3rd POV.
The aftermath of Tanjiro beheading the Dream Demon, Lower One, Enmu.
Enmu fused with the Infinity, and used a blood demon art to pull all the passengers to sleep.
Unfortunately for the demon, Akito has been on high alert ever since they set foot inside the Infinity Train.
And now, with his lead, Tanjiro was able to cut the demon's head.
It caused the train to crash, and due to Akito exhausting himself by using his blood demon art, he was caught off guard and thrown by the strong wind.
He landed near the paddy, and wasn't injured any further.
With only minor scratches, which slowly healed.
Akito: Healing minor scratches is only a simple job for me......
Akito: But I guess due to me spending my stamina to use my blood demon art, I consumed almost a half of my stamina.
The cause was breaking from the illusion of the Dream Demon, and when Akito unleashed his fourth form to it's maximum output......
Akito may be a half-human and half-demon, but the fact that he gets exhausted when using his techniques.........
Especially if the interval is less than 15 minutes......
As of the moment, Akito is lying on the ground, face up towards the sky......
Akito: The wind......dawn is almost here........
Akito was somehow relieved that it's finally over.
So, he decided to meditate to Total Concentration.
Fortunately, Kyojuro who was protecting the five cars at the back, saw his protege and checked on him.
Kyojuro: Kaede! Seeing you at that state means only one thing!
Kyojuro: You, Young Kamado, and the boar boy beheaded the demon!
Akito: Y-Yeah.....
Akito: *grunt*
Akito: Damn it, I expended all of my stamina.
Kyojuro: No need to worry, Kaede!
Kyojuro: All passengers are safe.
Akito: Really? It seems like we succeeded........
Kyojuro: Umu!
Akito: Then, Kyojuro-sensei, would you mind if you check upon our fellow Demon Slayers?
Kyojuro: Hahahaha! Don't worry! The blonde haired boy is safe, along with the sister of the Young Kamado!
Akito: Thank goodness, Zenitsu and Nezuko are safe.
Kyojuro: For now, Kaede, rest up. Once he situation settled down, we'll come and pick you up!
Akito: Thanks.
Kyojuro left in a flash, and Akito continued looking at sky slowly turning to dawn......
Akito: Mm......
Akito: Maybe I should just sleep for a while........
But.......
Akito: No, wait, I don't have time for this......
Akito: I have to help the injured passengers.......
Getting his breathing under control, Akito immediately regained half of his stamina and that is more than enough for him to heal his minor wounds and to stand up and walk.
Akito: All right, I'll just have to use Total Concentration Breathing, Constant in order to slowly replenish my lost stamina.
Akito: Let oxygen flow throughout my lungs, then my blood will carry the oxygen in every cell of my body.
Akito did it slowly, until can barely walk and he immediately helped the other passengers who were stuck in the rubble or under the train.
Inosuke: Leaf guy! You're alive!
Akito: I won't die that easily!
Inosuke: You're pretty insane!
Akito: Says the one who wears a boar mask.
Akito helped Inosuke get the passengers out of the train.......while slowly regaining his strenght, that is one of Akito's demonic ability.
When the last passenger finally got out, Akito heaved a sigh of relief.
Akito: Now that settles it.
Inosuke: Hahahaha! You should be grateful to me! For I, Inosuke-sama just saved your lives!
Akito: This guy really is insane.
Akito: Inosuke, stay here for a while, I'll go look for Zenitsu and Nezuko.
Akito quickly left the scene and he searched for the winds of Zenitsu and Nezuko.
Luckily, he found the two of them out cold.
Zenitsu seemed to have protected Nezuko from harm.
Akito: Zenitsu got a wound near his head, luckily it's not really that serious.
He quickly apply first aid to Zenitsu.
Akito: All right.
Akito: Zenitsu, Nezuko, take your time to rest.
Akito took his time to search for the remaining passengers who were stuck, but it seems like everyone already got out.
Akito: I see. All that is left-
Akito: !?
Akito somehow felt a very ominous wind, and along with it, is a very loud sound from the ground.
Akito: Wait, what the!? Impossible! This is........!
Akito: What the hell!?
The wind that he felt brought back bad memories.
It is similar to what happened years ago.......
The same wind and scent on that night under the blood moon.
Akito: The scent on the wind........it's the same as on that night.......
Akito: The night where Masato died......
Akito: He's here!? Kokushibo!?
Akito: No, wait.......is it him? The wind is somehow different.......
He looked upon the direction where he can feel the wind.......
Akito: That direction.......could it be.....?
Akito: Kyojuro-sensei and Tanjiro......
Akito used his ability to confirm his suspicions, and he was right. He detected three winds. Kyojuro, Tanjiro, and a wind that is similar to the Upper Moon Demon he met back then.
Akito: Wait.....! Upper Rank Demon!?
Akito: If an Upper Rank Demon is here, then this is dangerous........! I got to help Kyojuro-sensei—
Akito suddenly fell to his knees.
