Small Cogs (
Summary[]
While in the process of mapping out the floor plan for the Infinity Castle, Kanata begins to envision the recently deceased members of her family. Her emotions begin to overwhelm and her eyes well up with tears, but Kiriya tells her to stop crying and continue with her task, reassuring her that they will win. Kanata acknowledges his orders and recomposes herself to continue. Sitting outside the room of the Ubuyashikis are the former Hashiras Tengen Uzui and Shinjuro Rengoku.
Tengen marvels at Kiriya's mental fortitude, continuing his mission despite the lingering anguish of his father's death. Shinjuro agrees and is amazed that children so young have taken on an enormous responsibility. He promises to risk his life to protect them, as Kyojuro did, in order to no longer bring shame to his family name.
Elsewhere in the estate, Sakonji tends to an unconscious Nezuko; despite using Tamayo's human-conversion drug on her as told, she seems to be in pain, sweating profusely and groaning. He notes that if she truly can be human again, Muzan's scheme will fall apart, losing the only demon in a thousand years to ever be resistant to sunlight. However, Sakonji himself is also trembling and sweating in his nervousness.
Whenever he thinks about the battle's eventual endgame, he grows anxious to realize the ancient war of humans and demons might soon end, something he will witness. He reminisces on Tanjiro and realizes he had always played a pivotal part. Since bringing his sister to him, Sakonji had felt as if cogs had begun to turn. The ancient war is but a giant machine, and with the introduction of him and Nezuko, it is as if two added cogs have shifted the stagnant situation to begin moving. He hopes that the siblings will not lose.
As Akaza throws a punch at Tanjiro, the Demon Slayer performs Hinokami Kagura: Fire Wheel to flip over him and catch his arm with his blade. He summons the strength to slice it off, but Akaza regenerates it back and quickly retaliates by swinging his fist back at his head. Using Hinokami Kagura: Fake Rainbow, he evades the blow and appears behind the demon, while also managing to slash his face.
Giyu is impressed to see Tanjiro has progressed his technique so much, as Akaza stares curiously at his attacker; he remarks that he can confidently say his ability is now that of a Hashira's to be able to handle an Upper Rank. On the first day they met, all Tanjiro could do was despair in his weakness and beg for Nezuko's life to be spared; now, able to fight, Tanjiro won't ever again lose his life or his dignity.
Akaza suddenly remembers Kyojuro's words, "This boy is not weak. Do not insult him", and realizes now he was telling the truth. He remarks that Tanjiro is certainly no longer weak, and to show he has earned his respect, Upper Rank Three performs Technique Development: Compass Needle, to celebrate his opponent's new strength in a battle.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
- Kanata Ubuyashiki
- Kiriya Ubuyashiki
- Kagaya Ubuyashiki (Flashback)
- Amane Ubuyashiki (Flashback)
- Nichika Ubuyashiki (Flashback)
- Hinaki Ubuyashiki (Flashback)
- Tengen Uzui
- Shinjuro Rengoku
- Kanata Ubuyashiki
- Sakonji Urokodaki
- Nezuko Kamado
- Muzan Kibutsuji (Flashback)
- Akaza
- Tanjiro Kamado
- Giyu Tomioka
Events[]
- Tengen and Shinjuro act as guards for the Ubuyashikis.
- Sakonji administers Tamayo's drug to Nezuko.
- Tanjiro Kamado and Giyu Tomioka vs Akaza.