*whew*
A deep sigh.
The familiar burning feeling in my chest rose again to a comfortable degree before subsiding back to the centre of my heart.
"Aoyama, are you aware of the requirements to become a Hashira?"
"I am," I nodded, "Rise to the rank of Kinoe and kill 50 demons. Alternatively, killing one of the Twelve Moons on your own lets you skip those requirements and rank up regardless."
"Indeed," Ubayashiki nodded, "We actually have information regarding a demon near the capital, and it is highly probable that it is one of the Twelve Demon Moons."
'Information about another Moon? Then it can only be one.'
Lower Rank Two, Hairo.
The main antagonist of Demon Slayer's spin-off series Rengoku Gaiden. This is the demon that Kyojuro killed to ascend to the position of Flame Hashira.
Hairo's Blood Demon allowed him to control shadows. These shadows contain a suction effect that not only absorbs damage from physical attacks but also makes it extremely difficult to escape when in contact with them. Furthermore, the shadows also have a special property that provides him a dimensional pocket to store countless items, and he can conjure these items from anywhere his shadows occupy
Moreover, he can also summon shadow wolves that he stores within his personal dimension. As the wolves are also made of shadows, they, too, are extremely resistant to physical attacks.
Furthermore, he stores hundreds of guns inside his pocket dimension, ranging from pistols and shotguns to automatic and bolt-action rifles, even containing a Gatling gun. No idea where he got a fucking Gatling gun from, considering this is still 20 years before WW2 started.
(WHAT THE FUCK IS A KILOMETER RAAHHHH)
A truly American demon.
Come to think of it, why is it that Lower Moons and no-name demons have such OP Blood Demon Arts, like controlling shadows or putting people in inescapable dreams, but the Upper Moons just have basic abilities? like producing shockwaves, making weak electric strikes or sending crescent slashes that have a few more crescent slashes stored inside them?
The only ones with actually good Blood Demon Arts are Upper Moon 4 Nakime, who can use the Infinity Castle, and Upper Moon 5 Hantengu, who can split his body into multiple personifications of emotions, with each personification having its own Blood Demon Art.
Though I guess it's a good thing. If someone like Kokushibou had a Blood Demon Art like Hairo's, he would have definitely won his fight.
In the plot, Hairo once encountered a drunkard Shinjuro and was constantly tortured. The bored and drunk Shinjuro repeatedly slashed at Hairo's arms and legs the entire night and mocked him the entire time. In the end, when the sun was about to rise, Hairo immediately ran away, but Shinjuro didn't chase him; instead, he mocked him for being a coward and running away despite being a demon.
Since then, Hairo developed an unbearable amount of hatred for Shinjuro. He fueled that hatred into becoming stronger and eventually unlocked his BDA. After that, he continuously ate humans and rose to the rank of Lower Two.
After that, he traveled back to the capital, which is the territory that falls under the Flame Hashira's jurisdiction. There, he placed timed bombs all around the city and intentionally revealed himself to the Slayer Corps.
When Kyojuro arrived, Hairo mistook him for Shinjuro. He did not wish to immediately kill Kyojuro but rather make him suffer, so he killed innocents and other Slayers, including almost killing Mitsuri.
After Hairo ran out of weapons, he suddenly remembered his human memories and how he used to be a human who practiced the art of Bushido. Hairo used to be human, before two soldiers gunned him down, mocking swords to be useless in the era of guns, but in the next second a dying Hairo killed both the soldiers before being turned into a demon by Muzan Kibutsuji.
After that, Hairo took all the shadow wolves into himself and transformed. Using his Warwolf of Horror, Hairo gathered all his shadows to him and cloaked himself in them, transforming into a large shadowy wolf standing on its hind legs, akin to a werewolf.
After that, Hairo and Kyojuro engaged in a short sword duel where Kyojuro almost lost, but in the end, clutched it up using the strongest form of Flame Breathing-Rengoku.
