Chapter 77: Sudden Separation |
Sanemi was followed by Gyomei, Giyu, and the rest of the Hashira.
However, before they could engage, the haunting strum of a biwa echoed nearby once more. Suddenly, the environment around them began to shift chaotically, as if they were trapped in a hall of mirrors. Walls and floors moved with a mind of their own—some shot upward while others plummeted, defying every law of physics.
By freely manipulating the vast fortress through her music, Nakime shattered the single, large battlefield into several smaller, isolated arenas.
Only Muzan and Tamayo remained in the open space.
It was clear the newly appointed Upper Rank Six was following her leader's will, leaving him alone with Tamayo. He wanted to crush and consume this woman as quickly as possible, hoping to finally overcome his wretched weakness to the sun.
Yet Tamayo did not even flinch as a voice echoed clearly in her mind: 'Please, fight alongside Gyomei against Muzan and adjust the positions of the other Hashira using your Blood Demon Art. Makomo should be able to defeat Upper Rank One; Sanemi, Tanjiro, and Giyu will handle Upper Rank Two; Shinobu will face Upper Rank Three; Muichiro and Zenitsu take Upper Rank Four; Obanai and Inosuke go against Upper Rank Five; and Yushiro will hold off the new Upper Rank Six...'
The voice belonged to Kiriya, the eldest son of Kagaya Ubuyashiki. Even at eight years old, he possessed a rare level-headedness and exceptional analytical skills. Observing the unfolding chaos through Yushiro's Blood Demon Art, he had analyzed the tactical situation in an instant and devised a comprehensive plan.
Tamayo did not object. With a light movement of her hand, she manifested a cluster of spatial threads. She fully trusted the judgment of the Demon Slayers' new leader.
These threads instantly pierced through the fortress, lashing onto Giyu, Sanemi, and the other slayers before dispersing them to their designated posts in one fell swoop.
The strongest Hashira—excluding Makomo and Shinobu—shifted through space and reappeared at Tamayo's side.
"I take it we are meant to hold Muzan back?" Gyomei asked rhetorically, his spiked flail and axe already rattling in his hands as he oriented himself.
"Yes. For now, we simply buy time. I do not believe the two of us have a chance of defeating Muzan alone..." Tamayo nodded.
"And that is your plan? Then let us see if I can devour you before my subordinates finish off yours one by one," Muzan commented coldly.
The Stone Hashira was powerful—incredibly so by human standards—but he was no match for Muzan. At best, the man could be a minor nuisance while Muzan fought his only worthy opponent, Tamayo. In truth, even she was far weaker than him, having only recently ascended to the status of a Progenitor of Demons.
The only things causing him concern were the toxins the woman might have developed. He could face serious trouble if poisoned by her creations. After all, if Tamayo had managed to recreate the cure, she could surely use that knowledge to produce lethal chemical weapons.
Regardless, he had no intention of taking such a risk.
---
While Muzan faced Tamayo and Gyomei...
Two figures stood on a platform floating amidst the endless void.
Kokushibo's three pairs of eyes stared intently at Makomo.
"You are far from the physically strongest among the Hashira, yet your swordsmanship is breathtaking. I have not seen anything like it in several hundred years... and your blade is extraordinary as well, if it truly possesses the power to behead Muzan."
"Master mentioned you," Makomo whispered, her blade held with graceful precision. "He said you were consumed by envy for your older brother's talent, and that you are still fruitlessly trying to surpass him."
"How do you know that?" Kokushibo tensed slightly.
No human living today should have known of those ancient events.
Makomo simply shook her head and raised her sword, her expression filled with a deep, quiet pity for Michikatsu Tsugikuni.
For a moment, that look left Kokushibo speechless. He quickly recovered, realizing the sheer absurdity of the situation.
He was the peerless Upper Rank One, a being who had not met a worthy opponent in centuries.
And yet, this opponent felt pity...
The Sword Hashira was looking at him with pity!
It was laughable.
And simultaneously infuriating.
Kokushibo had been looked at like that only once before—during his final meeting with the aged Yoriichi. His brother had looked at him with that exact same expression before dying of old age.
A look full of pity, sadness, and pain...
"Are you mocking me? Ironically, it is true that I cannot surpass that man, no matter how hard I try," Kokushibo spat, his murderous intent surging uncontrollably. "Then come. Use your sword and prove you have the right to look at me with those eyes."
Moon Breathing: Third Form!
Swish!
With a swing of Kokushibo's blade, the Sword Hashira's vision was filled with a myriad of crescent-shaped energy slashes.
With a sorrowful sigh, Makomo responded with a swing of her own.
Boom!!!
A flurry of lethal, incredibly sharp slashes tore across the platform, shredding the Upper Rank One's countless crescents into pieces.
The two opponents knew each other only through reputation, and now they met face-to-face like gladiators in an arena. From this initial exchange, meant only to test the waters, Makomo gained a rough estimate of the Upper Rank One's strength. Since her parting with Yeruashi, this was the first time she had encountered an opponent who made her feel true alarm and tension.
The Sword Hashira had not felt such pressure even when facing Akaza after he had overcome his weakness. Now, her instincts screamed that her life was on the line!
After the initial probing...
Makomo and Kokushibo lunged at each other, blades in hand, unleashing a storm of radiant energy.
Clang! Clang! Clang!!!
A thunderous roar erupted from the center of the floating platform as their blades clashed, sending fragments of deadly energy flying in all directions.
A lock of Makomo's hair drifted to the floor, and several small tears appeared in her clothing.
A thin trail of blood trickled down the Upper Moon's cheek. His kimono was torn, and the edge of his organic blade was nearly shattered.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
A moment later, both combatants simultaneously leaped back to put distance between them.
"Is it true, then... that all damage from your blade is irreversible? That would explain what happened to Lord Muzan... It seems what awaits us is a simple battle between master swordsmen," Kokushibo growled slowly.
His advanced demonic regeneration failed to activate, no matter how hard he tried to force it. In other words, the blade in the Sword Hashira's hands was far more dangerous than any Nichirin Sword. Against it, a demon was nearly as vulnerable as a common man.