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The figures of the Water Hashira, Urokodaki Sakonji, and the Stone Hashira, Himejima Gyomei, appeared in an instant, flanking Gyokko. Their Nichirin Blades gleamed ominously in the moonlight as they struck in perfect unison.
The sharp edge of Urokodaki's blade sliced through the air with a faint whoosh, as if even the atmosphere itself was being cut apart.
"You underestimate me," Gyokko sneered, his grotesque features twisting in disdain as his body blurred, retreating to a safer distance.
Urokodaki advanced without hesitation, his breathing calm and measured. Each slash of his Nichirin Blade released rippling waves of pale blue energy, accompanied by the soft yet relentless sound of rushing water. His movements flowed seamlessly, one technique blending into the next like an endless current.
In contrast, Gyomei's attacks were raw and overwhelming. With his massive chained axe and spiked flail, every swing struck with the weight of a collapsing mountain. When his weapons crashed into the earth, the ground quaked, sending shockwaves rippling outward.
"Do not falter!" Gyomei's deep, booming voice resonated as he swung again, his muscles tensing with immense power.
Urokodaki's precise strikes complemented Gyomei's brute strength, and together, the two Hashira formed a formidable combination. Gyokko snarled in frustration, forced to retreat repeatedly under their relentless assault. Within moments, a well-timed strike from Urokodaki's blade sliced into one of Gyokko's arms, ichor splattering across the battlefield.
At the same time, other swordsmen moved to join the fray. Rengoku Kyojuro, Takamura Kazatsu, and Hashimoto Shinya dashed forward, their attacks further pressuring Gyokko. The battlefield became a whirlwind of blades, flames, and fury.
Meanwhile, Ryuji and another swordsman, Tahara Kawamo, stood on the outskirts, their swords drawn but their stances defensive. Both were poised to step in if the situation required it, but for now, they maintained their distance.
"We're just support for this mission," Ryuji murmured, his grip tightening slightly on his blade. His dark eyes flicked between the ongoing battle and the shadows beyond. "The Hashira are the main force here. No need to steal their spotlight… yet."
Tahara chuckled softly, though his expression remained tense. "Still, don't get too comfortable, Ryuji. That thing's not going down without a fight."
Ryuji exhaled through his nose, his tone dry. "Believe me, I'm not eager to charge in. Let them handle it. If something goes wrong, I'll step in… but only if I have to. My life's worth more than heroics."
Despite his nonchalant words, a flicker of unease lingered in Ryuji's gaze. This was his first encounter with a Upper Rank Demon, and he wasn't foolish enough to underestimate the threat. Gyokko was no ordinary demon.
On the battlefield, Gyokko hissed in pain as Urokodaki's blade sliced into him again. Though the wounds began to regenerate almost immediately, the pain was undeniable.
"You pests…" Gyokko snarled, his twisted visage contorting further. "Do you think overwhelming me with numbers will work? Fools!"
Dodging a devastating blow from Gyomei's flail, Gyokko leapt back, raising a pale, twisted hand. From his porcelain-white pot, he began summoning his creations.
A thick mist rolled out, spreading across the battlefield. From the pot emerged grotesque, aquatic creatures—slimy, scaled monstrosities with snapping jaws and glimmering, predatory eyes. Seven of them appeared in mere moments, their malevolent auras radiating power.
Rengoku's voice rang out, unwavering despite the eerie sight. "Stay focused! These creatures are no different from demons—cut off their heads!" His Nichirin Blade ignited with brilliant flames as he charged forward, his expression fierce yet composed.
Urokodaki and Gyomei adjusted their stances, unshaken by the sudden reinforcements. Gyomei's lips moved silently as he muttered a prayer, gripping his weapons tightly.
Ryuji's eyes narrowed as he observed the scene. The oppressive energy of Gyokko and his minions pressed down like a suffocating weight.
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"Sir, leave these creatures to us! You focus on him!"