In the end, Kyojuro killed Hairo and ascended to the position of Flame Hashira. Mitsuri also let go of all her regrets and achieved Love Breathing in this mission, and everyone lived happily ever after.
No wait, they didn't. Kyojuro died from Akaza, and Mitsuri died after the final fight against Muzan in Obanai's arms.
Still, one thing does confuse me.
'But why ask me this?'
This is a mission specially intended for Kyojuro to fill the vacant position of the Flame Hashira. So why give this information to a Mizunoto like me?
"Aoyama Yuito Daichi," Ubayashiki continued, "I would like to entrust the extermination of this demon to you."
Oh?
'Giving such an important opportunity to me,' I internally questioned, 'What's your play here, Ubayashiki?'
From a leader's viewpoint, isn't this a completely illogical decision?
Let's put it like this. Ubayashiki's original decision to entrust the Lower Moon's subjugation to Kyojuro may seem like him "recognizing" his potential, but that's a complete misinterpretation of the situation.
Kyojuro is a Kinoe rank Slayer, the second-highest rank just below the Hashira. All he has to do now is just kill 50 demons, which he will achieve in a matter of months, and he can easily become a Hashira.
Shinjuro, on the other hand, was a walking liability. A Hashira in name only, drowning himself in alcohol and neglecting his duties. From this view, it is completely inevitable for Shinjuro to be stripped of his position.
Meaning, Kyojuro's ascension to the rank of Hashira is an inevitability.
The only thing Ubayashiki did was speed up the process. However, since Ubayashiki recognized Kyojuro's "potential" and entrusted this opportunity to him instead, he was able to earn his complete trust and loyalty.
Isn't it funny that all the Hashira were conveniently "recognized" by him while they were at their lowest in their lives, and they just so happened to either be talented or Kinoe rank Slayers at that time?
Which is why, while Ubayashiki's decision is not logical from a Slayer's viewpoint, it is the correct decision from a leader's viewpoint. Cultivating a loyal, strong soldier takes precedence in a world that is governed by strength.
'Which is exactly why I can't understand this decision'
Kyojuro's lineage has long been intertwined with the title of Flame Hashira. For generations, the Rengoku family has produced warriors raised from birth in strict adherence to the Demon Slayer Corps' values. Loyalty to the Corps and its leader is not taught—it's ingrained.
Kyojuro was no different. He was raised in fire and discipline, taught to wield a blade before most learned to write, and molded by a lifelong hatred of demons. Entrusting him with greater responsibility required no hesitation, because loyalty to the Slayer Corps was engraved into him since he was a child.
But I'm a complete foreigner.
I refuse to believe Ubayashiki is unaware of my "origins" and my motivations. He must know that I not only do not possess any natural hatred towards demons, but that my only purpose in joining the Slayer Corps is to become stronger.
From a leader's viewpoint, I am the weakest link in the organization. Someone like me should first be properly "groomed" by developing relationships and instilling the moral code of the Slayer Corps within me. Furthermore, my abnormal strength should be a matter of concern.
'So to promote me straight away to a Hashira?'
It's reckless. Illogical. From every angle, it defies the cautious, calculating nature Ubuyashiki is known for. What could he possibly gain from placing someone like me in such a position so soon?
He's not trying to get me killed. That much is clear. Eliminating me would serve no purpose. He'd lose a potential asset, someone with unique capabilities, perspective, and most importantly, the original breath. No, if he wanted me gone, he'd simply deny me opportunity and let time do the work.
*creak*
A faint creaking sound pulled me out of my thoughts. It wasn't loud, but in the quiet tension of the room, it echoed unnaturally. I turned my eyes toward the source.
Kyojuro was seated with his head lowered, his grip around his sword visibly tightening. The slight strain in his arm and the way his jaw tensed beneath the fall of his hair made it clear—he was holding something back.
'Oh yeah, the capital's supposed to be under his father's jurisdiction.'