Akito: What the—
Akito: Ah, that's right.......I haven't even recovered completely......!
Akito: Although I'm fine on the outside, some of my internal organs are injured due to how rough I fell earlier........
That is the reason why Akito didn't want to expend most of his energy in heavy movements.
It's taking him a lot time to heal up his internal injuries.
Akito: But still.......
Akito: This is dangerous........!
Nevertheless, Akito once again got his breath under control, and this time, in conjuction with his blood demon art..........
He is slowly recovering his injuries. Inosuke arrived at the scene and saw Akito being surrounded by mystical leaves.
Inosuke: What the hell are you doing?
Akito: Healing my internal injuries.......
Inosuke: Hahahaha! You're a demon and you can't take on such injury! Pathetic! Hahahaha!
Akito: Excuse me, I AM a freaking half-demon and half-human! I may have the abilities of a demon, but my body composition is still of a human!
Akito: Anyways, let's go over that direction! I have a bad feeling about what is currently going on to that direction.
Akito pointed at a certain distance.
Inosuke: Dangerous? What are you—
Inosuke stopped as if he just realized what Akito pointed out.
Inosuke: What the......!? He realized it immdiately!? His senses are much sharper than me!? Or is it because he can talk with the wind.........
Nevertheless, the two of them sprinted towards the direction, and even with his internal injuries, with the pain.......
He kept going......
Akito: Damn it, it hurts like hell.
Inosuke: The hell did you do anyway!?
Akito: It will be too hard for you to understand—
Akito suddenly felt the wind become more ominous.......and he instinctively prepared for a iajutsu slash.
Akito: The wind, it's telling me—
Akito: Now!
With a blink of an eye, Akito disappeared which left Inosuke baffled.
Inosuke: What the—he's gone!? Where did he—
Akito leapt from a great height and finally, he saw his mentor fighting against a demon with red hair and markings on a his body........
The demon is about to unleash a technique towards Kyojuro.
???: Technique Deployment......!
???: Destructive Death, Air Type!
The demon continued to punch the air, sending deadly shockwaves from his fists.........
Until.......
Akito: As if I'd let you.
???: !?
Kyojuro: !?
Kyojuro: Kaede!?
His voice rang out, loud and clear, for the people present in the scene, as if time slowed down.
Coming from above, with the green nichirin blade, with the maple leaf hilt, a demon slayer wearing a red haori on the right half, while the other half is black with maple leaf designs.....
Hair that is platinum blonde with the streak of red, and eyes as red as a ruby.......
Akito: Breath of Leaves, Second Form.
Descending from aboved, nullifying the demon's attack, with his own breath style that was infused with blood demon art.
Akito: Midare Ranzan!
???: !?
This shocked the demon, and he decided to take a step back.
A cloud of dust emerged after Akito unleashed his technique, but with just a swing from his sword, the dust settled down, revealing Akito's face.....and the face of his opponent.
Akito: ........
Akito: His eyes.......Upper Three.
The Upper Moon Demon stared at the newcomer and he immediately saw that Akito's strength is on the same as Kyojuro's.
Upper Three: Oh......! OOOOOOHHHHH!
Upper Three: I didn't expect this!
Upper Three: Another strong opponent has arrived.
On the sidelines, Tanjiro was relieved that Akito saved Kyojuro.
As for Kyojuro......
Kyojuro: He recovered that quickly!? Maybe he controlled it via his breathing technique!?
Kyojuro: Kaede, are you all right?
Akito: That should be my line, Sensei.
Upper Three: Sensei? Kyojuro is your sensei!?
Upper Three: Ah.....! AHAHAHAHAHAHA! I see......
Upper Three: So, he created a very strong disciple!
Upper Three: Hmm. Yes, yes.....
Upper Three: Now that I had took a good look from you, I can sense that you're a half-demon and a half-human.
Upper Three: And not to mention......
Upper Three: That face.....you got her face......!
Upper Three: I see, so you're the child of that traitor, huh?
Akito: Don't you ever speak about my mother.
Upper Three: Oh, but I am not speaking ill against your mother.
Upper Three: In fact, I respect her!
Upper Three: Although she's a woman, she's strong!
Upper Three: I always respected women.....and those who are strong!
Upper Three: Now combine that two and yes.....!
Upper Three: The Former Upper Rank 2!
Upper Three: Kyouko!
Upper Three: We have out orders to look for her.......
Upper Three: But it seems like she's hard to track.....
Upper Three: Anyways! You! What's your name!
The Upper Moon Demon points his fingers at Akito.
Akito: I am the Leaf Hashira, Kaedehara Akito.
Akaza: I am Akaza. Also, did you just say Kaedehara?
Akaza: An honor to meet the clan who pioneered martial arts during the Edo period!
Akaza: I heard the stories of them being talented samurais!
Akaza: Now that I got to meet a member of the prestigious clan......!
Akaza: It is truly an honor!
Kyojuro took his time to recover and stand by Akito's side.
Kyojuro: Kaede, be careful. That demon is more powerful than any demons I've faced before.
