[Water Breathing, 4th Form: Striking Tide]
Swinging the blade with the force of waves, the continuous and relentless slashes target the enemies. This technique is effective against multiple enemies and can cause area damage.
In this critical moment, Tanjiro unleashed the 4th form of Water Breathing, "Striking Tide." With the Nichirin Blade given to him by Sakonji Urokodaki in his hand, waves visible to the naked eye were created, a manifestation of the rhythmic flow of water produced by Water Breathing.
"Seize the opportunity, hurry and get out of here!" Tanjiro shouted to the boy with the sprained ankle while cutting through the approaching horde of demons.
Although the situation had temporarily been controlled by Tanjiro and Zenitsu, the sheer number of demons was overwhelming. The situation would spiral out of control again if they did not escape soon.
The boy with the sprained ankle, seeing that the situation had been momentarily stabilized, gritted his teeth and forced himself to stand. He then limped toward a safer location.
However, there were too many demons, and one that had slipped through the cracks tackled the boy with the sprained ankle.
"Not good!"
Tanjiro wanted to rush over to help, but as soon as he became distracted, the situation began to deteriorate. Several demons had already latched onto Tanjiro's leg, causing intense pain that made his breathing uncontrollable.
"This is it!"
Tanjiro's heart sank into despair.
Zenitsu, on the other hand, was nimbly dodging the demon's attacks, his agility and speed keeping him alive.
"Thunder Breathing, 1st Form: Thunderclap and Flash!"
"Thunder Breathing, 1st Form: Thunderclap and Flash!"
"Thunder Breathing, 1st Form: Thunderclap and Flash!"
However, with Zenitsu continuously unleashing his Thunder Breathing, 1st Form: Thunderclap and Flash, his stamina quickly depleted. By the time he launched his fourth attack, Zenitsu collapsed once again, succumbing to unconsciousness.
Just as things were looking dire, Haru arrived just in time.
"Water Breathing, 3rd Form: Flowing Dance!"
Haru appeared at the critical moment, immediately using Tanjiro's earlier technique, Water Breathing, 3rd Form: Flowing Dance.
Compared to Tanjiro's Flowing Dance, Haru's version was more precise and smoother, moving at a speed several levels faster.
"Water Breathing, 4th Form: Striking Tide!"
While performing Flowing Dance, Haru also used Water Breathing, 4th Form: Striking Tide. These two techniques were perfectly synchronized, requiring exact control of breathing and seamless transitions in rhythm.
The demons surrounding Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and the boy with the sprained ankle were completely overwhelmed by Haru's onslaught.
After temporarily stabilizing the situation, Haru grabbed the boy with the sprained ankle and threw him to safety.
Next, he used the same method to toss the unconscious Zenitsu.
Finally, Haru reached Tanjiro's side and asked, "Are you alright, Tanjiro?"
Tanjiro shook his head, the hopelessness in his eyes now replaced with a glimmer of hope. He let out a sigh of relief.
"Tanjiro, control your breathing again. The fight isn't over yet!" Seeing that Tanjiro's injuries were not life-threatening, Haru reminded him to focus on his breathing.
With renewed focus on his breathing, Tanjiro quickly re-entered combat mode. The blood from his wounds had been staunched as his breathing controlled the flow.
Haru's intervention had caught the demons off guard. As they felt the overwhelming pressure from his presence and witnessed their comrades' deaths, the remaining demons began to lose their rationality and were filled with fear.