The capital was under his father's jurisdiction. That territory, that responsibility, should have passed down to him the moment he took up the role of Flame Hashira. It was practically tradition. The Rengoku family had served the Corps for generations. Kyojuro had been raised in that legacy, trained with the expectation that one day, he would inherit the duties and domain that once belonged to Shinjuro.
But this mission—the demon in the capital—hadn't gone to him.
It had gone to me.
A Mizunoto. A complete outsider with no bloodline, no clan history, no expectations. Someone with no reason to even be here beyond a personal desire to grow stronger. There was no logic in that decision, not by tradition, not by meritocracy, and definitely not by the standards of the old Hashira system.
For Kyojuro, it must have felt like a quiet betrayal—being passed over not because he wasn't strong, but because someone else had been arbitrarily chosen.
And that just confuses me even more. Earning the ire of a potential future Hashira to give me the mission, what exactlyis this guy thinking?
...
Why not just ask him?
Instead of doing all this complicated overthinking, I just have to phrase my question simply.
'But how? How can I ask him without sounding ungrateful or suspicious?'
While musing, my eyes fell on the Hashira beside me, and an idea formed in my head.
"I appreciate the offer, Oyakata-Sama," I said, bowing, "But should such a mission really be entrusted to a Mizunoto like me?"
'If I cannot sound suspicious, then why not make the Hashira question for me?'
"I apologize for interrupting Oyakata-Sama," Shinobu interrupted, "But I agree with him. If there really is a Lower Moon out there, it should be a Hashira's responsibility to exterminate one, not a Mizunoto's."
"I too, agree, Oyakata-Sama." Tengen joined in "Entrusting something as dangerous as a Moon to a newbie is simply too risky. Please let the Hashira, or at the very least, a squad of Kinoe-ranked Slayers handle this."
While my face was impassive, as the Hashira raised their questions, a silver of glee rose internally. Both our eyes, devoid of all emotion, met, though a rare flicker of understanding passed through them.
'What will you do now? Your adorable children are questioning you.'
There's no hiding anymore.
"I understand your questions," Ubayashiki replied calmly. "However, I assure you, my decision is not without reason."
Ubayashiki then turned his head towards me with a small smile. Immediately, a sense of panic arose from within me.
"Earlier, I received a report that stated Aoyama defeated the current Flame Pillar Shinjuro in a duel."
Immediately, all eyes turned towards me. All the Hashira whom I depended on instantly turned their suspicions towards me.
'He put the suspicion back on me just like that?'
My brain couldn't even comprehend how naturally he turned the situation on me. Not only did I not get the answer I wanted, but in just a sentence, he turned the situation completely around.
'That's terrifying'
To Ubayashiki, this was a game. Not one of cruelty or dominance, but of strategy, of inevitability. A long, deliberate game he'd been playing since before I was even born. And I was trying to step into it like a child picking up a sword for the first time.
'I lost so easily.'
All that strength made me overconfident. Strong as I am, in the end, I am nothing more than a 15-year-old child with a bit of talent in making support gear. Compared to someone who has been managing an organization since birth, it's no surprise I lost.
"Oyakata-Sama," Giyu spoke up, "Forgive me, but...the news sounds a bit..."
"I agree, Oyakata-Sama," Tengen chimed in before Giyu said something obnoxious, "For a Mizunoto to beat a Hashira, even if said Hashira is a drunkard, sounds a bit too ridiculous to be true."
"Watch your mouth, fireworks! Don't call the master ridiculous," Sanemi shouted before grumbling, "That said, I don't disagree with his point, Oyakata-Sama. I cannot imagine a Mizunoto defeating a Hashira."
"I understand your doubts, my children," Ubayashiki said, smiling calmly, "I, too, was skeptical of this information when I obtained it; however, I assure you, the person who sent me this news is a trustworthy messenger."
A trustworthy messenger?
That phrase echoed in my mind.
