Blood red wind started to gather around Sanemi's blade, swirling around and enlarging, until finally turning into a crimson tornado.
*whoosh*
From his vantage, the tornado roared below, stretching across the treetops like a living weapon. Leaves, branches, and splinters were sucked upward into the spinning pillar, flung outward with precision where he willed. Rocks spun like missiles, the air screamed, and the forest floor buckled under its pull.
'What power!'
Down below, Aoyama watched the spectacle with widened eyes. The tornado above seemed to cover the sky itself.
'How the hell is he doing that?'
Aoyama narrowed his eyes.
*zwing*
The world turned gray.
'So, that's how!'
Aoyama's eyes widened in realization as he took in Sanemi's bodily functions.
'That dumbass is using up his lifeforce!'
Let it be known that lifeforce is a very real thing in Demon Slayer, and not just a weird Chinese fanmade concept. Basically, it is the concept of exhausting one's lifespan in order for a momentary boost in power.
In the fight against Upper Moon Six, Tanjiro, who was unable to breathe, used up a bit of his lifeforce which gave him power to easily overpower Daki.
However, even that brief use of lifeforce, which barely lasted a few seconds, was enough to put such a humongous strain on Tanjiro's body that he couldn't move his body for a long time, despite being right infront of an Upper Rank.
Moreover, once a Slayer obtains the Demon Slayer Mark, their life force gets depleted in exchange for strength, making it so they die before the age of 25. Gyomei describes it as "paying one's lifespan in advance in the exchange for a greater physique."
Looking at Sanemi's body, it's clear he's using up his lifespan in order to boost his powers. Not only were his bodily functions rapidly failing, but even his breathing was nonexistent, which is why his attacks were somehow becoming increasingly powerful.
"Hey retard, you're seriously going to die if you don't stop!" Aoyama shouted, "Stop already, don't die here!"
("...Sanemi..."
"Ah?"
"Even when…I'm not around."
Masachika seemed to only make noises that sounded like he was exhaling.
"Remember, to eat regular, three meals...sleep properly...get along with everyone..."
"...."
"Live….your own life...properly.")
"AAAAARRGHHHH"
Aoyama covered his ears as Sanemi roared.
"I-fuck, how the hell am I supposed to stop him"
Stopping him was one thing, but stopping that humongous tornado was another.
At this point, that tornado really was no different than a natural disaster. It's not something like the level of an Upper Moon, but if that attack descended, who knew how many servants and Kakushi in the mansion might die.
Hell! Even Ubayashiki and his family might die.
"Martial Union: Thunder Breathing"
Aoyama drew a deep breath as lightning coursed across his body, crackling along every muscle. Flexing his wrist, the electricity converged in his palm, flickering and snapping into a jagged spear of pure lightning, humming with deadly energy, ready to strike.
"Here goes."
Taking the spear of lightning in his hand, Aoyama pulled his hand back before taking in a deep breath.
'Aim for the epicenter'
Crimson flames burst from his mouth, muscles in his arms and hands straining as he forced every ounce of breath and strength into the strike. Then, with a roar of energy, he thrust the lightning spear forward, unleashing its full, devastating power.
*BOOM*
The lightning spear shot forward, cutting through the blood-red tornado like a blade of pure energy. It carved a straight path toward Sanemi, unyielding and precise, a single strike aimed at the eye of the storm.
*whistle*
*BOOM*
In a split second, the spear of lightning impaled Sanemi's shoulder.
"Grhk"
Sanemi grunted from pain as the spear impaled him. However, as soon as Sanemi moved to remove the spear, it instantly dissolved into small bolts of lightning, traveling throughout and shocking his entire body.
"Grr"
Pain shot through him as the electricity raced along his nerves, scrambling his movements, distorting his senses, leaving him stumbling and disoriented in the heart of his own storm.
The loss of control over his own nervous system resulted in his movements becoming disorganized. Eventually, the lack of coordinated movements resulted in the flickering of the giant growing tornado.
"Yes," Aoyama cheered, "Success!"
"LIKE HELL"
Instantly, the flickering tornado seemed to stabilize.
No, it looked like the tornado for some reason got even more stable after the lightning spear stabbed Sanemi, as if it fueled his hate.
