Captured blades

Chpt. 11: "Choice"

                Chaos rang throughout the Dimensional Infinity Fortress as the brigade of demon slayers and Hashira were confronted by the Nakime, Kaigaku, Hantengu, and Gyokko. Throughout the chaotic rumblings, Tanjiro ran across the many maze like layers and platforms within the infinity fortress with an unconscious Kanao in his arms. Tanjiro could tell that her body temperature was dropping fast, likely from Douma's ice still in her lungs. 

Tanjiro: "Damn it... I need to get out of here... or find someone. Maybe Shinobu? If I can find her, maybe she'll have something that can help. Just need to find someone... anyone."

???: "GUYS I FOUND THEM! I SEE TANJIRO AND KANAO!"

                 Tanjiro lifted his head up to see Zenitsu waving down at them. The sight of his close friend allowed Tanjiro to experience a wave of relief. Unfortunately this relief was washed away as he saw someone approach Zenitsu from behind.

Tanjiro: "Zenitsu! Behind you!"

Zenitsu: "Huh?"

*Thunder Breathing, Fifth Form: Heat Lightning*

                  Zenitsu barely dodged the strike of black lightning that went past him. As he found his footing, Zenitsu looked up horrified to see the man standing before him.

Zenitsu: "No... That's impossible... How could you?!"

Kaigaku: "Hehehe... Why hello there Zenitsu. I'm surprised they sent you're pathetic ass along for the ride. Where they short on slayers or something."

                   Tanjiro looked on helplessly as Zenitsu became preoccupied with Kaigaku and decided to continue to traverse the infinity fortress, hoping to come across another person. Eventually Tanjiro did find more people, including Gyomei and Inosuke attempting to get in close to Nakime, Muichiro and Sanemi fighting Gyokko, and Giyu and Shinobu fighting Hantengu. All the while, the lower level demon slayers either were behind preoccupied with lesser demons who had also appeared or attempted to help the hashira in their battles as much as they can.

Tanjiro: "Tsk... everyone's busy... And I can't be of any help to them with this many injuries weighing me down. All I can do is just stay out of everyone's way and try to find an exit."

                  Tanjiro turned and began to run away from the many battles taking place. Meanwhile the two former students of the Thunder Pillar were having a standoff.

Zenitsu: "......"

Kaigaku: "Hmph... still the spineless little rat you always were huh? Not surprising honestly. But still disappointing. I was really hoping you had become something. Especially after all the things Kamado said about you."

Zenistu: "Huh? Tanjiro said things... about me?"

Kaigaku: "you bet he did. And it was all a bunch of utter nonsense! Nothing but a spew about how you're actually strong and reliable and how you're faaaar more deserving of the position of Thunder Pillar than me. Honestly just a load of bullshit. Every word of what he said was complete delusion."

                   Zenitsu put his head down, hiding his expression from Kaigaku.

Zenitsu's thoughts: "So that's what he actually thinks of me? I know he always said those kind of things to my face but for him to continue to speak well of me behind my back... It's the ultimate sign that his words were genuine... and if a guy as great as Tanjiro will honestly say that many good things about me... than maybe they're somewhat true. What does Kaigaku have on Tanjiro that makes his word any more legitimate?"

Kaigaku: HEY! What're you being so silent for trash boy! I want a good fight from you for once in your god damn, pathetic, miserable life!"

Zenitsu: "You want a fight? Fine."