Come to think of it, my duel with Shinjuro was only a few hours ago. Far too soon for word to spread so cleanly. I hadn't noticed anyone lingering around, no onlookers, no witnesses—so how did Ubayashiki learn of it so quickly?
Wait… he didn't say a trustworthy "man" or "woman."
He said messenger.
Could it be… a Kasugai crow?
That would explain everything. A crow, silent and swift, watching from the trees—unseen by us but relaying every word and action back to Ubuyashiki without fail.
Just how many of those damn birds are always watching us?
'I didn't scan the estate for any crows either. I was only on the lookout for human Kakushi.'
No, wait, it doesn't have to be just crows, right? Zenitsu had a trained sparrow, and Tengen had tamed mice. What's to say Ubayashiki doesn't just have an entire squad of trained animals just lurking in the homes of Hashira?
"As such," Ubayashiki continued, "I believe his capabilities to defeat one of the Twelve Moons."
A Moon?
'Can I defeat one now?'
Honestly, I really want to fight a Lower Moon.
Earlier on, while I was on that mountain for my mission, I barely defeated that demon with the sound Blood Demon Art; there's no way I can defeat a Lower Moon just like that, right?
However, once I mastered Transparent World, I outclassed her in every single aspect and easily killed her. In my current state, any normal demon is no longer a challenge to me, so the natural next step is to kill a Lower moon.
As for the Flame Hashira.
Defeated the Flame Hashira, my ass. I swung one sword at him, and he regained his senses and realized he was going to kill his son, and backed off. Where the hell did he get the misconception that I defeated a fucking Hashira?
'Wait, doesn't he know of my battles? I'm sure he kept an eye on most of them?'
That was part of his reputation. The man who always knows. The one who sees what others don't. Ubayashiki wasn't just a commander—he was a strategist. He probably knew everything about me. Every duel. Every move. Every hesitation.
He saw that fight.
He must've known I barely won.
Sure, I tussled with a Hashira, but that was a single trade of swords, wasn't it?
'Am I underestimating myself?'
"I believe he can be the sun that eradicates the demons."
My thoughts came to a halt.
Instantly, my eyes shifted to Ubayashiki, only to see him looking at me with a knowing look in his eyes.
'The sun?'
Is this guy insane?
Is he sending me to fight off a fucking Moon, despite having the records of my fight, despite knowing the extent of my power, despite his years of experience as a leader, despite his sharp mind and intuition...
Only because I can use Sun Breathing?
That's not in line with his character at all.
Wait... is it?
No—actually, it's perfectly in line with his character. This man is genuinely insane with hatred.
This is the man who calmly blew up his entire family estate, including himself, just to injure Muzan and buy Tamayo time to inject her drug. The same man who smiled through his own decay, who welcomed death as if it were an old friend. Every move he makes, no matter how soft it seems on the surface, is sharpened with a blade of intent beneath it.
So yeah... maybe giving me this mission—this absurd mission—isn't as out of character as I thought.
But does that really matter? Whether this aligns with his personality or not—does that have any bearing on my situation? The reality is that I'm the one standing to gain from all of this. I'm the one being handed a mission that could catapult me to the rank of Hashira.
It's a direct line to power, recognition, and everything I've been working toward. I should be grateful—should be jumping at the opportunity. A Lower Moon is no small feat, but the reward outweighs the risk. That's the logical way to see it, isn't it?
"So, Aoyama, will you accept this mission?"
What a ridiculous question. Everything about this assignment is designed in my favor. I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. So why would I decline such an opportunity?
"I refuse."
"Huh?"
Ubayashiki let out a sound as if in disbelief at what I said.
A bit of relief crept into my chest at that realization, though I kept it buried beneath a neutral expression. He may be a master manipulator, but even he has his blind spots.
'So he doesn't know everything about me.'
Hashira? Mizunoto? Kinoe?
These ranks are meaningless to me. In this world, they carry weight, sure—power, respect, authority. But none of that matters in the grand scheme of things. When I leave this world, when I move on to the next universe, these labels won't follow me. There won't be a Demon Slayer Corps to recognize my status.
