Chapter 46: The Broken Blade

The Hand Demon watched in growing fear as its relentless attacks failed to harm Haru.

However, despite its fear, the demon remained confident—Haru couldn't kill it either. If this battle dragged on, Haru would be the one at a disadvantage. Unlike humans, demons had limitless stamina.

As long as Haru exhausted himself, he would end up just like that other boy before him—nothing more than food for the demon's evolution.

"Heheheh~"

With that thought, the Hand Demon sneered to itself.

Soon, every single one of its arms had been severed, and Haru finally stopped attacking.

At this moment, Haru's breathing was slightly labored, but he still maintained the steady rhythm of Water Breathing. His right hand, gripping the Demon-Slaying blade, hung limply, temporarily drained of strength. More importantly, his arm was trembling.

Tanjiro, who had been hiding in the nearby trees, had witnessed the entire battle. Seeing how Haru effortlessly handled such an overwhelming assault, Tanjiro realized just how much stronger Haru was. The confidence he had built up before was now wavering.

Just as self-doubt started creeping into his heart, Tanjiro suddenly remembered Haru's words to him.

Then, clarity struck him.

Neither Haru nor Master Sakonji Urokodaki had ever denied his potential. If even those stronger than him believed in his abilities, why should he doubt himself?

"Tanjiro... It's your turn now," Haru muttered, unable to use his arms any longer. "If you don't seize this moment, I'll have to play my final card."

His countdown began.

"32..."

As he counted, the demon's severed arms slowly began regenerating. The Hand Demon hadn't expected Haru to cut off all its limbs, and recovering from such extensive damage was taking longer than usual.

For now, it was nothing more than a grotesque, deformed mass of flesh.

Seeing Haru standing still, his trembling arm giving away his exhaustion, the Hand Demon cackled in triumph.

"Hahaha~ Heheheh~"

The laughter grew sharper, turning into a taunting jeer.

"Now!"

At that moment, Tanjiro leapt from the tree, his entire body radiating killing intent as he lunged at the demon.

"Water Breathing, First Form—Water Surface Slash!"

The instant he got close, Tanjiro swung his Nichirin sword toward the demon's neck.

The Hand Demon panicked at the sudden attack. It wanted to dodge or counter, but with no arms, it was completely immobilized.

Tanjiro's blade struck the demon's neck. He expected the sword to slice through effortlessly.

But it didn't.

"Die already!" Tanjiro roared, applying more force.

Clang—Snap!

A sharp metallic sound rang out.

At the most crucial moment, Tanjiro's sword... broke.