DSWS: Chapter 43

"Aoki vs. The Trio (Part 1)"

After regaining his footing, Tanjiro approached Inosuke. "Inosuke, attack his feet," he whispered.

"Roger," Inosuke nodded.

Tanjiro charged at Aoki.

"Total Concentration! Water Breathing, Seventh Form: Drop Ripple Thrust!"

He lunged, aiming for a piercing strike.

Aoki, right hand on his Nichirin Sword, stepped back with his right leg, countering Tanjiro's attack with a piercing strike of his own. As his blade moved, the black energy coating it transformed into sky-blue, causing the air to swirl.

"Wind Slash—Steel Cutter Flash!"

Their blades stopped mere centimeters apart. A violent gust of wind erupted, sending Tanjiro flying and leaving small cuts on his body. Aoki only took a single step back.

Tanjiro's thoughts: What happened? The scent changed! Aoki's swordsmanship scent is completely different!

Cold sweat beaded on his forehead. He was shocked by the sudden change in Aoki's technique.

Tanjiro's thoughts: I've never seen him use that before. It's more powerful than Breath of Devouring, manipulating the air currents.

Tanjiro's original plan was to attack first, creating an opening for Inosuke to strike at Susanoo's legs. If Inosuke could land a blow, Aoki would be vulnerable.

But Aoki's wind-based technique negated this strategy. Inosuke wouldn't have a chance to attack without being cut by the wind blades. The air currents also impaired his vision.

Tanjiro's thoughts: We can't win with just me and Inosuke.

Just as Tanjiro felt at a loss, an unfamiliar scent wafted from behind. He turned to see Zenitsu standing there, his Nichirin Sword at his hip, poised to draw.

The scent was unlike anything Tanjiro had smelled before. Zenitsu's aura had completely changed; Tanjiro felt an unprecedented pressure.

"Zenitsu?" Tanjiro called, puzzled by the transformation.

Unbeknownst to everyone, during Tanjiro and Aoki's exchange, a small stone, caught in the wind, struck Zenitsu's temple, knocking him unconscious. They were too focused on the fight to notice, dismissing Zenitsu as inconsequential.

This seemingly insignificant event would prove pivotal.

Ignoring Tanjiro, Zenitsu remained poised.

"Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash!"

Faint golden electricity crackled around Zenitsu as he spoke in a low voice.

Aoki, along with the others, was taken aback. Then his eyes snapped open.

Zenitsu vanished. Before Tanjiro and Inosuke could react, the sound of clashing metal echoed behind them, followed by gasps from the observing Butterfly Mansion members.

They turned to see Zenitsu facing Aoki, blades locked, and Aoki, visibly surprised, with a bead of sweat trickling down his cheek.

Tanjiro's thoughts: What? So fast? So strong? Is that Zenitsu?

Inosuke's thoughts: Is that Zenitsu? That speed… almost as fast as that dead-eyed fish who tied me to a tree!

Zenitsu leaped back, still poised to draw.

"Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash, Second Strike!"

He attacked again with incredible speed and golden lightning.

"Clang! Clang!"

Two strikes landed on Susanoo. Zenitsu leaped back, attacking again mid-air.

"Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash, Fourth Strike!"

Spinning through the air, Zenitsu became a streak of golden electricity, his Nichirin Sword striking Susanoo four more times with impossible speed.

He landed beside Tanjiro and Inosuke, no longer poised, but standing straight, head tilted, eyes closed, seemingly asleep.

"Attack together!"

Tanjiro, sensing a chance, yelled, his Nichirin Sword surrounded by blue water.

Tanjiro and Inosuke charged. Zenitsu resumed his drawing stance.

"Total Concentration! Water Breathing, Tenth Form: Constant Flux!"

"Total Concentration! Beast Breathing, Eighth Fang: Explosive Rush!"

"Total Concentration! Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash, Sixth Strike!"

Blue, light green, and golden attacks converged on Aoki, who was now clearly on edge.

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