丨Soar丨 Kimetsu no Yaiba x OC｜

Chapter 43

"The other hashira I killed before didn't have flames!" Akaza's uproar echoed through the forest, "Still none accepted my proposal! Why is that so? One cannot simply become to be a demon, you must be chosen! But you and Suzuki choose to throw your extraordinary talents away! I cannot accept that! Die for me! Kyojuro! Do it while you're young and strong!"

Rengoku-sama! Chizuko's heart almost leapt out of her throat, combined with the sickness that had returned.

Move! Move it! Lift your legs! Balling her hands into fists, Chizuko's limbs trembled as she attempted to drag herself up. Tears were threatening to slide down her cheeks as Kyojuro closed the distance between him and Akaza.

Move it before he has to die!

"Even if my sword technique will be stolen by time, it is normal! That's how it goes!" Kyojuro countered Akaza's blasts, "That's what it means to be human!"

MOVE! Chizuko could barely grip her katana, cramps tore through her muscles, her whole body was shivering, blood was oozing out of her nostrils. She wouldn't be able to stand if it weren't for the immense worry surging through her veins.

"Don't move! Your wounds will open and you will die! It's not your time yet!" Kyojuro ordered Tanjiro to stay in his spot without glancing back.

"Kyojuro! Concentrate on me!" Akaza seized the opportunity to attack, "Don't waste your thoughts on that weakling!"

Now!

"Fox Breathing, Kekkijitsu, Clairvoyance!" Chizuko dashed foward, begging for the gods to appreciate her efforts.

Because she would only have this one chance before she passes out again.

Miraculously evading Akaza's shockwaves, Chizuko appeared in front of him like a phantom, "Serpent Breathing, Third Form, Coil Choke!"

"Oh?" Akaza got more excited, "Aren't your ribs crushed? You haven't died yet! What a surprise! Such fighting spirit is impressive!"

"Fox Breathing, Forth Form, Kinko to Ginko, Onmyō!" Chizuko created multiple slashes, she couldn't rest, "Mist Breathing, Fifth Form, Sea of Clouds and Haze!"

Don't stop! Your blade hasn't even touched him yet! "Flame Breathing, First Form, Unknowing Fire!"

Akaza laughed, "Chizuko! Your name is truly worth remembering! You are still able to produce mist and flame with your injuries! What a shame that you are refusing the effects of his blood! You could have been an excellent addition to him!"

Chizuko's eyes hardened, veins popped from her forehead. Though she was barely taking in oxygen, she didn't care.

She is going to protect her family even if it costed her life.

"You are useful to him, I can't let you die just yet," Akaza punched Chizuko's sword from the side, snapping it into half.

Strong arms yanked Chizuko to the back, Kyojuro deflected Akaza's punches, "Kamado! Stay behind me with Suzuki!"

"NO!!!" Chizuko spat out a mouthful of blood, thrashing as Tanjiro held her down, "RENGOKU-SAMA!!! WAIT!!!"

"Chizuko-san!" Tanjiro's voice broke a little,yet he didn't loosen his grip on Chizuko's arms, "Chizuko-san!!!"

"Flame Breathing, Fifth Form, Flame Tiger!"

"Destructive Death! Disorder!"

Everyone squeezed their eyes shut as a shockwave erupted midair.

"All your efforts are futile no matter how desperately you fight, Kyojuro," Akaza's unscathed figure emerged as the sand in the air dispersed, "The wonderful cut you made already healed completely. What about you? Look at yourself."

Kyojuro breathed slow and deep, he had to stab his sword on the floor for temporary support. The metallic scent of blood was the only thing he could smell. He thought of the five children behind him, and the two hundred passengers waiting for medical attention, he must protect them, he must, he must.

"Your ribs are even more broken than Chizuko's, you're left eye is crushed, you are bleeding inside," Akaza shook his head pitifully, "If you were a demon, you would heal in an instant. No matter how hard humans struggle, they are no match to demons in the end."

Rage and fury struck Chizuko like lightning, destroying every ounce of logic she had. Breaking free of Tanjiro's hold, Chizuko staggered forward with her damaged blade, only to be tackled down by Inosuke.

"I will fulfil my duty!" having made up his mind, Kyojuro picked up his katana and smiled, "I won't let anyone here die!"

"Flame Breathing, Esoteric Art, Ninth Form, Rengoku!"

"Rengoku-sama? I-I..." following Obanai's advice, Chizuko was asking Kyojuro about Flame Breathing, "I read on Iguro-sama's scrolls that... Flame Breathing has nine forms?"

"Correct!" Kyojuro nodded, he had demonstrated all forms except the ninth, "The ninth form requires a lot of strength! And it's usually only used in an urgent situation!"

"An urgent situation?" Chizuko lifted her head from the bamboo scroll in her hands.

Kyojuro nodded, "Like the final form of Flower Breathing! A last attempt to turn the tables!"

"RENGOKU-SAMA!!! NO!!!!" Chizuko's strengthless scream was hoarse, mixed with tears and blood.

An explosion happened as Kyojuro and Akaza clashed.

Chizuko's stare was glued to the swirling cloud of dust. Burning tears stained her cheeks, the faint glint of hope in her heart seemed to dim as the clock ticked, she found it harder and harder to breathe.

Tanjiro, Inosuke, Zenitsu and Chizuko didn't dare to blink as the dust was blown away.