Akito: I know, I also met an Upper Moon Demon back then.
Akaza: Say, Akito......I can see that your strength is yet to approach the highest!
Akaza: In fact, the only boundary that is keeping you from reaching the Highest, is your human nature!
Akaza: Kyojuro, become a demon! Akito, embrace your true nature! Cast aside your humanity!
Kyojuro: Kaede, we'll need to corner him from both sides, and close the distance from there.
Akito: Got it.
The two hashiras disappeared in a blink of an eye and suddenly appeared from Akaza's left and right side, which surprised him, and even amazed.
Akaza deflected both of their attacks.
Akaza: This wonderful reaction speed from the two of you......
Akaza: Your coordination......
Akaza: You two truly are a master and student.
The two hashira didn't let up and went for a barrage of attacks, while Akaza, even in a two against one disadvantage, deflected the combined and coordinated attacks of Kyojuro and Akito.
Kyojuro: WOOOOOOOUUUUUGGGGGGHHHHHHH!
Akaza: Your breathtaking sword skills, Kyojuro. Your magnificent blood demon art, Akito!
Akaza: Will be lost, too!
Akaza: Doesn't that make you two sad?
The clashed continued on.
Akito: It happens to everyone! Either demon or human.
Kyojuro: It's a part of life for a human!
Tanjiro tried to stand up, Inosuke just arrived and saw what is happening.
But......
Akito: Stand down, you two!
Inosuke: !?
Tanjiro: !?
Kyojuro: If that wound reopens, it'll be fatal! Stand back! That's an order!
Akaza: Don't bother with that weakling, Kyojuro, Akito!
Akaza: Come on, give me you two your very best shot!
Kyojuro finds an opening but Akaza jumps out of the way to evade it.
Akaza: Concentrate on me.
Akito suddenly appeared in front of Akaza and goes for the neck, but Akaza blocked it and pushed Akito back.
Akito: He's different from Kokushibo. Even though he's not using a sword, his strength is no joke!
Kyojuro followed up with an attack, which Akaza sideflipped to evade, but then, Kyojuro landed a hit which force is so strong that Akaza was thrown to the forest.
And Kyojuro didn't let up and pursued the demon to the forest.
Akito also followed with great speed.
He managed to get ahead from Kyojuro, as Akito faced Akaza, to which Akaza responded in kind.
Akaza then kicked Akito who blocked it with his sword, but due to the amount of force, Akito was thrown towards the train, but he cancelled it by stabbing the ground in order to slow down.
Akito: *sigh*
Meanwhile, Kyojuro was thrown towards the train.
Akito: !?
Akito: Sensei!
Tanjiro: Rengoku-san! Kaedehara-san!
Inosuke: Ol' googly eyes! Leaf guy!
Akito gets his breathing under control, as Kyojuro slowly stands up.
Akaza slowly emerged from the forest......
Akaza: Become a demon, Kyojuro! As for you, Akito, become a full demon! You can even be of use to that man, and even become an Upper Moon Demon!
Akaza: Fight me forever and get stronger together with me!
Kyojuro: *pant* *pant*
Akito: This is just like when Masato and I encountered Upper Moon One.
Akaza: You two have what it takes to do that.
Kyojuro tightly gripped the handle of his sword.....
Kyojuro: I refuse.
Akito: Me too.
Akito: I won't sacrifice my humanity and become a full demon. For these two halves completes who I am.
Kyojuro: And let me repeat myself. I don't like you.
Kyojuro: I will not become a demon!
Kyojuro: Kaede, let's go!
Akito: Yeah.
The two hashiras charged forward, this time, Kyojuro is leading the charge.
Kyojuro: Flame Breathing, Third Form!
Kyojuro: Blazing Universe! 7
Akaza: Haha.....!
Kyojuro managed to wound Akaza.....
Akito soon followed up and this time, he used a technique.
Akito: Breath of Leaves, First Form.
Akaza's received multiple cuts across his body, with his left leg and right arm being severed.
Akito: Fall.
Akaza: His speed increased!? Amazing!
Akaza instantly regenerated his severed limbs and attempts to attack Akito but, Akito used an illusion to evade it.
While Kyojuro takes the chance to attack.....
But Akaza intercepted it and pushed Kyojuro back.
Akaza: Magnificent! Truly magnificent!
Akaza charged towards the Flame Hashira, which the latter jumps away.
Akaza: Destructive Death.....Air Type!
Akaza unleashed his technique to which Kyojuro blocks the ranged attack with his sword.
Akito then took the chance to attack, and Akaza barely dodged it.
Akaza: You're fast.....!
Akaza: Destructive Death....Air Type!
Akito: Breath of Leaves, Third Form!
Akaza unleashed his attack, while Akito anticipated it, with his form. Mystical leaves and teal colored winds began to gather around him and swirled around his sword's sheath.....
Akito: Chihayaburu!
Akito blocks the attack, that caused a shockwave which lead him to be blown away.