"HERE," Sanmei snarled, "I COME"
*whoosh*
Instantly, the tornado began to move downwards.
"STOP THIS IF YOU CAN, GOLDEN CHILD!"
"Tch, this guy's lost it. I might really have to kill him at this point."
Aoyama's nervousness increased as he looked at the incoming tornado.
'But… there might be another way.'
An idea sparked in Aoyama's mind.
'I haven't fully mastered it yet, but I don't have a choice right now.'
Taking in a deep breath, Aoyama lowered himself.
"Martial Union Thunder Breathing First Form: Thunderclap and Flash"
Light crackled around him, forming a glowing armor of pure energy. Muscles in his legs bulged, veins standing out like cords of steel, every ounce of power coiling for the strike.
And then Aoyama jumped.
*BOOM*
With no time for something trivial like stealth, Aoyama produced a loud sonic boom as he surpassed the speed of sound in one jump.
*whoosh*
Aoyama's figure soared upwards in the air, completely contrary to Sanemi's figure, rapidly dropping.
"COME ON BITCH!"
As soon as Aoyama appeared in front of Sanemi, he roared, bringing his sword down.
As his sword descended, so did the entirety of the tornado he was manifesting. In an instant, a natural disaster enveloped Aoyama, as Sanemi's wild sword, completely devoid of any mercy, rained down on Aoyama.
*splurt*
Even Aoyama's tough skin was unable to endure Sanemi's attacks, making it so that blood spluttered out at every injury.
However, Aoyama didn't pay attention to any of his wounds, instead looking straight at Sanemi's sword.
'Would you look at that power?'
Aoyama calmly looked at the hundreds of sword strikes, each capable of cutting through his skin and muscles, each capable of ending his life if they ever landed.
'I might really die here, huh?'
Aoyama let out a wry smile as he looked at the frenzied Sanemi.
'I could just leave this world and wait for him to die out, but...'
*tsss*
In an instant, the yellow sparks of electricity around Aoyama turned into bright yellow flames.
'I'd rather not have a Hashira die on me.'
And in an instant, the world slowed down. Aoyama calmly cycled through the sword forms of Sun Breathing, as if trying to find a move that could get him out of this situation.
*whoosh*
The crackling of fire was heard as Aoyama's figure blurred.
'What!'
An overwhelming sense of dread hit Sanemi as soon as he saw Aoyama move.
"Martial Union Sun Breathing"
In an instant, the tornado, fueled by hundreds of slashes of wind, suddenly burst ablaze.
*clang**clang**clang**clang**clang*
Hundreds of blades fell, and hundreds of punches roared upwards. Every impact shook the heavens, a violent duet of steel and flame that threatened to split the battlefield apart.
And then, with a single swing, Aoyama's arm snapped sideways, jerking at the last possible moment. Sanemi's blade still found its mark, carving a savage gash down his chest, making blood violently splurt out.
But Aoyama did not flinch.
In the same instant, his redirected arm came crashing down.
*CRASH*
The wooden hilt of Sanemi's blade shattered into splinters beneath the force Not just that, but the metal bit of Sanemi's sword was completely destroyed, turned into fine bits of metal dust.
And with his sword broken, Aoyama made his final move.
"Sunflower Thrust"
*thud*
Aoyama's punch landed square on Sanemi's head.
*splat*
As soon as the punch landed, Sanemi's forehead squelched, before a burst of blood exploded from it. Even though Aoyama had controlled his power to ensure a non-fatal wound, it still completely ruptured Sanemi's skin and muscles.
"CALM DOWN"
*crack*
And with one final punch, Aoyama cracked Sanemi's skull.
*whoosh*
Instantly, the tornado disappeared, as two figures fell from the air. From high above, the two figures plummeted toward the earth—one bloodied but unbroken, the other limp in his arms.
Clutching the unconscious Sanemi in his arms, Aoyama landed on the ground.
*BOOM*
The earth split apart, as a gigantic crater formed where Aoyama landed. Trees snapped like twigs, the shockwave rippling out until it seemed the land itself groaned beneath his fall. Dust swallowed everything, choking the air in a suffocating haze.
"Huff, huff"
*thud*
Sanemi's unconscious body was set down gently, but Aoyama's knees buckled. His body screamed in protest as he collapsed beside him, arms trembling, blood spilling freely from dozens of wounds. His chest rose and fell violently as he greedily gasped for air.
