Disgust (
Summary[]
Facing off against Tanjiro, Akaza cannot brush aside the repulsive feeling he is giving him. He is unsure why he feels angry fighting him since he knows Tanjiro is no longer weak, yet he cannot shake the feeling of his eyes, voice and words cutting into him. At that moment, someone seemingly grabs Akaza's shoulder and confirms Tanjiro's words; everyone starts off weak, then they get help from everyone around them and learn, but that he should only compare his own progress against himself, not that of others.
The man tells him what is important is becoming stronger than he was yesterday, and by developing himself, soon he can be the one to help people. Angered, Akaza tries to punch behind him to hit the man, but strikes nothing. As a bewildered Tanjiro sees Akaza punch the air suddenly, Upper Rank Three angrily mutters, "Tanjiro, you really are unpleasant".
Akaza attacks Tanjiro with Flying Planet Thousand Wheels.
Akaza suddenly lunges at Tanjiro and uses Destructive Death: Crushing Type, Ten-Thousand Leaves Flashing Willow, rupturing the ground around him, with Tanjiro just barely dodging the attack. As he becomes stunned to see Akaza's new speed and precision, the demon quickly engages the Demon Slayer again from below and uses his Destructive Death: Leg Type, Flying Planet Thousand Wheels, with Tanjiro enduring the blow and vomiting blood as a result. Akaza swings at him but Tanjiro barely ducks down to avoid it, all while he tries to rationalize how the Upper Rank's attacks are so potent.
With his techniques possessing unparalleled precision, as if his fists are magnetized to his vital areas, he tries to understand what he is gauging his attacks on, thinking back to his battle with Kyojuro to find the answer. Using Hinokami Kagura: Solar Heat Haze, Tanjiro slashes at Akaza's neck; his blade seemingly distorts as it slashes him, despite Akaza believed he dodged it by moving away from it. He is amused to see the unusual technique and asks how he performed it, continuing to attack Tanjiro as the Demon Slayer struggles to fend off the relentless onslaught.
At the Rengoku estate, Senjuro prays to his older brother; a large battle has begun and their father is away to protect the Oyakata, asking that Kyojuro protect him and Tanjiro. He thinks back to the letter he sent to Tanjiro; though it was a trivial matter, he had written to him about a conversation the Sengoku era's Flame Hashira had with a user of Sun Breathing. The swordsman had explained his experience of fighting Muzan, but upon hearing his story, the Hashira lost his confidence. Despite this, Senjuro prays that Tanjiro won't lose, wondering if Kyojuro agrees.
Giyu slashes Akaza's hands to save Tanjiro.
In the midst of the battle, it is revealed that Senjuro's Kasugai Crow has indeed entered the Infinity Castle, but has not given Tanjiro his letter and is watching the battle behind cover, forcing him to defeat Akaza in order to read it. Tanjiro uses Hinokami Kagura: Dance and swings down at the demon, but Akaza catches the blade mid-slash and attempts to break it. In a desperate move, he headbutts Upper Three, but Akaza only compliments him for his efforts.
He kicks Akaza in the chin but he continues to maintain his hold. As the blade begins to creak, Akaza's hands are suddenly slashed off, saving Tanjiro. He looks up and sees Giyu has returned, as the Water Hashira becomes angry at the severe pain in his back from being launched by Akaza.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
- Tanjiro Kamado
- Akaza
- Keizo
- Kyojuro Rengoku (Flashback)
- Yoriichi Tsugikuni
- Senjuro Rengoku (Image)
- Giyu Tomioka
Events[]
- Tanjiro Kamado and Giyu Tomioka vs Akaza.
- Akaza grows annoyed at Tanjiro's demeanor reminding him of someone.
- Senjuro is revealed to have written Tanjiro a letter containing information, but his crow won't give it to him until the battle's end.
- Giyu returns from being launched away and saves Tanjiro's katana.