Akito: Damn it! It's so strong!
Akito however breaks his fall......
Akito: Not yet! Not yet!
Kyojuro followed up with an attack, and Akito also coordinated his attacks with Kyojuro.
Meanwhile, at the sidelines, Tanjiro and Inosuke are just watching the fight in front of them.
Tanjiro: Rengoku-san, Kaedehara-san.
Inosuke observes how Kyojuro and Akito are well coordinated with their moves, and Akaza countering their attacks.
Inosuke: There's no opening. I can't keep up with the speed of their movements.
Inosuke: Those three are in a different league of their own.
Inosuke: Getting between this fight would only mean death! I can feel it right in my bones!
Inosuke: I can't move.....Leaf Guy is also injured, but how the hell can he even move like that!?
Inosuke: I can't back them up! I'd only end up as a hindrance to the two of them!
Akaza attacks from above as Kyojuro evades the attack.
Akito followed up with an attack to Akaza, and Kyojuro began to put Akaza in a pincer attack.
But even with the two of them, Akaza managed to deflect Akito and Kyojuro, by stopping their swords.
Akaza: You two still don't get it?
Akaza: Kyojuro, if you continue attacking, you're just getting closer to death!
Akaza: Akito, using your blood demon art drains your strength! You'll wear down and it can probably kill you if you continue using your power!
Kyojuro: AAAAAHHHHHH!
Akito: Take this!
Akito applied pressure to his sword that Akaza was forced to step back.
But his wounds just regenerated back........and he charged towards the two hashiras.
This time, Akito is the one who defends, and Kyojuro on the offense. But the demon he overwhelmed Akito with a powerful force, which the latter was thrown away.
Kyojuro: !?
Kyojuro: Kaede!
Akaza then noticed Kyojuro coming for him and the two engaged to another close ranged combat.
Akaza's fists nearly makes contact with Kyojuro, but the Flame Hashira got a wound when Akaza's fist is barely one inch in between Kyojuro's left side of his forehead.
Akaza steps back before engaging Kyojuro once more, but.....
Akito comes from above.....
Akito: Breath of Leaves, Second Form!
Akito: Midare Ranzan!
Akaza barely dodged Akito's technique and was forced to take a step back.
Akaza: Despite draining his energy in unleashing his blood demon art, Akito can still unleash his powerful techniques!
Akaza: Also, is it just me or.......why can't I see his fighting spirit? I can't even feel his drive, killing intent.........
Akaza: Could he be.....? Did he reached something even far beyond from the highest!?
Akaza's thoughts were cut off when Kyojuro followed up with an attack.
Kyojuro: Flame Breathing, First Form!
Kyojuro: Unknowing Fire!
Kyojuro managed to cut both of Akaza's arms but it the latter just regenerated his severed limbs.
Akaza: Kyojuro and Akito have great coordination! A perfect example of a master and student!
Akaza: It would be a shame to kill you two!
Akaza continued his assault, while Kyojuro barely blocks it.
Akaza: You two haven't reached your physical peak yet!
Akito follows up with another attack, and this time, the two hashiras are switching places on who clashes with Akaza and who does the sneak attack.
As for Akaza, even though he is having a hard time, he finds it exciting that he gets to fight two strong swordsmen.
Until, Akaza managed to land a hit when his fist made contact with Kyojuro's body, on his lower right body.
Kyojuro: Gggh.
He stepped back, while Akito covered for his mentor, but the demon unleashed a powerful punch, which was barely blocked by Akito, who used irregular guarding, the result was, Akito was pushed back as well.
Kyojuro: Second Form, Rising Scorching Sun!
Kyojuro unleashed an upward slash towards Akaza, which Akito quickly followed by......
Akito: Breath of Leaves, Fifth Form.
Akito: Phantom Leaf.
Akito appeared from a bunch of leaves that temporarily distracted Akaza......
Akaza: Leaves!?
Then he realized that his left arm and left leg has been cut.
Akaza: !?
Akaza: A combination of his swordsmanship and blood demon art!? Not only just his swordsmanship, but casting illusions!?
Akaza: His mother's power is of brute strength, but his son is using his intellect......! But nevertheless, still they are both strong!
But Akito's attack was still meaningless as Akaza regenerated his severed limbs. He stomped his feet to release a shockwave that made Akito barely lose his footing.
Akito: What immense pressure!
Akaza goes for a punch, Akito guarded it and was blown was due to how strong the force Akaza put in his attack.
Akito: Damn it!
Akito was slammed into the train.
Kyojuro: We can't let up! Kaede is already worn down! We mustn't let up, even for a moment!
Kyojuro took the chance to attack, and Akaza anticipated it, and the two engaged in a chaotic fight.
As for Akito, he's thrown to the train and thanks to the wind's protection, he was barely injured.
Akito took this time to recover a little bit.
But his body is already in pain, due to the overusage of his techniques.
Akito: Agh......! My body is screaming in pain! As if my cells are being tortured in pain!
