Chapter 43: Haru's Divine Taunt

Hearing Haru's domineering words, the Hand Demon immediately flew into a rage.

"You filthy insect! How dare you talk to me like that?! As expected, Urokodaki Sakonji's disciples are utterly repulsive!" the Hand Demon roared.

As it prepared to regenerate its severed arms, it suddenly realized something was wrong.

"W-What's happening?! Why can't my wounds heal?! What did you do to me?!" Panic crept into its voice.

"Oh? So you're just a coward after all. Are you scared now?" Haru smirked, his tone dripping with mockery.

"You bastard!! I'll kill you! Kill you! Unforgivable! UNFORGIVABLE!!" The Hand Demon lost control of its emotions, its fury reaching a breaking point.

In its berserk rage, it began devouring the surrounding demons one by one. The others, seeing their own kind being eaten alive without hesitation, immediately scattered in terror.

Haru made no effort to stop them. Now wasn't the time. If they had chosen to stand their ground together, it would have been far more troublesome. Their fear worked in his favor.

The unfortunate demons who couldn't escape became fuel for the Hand Demon's power. Within mere seconds, it had consumed over a dozen of them.

Although demons primarily fed on humans, cases of cannibalism did occur—just like now. In order to ensure an overwhelming victory against Haru, the Hand Demon chose to devour its own kind to grow stronger.

But under normal circumstances, demons avoided eating each other. Not only was it unnecessary, but it was also risky—one could just as easily become prey instead of the predator. Humans were a much easier and safer food source.

With every demon it devoured, the Hand Demon's body twisted further into grotesque monstrosity. Its form ballooned in size, the number of arms covering its body increasing drastically. Even the wounds that had refused to heal just moments ago regenerated in an instant.

"Chi-chi-chi-chi~" It let out another smug, high-pitched cackle.

Haru's expression darkened. That laugh again.

"Tanjiro, find a place to hide and wait for an opening. Look for a chance to land a killing blow. I'll handle this disgusting thing for now," Haru commanded without taking his eyes off the Hand Demon.

Tanjiro hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Understood, Haru-senpai! But please, be careful!"

Haru had a reason for saying this—he wanted to give Tanjiro a chance to prove himself. If Tanjiro could find an opportunity before he finished off the Hand Demon, it would be his victory.

However, things had taken an unexpected turn. Haru hadn't anticipated that the Hand Demon would resort to devouring its own kind. If it hadn't consumed so many demons to grow stronger, Haru would have let Tanjiro take it on alone while he cleaned up the rest of the demons.

But now? That was no longer an option.

If Tanjiro fought this Hand Demon in its current state, there would be only one outcome—death.