"Infinity Castle, Fierce Battle with Upper Moon One" Sanemi Shinazugawa initially believed his rare blood type would significantly slow Koku
"Infinity Castle, Fierce Battle with Upper Moon One"
Sanemi Shinazugawa initially believed his rare blood type would significantly slow Kokushibo down, giving him a fighting chance.
However, after several more intense exchanges, he realized that even with Kokushibo's hampered movements, he couldn't inflict any serious damage.
Instead, Sanemi Shinazugawa was severely wounded, defeat only a matter of time.
"Moon Breathing, Third Form: Loathsome Moon, Chains!"
Kokushibo generated crescent blades, unleashing two crescent-shaped wind blades and numerous smaller, irregularly sized crescent blades.
The crescent wind blades struck Sanemi Shinazugawa's position, creating a cloud of smoke. When the smoke cleared, Gyomei Himejima, appearing seemingly out of nowhere, used his flail to intercept and deflect the attacks aimed at Sanemi Shinazugawa.
"One after another…" Kokushibo felt a surge of irritation at Gyomei Himejima's unexpected arrival.
"Until all demons in this world are destroyed, the Demon Slayer Corps will endure forever," Gyomei Himejima declared, his flail resting on his back.
"Shinazugawa, please attend to your wounds."
Gyomei Himejima began spinning his flail. At that moment, two more figures joined the battle: Aoki and Shinobu Kocho.
Upon entering the fray, Aoki immediately noticed Kokushibo's overwhelming aura, prompting a system analysis.
"Ding!"
Kokushibo:
Identity: Upper Moon One of the Twelve Kizuki, wielder of Moon Breathing
Personality: Composed
Skills: Moon Breathing, Blood Demon Art
Combat Power: 7185
Overall Assessment: SS-level
A combat power of 7185—nearly on par with Muzan Kibutsuji himself. Even Upper Moon Two, Douma, only possessed slightly over 6000. The disparity between Kokushibo and the other Upper Moons was vast.
"Aoki, you've arrived just in time. Let's defeat him together," Gyomei Himejima said.
Although Shinobu Kocho was present, her strength was among the weakest among the Hashira, making her participation too risky.
Furthermore, as a doctor, she should tend to the wounded, whose numbers were growing, rather than participating in a battle she couldn't effectively contribute to.
"Shinobu, attend to Tokito and the others' injuries," Aoki instructed, having noticed the grievous wounds sustained by Muichiro Tokito, Sanemi Shinazugawa, and Genya Shinazugawa. He prioritized Shinobu Kocho's medical skills over her participation in a battle against Upper Moon One.
"Yes," Shinobu Kocho nodded, understanding his reasoning and showing no objection.
After Shinobu Kocho went to treat the injured, Aoki approached Gyomei Himejima.
"Gyomei-san, this appears to be our first time fighting together," Aoki said, slowly drawing his sword.
"Indeed. You became a Hashira less than a year ago, yet you're engaging in battle with Upper Moons and have already slain three.
While I achieved Hashira rank in only two months, I still fall short compared to your accomplishments," Gyomei Himejima replied, his flail held ready.
The next second, both figures launched themselves into the fray.
"Stone Breathing, First Form: Serpentinite Bipolar!"
"Aoki, you are arguably the strongest Demon Slayer currently. You practically single-handedly defeated Douma, a target specifically designated by that one," Kokushibo said, slowly raising his sword. "Come, let me witness the true extent of this strongest Hashira's power."
Kokushibo met the combined assault of Aoki and Gyomei Himejima with his sword.
A whirlwind of sword strikes and flail blows ensued, all three combatants pushing their speed to the absolute limit.
"Damn it! Aoki! I won't let you steal my spotlight!" Ignoring Shinobu Kocho's calls, Sanemi Shinazugawa, despite his injuries, joined the fight, his Nichirin Blade raised, attacking Kokushibo alongside Aoki and Gyomei Himejima.
Faced with the simultaneous onslaught of three Hashira, Kokushibo finally felt genuine pressure.
"This exhilarating feeling… it's been far too long. Let's make this even more exciting."
The four engaged in an even more ferocious and intense exchange.
It was then that Sanemi Shinazugawa truly realized that Kokushibo hadn't been using his full power in their previous encounter. The power and speed of Kokushibo's current attacks were vastly superior. If Kokushibo had fought him with this level of intensity from the start, Sanemi Shinazugawa would have been defeated within ten exchanges.
After what felt like an eternity—perhaps thousands of exchanges—the four combatants finally separated, leaving the surrounding ground in ruins.
The ground was a chaotic mess of craters and sword slashes, barely a single intact surface remaining.
Aoki, Gyomei Himejima, and Sanemi Shinazugawa gasped for breath, while Kokushibo observed the slowly healing wounds on his body, lost in thought.
"No, this guy is too strong. The three of us combined can only inflict superficial wounds," Aoki assessed the situation, his expression grim. "To kill him, we'll have to use that technique, but it's intended for Muzan Kibutsuji. Using it on him would be a massive waste."
"But if we don't defeat him quickly, when Muzan Kibutsuji arrives, our chances will plummet. And, I suspect Muzan Kibutsuji has overcome his neck weakness.
This Upper Moon One, being so close to Muzan Kibutsuji in power, likely won't die from decapitation. We're simply wasting time."
"This city is underground; sunlight can't reach. Even if we wait until dawn, it's pointless. We have to use it."
Having made his decision, Aoki turned to Gyomei Himejima and Sanemi Shinazugawa. "I have a plan to kill Upper Moon One, but it requires both your cooperation."
After hearing Aoki's plan, Sanemi Shinazugawa expressed skepticism. "Are you serious? If we can just restrain Upper Moon One, you can kill him?"
Aoki nodded, confident in his plan, provided the attack landed precisely.
Gyomei Himejima, without speaking, seemed to give his assent, his hands continuously twisting his prayer beads, lost in thought.
"If that's the case, then let's proceed as planned."
____________________
for more advance chapters visit my p@treon
[email protected]/kane45
Casual Reader - 20 Advance Chapters
Intermediate Reader - 40 Advance Chapters
Expert Reader - 60 Advance Chapters