Chapter 173 — Akaza Has Been Defeated!
"I'm human. I can't wait a hundred years. I can only live in the present."
Hearing this, Akaza immediately patted his chest.
"No problem! All you need to do is become a demon, right? Come on, Ren! Become a demon! Join this glorious evolution!"
"As long as you become a demon, none of this will be a problem!"
All things considered, Akaza really was an excellent recruiter for the Demon Warrior Alliance. Even under these circumstances, he was still trying to bring benefits to his organization.
But Ren didn't have that much time to waste.
He silently raised his Nichirin sword.
"Looks like I preferred the arrogant version of you from earlier. If you can't return to that state, then I'll have no choice but to take action."
Since they couldn't reach an agreement, Akaza stopped pretending.
He immediately turned around and ran.
Although he was a martial arts fanatic, he had to stay alive before he could continue being a martial arts fanatic!
Trying something you already knew was impossible was simply foolish.
However, Akaza's little trick was immediately seen through by Ren.
The instant Akaza fled, Ren had already circled around behind him.
[Transparent World activated!]
[By observing changes in your opponent's body, you deduce his escape direction and thoughts!]
You moved, circulating your internal energy and gathering it in your legs before giving chase.
[You simulate your opponent's resistance in your mind. He may use Destructive Death. Based on changes in his muscles and the distribution of his bones, you deduce...]
[You deduce that your opponent will next use "Destructive Death: Eight-Layered Core" or "Destructive Death: Final Form — Blue Silver Chaotic Afterglow"!]
You began simulating the situation in your mind and formulated your response.
[You have fully comprehended all the techniques of Destructive Death. You have memorized your opponent's martial movements. You have achieved enlightenment. You have learned all of Destructive Death's techniques!]
"Total Concentration!"
The moment Ren's understanding of Destructive Death deepened—
His body moved.
Just like Akaza, every muscle in his body tightened.
His speed suddenly rose to another level!
His sword descended and severed his opponent's head.
Whoosh!
The flash of his blade was dazzling, even more brilliant than the moon hanging in the sky.
Amid the dark and silent atmosphere, Akaza's head fell to the ground without making a sound.
As if it were nothing more than an insignificant matter.
The world around Akaza's ears fell completely silent.
His pupils suddenly contracted.
He abruptly raised his head, even able to see the guard of the sword in his opponent's hands.
And Ren's expression remained calm and composed, as tranquil as still water.
This was his own original version of Destructive Death.
How was this possible?
Akaza had never dreamed that he would actually be defeated by his own ultimate technique?!
Moreover, Ren's movements just now had been virtually identical to Akaza's own Destructive Death.
That identical method of exerting force had created a momentary illusion in Akaza's mind.
It felt as though he were looking into a mirror.
Although it was almost impossible to believe—
This scene had happened right before his eyes.
Silence enveloped the surroundings.
The spectators stood there with their mouths hanging open, their eyes filled with astonishment as they watched the scene unfold.
Even the Flame Hashira was completely unresponsive.
His gaze swept over the battlefield.
All he could see was a headless corpse.
Zenitsu, Nezuko, Tanjiro, and Inosuke—
The four of them had even spent some time searching for Ren.
It was too dark, and Akaza had suddenly fled, so they hadn't seen where the two of them had gone.
Finally, Tanjiro was the first to spot him.
He immediately saw Ren striking down Akaza.
When he saw Akaza's head fall, Tanjiro's heart began pounding.
Such overwhelming power!
"Mr. Ren... actually cut off the head of another Upper Rank demon!"
"Hehehehe!"
Inosuke burst into wild laughter.
"As expected of my master! He really does have so many secret techniques!"
They weren't the only two who were shocked.
The passengers aboard the train had also witnessed the scene.
They knew there was a demon somewhere ahead, and that someone was protecting them.
Then, one of the passengers suddenly noticed what was happening outside.
He saw Ren slaying the demon.
There happened to be a reporter on the train.
Coincidentally, he was the same man who had escaped from the red-light district earlier.
He pulled out his camera and decisively took a close-up photograph of Ren.
The next moment, a thought flashed through his mind.
I think I've found a huge news story.
A fearless civilian member of the Demon Slayer Corps is destined to make tomorrow's headlines!
There were also many children aboard the train.
When they saw Ren killing Akaza, they all asked,
"Mommy, what kind of animal is that?"
Some brave parents cautiously glanced outside before answering,
"That is a demon, sweetheart. Don't look at it. It eats people."
The children blinked.
"Then what about the big brother next to it?"
The parents replied,
"He's a real hero. All right, stop asking questions. We'll talk about it when we get home."
"But..."
"All right, otherwise the demon will come and eat children who talk too much."
Only then did the children quiet down.
For a long time, rumors about demons and similar creatures had circulated among ordinary people.
The Demon Slayer Corps had also become part of those legends.
But most residents had never personally witnessed a Demon Slayer kill a demon.
Seeing Ren cut down Akaza with their own eyes left everyone deeply stirred.
Their sense of security increased tremendously as well.
Ren had left a profound impression on many people.
Especially among some young women who had fallen in love.
Seeing how handsome and mighty Ren looked, they were filled with admiration.
When he had saved them, their eyes practically sparkled.
Outside the train—
The bright moonlight poured down from the night sky.
Ren calmly returned his Nichirin sword to its sheath.
At this point, Ren no longer had a precise understanding of his own strength.
But at the very least, at his peak, he was capable of defeating Upper Rank Three.
He simply didn't know how good his chances would be against Douma.
Douma's Blood Demon Art was the natural nemesis of swordsmen who relied on Breathing Styles.
Many swordsmen who used Breathing Styles only needed to perform Total Concentration once in front of Douma before becoming victims of his Blood Demon Art, rendered incapable of moving.
Akaza was different.
Akaza relied entirely on martial arts attacks, which made him much easier to deal with.
And Ren had now learned his Destructive Death as well!
Destructive Death—
Hand Type, Leg Type, and Final Form!
As well as Destructive Death: Compass Needle.
The core of Akaza's Blood Demon Art.
It sensed an opponent's fighting spirit like a compass, allowing his attacks and evasive movements to become as precise as if they were being drawn toward a magnet.
Once activated, a twelve-pointed snowflake pattern appeared beneath his feet.
It was called "Technique Deployment."
The stronger the opponent's fighting spirit, the stronger the compass's reaction became, and the greater the corresponding power and accuracy.
Destructive Death: Disorder Style.
A technique that launched fierce attacks toward the same point at extremely high speed.
Even the residual shockwaves left behind by the Blood Demon Art possessed destructive power.
Destructive Death: Void Style.
A long-range attack technique.
Akaza continuously threw six punches into empty space at a speed so fast that they were difficult to see clearly.
Destructive Death: Leg Type — Crown Splitter.
He violently kicked one leg upward and backward, sending it crashing into the opponent's head.
Destructive Death: Leg Type — Flying Planet Thousand Wheels.
Like a bolt of lightning, he rapidly unleashed several vicious kicks toward the same position with a single leg.
Destructive Death: Leg Type — Flying Wandering Planet Thousand Wheels.