As Akito is struggling to gain back his strength, Kyojuro is fighting against Akaza.
Kyojuro: Third Form, Blazing Universe!
Kyojuro performs a downward slash, to which Akaza evades, but the former switched forms.
Kyojuro: Fourth Form, Blooming Flame Undulation!
Akaza steps back, and gets on his stance.
Akaza: Destructive Death......
Kyojuro: Fifth Form......
Kyojuro: Flame Tiger!
Akaza: Disorder!
Akaza unleashed a barrage of his ranged attack, until the two closed the distance.
Akaza: Kyojuro!
Kyojuro: HAAAAAAH!
Kyojuro managed to sever Akaza's arm, to which the later stepped back and regenerated his severed limb.
As for Akito, he forced himself to return to battle, despite his weakened state.
He slowly went stood by Kyojuro's side, and even Akaza was surprised.
Akaza: Akito.....even being physically drained, even if his internal organs is already injured......he's slowly using his demonic regeneration.
Akaza: Unbelievable, his endurance is insane.
Akaza: But, Akito will die if he continues even further........his body wouldn't be able to sustain it even longer.
Kyojuro: Kaede.......!
Akito: Don't worry about me, Sensei.
Akito: I can still fight......
Kyojuro: ......
Akito couldn't help but worry at the state of Kyojuro right now. A smashed left eye, broken rib, injury to one of his internal organs......
Akito: Kyojuro-sensei is even on a worse situation than I am.
Akito: I have to take the lead this time.
Akito quickly gets to his stance.....and engaged Akaza into a fierce battle.
Akaza: !?
Akaza: Akito.......!
Even in Akito's weakened state, he is still able to executed fierce attacks....
While Akaza is in total disbelief.
While Kyojuro watched with great worry.
Kyojuro: Kaede........
Kyojuro: He's going injure the demon as much as he can........
Kyojuro: But, Kaede is only forcing himself.......he's going to reach his limit in a few minutes......!
But it didn't take long, when Akaza's fist made contact with Akito's sword, it broke.......
Akito: !?
Akito: Damn it! Why of all times—
Akito saw the Upper Moon Demon is about to go for the kill.......
But due to his fast reflexes, he blocked Akaza's fist with his arm......and the result is Akito was sent flying towards Tanjiro and Inosuke.
Tanjiro: Kaedehara-san!
Tanjiro struggled to stand up, but Inosuke managed to catch Akito.
Inosuke: Damn it, he managed to hold out.......but I can feel that he already reached his limit.
Inosuke was correct, Akito reached his limit.
When he blocked Akaza's fist with his own bare arms, his bone slightly broke......which resulted into Akito, not being able to move his right arm.....
Akito: *pant* *pant* *pant*
Not to mention, Akito sprained his left ankle when he was thrown towards the train earlier.
Tanjiro: Kaedehara-san, are you all right!?
Akito: Y-Yeah.......
Akito: I can still—
Kyojuro: Kaede, rest up. Leave this to me.
Akito: Sensei, but—
Kyojuro: Don't worry. I'll finish this.
Tanjiro: Rengoku-san, Kaedehara-san.......!
Akaza who instantly recovered from Akito's attacks.....stared at Akito and Kyojuro.
Akaza: Even if you two fight to the death, you can't win, Kyojuro, Akito.
Akaza: The impressive slashes that you two inflicted on me have already healed completely.
Akaza: But what about you two, Kyojuro, Akito.
Akaza: Kyojuro, you have a smashed left eye, shattered ribs, and damaged internal organs......
Akaza: All irreparable.
Akaza: As for you, Akito. Sprained ankle, broken arm, drained strength.......
Akaza: You may recover, but in your current state right now, you may even die......
Akaza: If you were a full demon, you'd heal in a blink of an eye.
Akaza: Those would be mere scratches for a demon.
Akaza: You two can struggle all you want, but a human can never beat a demon.
Akaza: Even if you are a half-demon.
Akito: Ngggghhhhh........
Akito wanted to stand up and help, but his body won't listen to him, the same goes with Tanjiro, due to him using the Hinokami Kagura and his injury.
Akito: Damn it......! Damn it......!
Akito: First, my body is currently incapable of fighting as of now. Second, my sword is broken.......I have no means to cut the demon's head.
Akito: No, calm down. Get your breathing under control. Let your blood flow properly throughout your body.
Until, Akito felt the change in Kyojuro's wind.
Akito: Sensei! Don't tell me! You're going to—
As a demon, Akito was able to see Kyojuro's fighting spirit, burning even brighter.
Akito: .....!!!!!!
Akaza: Kyojuro, why?
Kyojuro raised his sword, and with a smile he declared.
Kyojuro: I.......
Kyojuro: I will fulfill my duty!
Kyojuro: I will not allow anyone to die here!
Once Kyojuro gets to his stance......Akito and Akaza felt it.
And as for Akito who possess a high spiritual affinity......he saw the burning fighting spirit of his mentor.
Akito: I never saw him like this......it means, he's really going to give it all!