As the grotesque water-attribute demons summoned by Gyokko surged forward, their presence immediately drew the attention of the Stone Hashira and Water Hashira, threatening to entangle them in a prolonged fight. If the Hashira were delayed, the battle against Gyokko would falter, leaving no one capable of confronting the Upper Rank demon directly.
Rengoku Kyojuro, his fiery blade gleaming in the moonlight, rushed forward with decisive speed to intercept the creatures. He shouted toward the Hashira, his voice brimming with unwavering confidence.
"Leave these to us! Concentrate on him—we'll hold them back!"
Urokodaki Sakonji and Himejima Gyomei exchanged a brief glance, understanding the urgency of the situation. Without hesitation, they dodged the claws and fangs of the summoned creatures with practiced agility, moving to reengage Gyokko.
The water demons lunged after them, but before they could close the distance, Rengoku and the remaining swordsmen intercepted them. Nichirin Blades clashed against claws and scales, the air filled with the sounds of battle.
"Thank you, everyone!" Urokodaki called back, his voice steady yet grateful as he resumed his relentless assault on Gyokko.
"Hold the line!" Rengoku commanded, his blade igniting in a blazing arc as he bisected one of the water demons with a single, fluid motion. Another demon lunged for Urokodaki, but Rengoku swiftly drove his heel into its chest, sending it crashing to the ground.
"Stay sharp!" he urged the other swordsmen, his movements never faltering.
"Understood!" the swordsmen replied in unison, their expressions grim but determined. These summoned demons, though lesser than Gyokko, radiated power akin to Lower Rank demons. For even seasoned swordsmen, they were formidable opponents.
Ryuji stood among the group, gripping the hilt of his Nichirin Blade. His dark eyes locked onto one of the water demons—a tall, gilled creature with movements as agile as a fox. Its sharp teeth gleamed in the dim moonlight, and its every step seemed to ripple unnaturally, as if it were walking on water.
"Tahara, you good over there?" Ryuji asked without looking away from his opponent.
The stocky swordsman beside him, Tahara Kawamo, let out a breathless laugh as he deflected a strike from another demon. Despite his short and stout frame, his movements were surprisingly nimble. "Don't worry about me! If you're struggling, just holler—I'll back you up!"
Ryuji rolled his eyes but smirked faintly. "Sure. You finish your demon, and maybe I'll let you take mine, too."
Not far away, Rengoku Kyojuro's voice rang out like a beacon. "Ryuji! Hold your ground! If you need help, say the word—we'll assist!"
Ryuji clenched his jaw, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. His pride stung at the implication, even if it was meant as encouragement. Do they think I need babysitting?
The other swordsmen subtly shifted closer to Ryuji's position, clearly ready to intervene if necessary. He noticed their movements and exhaled slowly, forcing his irritation down.
They mean well, he thought, his grip on his blade tightening. But he couldn't shake the feeling of being underestimated.
His mind drifted briefly to Rengoku's legendary resolve—how he had stood alone against the Upper Rank demon Akaza on the Mugen Train, sacrificing everything to protect others.
Is this what drives him? Ryuji wondered. That unshakable sense of responsibility for everyone around him?
The crescent moon cast a pale glow over the chaotic battlefield, its light reflecting off bloodstained blades and the glistening scales of the summoned demons. The jungle around them was alive with movement, the ground trembling under the weight of Gyomei's strikes and the heavy blows of the demons' claws.
Ryuji's thoughts snapped back to the present as the gilled demon lunged at him with terrifying speed. He sidestepped the attack, his blade flashing as he countered, slicing a shallow wound across its side.
The demon hissed, its glowing eyes narrowing as it adjusted its stance. Its movements were cautious now, testing him, probing for an opening.
Ryuji smirked faintly, his confidence returning. "You're fast," he muttered, raising his blade. "But let's see how long you can keep up."
He took a deep breath, steadying himself. The air around him seemed to shift as he prepared to strike. It's time to show them what I'm capable of.
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