Rengoku: I am the flame hashira, Rengoku Kyojurou! Ninth form. Hell fire!
Akaza: Destructive death. Annihilation type!
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The clash producing a huge cloud of debris. It covers the entire area blinding the vision of those engulfed within.
Tanjiro: Rengoku-San!
Rengoku slices akaza's arm in half before raising his sword and slicing through his torso. Akaza regens but Rengoku turns the blade and slicing up putting all his energy into it. As the debris clears and the dust settles, Tanjiro watches in worry. His eyes widen in fear when he sees Akaza's arm going through Rengoku's chest. Rengoku coughs up blood. Tanjiro screams in pain and misery seeing what's happening.
Akaza: You know this wound will kill you! Become a demon! Say that you'll become a demon! You're strong. You're one of the chosen few!
Akaza's injuries heal. Rengoku's efforts were in vain. He begins to think back. Sitting at the engawa with his sick mother and his best friend.
Flashback
Ruka: Kyojuro, Y/n.
Rengoku and Y/n: yes, mother?/ yes, Ruka-san?
Ruka: I want you two to think well about what I'm going to ask you. Do you know why you were born stronger than so many others?
Rengoku: I don't know!
Y/n: to protect those we love?
Ruka: you're half right, y/n. It's to protect the weak. Those blessed with more natural talent than others must use their strength for the good of the world—for the people. It's unforgivable to use strength granted by the heavens to hurt others or empower yourself. Helping the weak is the duty of those born strong. You must take this responsibility seriously and fulfill your duty. Make sure you never forget that.
Rengoku and Y/n: I won't!
She puts her arms out and hugs them both.
Ruka: I don't have much time left. Having a child as strong and gentle as you was truly a blessing. Also, you y/n, you're the most selfless and caring person I've met. I hope your trip to your hometown goes well. I'm counting on you both.
Tears fall from her eyes.
Flashback over
Rengoku's grip tightens on his sword. He swings it at Akaza's neck. He puts all he can to push the sword through the tough demon's neck.
Rengoku (thoughts): mother, the honor is mine to have been born to you! Brother, it was an honor to fight beside you!
Akaza tries to punch Rengoku but his punch gets stopped by Rengoku grabbing it tightly with his other arm. Akaza is in shock at how his attack was stopped the mortality wounded warrior. He looks over to the skyline and sees the sun slowly rise. His plan changes to kill Rengoku and escape before the sun rises. He tries to pull his arm out but his efforts prove fruitless.