All that matters is strength. Not the kind that's recognized by titles or acknowledged by others—but the kind that can't be taken away. My strength. My skill. My experience. That's the only real currency I carry from world to world. Everything else is temporary noise.
'Speaking of, I think it's about time I travel to another world.'
Of course, there are two main reasons for me to decline this mission.
The first one being.
"I believe," I continued, acting oblivious to his reaction, "That it should be Kyojuro who should be given this mission."
At my words, Kyojuro looked up at me in disbelief.
"The Rengoku estate has handled missions regarding the capital for generations, hasn't it?" I went on, weaving logic into every word. "To strip away a tradition like that and hand it off to some random Slayer—it's not just unwise. It's disrespectful."
As I spoke, I rose from my seat and locked eyes with Ubayashiki. If he wanted to test me, then I would make my own moves too.
"Kyojuro Rengoku is already a Kinoe-ranked Slayer. Not to mention, his family has served as the Flame Hashira for generations," I said, turning from the master to address the rest of the room—the Hashira. "Weren't you all complaining about the current Flame Pillar? About the need for a replacement?"
I let the weight of my words settle in the air as I pointed straight towards Kyojuro.
"Then the solution is standing right in front of you."
While delivering this speech, I made sure to subtly glance toward Ubuyashiki, not as a gesture of deference, but as if to send him a silent message.
'Get back to your senses.'
The man revered as the wisest among the Slayer Corps was, at this moment, on the verge of making a reckless decision—intoxicated by the sudden revelation of a Sun Breather in his midst. But whatever strength I held, it didn't justify bypassing the principles and structure that held this organization together.
To hand over a mission of such weight, in the capital no less, to a mere Mizunoto like me—wasn't that nothing short of delusion?
Thankfully, he caught my meaning. His gaze lingered on me for a second too long before a gentle smile formed on his lips, thin and deliberate. He gave a slow nod, eyes closed in understanding, then straightened ever so slightly. With a soft cough to clear his voice, he turned to address the Hashira once more.
"Yes, it seems I got a bit ahead of myself," Ubayashiki clarified, "I believe, handing over this mission to Kyojuro Rengoku instead is a much more logical choice."
"I still don't understand Oyakata-Sama," Sanemi said, frowning. "I still believe it should be the Hashira that should handle this mission."
"That would normally be true," Ubayashiki replied, his tone as gentle as ever, "however, the information provided by Aoyama is unlike anything we've ever had. For centuries, we have never received detailed intelligence regarding the movements of an Upper Moon. And yet now, not only do we have its location, but we know its appearance, its strengths, and its weaknesses."
He let the words settle in the air, his voice steady but firm.
"In light of this, I believe it is far more prudent to keep as many Hashira available as possible. If this information proves accurate, it may present an opportunity unlike any we've had in a hundred years. And if it's a trap…" He glanced at me momentarily, just briefly. "Then we'll need the full strength of the Hashira elsewhere."
Why is he looking at me while saying that?
This guy must've genuinely lost his mind the moment he heard about my Sun Breathing. Is he trying to imply I'd be the one behind a potential trap? Or worse—does he think I'm capable of fighting off multiple Hashira if I were?
Does he really believe I could take on five Hashira by myself? That I could bait them into a trap and live to tell the tale?
I guess it's a bit flattering, in a twisted way. Not that I'm complaining. Let him think what he wants—he's handing me the benefit of doubt on a silver platter, and I have no intentions of clearing up his delusions.
And that takes me to my second point.
Just like what I said about dealing with multiple Hashira, I'm not going to go fight a Moon without completing my Sun Breathing.
Water, Flame, Wind, and Stone. I already have four of the five breathings, except for Thunder Breathing. Once I learn Thunder Breathing and complete Sun Breathing, I'll finally consider fighting a Moon.