*cough cough*
Letting out strangled coughs, Aoyama lay down limply. Blood sprayed from his lips, painting the dirt beneath him
'I guess...I win.'
The ground below Aoyama started to pool with blood as he gazed at the sky above. The world spun, the sound of his heartbeat echoing in his ears until it drowned out everything else. And yet, a faint smile tugged at his lips.
'I would really like it if one of the Hashira could come here right now.'
And it looked as if god had answered his prayers.
Out of spite, that is.
*whoosh*
The air split apart, heavier than thunder. Aoyama's eyes snapped open instantly as he saw a hand coming downwards in a chop, heading straight towards his forehead, the sheer pressure of it distorting the air before it even reached him.
'Huh?'
Aoyama watched in confusion as he watched the hand just a millimeter away from his forehead, before instantly widening his eyes as his instincts blared once more.
*whoosh*
Then, just before the hand landed, Aoyama's body moved on its own as instinct overtook his body. Then, before Aoyama's mind could even process the situation, he had already jumped in the air, dodging the attack.
*thud*
In the same instant, Aoyama hurriedly brought both his arms up, just in time to defend him from the assailant's kick, forcing him to get thrown away.
*BOOM*
Crashing through multiple trees, Aoyama shakily stood up.
'That speed is insane.'
Silently, Aoyama looked at the bleeding Sanemi, as his eyes widened.
'No way...'
~~~
[Sanemi POV]
'Did I lose?'
My body hit the ground with a sickening thud, and a groan slipped from my throat before I could stop it. I didn't need to see to know the answer. Even with blood temporarily blinding my eyes shut, I could still feel it in my bones.
Every muscle screamed, my chest burned, and my ribs felt like shattered glass grinding with every breath. My heart—hell, it had stopped twice during that fight. My forehead was torn open, leaking more blood than I cared to count, and this damn concussion was splitting my skull in half. I couldn't even string thoughts together without them crumbling.
And yet, the only thing I care about right now is that I lost.
…To think it came to this. To think I lost to a brat that hasn't even been a slayer for more than two months.
Am I… really that weak?
(Masachika gazed at Sanemi's face and managed to smile.
That was the world's warmest smile.
When they first met, he found the other party irritating, but now he liked his smile the best. He did not know how many times he got rescued by that smile and continued to live.
Because Masachika was around, he was able turn around before he spiraled down the abyss.
And live like a person.
(Why does such a kind and gentle person….have to die?)
Because he did not want to implicate the girl who tried to protect a demon?
That's unreasonable.
Sanemi wanted to howl at the skies. If there really was a god, please save this person.
This man was kinder than himself.
He was so much stronger than himself.
He would be able to save more people in the future and bring happiness to others.
"I leave…the rest to you...Sanemi….don't die..."
"...Masachika.")
I thought...I became stronger. But did nothing change in the end?
*hah ha*
A small chuckle escaped my lips before turning into a snarl.
'FUCK'
'In the end...I knew nothing about you.'
Masachika had a younger brother.
He saw his younger brother get killed in front of him. Even though his parents never blamed him for the death of his brother, he blamed himself heavily. He pushed away his mother, who had stopped crying and entered the Demon Slayer corps with the resolution to abandon everything.
I knew nothing about this. Seeing how Masachika appeared to be cheerful and gentle, I thought that he was one of those goody-two shoes who had a smooth sailing-sailing life and had not tasted sorrow.
But the reality was that Masachika also harboured a strong sense of hatred for demons and a fury that could not be eliminated. However, Masachika put up a façade of a firm gentleness and did not let anyone—even me-find out.
When they fought against Ubume(The previous Lower Moon 1), Masachika appeared to be full of anger. Most likely, he saw his dead brother in the injured children and at that point in time, was unable to control his emotions.
The will that Oyakata-sama passed to me contained the side that no one knew about Masachika.
'….You treated me as your younger brother.'
No wonder he kept emphasising on his status as the Aniki and put up a show of being the big bro.
'My younger brother...'
Genya was Sanemi's first younger brother.
The day I became an older brother, just as I nervously clutched that small hand, that baby that resembled a small monkey seemed to smile with his eyes closed.
