Captured blades

Chpt. 12 "The Final Round"

              Kokushibo stood still, looking down on the singular young slayer that stood before him. Despite the fact that Tanjiro knew Sun Breathing and had unlocked the slayer mark, that simply would not be enough to even register him as a threat to Kokushibo as Kokushibo not only also had the slayer mark but also had access to the see through world, allowing him to see and predict Tanjiro's every move. And on top of that, even if Tanjiro knew Sun breathing, in reality it was only a modified dance form of it and Tanjiro hadn't even mastered it. 

             The fact that he was hopelessly outmatched wasn't beyond Tanjiro, especially considering how badly he had lost to Akaza  and now he alone had to face an even stronger opponent. This didn't dissuade him though. Steadying himself despite the fact that his every limb cried out in pain and he felt sharp pains with every breath he took, Tanjiro held his sword up against Kokushibo with a look of pure determination on his face.

              Then Tanjiro noticed it. 

Tanjiro's thoughts: "The moon... then it's position in the sky is very low. Sunrise is soon! Maybe.... just maybe if I can stall for long enough, we can make it to morning!"

              Tanjiro tightened his stance and took a deep breath to ready himself. Then, Tanjiro made his mode.

Kokushibo: "Finally..."

*Water Breathing, 10th Form: Constant Flux*

Kokushibo's thoughts: "So he decides to use his best technique right out the gate? How foolish."

               Tanjiro charged toward Kokushibo spinning over and over building up power. Kokushibo did nothing and continued to stand still as Tanjiro approached him. Just before Tanjiro's blade reached him, Kokushibo disappeared. Tanjiro stopped spinning and stood still, confused as to where Kokushibo went. 

Kokushibo: "Hmm... Not bad."

             Tanjiro whipped his head to the side to see Kokushibo standing a way's away.

*Water Breathing, Third Form: Flowing Dance*

             Tanjiro unleashed a series of flowing slashes that were all easily dodged by Kokushibo.

Kokushibo: "You're still quite young and yet you're already so skilled with the breath of water. Though you still have a long ways to go."

Tanjiro's thoughts: "Fast... He was able to dodge my technique without me even seeing him move. And on top of that he won't even draw his sword... he's toying with me... I have to step up the heat!"

*Hinokami Kagura: Fire Wheel*       

            Tanjiro unleashed a singular circular slash towards Kokushibo from the left side though the slash was stopped when Kokushibo simply put his right hand up across his body and caught Tanjiro's sword mid slash. . Tanjiro watched in shock as Kokushibo stood there, completely unfazed by the blade digging into his skin and causing blood to run down to his fingertips. Kokushibo then let the blade go and swung his hand down, slashing Tanjiro in the face, leaving a three large claw like gashes on the side of his face. Tanjiro stumbled backwards as he held his bleeding cheek in pain. Tanjiro quickly recovered and unleashed another attack.

*Hinokami Kagura: Fake Rainbow*

           Tanjiro seemingly disappeared into thin air. Awaiting a moment to strike.

Kokushibo: "*sigh* This technique again. How predictable."

           Suddenly a flaming sword appeared behind Kokushibo seemingly without his notice as Tanjiro swung forward with one hand arm on the blade. The blade got just mere centimeters from his neck before...