The reason is simple. Muzan Kibutsuji is linked to the minds of all demons and can observe the world through their eyes if he so chooses. While he rarely does this with ordinary demons, the Twelve Moons are a different matter altogether. As his most powerful subordinates, Muzan keeps a much closer watch on them.
Once Hairo realizes he's under attack from the Demon Slayer Corps, Muzan will undoubtedly connect to his senses. And the moment that happens—if I'm the one confronting him—Muzan will see everything. He'll see me, and more importantly, he'll see me using Sun Breathing.
At that point, I might as well dig my own grave.
Muzan's hatred for anything tied to Yoriichi Tsugikuni is legendary. The man doesn't just dislike Sun Breathing—he abhors it with every fiber of his being. His obsession with eradicating it is so deep that he tried to kill Tanjiro multiple times simply for wearing the same hanafuda earrings Yoriichi once wore.
It began gradually, back when Tanjiro only used Water Breathing. Muzan kept his actions relatively covert. But the moment Tanjiro unleashed Hinokami Kagura during the fight with Rui, Muzan lost all restraint.
After Rui's death, Muzan escalated with terrifying speed. First, he sent Lower Moon One, Enmu, to eliminate Tanjiro. But that wasn't enough. As backup, he dispatched Upper Moon Three—Akaza himself. That's how seriously he took the return of Sun Breathing.
And that was just from Hinokami Kagura. If he sees me use the Red Blade, Transparent World, and Sun Breathing all at once against Hairo, he just might send every single Upper Moon to kill me.
So, at least until I've mastered Sun Breathing, I'm not going to risk exposing myself to Muzan. It may be a bit cautious, but it's better than being dead.
"Then Aoyama," Ubayashiki asked, shifting his attention to me, "I believe you are giving up on becoming a Hashira for now?"
"For now, yes," I nodded, "After all, I don't want to rank up by killing a Lower moon."
"A Lower Moon?" Ubayashiki asked
"Then Aoyama," Ubayashiki asked, shifting his attention to me, "I believe you are giving up on becoming a Hashira for now?"
"For now, yes," I nodded, "After all, I don't want to rank up by killing a Lower moon."
"A Lower Moon?" Ubayashiki asked
"All the Hashira here have ranked up by killing a Lower Moon," I said, "Which is why I want to become a Hashira by killing an Upper Moon instead."
At my words, the entire room fell into an uneasy silence.
Upper Moons. The monsters among monsters. Demons so absurdly powerful that even coordinated efforts from multiple Hashira often ended in failure. To hear a mere Mizunoto, the lowest rank in the Corps, claim he'd take one down to earn his stripes—it wasn't just arrogant. It was insane.
And yet…
"Pft… ahahaha!"
The tension cracked like glass under pressure as Tengen Uzui threw his head back and laughed, his flamboyant voice echoing through the chamber.
"I approve," he grinned, eyes glittering with a dangerous sort of amusement. "You're flashy as hell, kid."
"Are you out of your minds?" Sanemi snapped, his voice sharp as a blade as he rose to his feet. "Tengen, stop laughing. This is a serious matter. I'm not going to stand by while some overconfident newbie gets himself killed just because he shows a bit of potential."
Tengen smirked, wiping the tears from his eyes with the back of his hand. "So what if he dies?" he replied, voice light, almost mocking. "To die fighting an Upper Moon—tell me that's not an absolutely glorious way to go?"
"You think glory means anything if it's wasted?" Sanemi shot back, his gaze flicking toward me, not with disdain, but something sharper—resentful concern. "This isn't about a flashy death. This is about knowing your place before your head's rolling on the ground."
"And you guys!" Sanemi barked before turning to the others, "And what about you all, are you fine with this?"
"I'm fine with it" Giyu said.
"I don't particularly care about his life or death," Shinobu coldly remarked. "Though I'd rather not let a child die."
"Exactly" Sanemi continued "So you disagree with him right?"
