yet still retained this spirit.
[The scene continued to unfold.]
[Tears streamed down Tanjirou's face, while Inosuke, who had never cried before, quivered, struggling to hold back tears beneath his hood!]
[Kyojuro knelt weakly, his gaze fixed on Tanjirou, who roared with a heart-rending cry. His expression softened, and he spoke gently:]
["Ease your shouting."]
[Hearing the voice, Tanjiro turned, facing Kyojuro's tender gaze, and he heard:]
["Your stomach wound could reopen; your injury is not light."]
[Even at death's door, Kyojuro displayed genuine concern for others.]
["Come, approach me; there's something I must impart before the end."]
[Tanjirou's eyes brimmed with tears as he obediently complied.]
[Then, Kyojuro calmly elucidated that Tanjirou could find clues about Fire Breathing within his home.]
[Time elapsed, the sun ascended, and the arm of Akaza, embedded in Kyojuro's chest, crumbled into ash beneath sunlight's touch.]
[Without obstruction, torrents of blood suddenly surged from Kyojuro's chest.]
[Seeing this, Tanjirou felt lost and panicked, desiring for Kyojuro to halt the bleeding using his breathing techniques.]
[Kyojuro shook his head, fear absent from his eyes, as he calmly spoke:]
["Time eludes me; let me utter my final words."]
["Instruct my younger brother Senjuro to heed his heart, to tread the path he deems righteous."]
["Also, implore my father to prioritize self-care."]
Within the Rengoku Manor, Kyojuro's father recalled his distant relationship with his son, estranged due to his disease.
Unable to hold back, he succumbed to tears, his murmurs incessant:
"You don't hate me, do you? Please tell me you don't."
Finally, he sank to his knees, crying out loud, "I'm sorry, my child!"
["Furthermore, Tanjiro, I recognize your sister as a member of the demon slayer corps."]
["I witnessed she shed blood for humans on the train, risking her life to battle demons!"]
In the real world, all demon Slayer team members affirmed the girl's status!
All saw her bleeding for humanity's sake!
["Stand tall, live on; no matter how often your weaknesses assail you!"]
["Ignite your heart, grit your teeth, and march forward!"]
["Stagnation grants no reprieve; time waits for none!"]
[Kyojurou gazed into Tanjirou's eyes, a soft smile on his lips:]
["Pay no mind to my demise here; if I am a Hashira, naturally I'd be a shield for the younger generation!"]
["Henceforth, you must become the Pillars that uphold the demon slayer corps!"]
["I—I believe in you..."]]
In the Demon Slayer Corps, mournful of Kyojuro's death Mitsuri clasped her hands, weeping without end.
The other Hashiras too stood solemnly.
This was Kyojuro's legacy to the youth!
[After these words, Kyojuro was spent.]
[Hazy, he seemed to glimpse a familiar figure, his half-shut eyes widening.]
[A woman, faintly luminous, emerged—it was Kyojuro's long-deceased mother.]
[Sad, gentle music played.]
[Rengoku Kyojuro's voice joined in:]
["Mother, Mother."]
["Have I fulfilled all my responsibilities?]
["Have I undertaken all I should and practiced all I must?"]
[In this moment, Rengoku Kyojuro resembled a child, addressing his mother with a blend of nervousness and hope. Had he lived up to her expectations?]
[The woman's eyes brimmed with compassion, and she nodded, offering a gentle smile:]
["Kyojuro, you've done splendidly."]
[Hearing his mother's validation, Rengoku Kyojuro's heart soared. He beamed with joy before slowly lowering his head.]
[Hopeful music played…]
[Within the cool breeze…]
[Amidst the warm first light of dawn…]
[Having illuminated the entire night, Kyojuro Rengoku Kyojuro departed with a dawn-tinged smile...]
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