As for Akaza, he's trembling due to how he can feel Kyojuro's intense fighting spirit.
Akaza: What a tremendous fighting spirit!
Akaza: Amazing aura despite all those injuries!
Akaza: That mental strength!
Akaza: That airtight stance!
Akaza: Hahahahahaha!
Akaza: You truly deserve the respect of being Akito's mentor!
Akaza: You and Akito should really become demons!
Akaza: Let's fight each other for all of eternity!
Kyojuro: Set your heart ablaze!
Kyojuro: Go beyond your limits!
Kyojuro: I am the Flame Hashira, and the mentor of the Leaf Hashira..........
Kyojuro: Rengoku Kyojuro!
Kyojuro: Ninth Form!
Kyojuro: RENGOKU!
Akaza: Destructive Death........!
Kyojuro charged with all of his strength towards Akaza.......which caused massive explosion around the area.
Tanjiro: Rengoku-san!
Akito: Sensei!
Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Akito couldn't even see a thing due to the cloud of dust that is obscuring their vision.
Akito: *cough* *cough*
Akito: What happened!? What the hell happened!?
Tanjiro: I see hi—
Akito: !!!!!!!
Tanjiro was shocked that he began to scream.......
As for Akito, the memories of Masato and Suzuki dying in his arms began to resurface once again.
Akito: No......! No......! Not again.......!
Akito: Please........not again!
The sight that Akito, Tanjiro, and Inosuke saw......
Akaza's fist pierced through Kyojuro's Solar Plexus.
Akaza: You'll die! This will kill you, Kyojuro!
Akaza: Become a demon!
Akaza: Say that you'll become a demon!
Akaza: You are......strong and one of the chosen ones!
Kyojuro's eyes began to widen, as the memories of his mother, Ruka, told him about the purpose of his strength.
Then suddenly.......
He remembered the time.......
When his protege.......Akito, was just a Mizunoto.
---------------
Flashback. A few years ago.
At the Dojo of the Rengoku Household, Akito just became a demon slayer.......and is currently training with the man who introduced him to the Demon Slayer Corps......
Who is none other than, Rengoku Kyojuro himself.
The two of them just finished their sparring session, and are currently sitting at the veranda of the Rengoku Mansion.
Then a younger version of Kyojuro arrived and brought the two some tea and onigiri.
He is the younger brother of Kyojuro, Rengoku Senjuro.
Akito: Thank you, Senjuro.
Senjuro: You're welcome, Kaedehara-san.
Kyojuro: Kaede, to think that you fought that demon all by yourself during that time.....!
Kyojuro: I can't believe it myself!
Akito: It's not because I have this strength that I was able to hold that demon back then.......
Akito: It is because it is my duty, to protect our village, and the people living on it.
Akito: And as someone who came from a noble samurai clan........
Akito: I won't back down to whoever I'm facing at, as long as I can fight to protect the villagers, I will carry on.
Kyojuro smiled.......
Kyojuro: I see! You really have a samurai's bushido!
Akito: The Kaedehara Clan may not be a noble samurai clan anymore, but we won't deny the teachings of nobility that was passed down to us.
Kyojuro: I remembered what my late mother told me about why was I so strong.
Kyojuro: "Those who were born blessed with more gifts than others are obligated to use those gifts for the world and for other people."
Kyojuro: "You must never use that God-given strength to hurt others or for personal gain."
Kyojuro: "It is the duty of those born strong to help the weak. It is a mission they must fulfill responsibly."
Akito: Yes.......I agree with your mother, Sensei.
Akito: In fact, my father said something along those lines.......
Akito: "Those that received such special gifts, must use it to help others discovere their own gifts."
Akito: That is the notion that my ancestors held on for generations.
Kyojuro: I see. No wonder they became a noble samurai clan. All of their members, especially their heirs, are raised to people with strong sense of honor and dignity.
Kyojuro: Valor, loyalty, honor, and humility.........
Kyojuro: Maybe that was the reason they were called as the Fifth Noble Family.
Kyojuro: I am proud to be the mentor of such a swordsman. The mentor of a noble samurai.
-----------------
Back to the present.
After Kyojuro looked back on his life.......he tightened the grip of his sword, and proceeded to cut Akaza's neck.
Kyojuro: OOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kyojuro: Mother......it was an honor for me to have been born to such a person as you!
Kyojuro: Kaede.........I'm proud that I became your mentor. I'm honored to become a mentor of a noble heir!
As Kyojuro and Akaza, struggle for dominance.......
Akito can't even move.....and he just helplessly watch the final stand of his mentor.
While Tanjiro quickly looked for his sword......
Tanjiro: Kaedehara-san can't move anymore.....! I have to hurry! I have to cut the demon's head off!
Once he found his sword.......he ran towards the direction of Kyojuro and Akaza......
Tanjiro: Inosuke! Move your body! Move your body for Rengoku-san and Kaedehara-san's sake!
Inosuke: !!!!!