Shinobu shrugged, tilting her head slightly. "I do—but I won't stop him. Someone like him wouldn't listen even if we tried. He'd just go behind our backs." Her eyes narrowed, watching me carefully. "Besides, I agree with Tengen. Dying to an Upper Moon isn't the worst way to go. It's… poetic, in a way."
Her eyes met mine as we stared at each other. In the back of my mind, I couldn't help but wonder if this would be like one of those scenes where two characters stare at each other intensely and start making out for no reason.
As soon as I thought that, she averted her gaze.
'Right, that's an American thing, not a Japanese thing.'
"Gyomei, what about you?" Sanemi said, turning to his last hope. "Isn't he your student? Are you just going to let him die?"
"Namu Amida Butsu," Gyomei replied, praying, "I agree with Sanemi. The pressure of an adult should not fall onto the shoulders of a child. Aoyama, I sincerely hope you withdraw from this mission."
Gyomei's prayer hung heavy in the air, like a solemn bell tolling in a quiet shrine. The other Hashira went silent—not out of reverence, but because when Gyomei Himejima speaks, even the wind dares not interrupt. His massive hands rested on the beads in front of him, his expression unreadable behind the mist of tears that always blurred his vision.
Yet despite his gentle words, there was no force behind them. No demand. Only hope.
"Sorry, Sensei, but I'm not doing that," I said, shaking my head.
My voice cut through the silence with finality. Not out of disrespect, but as a declaration. Not of rebellion, but of resolve.
Gyomei didn't argue. He simply bowed his head lower, murmuring another quiet prayer—for my safety, or perhaps for my soul.
"Then I pray for your survival," Gyomei declared.
"Very well then, Aoyama," Ubayashiki replied, "While Kyojuro deals with the Moon in the capital, I will arrange for transport to the former Thunder Hashira's estate for you."
"Thank you," I reply, bowing.
And with that, the meeting is adjourned.
~~~~
"Aoyama!"
The sudden shout made me stop in my tracks. I turned just in time to see Kyojuro Rengoku rushing toward me with uncharacteristic urgency.
"Aoyama," he called again, this time more firmly—before dropping to his knees and slamming his forehead against the concrete.
The sound echoed through the estate courtyard, sharp and brutal.
"Wha—"
"Thank you!" he shouted, blood already beginning to seep from the raw wound on his brow. His head remained pressed to the ground, voice trembling not from weakness but sheer emotion. "Thank you for protecting my family's honor… for giving me this chance!"
"Wait, your head," I replied, scrambling, "You're bleeding."
Kyojuro straightened up as if nothing had happened, still beaming with that unwavering smile of his. "Aoyama, disregard this minor matter," he said, waving his hand toward the wound as if it were little more than an inconvenience.
I stared for a moment, unsure whether to admire his resolve or scold his recklessness. "Well, it's just…" I looked away, voice dropping. "I didn't want to face a Lower Moon. I'm still not that confident, not yet."
Kyojuro's expression didn't waver. If anything, it became more solemn, more grounded. "Even so," he said, "you have done me a great service—far greater than I could repay. My family's legacy… this mission… it means everything to me. If at any time you need help, you have but to ask. No matter when, no matter where."
I shook my head, offering a small, lopsided smile. "There's no thanks or favors between friends."
"Friends..." Kyojuro murmured, "Then, thank you, Aoyama."
"What did I just say about thanks?" I murmured.
"I will faint now."
"…Huh?"
Thud.
His legs gave out beneath him as he collapsed to the ground with all the elegance of a falling tree.
I sighed, crouching down beside him. "Flame Hashira, huh? And here I thought I was the dramatic one."
'I will rank up by killing an Upper Moon.'
Truly dramatic.
And yet, as I saw multiple Kakushi struggling to carry up Kyojuro, I let out a silent laugh, not at all regretting my last words.
After all, if I'm here in this world, I want to do atleast something unique.
And if I want to do that.
I need to become stronger.