A feeling of warmth rose up in my heart for a moment. In the end, I decided that I was going to protect this cute younger brother of mine no matter what.
Afterwards, my other younger siblings were born, and without realizing it, Genya started to support me from the side, and the two of us swore that we would support our mother together and protect our younger siblings.
However, to me, Genya was still my younger brother.
The day he killed his mother, who had become a demon with his own hands, his only surviving younger brother cried and called him a "murderer".
My foolish younger brother was full of regret even to this day.
That did not mean much. No matter what Genya said, those words would not hurt me. I only wished for Genya to live happily. That was my only source of happiness, my wish and purpose of living.
Yes, of course, why would I care that my younger brother called me a murderer? That's simply illogical.
'Yes, my purpose of living...'
Unconsciously, my heart beat increased.
'No matter how much that guy hates me, I will not acknowledge him. I definitely won't allow him to continue becoming some Demon Slayer.'
When I thought of this point, I paused for a bit. Lowering my head, I pondered for a second.
'Masachika...Am I doing the right thing?'
No one responded.
Only the wind continued to blow.
If the dead were still alive, what would he say?
If it were that man who treated me as a younger brother and hoped for a bright future for me—
'You would definitely call me a jerk right?'
If it were you who was kinder and softer than anyone else, you would definitely smile cheerfully and say:
(Spare a thought for your younger brother's feelings. It's no big deal, it'll be fine if we train him together.)
'But other than that, I have no other way...'
*BADUMP*
Hot...it's so hot.
My heart thumped violently.
*crunch*
The leaves beneath my feet crunched as I forced my body to get up.
'Masachika was extremely kind, that's why he died. Because he was kinder than anyone else, that kindness snatched his life away.'
Genya was also very kind; he would stand out to protect those around him—to protect his comrades.
Rather than let that kindness end my younger brother's life, I would rather let my younger brother hate me. It was fine, no matter how much my brother abhorred me. I could not accept letting my brother battle alongside me.
*fuuu*
Letting out a deep breath, I walked over to Aoyama with a limp.
'I have to protect my younger brother at all costs. Beyond that, I don't even know how else I can keep him safe.'
*BADUMP*
This isn't about fighting anymore. This is a test against my resolve.
'Masachika, you were wonderful.'
I truly mean it, every moment I spent with you, though at that time I found it annoying, was priceless to me.
'But you are the past.'
*BADUMP*
The heat from my body started to move towards my face.
Masachika is dead; there is no sugarcoating it. No matter how much I cry, no matter how much I hate, the dead don't come back. Now, Masachika is forever, a memory of the more peaceful times.
But Genya is my future.
*BADUMP*
Sanemi stood over Aoyama, raising his hand.
Genya, his beloved younger brother, is still alive, and he can't lose him. Masachika may have been someone he appreciated dearly, but in the end, it was his kindness that led to his death. The same kindness that his brother possesses.
'I can't let that happen.'
I silently looked down at Aoyama.
'He reminds me of Masachika.'
*BADUMP*
Though not unnecessarily kind, Aoyama shared the same optimism that Masachika had. His tendency not to hurt others, even when getting battered by strikes, and his tendency to subconsciously look out for others.
*BADUMP*
Yes, I could sense it. Even in that attack he unleashed, he held back for my protection. Even if it meant him dying to one of my slashes, he still held back for my sake; otherwise, my skull would be dust in the air now.
*BADUMP*
His naivety was something he did not share with Masachika, however. Even though Masachika always looked for the most positive outcome, he still operated with a logical mind. This brat, however, made impossible promises to keep both for himself and others.
'But, were they really impossible? If it were him, couldn't he fullfil them all?'
*BADUMP*
And, just like him, he too hid behind a false facade. Behind that smug, taunting mask he wears, there's something else, something far darker and depressing.
'I'm sorry, Aoyama, for ever thinking you were one of those snotty noble brats. You must have been through a lot.'
*BADUMP*
In simple words, Aoyama is Masachika. And, Masachika is my past.
'I will never forget you, Masachika, but in order to protect my future, my dear younger brother, I must let go of my past, and I must let go of you.'
Unconsciously, tears started flowing from my eyes.
'Goodbye, Masachika.'
And, I brought my hand down.
