"Infinity Castle, Shattered Brotherhood" "Alright, you've avenged your sister. You killed him with your own hands," Aoki said, holding Shino
"Infinity Castle, Shattered Brotherhood"
"Alright, you've avenged your sister. You killed him with your own hands," Aoki said, holding Shinobu Kocho's hand, reluctant to let go.
"Yes, Aoki-kun, thank you." Shinobu leaned against Aoki, then she began to cry, her voice filled with emotion.
"I always believed I'd walk a path of happiness, until it shattered.
Then I realized that happiness is as fragile as thin glass. Luckily, my sister and I were saved. We wanted to become strong, to protect the happiness untouched by demons."
"My sister and I promised to kill as many demons as possible, to prevent others from suffering the same pain. But then, she was gone, and my resolve wavered. To avoid disappointing her, I carried the burden alone. Many times, I was close to breaking, finding solace only at her grave."
"Then I met you. At first, I thought you were a shameless coward who ran at the first sign of trouble. Later, I realized you were far gentler than anyone else, just maintaining a persona. You were always so casual."
"Aoki-kun, since the day I was drawn to you, I felt unworthy. I always showed a false self, hiding my true feelings, while you are always genuine and dedicated."
"Family… you cherish that bond. Tanjiro's kindness might be partly because of you."
"I've considered ending my life many times, but you always stopped me. Now, I can't imagine life without you."
"So, we'll always be together, Aoki-kun."
Shinobu buried her face in Aoki's chest, experiencing a happiness she'd never known before.
"After this war, I'll leave everything to you."
Hearing this, Aoki felt a surge of intense emotion. Normally, he would drop everything to be with Shinobu.
But the situation demanded his focus.
He suppressed his feelings, gently pushing her away.
"Shinobu, let's talk about that after the war. Many comrades are fighting. We can't waste time here. Let's go help them. We'll act together from now on."
"Yes," Shinobu nodded without hesitation. She would obey anything Aoki said, especially something so minor.
Suppressing their strong emotions, they left the lotus pond to search for other Hashira and Demon Slayers.
Meanwhile, Zenitsu Agatsuma was sprinting down a corridor.
"I can hear him! He must be nearby! Unforgivable! I won't let that bastard get away!"
Following a familiar voice, Zenitsu reached a shōji screen.
"You're there, right? Come out! I know you're there!" Zenitsu shouted.
An arrogant voice responded from within. "What kind of language is that? I'm your senpai. Though I've improved since then, your attire is still so… impoverished. Long time no see, Zenitsu."
The shōji screen slid open, revealing a young man with fangs, pointed ears, pale skin, and black tiger stripes on his face. He carried a Nichirin Blade casually over his shoulder, sneering at Zenitsu.
Kaigaku, Zenitsu's senpai from the same dojo, was known for his mischievous and arrogant nature. He had always disliked, or perhaps envied, Zenitsu.
Thunder Breathing had six forms. Kaigaku mastered the last five, but couldn't master the first, Thunderclap and Flash.
Zenitsu was the opposite; he only mastered Thunderclap and Flash, the most difficult form. This was the source of Kaigaku's envy.
Now, Kaigaku was a demon, the new Upper Moon Six, replacing Gyutaro and Daki.
"Kaigaku, I no longer consider you my senpai," Zenitsu said, his face darkening.
Kaigaku sneered. "You haven't changed a bit. Short, poorly dressed, weak… did you become a Hashira? Answer me, Zenitsu. Can you use any techniques besides the First Form?"
Zenitsu calmly replied, "You, a mere filler in the Upper Moon ranks, seem to have a high opinion of yourself. I've seen the previous Upper Moon Six. Compared to him, you're like a crying baby. I envy Tanjiro, having a senpai like Aoki-senpai, while my senpai is a bastard like you."
"Why did you become a demon? Why did you betray Thunder Breathing?!" Zenitsu raged. "Because you became a demon, Grandpa had to commit seppuku!"
Upon learning his student had willingly become a demon, Zenitsu's master had committed ritual suicide, believing his failure to properly guide Kaigaku was responsible.
"You know! He didn't even have a kaishakunin (second to assist in seppuku)! He died alone! Without assistance, seppuku is agonizingly slow! Grandpa didn't cut his throat or pierce his heart; he simply bled to death! All because of you, a demon among the inheritors of Thunder Breathing!"
Kaigaku showed no remorse, clinging to his twisted values. "That's none of my business! So what if he died?! Should I mourn him? Should I repent? I don't care about the useless fools who can't appreciate me! I'll always follow those who recognize my true worth!"
"Hearing that old fool died such a miserable death… satisfying! I spent so much time training, only to share the inheritance with a waste like you! He was blind! Even if he was a Hashira, I have nothing to say to that senile old fool! Hahaha!"
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