The night pressed heavily on the dense forest, shadows wrapping around Akaza like a suffocating curtain. His emotions churned like a stormy sea, turbulent and unyielding. Muzan's harsh, contemptuous words echoed in his mind, sharp as knives, tearing at both his pride and his rage.
Akaza moved carefully through the forest, his feet crunching on thick layers of fallen leaves. His gaze eventually fell upon a massive, ancient tree, broad enough to be embraced by several adults and crowned with lush branches. Tonight, it was nothing more than an outlet for his anger.
A fierce glint appeared in his eyes. Taking a deep breath of the cold night air, he swung his fist with full force. The wind shrieked past him, a sharp whistle, nearly impossible to follow. Each punch struck the trunk with a dull thud, splintering wood chips into the air.
Akaza's strikes were both rapid and devastatingly strong, making the trunk vibrate as though its fibers were fracturing under the relentless assault.
"You brat, I remember your face. Next time, I'll crush you!" he roared, his fury escalating with each blow. His expression contorted into pure ferocity. His fists became tireless hammers, carving deep indentations into the tree. Wood chips and sap splattered across his face and clothes, yet he felt nothing but rage.
Finally, the ancient tree groaned under the unrelenting force. With his final strike, Akaza split it cleanly in half. The top portion toppled with a thunderous crash, crushing smaller trees and bushes in its path. The forest trembled, the sound deafening in the otherwise silent night.
Breathing heavily, Akaza stood still. His eyes remained fixed on the fallen giant, but the tree's collapse did nothing to soothe his anger. If anything, his desire to crush Raiden to the ground the next time they met only grew stronger.
Butterfly Mansion
"To briefly suppress an Upper Moon is extraordinary," Kochou Shinobu said, examining Raiden with a mix of awe and curiosity. Though she didn't fully understand the extent of Upper Moon strength, she knew Kyojuro Rengoku's capabilities. An Upper Moon that even Rengoku struggled against had been restrained by Raiden, a young Demon Slayer Corps recruit of just over two months. His talent was astonishing.
"No, Miss Shinobu, do not overlook Rengoku's role," Raiden said with a small wave of his hand. "He bore the brunt of Akaza's attacks. Without his intervention, I would have been on the brink of death. My role was crucial, but his was irreplaceable."
Shinobu sighed, recalling Rengoku's injuries: multiple fractures, severe eye damage, a recovery that would take a month or two. Losing a Pillar temporarily would significantly impact the Corps, yet it was fortunate the injuries were not permanent. And thanks to Raiden, Akaza had been restrained.
After the examination, Raiden returned to his room. His own injuries were minor compared to Rengoku's: a broken rib and a slight shoulder dislocation. A period of rest would suffice, and it was perfect timing to integrate his newly acquired rewards: the skill Dream, Blood Demon Art Destructive Kill: Compass, and the Superior Talent awaiting integration.
The thought lightened his steps. Once integrated, his strength would rival that of an ordinary Pillar, even without Transparent World.
In his room, Raiden poured a glass of water, drank, then sat on the tatami mat. He closed his eyes, adjusted his posture, and took a deep breath, preparing to focus.
"Do you choose to integrate the skill: Dream now?"
"Yes."
A subtle tremor spread through Raiden's consciousness as he concentrated. The sensation grew, a progressive clarity washing over him, as if his mind were guided into a new realm. Spiritual power surged into his awareness, reshaping his mental framework, sharpening his perception, and expanding his consciousness.
The integration revealed subtle yet profound changes. Thoughts became clearer, ideas structured like intricate brushstrokes on a canvas. It was like light piercing dense fog. His spiritual world expanded, attuning him to the world around him. Tiny air currents and spiritual fluctuations could now be perceived effortlessly.
With Dream fully integrated, Raiden felt his spiritual power leap. He could sense the consciousness of others and subtly influence their thoughts. His mind now linked more directly with the surrounding world.
Time passed, and the integration completed. Raiden opened his eyes. Though his overall realm had not drastically increased, his mental capacity had grown immensely. He could effortlessly lead others into dreams, manipulating spiritual energy with casual ease.
His attention shifted to the next integration: Blood Demon Art Destructive Kill: Compass.
"Do you choose to integrate Blood Demon Art: Destructive Kill: Compass now?"
"Yes!"