After all, kindness is a sin punished by death.
(At that moment, a windmill tattoo appeared on Sanemi's cheek)
~~~
[3rd Person POV]
'The Demon Slayer Mark...'
For one to awaken the Demon Slayer Mark, they must survive extremely life-threatening conditions, specifically a heart rate of over 200 beats per minute and a body temperature of over 39° Celsius (102.2° Fahrenheit)
Most importantly, they must come in contact with someone who has already awakened the Demon Slayer Mark, as the Mark spreads from one swordsman to another like an infectious disease.
However, Sanemi was somehow able to completely bypass the second requirement. Despite not being a user of Sun Breathing, his sheer will completely negated the second condition, forcing his body to unleash the Slayer Mark.
The timeline has shifted majorly. The first to awaken the Demon Slayer Mark is no longer Tanjiro, but the Wind Pillar, Sanemi Shinazugawa.
"Why did you dodge?"
Sanemi snarled as tears coated his blood-covered face.
"Sanemi...?"
"DAMN IT," Sanemi roared, "Don't you know how much willpower it took for me to attack you? Do you really think I have enough willpower to attack you more?"
*whoosh*
Sanemi dashed towards Aoyama at incomprehensible speeds, swinging his fist back.
Instinct took over, making Aoyama's body dodge just before the punch landed. However, even with all its warnings, Aoyama's body had already exhausted most of its energy, and could not dodge the kick coming at him.
*thud*
The knee slammed into his gut like a sledgehammer. Air and blood burst from Aoyama's mouth as his body bent around the strike, launching backward. He flew, crashing through the open space with a strangled gasp.
*BOOM*
Speeding past the forest, Aoyama groaned in pain.
'I couldn't even see him.'
Sanemi's attack took place so fast that Aoyama wasn't even able to register anything until he had already been kicked through his second tree.
'I know the Demon Slayer Mark is supposed to elevate the user's physical status to insane levels, but it's completely different when you see it!'
*skrrtt*
Aoyama's feet dug in the soil, making him skid a few meters before coming to a complete stop.
'I can't win.'
A simple thought occured in Aoyama's head.
A Slayer enhanced by the mark was simply too fast to be dealt with even by Upper Moons, and he was certainly no Akaza who could handle multiple Slayers with a mark like it was no problem.
*Zing*
The world turned gray.
While it was impossible for the current Aoyama to win, there was theoretically a way.
Repetitive Action allowed its users to control their body and exert 100% of their strength. For someone like Aoyama, who had mastered it to the point where he could control involuntary processes like digestion, raising his heartbeat to 200 BPM and increasing his temperature to beyond 39 °C was absolutely no problem for him.
In fact, that's the exact method Gyomei used in his fight against Upper Moon 1. Unlike other Slayers who required some sort of external stimuli, Gyomei was able to use Repetitive Action to easily awaken his Demon Slayer Mark.
Not to mention, Slayer Marks utilized by Repetitive Actions provide a much stronger boost, and last much longer than Marks used by normal Slayers, because they couldn't magically control their bodies, and so, their body temperature or heartbeat couldn't always operate at their maximum efficiency.
However, Aoyama had not unlocked his Slayer Mark for one major reason.
Dying at 25 didn't bother Aoyama. With an infinite number of worlds at his fingertips, finding some ability to enhance life force or increase his lifespan is no big problem for him at all. In the end, if that didn't work, he could always become a Demon.
No, it was the fact that the Slayer Mark spread to other Slayers that kept him from ever using it. Gyomei Himejima was already 26, so if he ever opened the Slayer Mark, he would die after just a single day. Not to mention, he did not want the other Hashira to die at 25 either.
'Looks like it's impossible now though.'
Now that Sanemi has unleashed his Slayer Mark, it's inevitable for the other Hashira to awaken it as well, and those guys are so filled with hatred that they couldn't care less if they died before 25.
*sigh*
'This sucks. Am I going to have to find a way to make them live past 25, too now?'
"Don't stand there like a dumbass."
Aoyama's hair stood on end, before suddenly ducking as a shadow leapt past where his head had been a moment ago.
'Tch.'
Aoyama internally groaned as he looked at Sanemi.
'What kind of plot armor is this?'
