A few days ago — Swordsmith Village
"Tanjirou, have you passed the Yoriichi Type Zero training?" James asked with a relaxed smile as he looked at Tanjirou's bruised and swollen face.
"Don't smile like that, James!"
Tanjirou winced as he applied ointment to his cheek. Though the pain throbbed beneath the surface, he could feel it—the growth. He was getting stronger. And that feeling of progress gave him the determination to push forward. He needed to grow stronger—for Nezuko, for the others, and to face what was coming.
James suddenly tilted his head and asked, almost offhandedly,
"Tanjirou, have you ever considered learning Yang Breathing?"
Tanjirou blinked. "Yang Breathing? But… I already know Water Breathing and the Hinokami Kagura. Isn't it pointless to try and learn a third style?"
He scratched the back of his head, clearly confused. Why would James even suggest that?
James chuckled softly and touched his chin, clearly amused by the question.
"In theory, yes—most swordsmen can only master one breathing technique because each style aligns with their physical and mental attributes. But Sun Breathing…" His tone shifted. "Sun Breathing is different. It's the original technique. It serves as the foundation for all others."
Tanjirou's eyes widened with curiosity.
"In fact," James continued, "those who can use Sun Breathing can transition into other techniques more easily. And my Yang Breathing is designed not just for versatility—but for explosive, high-powered finishing moves."
He leaned forward, eyes gleaming. "So, what do you say? Want to learn it?"
Tanjirou remembered the moment he managed to use Water Breathing and Hinokami Kagura in tandem. His resolve hardened. He needed more strength—more tools to protect Nezuko and defeat Muzan Kibutsuji.
"I'll learn it!"
---
Present Day — Battlefield
Who would have thought I'd end up using it so soon…
Tanjirou's breath was shallow as he recalled his training with James. His vision blurred slightly as his body screamed in protest, but he steadied his grip.
The Madara-like markings on his forehead pulsed.
His blade returned to its sheath.
"Sun Breathing – Slash!"
He drew his blade with blinding speed.
Zohakuten—the formidable clone created from Hantengu's rage—only had a moment to register Tanjirou's stance. A half-crouch, hand on the hilt, the blade sheathed. For an instant, it seemed like nothing happened.
But then—
Pain.
A sharp, searing pain surged down Zohakuten's shoulder.
He looked down.
A deep, clean slash ran diagonally from his right shoulder to his opposite hip. Blood didn't spurt at first—it trickled, then poured out like a river. His golden eyes widened in disbelief.
He had been cut in half.
Zohakuten's body collapsed, the two halves falling away. Skinks, still swarming the sky just moments before, disintegrated into ash. A dreadful silence fell across the battlefield.
Tanjirou dropped to his knees, then collapsed completely. His body couldn't endure any more.
In his ears, James' words echoed once more:
> "This move is devastating. But it comes with a cost."
"It compresses air with an ultra-high-speed sword draw, producing an invisible wave of sword energy. It can strike long-range targets—sharper than any blade."
"But be warned: it has three major drawbacks. First, it demands a high-quality blade. Ordinary Nichirin swords might shatter. Second, your target must be in a straight line ahead—no deviations. Third, it drains physical strength immensely. Even with your stamina, it'll paralyze you for at least ten minutes after use."
"And you know what ten minutes of immobility means on the battlefield."
"Miss Kanroji, Tokitou… I'll leave the rest to you."
---
Elsewhere on the battlefield, Muichirou Tokitou and Kanroji Mitsuri were pursuing the real Hantengu. The tiny, gnarled demon scuttled across the ground, his terrified sobbing echoing through the trees.
"Tanjirou did it!" Muichirou said. "Let's finish this!"
Both Pillars narrowed the distance rapidly. Though Hantengu was quick, his body was small and frail, and he was being pursued by two of the most agile Hashira.
As they closed in, Muichirou took a deep breath and raised his sword, ready to use his Cloud Breathing.
Suddenly, his body froze.
Cold sweat dripped down his back.
Beside him, Mitsuri also skidded to a halt, her breath hitching.
A new figure had appeared.
Hantengu had climbed onto the shoulder of a man with golden eyes, red hair, and dark blue lines rippling across his skin. The words "Upper Rank Three" glowed ominously in his irises.
Akaza.
Tanjirou, lying defenseless on the ground, felt his blood run cold.
Another demon…?!
How didn't I sense him? Was he hiding his presence? Or… did he just arrive?
Akaza gave Hantengu a fleeting glance before turning his full attention to Mitsuri and Muichirou.
"Lord Muzan was wise to anticipate this. Otherwise, I would've let you kill this pathetic creature," Akaza said, voice calm but menacing. "But you two... you're interesting. Strong. I like that."
Mitsuri's fingers clenched tightly around her sword. This man—this monster—was the one who had killed Kyojuro Rengoku.
She adjusted her breathing, every nerve on edge.
Muichirou, composed as ever, evaluated the situation. Tanjirou was incapacitated. Zohakuten was wounded but healing. And now, an Upper Three had entered the field.
They were outnumbered, and time was not on their side.
Akaza's stance shifted.
The Blood Demon Art had begun.
"Destructive Death – Compass Needle!"
He wasted no time with words. His respect for Rengoku had taught him not to underestimate Pillars. Two against one? That only made it more fun.
In an instant, he vanished.
He reappeared next to Mitsuri, fist drawn back to strike.
CLANG!
A green blade intercepted his punch. Muichirou's sword pierced into Akaza's wrist, slicing through flesh and bone.
Blood sprayed.
Half of Akaza's arm was blown off—
and regrew instantly.
His regeneration... it's far faster than the Upper Fours...
Mitsuri responded with a flurry of strikes, her pink blade arcing like a ribbon around Akaza's body.
"You're not bad!" Akaza grinned.
He slammed his foot into the ground.
"Destructive Death – Crumbling Blossom Scattering Lotus!"
The ground exploded beneath Mitsuri, destabilizing her footing and scattering debris. She staggered, losing the momentum of her attack.
Akaza didn't relent.
"Destructive Death – Air Type: Chaotic Blue Vortex!"
He appeared in front of her again. This time, he unleashed a barrage of kicks, too fast to count.
One, two, three—
Mitsuri tried to dodge, but her blade wasn't made for defense. Even deflecting a few strikes couldn't stop the final blow from sending her crashing into the trees.
She slammed into a dozen trunks before coming to a halt, body limp.
Muichirou didn't hesitate.
Mist surrounded him.
He launched forward, aiming straight for Akaza's neck with all the force he could muster.
But Akaza turned his head slightly.
Too fast!
WHAM!
A punch slammed into Muichirou's abdomen. The air burst from his lungs as he flew backward, slamming into rock and soil. He landed next to Tanjirou—unmoving.
Akaza stepped forward slowly, eyes focused on the two fallen warriors.
Then he paused.
His gaze lifted—to a direction deep in the woods.
That direction...
It was where James had fought Gyokko.
Øóffer going on for diamond tier
pàtreøn (Gk31)