Akito: Inosuke, Tanjiro! Go! I won't be able to move due to my injuries! MOVE! NOW!
Inosuke complied and sprinted ahead towards Kyojuro and Akaza.
As for the other two.......
Akaza is struggling to pull out his right arm as Kyojuro used his muscles to stop his arm.
The reason Kyojuro did this because the Sun is almost up.
Akaza attempted to crush Kyojuro's head by punching it, but the Flame Hashira stopped it.
Akaza: He stopped it!?
Kyojuro: I won't let go! I will not let you get away!
As Kyojuro pins Akaza in order to expose him in the Sun, Inosuke and Tanjiro sprint to assist Kyojuro.......
Akito, who already fell.......helplessly watch the scene unfold in front of him......
Akito: Not yet......! Not yet! I can't lose my consciousness here! I have to......! Even if it's only small!
Akito: I.......have to help Kyojuro-sensei!
Akito: I'm slowly losing my strength........
Akito: The backlash of using my blood demon art.......
Akito: I can't even properly heal my injuries due to how exhausted I am......even if I get my breathing under control..........
Akito can't help but watch........
As soon as Inosuke is about to get to Akaza, he finally broke free by cutting off his arms, and made a run for it due to how dawn is only a few moments away.
Akito, by sheer force of will, miraculously stood up, picked his broken sword and hurled to Akaza's foot.
Pouring all of his remaining strength...........
Tanjiro followed up when he threw his sword towards Akaza who was hit.......
Akaza quickly removed Akito's broken sword and continued running away........
While Tanjiro.......
Tanjiro: Don't run away! Don't run away you coward!
Tanjiro: Don't run away!
Akaza: Huh? What the hell is that brat talking about?
Akaza: Running away? I'm not running away from you! I'm running away from the Sun!
Akaza: Besides, the battle is already decided! Kyojuro will run out of strength and die soon!
Akaza: While Akito, even he is a half-demon and half-human, his human body wouldn't be able to handle the strain on his body!
Tanjiro: The Demon Slayer Corps.....
Tanjiro: .......is always fighting you demons in the dark of the night where you have the advantage!
Tanjiro: That's right, us flesh and blood humans!
Tanjiro: Our wounds don't close up that easily! We can't replace our lost limbs!
Tanjiro: Don't run away! You bastard! Coward!
Tanjiro: Rengoku-san and Kaedehara-san are way more amazing than you!
Tanjiro: They're stronger!
Akito: Tanjiro........
Tanjiro: They fought to the end! Even until Kaedehara-san can't move! They protected everyone until the end!
Tanjiro: They won this fight! You lost!
Tanjiro then began to cry.....his tears flowing from his eyes nonstop, as he yelled, and fell to his knees.
Akito on the other hand.......slowly but surely regains even a little fraction of his strength.......
By getting his breathing under control, he was barely able to stand up, but his legs are still shaking die to the accumulated fatigue.
Nevertheless, he slowly walked towards his mentor, abdomen pierced......severely wounded......
Yet despite being near death, he smiled......
Kyojuro: Stop yelling already. You'll reopen your stomach wound.
Kyojuro: You're badly injured, too, remember?
Kyojuro: Young Kamado, if you die, it will mean that Kaede and I lost.
Tanjiro: Rengoku-san.......
Kyojuro: Come here. Let's talk a bit, for one last time.
Akito finally reached his mentor's side......and slowly fell to his knees......to which Kyojuro looked at him with great worry....
Kyojuro: Kaede........rest......it will be difficult for you to heal your injuries......
Akito: I'll be fine......*cough* *cough*
Akito: But.....you......
Tanjiro slowly went to Kyojuro, on his knees, and looked at the two hashiras........
But more importantly, to Kyojuro who is about to die.
Kyojuro: There is something I remembered.....when I was dreaming.
Kyojuro: You should go to my parents' home.......the Rengoku Residence.
Kyojuro: Kaede can lead you there.
Kyojuro: There are some notes left by the previous Flame Hashiras.
Kyojuro: My father read them a lot.....
Kyojuro: But since I never read them, I never knew what's in them.
Kyojuro: I also recommend that you go to the Kaedehara Estate, they may also hold the records of the Hinokami Kagura that you mentioned.
The severed hand of Akaza burned, Kyojuro's wound was opened, his blood flowing........
Tanjiro: Rengoku-san, please don't talk anymore. Please stop the bleeding with your breathing.
Akito: It's impossible, Tanjiro. With that wound.........
Rengoku: Kaede is right. I'll be dead soon, so I'll talk as much as I can.
Rengoku: So please, listen carefully.
Rengoku: Tell my little brother, Senjuro, to follow his heart, and walk down the path he believes is right.
Rengoku: Tell my father......to take care of himself.
Rengoku: Young Kamado.....
Tanjiro: .....!
Rengoku: I accept your little as a member of the Demon Slayer Corps. I believe in her, as much as I believe in Kaede.
Akito: Sensei........