Aoyama's eyes traveled through Sanemi's muscular structure.
"Wind Breathing Second Form: Claws Purifying Wind"
"Martial Union Sun Breathing: Dance"
*BOOM*
The air screamed as the two moves collided.
Sanemi's fist faltered, then folded back, as he was pushed away.
'Looks like the strength enhancement isn't as great as the speed enhancement.'
The strength enhancement provided by the Demon Slayer Mark is actually pretty high. It's just that Aoyama is so ridicoulously physically powerful, that even the boost can't match up to his strength.
"Tch"
Sanemi clicked his tongue as he shook his wrist.
*twitch*
Aoyama observed as Sanemi's muscles twitched before instantly turning to the right.
*whoosh*
And just as predicted, Sanemi blurred, reappearing where Aoyama had stood. But before the Hashira could swing, Aoyama was already moving. His hand shot out, clamping down on Sanemi's body like iron.
In one seamless motion, Aoyama wrenched himself behind him and—
CRASH!
—drove Sanemi headfirst into the earth with a savage chokeslam, the ground splitting from the impact. Dust and stone shot into the air as the forest floor trembled.
"Gah"
Already heavily injured in the head, Sanemi let out a painful cry.
"Wind Breathing Third Form: Clear Storm Wind Tree"
Instantly, slashes of wind appeared from within Sanemi's body as he executed his only self-defense move.
However, unlike last time, Sanemi possessed the Demon Slayer Mark, which meant that the speed of his moves was much faster than his original moves.
As such, Aoyama was unable to dodge a single slash.
*splurt*
Aoyama's eyes widened, but his body couldn't keep up. One after another, the blades of wind carved across his flesh, opening jagged lines along his arms, chest, and legs.
And then—
*THUD*
Sanemi's boot slammed into his chest, viciously kicking him away. Aoyama's body flew back through the air, smashing through branches as he tumbled.
"Martial Union Thunder Breathing Fifth Form: Heat Lightning"
Bright red flames changed to blue sparks as electricity covered Aoyama's body. Instantly, he produced a spear of lightning, whirling towards Sanemi.
*whoosh*
Sidestepping the spear with ease, Sanemi instantly dashed towards Aoyama, roaring as he raised his fist.
*whoosh*
In less than a second, Sanemi blurred into view, his fist crashing square into Aoyama's skull with bone-rattling force.
BAM!
Aoyama's head snapped to the side, blood spraying from his mouth as the impact shook through him.
But Sanemi failed to notice. Failed to see a faint, crooked smile tugging at Aoyama's lips, even as his body reeled from the blow.
"Martial Union Thunder Breathing Second Form: Thunder Swarm"
Aoyama's body flickered, blurring into motion so fast the air itself cracked. In the space of a heartbeat, afterimages circled Sanemi—front, back, left, right—until he was trapped in a storm of silhouettes.
And then—
*BAM!WHAM!CRACK!*
A dozen fists slammed into him from every angle, each strike landing with bone-crushing force, the sound of impact echoing like thunderclaps through the clearing.
Sanemi's body jerked and twisted under the relentless barrage, blood spraying with every blow as though he were being torn apart by invisible hands.
"Wind Breathing Third Form: Clear Storm Wind Tree"
"Martial Union Thunder Breathing First Form: Thunderclap and Flash"
Yet again, Sanemi unleashed his self-defense move. However, Aoyama, already foreseeing this, performed the fastest move of Thunder Breathing, instantly dashing away and dodging the slashes of wind.
"Martial Union Thunder Breathing First Form: Thunderclap and Flash"
Performing the same move again, Aoyama instantly dashed back in, landing a punch straight to Sanemi's chest.
*thud*
A dull thud echoed as Sanemi's chest creaked from the force of Aoyama's punch.
After all, even if Sanemi possessed the Demon Slayer Mark, he was a swordsman without a sword, whereas Aoyama was a martial artist. In hand-to-hand combat, Aoyama still possessed a considerable advantage.
"Martial Union Thunder Breathing Second Form: Rice Spirit"
In an instant, Aoyama's arm blurred.
WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! WHAM!
Five punches landed almost simultaneously, their force overlapping into one crushing impact that sent shockwaves rippling through Sanemi's body.
*whoosh*
Sanemi instantly dashed backwards, clutching his aching chest.
