Chapter 16: Duel

The Flame Hashira had a fiery temper.

But in front of his master, he kept it in check.

However, watching Yoriichi Tsugikuni refuse their help…

He couldn't hold back any longer.

He thought Yoriichi looked down on him, believing his strength was of no use.

Yet, the Ubuyashiki leader could sense Yoriichi's unwavering resolve—not to let anyone else be sacrificed.

What a kind man.

But when dealing with demons, creatures that devour humans, one must be extremely cautious.

The Ubuyashiki leader had witnessed too many Demon Slayer Corps members fall in battle.

He remembered the names of every warrior who had sacrificed their life.

If he could, he would never let these strong and healthy swordsmen die.

But demons existed to prey on humans.

Someone had to fight them.

That was why the Ubuyashiki leader wanted Yoriichi to understand the significance of the Demon Slayer Corps.

So, he did not stop the enraged Flame Hashira.

"Yoriichi-san, I know you are the creator of Breathing Techniques and the first wielder of Sun Breathing, but we are not weak. I believe the Demon Slayer Corps is more than qualified to assist you."

The Flame Hashira stepped forward, his entire being erupting with an overwhelming aura.

The Hashira were the pinnacle of the Demon Slayer Corps—the strongest warriors who had survived countless battles against demons.

Each possessed the strength to rival the Twelve Kizuki.

And the primary requirement to become a Hashira was to slay at least one of the Twelve Kizuki.

Yoriichi looked at the Flame Hashira, whose presence burned brightly.

Unwavering conviction. Indomitable spirit. A formidable body.

"It's not like that. It's just… unnecessary."

Yoriichi finally spoke.

Looking at the Flame Hashira, he was reminded of a future Flame Hashira.

A man who refused to let anyone be sacrificed.

Even when tempted to become a demon, he chose to continue fighting.

In the end, he fulfilled his promise—no one under his protection perished.

But he himself died just before dawn.

The Flame Hashira took a deep breath, his eyes blazing with determination.

"Yoriichi, let's duel! Instead of standing here arguing, I will prove with my strength that the Demon Slayer Corps will never be a burden to you!"

If he could fight, he wouldn't waste words.

The Flame Hashira knew he wasn't one for persuasion.

Even their master had failed to convince Yoriichi.

So he certainly wouldn't succeed either.

That was why he chose his own method—a duel.

With the battle skills he had honed over years of training, he would show the first Breath user the true value of the Demon Slayer Corps.

Yoriichi looked at the Flame Hashira, a bit puzzled.

He wasn't quite sure how things had taken this turn.

He had only come with Tamayo to the Demon Slayer Corps to retrieve some experimental equipment and, while at it, visit his old home.

The Ubuyashiki leader had requested to speak with him.

In Yoriichi's memory, every Ubuyashiki leader had been a kind and gentle person.

Coincidentally, Yoriichi had some matters he wanted to discuss with the Ubuyashiki leader as well.

After all, even if he killed Muzan, there would still be many things to handle afterward.

Even if they successfully developed a cure to turn demons back into humans, they would need the Ubuyashiki family's influence to help distribute it.

Yoriichi was a warrior—strategy and intelligence gathering were not his strengths.

Yet somehow, this had suddenly turned into a duel.

And in this Sengoku era, swordsmen held their pride in the highest regard.

It was a matter of dignity.

Duels between swordsmen were not something one could simply refuse.

Ren Asakura stood to the side, enjoying the spectacle.

Lu Mingfei was doing the same.

They were both having a great time watching the drama unfold.

Yoriichi looked at the Flame Hashira's serious expression. He knew he could not turn down this fight, even if it was only a spar.

This was a clash of beliefs.

It was also a show of respect between swordsmen.

"I understand."

Yoriichi nodded.

The Demon Slayer Corps had its own convictions, its own unyielding spirit in the battle against demons.

Maybe not every member, but most of them.

It was because of them that the balance between humans and demons had been maintained.

They were heroes.

If he thought about it from their perspective…

How could the Demon Slayer Corps not be part of the fight against Muzan?

---

By now, the sun had risen.

Its warm rays illuminated the earth.

Tamayo remained under the eaves, unable to step into the light.

Demons had many abilities, but basking in sunlight was not one of them.

The moment they did, they would be reduced to ashes.

The only way to overcome the sun was the Blue Spider Lily.

But the Blue Spider Lily only bloomed under sunlight.

Which was exactly why Muzan and his demons had never been able to find it.

And it only bloomed for ten minutes at a time.

Some years, it didn't bloom at all.

Finding it would be nothing short of a miracle.

At the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters…

In a traditional Japanese courtyard, two swordsmen stood face to face.

Their every breath followed a distinct rhythm.

Their rapidly beating hearts rumbled like thunder.

This duel was only a sparring match, so both were using wooden swords.

But in truth, a wooden sword in Japan was simply a practice katana.

Even so, the aura radiating from them was terrifying.

It felt as if they were wielding real blades.

Lu Mingfei watched them with admiration.

Though he had only just begun learning the Breathing Techniques, he knew that reaching this level required countless battles and endless training.

Under the eaves, the Ubuyashiki leader stood.

His two children supported him on either side.

He would serve as the referee, showing no favoritism.

Both combatants had agreed to let him preside over the match.

The duel between Hashira-level warriors quickly attracted the attention of many Demon Slayers.

Such a spectacle was rare.

More and more Demon Slayers gathered around.

Yet none of them stepped into the courtyard.

They all knew better than to interfere.

The Ubuyashiki leader coughed lightly.

"Begin!"

"Hahhh!!!"

The Flame Hashira took a deep breath, and an inferno of blazing sword energy erupted around him.

Total Concentration Breathing.

Facing the strongest demon slayer in history, the Flame Hashira dared not hold back. He unleashed his full power immediately.

"Flame Breathing: First Form—Unknowing Fire!"

His entire body ignited in golden flames as he launched forward, leaving only an afterimage in his wake.

In the blink of an eye, the Flame Hashira was already upon Yoriichi.

His wooden sword, engulfed in flames, swung down in a decisive strike.

Aiming for the neck.

The best way to kill a demon.

And just as effective against a human.

Yoriichi's figure flickered—then vanished.

In an instant, multiple afterimages appeared, his wooden sword slicing through the air.

"Sun Breathing: Fourth Form—Burning Bones, Summer Sun."

This technique utilized rapid twists and spins, creating an evasive dance designed for near-instant dodging.

But the sharper one's vision, the clearer they would see the remnants of his movements.

Red flames clashed against golden flames.

Their strikes were impossibly fast.

So fast they became mere blurs.

The ordinary Demon Slayers watching could only see flashes of movement.

They had no idea how the two were actually exchanging blows.

The ground beneath them cracked and tore apart from the sheer force of their attacks.

The overwhelming heat from their fiery swordplay spread in all directions.

°°°

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