Kyojuro: I saw her protect the humans inside the train. How she worked with Kaede to help us break the illusions that were casted upon us.
Kyojuro: Anyone who risks their lives to fighting demons to protect humans......is a rightful member of the Demon Slayer Corps no matter what they say.
Kyojuro: Ah, I remembered, I was also like you when I defended Kaede being when the other Hashira discovered his true nature.......
Akito: Kyojuro-sensei......
Kyojuro: So.....
Kyojuro: Go ahead and live with your head held high!
Tanjiro: *sob* *sob*
Kyojuro: No matter how devastated you may be by your own weaknesses or for being useless.......
Kyojuro: Set your heart ablaze.
Akito: .........!
Kyojuro: Grit your teeth and look forward.
Kyojuro: Even if you stop or crouch down, time won't wait for you.....
Kyojuro: .....or snuggle you and grieve along with you.
Kyojuro: So, don't blame yourself that I died here.
Kyojuro: As a Hashira, of course I would be the shield of my juniors.
Kyojuro: That includes Kaede.
Kyojuro: Any Hashira would do the same thing.
Kyojuro: We won't let the young buds get nipped.
Kyojuro: Young Kamado, Boar Head Boy, Yellow Boy. Keep learning and grow.
Kyojuro: And then, become the next Hashira supporting the Demon Slayer Corps. I believe in you. I believe in all of yo.
Tanjiro begins to cry, along with Inosuke, and Akito whose tears are flowing nonstop.
Kyojuro then looked at his protege.
Kyojuro: Kaede, among the Hashira, I can feel that you are special. Not because of your noble lineage or your demonic blood.
Kyojuro: You're special because I can see a bright burning flame within your soul.
Kyojuro: Bright and warm.
Kyojuro: You may not be the Flame Pillar, but nevertheless.......
Kyojuro: You and Kanroji are my successors, and I'm proud to the two of you.
Akito: Sensei......
Kyojuro: Take care of Kanroji, okay?
Akito: I will. I promise.
Kyojuro: I am very honored, to become the mentor of the next heir of the Kaedehara Clan.
Kyojuro: I'm really honored.
Kyojuro: Kaedehara Akito........
Kyojuro: I'll leave the rest to you.......
Akito: Thank you, Kyojuro-sensei.......for everything.......
Akito's memories flash from his mind. From the day he met Kyojuro, when he became his Tsugoko, when he was promoted as a Hashira, when they celebrated Mitsuri being the Love Hashira, Akito's return to the Corps........
Akito couldn't help but tear up.......as his mentor and friend, whom he treated as a brother, is already dying.
Kyojuro: No, I should be the one thanking you, Kaede.
Akito: Huh?
Kyojuro: You taught me something, that I really held on to until the very end.
Kyojuro: You taught me this......
Kyojuro: "As long as we fight for the future, we will never be defeated."
Kyojuro: "We may fell, but we are fighting for this one thing."
Kyojuro: "Our lives may fall like a leaf, but, new leaves also bloom."
Kyojuro: "That's why, if we won't be able to make it, there will always be someone to continue the fight."
Kyojuro: "Our successors."
Akito: Sensei.........
Kyojuro: As one of my successors........
Kyojuro: I know you will finally reach the future that we are hoping for.
Kyojuro: Also, I'm wishing you and Kanroji, a happy marriage.
Akito: Sensei........
Akito cried.......as he gently wipes his tears.......
At that moment, Kyojuro died with a smile on his face.
A few moments later........
Zenitsu, carrying Nezuko's box, arrived and asked what happened.
Tanjiro then frustrated upon his weaknesses........
Then Akito spoke up......
Akito: Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke......
Akito: I know this may be hard..........
Akito: But we have to move forward, just like what Kyojuro-sensei said.
Akito: There is time to cry, but we can't just cry and sit here forever.
Akito: As long as this isn't over........
Akito: We have a duty a fulfill............
Akito: Once that is over.......
Akito: That is when we can truly cry from the bottom of our hearts.
He slowly stood up.......
Gazed upon the sky...............
Akito: We'll have to get stronger........
Akito: I'll train you to be even stronger and even better.
Akito: I promise.........
Akito: That's why, wipe your tears.......
He faced the trio........
Akito: So that you can see clearly what's ahead.
Finally, fatigue finally caught upon Akito as he fell to the ground.
Zenitsu and Inosuke caught him.......
Zenitsu: It's all right.
Zenitsu: Kaedehara-senpai is just exhausted.
Zenitsu: It seems like he also worked hard.........
The sun finally rise upon the sky......
As some of the leaves began to wither.........
A flame is serenely fading......
The aftermath of the Infinity Train Incident........
No passengers died due to Kyojuro protecting them.........
Except.......
There was one who died, and that is none other than Rengoku Kyojuro, who protected everyone until the very end.........
And soon afterward........
The news of his death will soon spread towards the other Hashira.......
As for Akito, he just lost his consciousness......but the pain of losing someone again.......
It's going to be hard for Akito to recover once again.