*huff huff*
Letting out huffs, Sanemi greedily sucked air, using Recovery Breathing to heal his injuries.
However, I wasn't going to let him rest.
"Martial Union Thunder Breathing First Form: Thunderclap and Flash"
Unleashing the fastest move of Thunder Breathing, Aoyama instantly dashed towards the dazed Sanemi.
ZWWING!
But Sanemi wasn't there; he actually dodged the move!
Empowered by the Mark, Sanemi had acquired the necessary speed and reflexes to even dodge Thunder Breathing.
"Martial Union Sun Breathing: Fake Rainbo-"
However, he wasn't fast enough. And so, Aoyama crashed straight through the forest before skidding to a stop.
"Hah hah, I can't do this anymore."
Aoyama let out pained gasps as he grasped his chest.
"Looks like recklessly changing Breathing Styles has caught up to me."
Fighting with an injured body was bad enough, but changing breathing styles on the fly just worsened the situation. After all, using more than one breathing style without a break severely damages the human body.
"I can't do it anymore, I need to stick to just sun now."
But this sucked.
'Thunder Breathing was much better to use against him, but I'm stuck with sun now!'
Frustration bubbled in Aoyama's gut.
'I really want to be known as the man who defeated a marked Hashira without a mark.'
Yes, Aoyama's decision not to unleash his Mark wasn't something based on logic. He simply wanted to aura farm and brag to the other Slayers that he was strong enough to defeat them even with a Slayer Mark.
'Tch, this stupid battle-hungry side of mine.'
Aoyama would have never made a decision as foolish as this, but his battle-hungry personality was simply stopping him from using too much logic in this fight.
'Whatever, I don't care.'
Screw that battle-hungry side. Even if he felt disappointed later, he couldn't risk it anymore. He had to open his mark or else he would lose.
Lose...
"Wind Breathing First Form: Dust Whirlwind Cutter"
*thud*
Bringing his arms up, Aoyama just barely blocked the move before pushing Sanemi back.
'Such violent intent.'
Aoyama could see the air around Sanemi turn black from his killing intent.
"That's it," Sanemi growled.
And in that instant, the pressure around Aoyama increased tenfold.
Aoyama staggered as the weight of Sanemi's killing intent pressed down on him like a mountain. Every inhale burned his lungs, every muscle screamed in protest. His vision blurred at the edges, the world around him twisting and darkening as if the air itself had grown heavy with malice.
Hhh…
He tried to move, to dodge, to even lift a fist, but his limbs felt like lead. Each heartbeat hammered against his ribs, threatening to burst him from the inside. Sweat and blood mixed on his skin as he fought to stay upright, to breathe, to think.
And yet...
'It feels right.'
"Wind Breathing Ninth Form: Idaten Typhoon"
Overwhelming killing intent burst from Sanemi, just like...
("That man was overflowing with violent bloodlust. He closely resembled the magma blowing out of a volcano. He was bubbling and boiling, trying to swallow everything.")
Aoyama blinked, as memories that did not belong to him surfaced in his mind.
'Wait, isn't this Muzan's description?'
*whoosh*
Instantly, Sanemi dashed forward, with the might of a tornado, towards Aoyama.
"Where are you looking, bastard!"
("I am no longer interested in warriors who can use breaths"
Right after he said that, the man brandished his arms.
They were frighteningly fast and his range was huge. When I dodged his attacks, I could hear the bamboo being cut behind me.
I felt like I would be close to dying if I got the slightest scrape. For the first time in my life, chills ran down my spine.)
In an instant, Sanemi's breathing technique overlapped with Muzan Kibutsuji's whip.
("The man had seven hearts and five brains")
Sanemi had one heart and one brain.
And..
("This was the moment I perfected my sword technique form")
'This was the moment I perfected my sword technique form'
*whoosh*
The air behind Sanemi flickered, before dying out.
"Martial Union Sun Breathing..."
And in an instant.
*thud*
All the forms of the Sun Breathing blended together.
*thud**thud**thud**thud**thud**thud**thud**thud**thud**thud**thud**thud**thud*
Time seemed to slow down, as Aoyama vanished in a burst of speed.
