Higashikuze Akiho's very existence was thought to be taboo among demons and humans alike: she was a half-demon, the first of her kind. But being taken in and rasied by a former pillar with a strong sense of justice and a hatred for Kibutsuji Muzan...
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第三十七话
The atmosphere was cold and tense, even the moans and groans of lesser demons had halted completely as if even they didn't want to disturb the scene before them. Akiho's expression showed an intense emotion, however she was internally calmer than a temple during prayer.
"I caught the scent of the brat who wears the hanafuda earrings," Akaza said with a smile that was laced with malice. The veins around his face was pulsing at the mention of the slayer. "I'm surprised he's still alive, being the weakling that he is. Where is he?"
"You're facing me," Akiho responded coldly. The grip on her hilt was tight and ready to go. She has been waiting for this moment since the day Kyoujurou died, and she could laugh at the irony that the demon would just be presented in front of her. "So quit being distracted and pay attention."
"Well, you are not my target. My mission is to kill Kamado Tanjirou."
"I couldn't give a shit. You are my target. You, who took the life of someone who I cared for deeply."
Akaza's eyes lit up after seeing the familiar flame guard on the girl's sword, but he made no notion to move from his spot just yet. "Ah, I remember now. You're angry with me because he died. It's his fault, you know. Kyoujurou should've taken my offer and become stronger than he could've ever imagined as a demon. Instead, he chose to wither away and become food for the worms."
"He chose to have humanity, even at the face of death. That's something you disgusting beings would never understand."
The upper moon tilted his head with a comical smirk, "Those are strong words coming from a creature like yourself. Tell me, do the humans actually accept you when you have a former Upper Moon demon's blood flowing in you?"
Whether the demon knew that bringing up Suzaku was a sore spot for the girl, he did not show it. Akaza was genuinely curious, in fact. He couldn't hide that he was interested in both Higashikuze Akiho and Kamado Tanjirou, both who had a strong bond with the Fire Pillar that he dare say, respected, but killed because the man foolishly did not want to preserve and enhance his strength.
"Maybe Kyoujurou refused to become a demon because he despised what you are. But he would've been different because he would be a full blooded demon, unlike you."
"You're wrong," Akiho was upon him in a second as the glint of her sword spiraled down on his neck with a rush of blazing heat. She was done listening to the demon's nonsense. "Master Kyoujurou accepted me for who I am. He saw my humanity. Those who fight alongside me in the Corps have, too."
The demon swung his powerful arm up to block her and blood spurted out across the muted wall behind him. A loud thud indicated that his arm had been sliced clean off his shoulders and he mused at how swiftly the girl was able to do so.
