DSWS: Chapter 44

"Aoki vs. The Trio (Part 2)"

Blue, light green, and gold attacks converged on Aoki, carrying a force that sent a shiver down the spine.

Aoki frowned slightly, Susanoo evolving to its third form, absorbing their attacks without flinching.

"Clang!"

Their Nichirin Swords struck Susanoo simultaneously. Moments later, tiny cracks appeared at the points of impact.

These almost imperceptible cracks astonished Aoki. His third-form Susanoo hadn't been fazed by even Rui's, a Lower Rank Five demon, all-out attack.

This meant Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke had surpassed Rui's strength. Just months ago, Tanjiro had nearly died fighting Rui, Inosuke had almost been crushed by the father spider, and Zenitsu had almost been poisoned into becoming a spider by the brother spider.

Now, they had far surpassed Rui's capabilities.

"Tch, impressive. I'll get serious now."

Aoki raised his Nichirin Sword high. Black energy, like a storm, surged into the blade, causing the surrounding temperature to rise.

Tanjiro sensed danger and tried to warn Inosuke and Zenitsu, but it was too late.

"Breath of Devouring, Ninth Style: Supreme Divine Punishment!"

Aoki swung his sword, unleashing a black storm that swept through the Butterfly Mansion, particularly intense around him and the trio.

When the storm subsided, most of the leaves were gone, the mansion in disarray. Thankfully, the buildings remained intact; otherwise, Shinobu Kocho would have held Aoki accountable.

The trio, despite Aoki holding back, were knocked to the ground, battered and bruised.

"Is that all you've got?" Aoki taunted, sheathing his sword as Susanoo dissipated.

Tanjiro struggled to his feet, gripping his Nichirin Sword tightly.

"Zenitsu, Inosuke, I won't let you leave the Corps." He regulated his breathing, closing his eyes, then opened them with fierce determination, charging at Aoki.

"Hinokami Kagura—Dancing Flash!"

Crimson flames enveloped his Nichirin Sword as he unleashed a fiery arc.

"Finally," Aoki murmured, his eyes narrowing. He'd been trying to goad Tanjiro into using this technique, the one that had almost killed Rui.

Aoki, without using any techniques, met Tanjiro's attack head-on. The impact sent a shockwave through him, forcing him to step back.

"Chance!"

Tanjiro seized the opportunity, grabbing the two silver bells from Aoki's belt and creating distance.

"I win." He held up the bells, signaling Aoki to stop.

Aoki showed no surprise, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

"Good, you win," Aoki said, sheathing his sword. "You got both bells. Normally, only you would remain. But I'll give you a chance. Give one bell to Inosuke or Zenitsu. One of them will stay."

Tanjiro's joy was short-lived. He could save one, but one would still leave. No matter his choice, the outcome wouldn't be satisfactory.

After much deliberation, Tanjiro approached Zenitsu and Inosuke, who had awakened, unaware of the fight.

"Zenitsu, Inosuke," Tanjiro said somberly. "Demon slaying will be your responsibility now."

He gave each of them a bell, then turned to Aoki. "I'll leave, giving them both bells. Is that acceptable?"

Aoki nodded, accepting Tanjiro's request.

Kanao Tsuyuri, observing, was lost in thought. She didn't understand why Tanjiro, who could have stayed, gave away both bells. He should have given one to either Zenitsu or Inosuke.

"What's this, Tanjiro? You looking down on me?" Inosuke yelled, pushing the bell back into Tanjiro's hand. "Sharing your spoils? Pity? I won't accept your charity!"

Zenitsu hesitated, then also returned his bell.

"Tanjiro, I didn't get a bell, so I should leave. And with my skills, I probably lack the potential to be a demon slayer. I only mastered one form of Thunder Breathing."

"Zenitsu, Inosuke…" Tanjiro's eyes welled up, his heart filled with warmth.

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