A crushing strike hammered into his arm, the heat searing his flesh. Before the pain could even register, another blow smashed into his leg, nearly buckling it beneath him. In the same heartbeat, his chest caved inward from a brutal punch, the shock knocking the air from his lungs. And then, as if to finish the sequence, a final strike slammed into his neck, whipping his head to the side.
Dull thuds echoed as each strike left a scorching bright mark on Sanemi's body.
*whoosh*
And then, time resumed, as each blow landed on Sanemi's body.
"...13th Form"
(The man seemed confused over the fact that he wasn't regenerating. He was holding his severed head so it wouldn't fall off, but it wasn't connecting.)
Sanemi fell down, trying to clutch his neck, but the sheer pain flowing through his body rendered him unable to move an inch. He seemed confused, unable to recall what happened.
(In that instant, I knew that my red blade would work on the progenitor of demons)
In that instant, Aoyama looked at his arm, which was bright red. No, not just his arm, but his entire body was glowing bright red, as if imitating a Red Nichrin Blade.
("But, I really wanted to-")
"That's enough."
Seemingly speaking to thin air, Aoyama suddenly let out a declaration.
"He's not going to split into 1800 pieces, and he's already lost. I don't need your narration anymore."
The voice seemed to be momentarily stunned.
Then, as if acknowledging his request, the presence seemed to fade before turning into wisps of fire and heading straight to his heart.
Aoyama gently rubbed his chest as he recalled his experience.
'Does Yoriichi still reside within me?'
Thinking for a moment, Aoyama shrugged.
'Oh well, it's not bad to have the strongest Demon Slayer give me advice from time to time.'
Relaxing his shoulders, Aoyama looked at the struggling Sanemi.
*gurgle*
Unable to form any words, Sanemi let out gargling sounds, as he sat down listlessly on the ground. The bright red marks on his body pulsed before slowly fading away, though they will likely leave a burn mark.
'I'm going to have to recall my abilities for a second.'
(A/N- Going to upload a chapter with all of his abilities after this chapter, and then another one after the Upper Moon Six fight)
*crunch*
The leaves crunched under Aoyama's foot as he approached Sanemi.
*cough*
Sanemi finally let out a cough as he looked at the approaching Aoyama.
"...You won."
"Mm, that's pretty obvious."
After all, if Sanemi could get the Demon Slayer Mark through a flashback, isn't it only fair for Aoyama to learn something from a flashback as well?
They both went silent after the short exchange.
"That last attack of yours," Sanemi started,"You held back on that, didn't you?"
"Naturally"
'That was an attack capable of killing Muzan Kibutsuji. No way I'm going to use the full strength on a Hashira.'
Though whether that form could actually kill Muzan with Aoyama's current level of strength…Yeah, definitely not.
"But, you can't accuse me of that," Aoyama pointed out, "Because you held back too."
At his words, Sanemi went silent.
"When I was still unconscious, you tried to attack me," Aoyama pointed out. "But, when I opened my eyes, I could see that just before you hit my forehead, you slowed down for a very small amount of time to let me escape.
Not to mention, even after that, all your attacks avoided my vital spots by a little. The attack to my skull was directed to my cheekbone, the attack to my gut was delivered with no strength, and you didn't even try to attack my chest."
"Tch! Of course I did," Sanemi replied, clicking his tongue. "I don't want to kill a human, much less a Demon Slayer with potential like you. Be grateful to me for sparing your life, you damn shitty brat!"
"Is that so?" Aoyama replied with a smile, "Well, I'm glad then."
Of course, Aoyama didn't believe that, and Sanemi seemed to notice that as well.
However, Aoyama didn't probe in to the matter in the end. After all, he can't really expect a man he beat the shit out of to suddenly confess his entire emotional backstory to him right? He wasn't some protagonist or whatever.
There was also the issue that Sanemi had a busted forehead, broken bones, busted blood vessels, torn muscles, fractures, ligament damage, concussions, lung damage, displacement and whatnot medical conditions.
The same could not be said for Aoyama. Thanks to his tought body, he only suffered flesh wounds and a bit of muscle damage. However, he suffered a terrible amount of blood loss from his fights, because Aoyama never bothered to use recovery breathing
So basically, the two of them were going to fucking die if they didn't get any medical attention immediately.
"Let's head back"
"Piss off"