Even if it was only an incomplete Supreme Realm, Akaza could not comprehend why such power had manifested in a teenager. His only explanation was that Raiden had somehow temporarily amplified his strength. Such methods rarely lasted and carried serious consequences. Akaza could only stall and wait for the effect to fade.
But that was easier said than done. Raiden continued to suppress him, and Akaza's frustration grew with each passing moment. Why should he be dominated by someone weaker than himself? The more he reflected on it, the angrier he became.
Akaza studied Raiden's attack patterns over and over, searching for an opening. Then, in the brief interval before Raiden's next strike, he acted.
"Destructive Kill: Crushing Style: Ten Thousand Leaf Flashing Willow," Akaza roared.
This attack had the potential to shift the balance. By channeling all his energy into one arm and following a unique circulation path, he could release a devastating burst of power. The effect spread outward like the veins of a leaf, capable of striking multiple targets in range. Even he could not easily evade such a wide-reaching assault.
Akaza gathered his energy into his right arm and swung toward Raiden with brutal force. The pressure of the movement sent waves of energy outward, creating faint air blasts. He believed this strike could free him from Raiden's suppression and give him an opportunity to unleash other Blood Demon Arts to regain control.
A faint smile curved Akaza's lips as he observed Raiden retreating. He thought the boy would avoid a direct clash. But then the smile froze. Raiden was charging instead, moving to intercept head-on. Was he trying to trade injuries? That could still benefit Akaza. A collision with the Crushing Style might wound Raiden, reducing his suppressive edge.
Yet Raiden's speed stunned him. His body flickered unpredictably, narrowly escaping the weakest points of Akaza's attack. Akaza could not understand how someone so young could anticipate his moves with such precision. Was this the result of the Supreme Realm? He barely had time to think, as Raiden moved again, appearing at his side in an instant, sword poised with lethal intent.
"Too slow," Raiden said coolly, as if stating a simple fact.
Before Akaza could react, sharp pain shot through his arm. Looking down, he saw it had been severed, blood gushing freely. His mind buzzed with disbelief. Not only had Raiden avoided the aftermath of the Crushing Style, he had struck the precise weak point — one even Akaza himself had overlooked.
"Damn it!" Akaza hissed, realizing his long-accumulated attack had failed, and he had fallen back under Raiden's dominance.
On the train, Tanjiro and the others stared with identical expressions, mouths slightly agape. How had the battle shifted so suddenly? Just moments ago, Akaza had pressed Rengoku and Raiden, yet now he alone dominated him.
Could Raiden truly be that strong? He had even achieved something the Flame Pillar could not. Inosuke exhaled sharply, sensing the widening gap between Raiden and Akaza. Zenitsu wiped his palms, recalling how terrified he had initially been, almost rushing out to help. Raiden's calm commands and the battlefield fluctuations had held them back. Fortunately, Raiden was fine.
Minutes passed. Akaza remained under Raiden's suppression, his body covered in small, dense wounds. Yet he could sense Raiden's enhanced state fading. Subtle hesitation crept into Raiden's strikes, a fraction of slowness in his movements — all glaringly obvious to Akaza.
A feral grin spread across Akaza's face as he wiped blood from the corner of his mouth. "It seems your borrowed power is about to fade," he sneered, voice dripping with mockery.
Raiden's expression remained serene. He had never intended to defeat Akaza in this moment. His goal was only to buy time. His temporary boost would last less than a minute, yet that was all he needed.
Akaza's voice cut through the battlefield, sharp with rage. "Do you truly think you can defeat me? Once your borrowed strength vanishes, I will twist your neck myself. Then you will be powerless, and not only you, but the Flame Pillar and everyone on the train will die. Don't you realize your end is near?"
Yet Raiden's cornered lips curved into a subtle, teasing smile. "What a pity, Akaza. You'll only get to try twisting my neck next time."
Akaza paused, confused, but then his gaze drifted eastward. The horizon was pale, tinged with the first light of dawn. In that instant, understanding flooded him. Raiden's true purpose had not been to defeat him — he had been stalling, waiting for the sunrise.
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