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His Last Breath

Miyuki's POV

I woke up, the pain in my body a dull throb. Using my sword for support, I managed to get to my feet and staggered toward where Rengoku was fighting. 

The scene before me was a maelstrom of fire and destruction as Rengoku unleashed his Ninth Form:  His fiery technique clashed with Akaza' sending waves of fire.

"Rengoku..." I was amazed as I watched him slice through Akaza's body with a downward and upward stroke while the demon threw a wild counterattack. 

"Oh..." I sighed in relief, seeing him gain the upper hand. "Listen, I'll give you one last chance," Akaza pleaded, desperate as his wounds became fatal. 

Rengoku, unwavering, plunged his blade into Akaza's neck. "No, no, no, no!" I watched in horror as the demon's arm passed through Rengoku's abdomen. 

When the smoke cleared, Rengoku's sword slipped further into Akaza's neck.

"Move, Inosuke!" I heard Tanjiro shout in the distance. He ran around the trees, yelling, "Move your body for Rengoku-San's sake!" Tanjiro and Inosuke rushed toward Rengoku and Akaza.

I forced my legs to move, finally summoning the strength. I jumped and stabbed the demon's abdomen, pulling back hard. 

"Cough! Cough!" Akaza coughed up blood, glaring at me with fury. He went in for a punch, but Rengoku stopped it with his other arm.

Inosuke's attack stopped Akaza in his tracks. "Beast Breathing, Fang One... Pierce!" he roared. The sun was about to rise, and the demon had to flee. 

"Fuck!" Akaza ripped his own arms off and stomped. The wind blast pushed Tanjiro and Inosuke back. I managed to hold Rengoku's falling body, feeling the weight of his sacrifice.

"Kyojuro!" I cried out, my voice filled with panic and desperation. "You're going to be alright, I've got you. I've got you," I repeated, clutching his body tightly, which now felt cold against mine.

"Did... did you defeat the Upper Moon?" Rengoku asked weakly, his voice strained.

"Yeah, yeah I did." I hugged him tightly, tears forming in my eyes. "Don't... don't speak. Catch your breath," I said, my voice trembling. 

He coughed up some blood, and I felt a pang of helplessness. "Damn, you're better than me," Rengoku said with a weak smile.

"Stop talking!" I said firmly, looking up to see Akaza running away into the woods.

"Akaza!" Tanjiro shouted, his voice filled with fury and desperation. "Don't run away! Don't run away, you coward! Don't run away!" Tanjiro chased after him, throwing his sword with all his strength.

 "The Demon Slayer Corps... is always fighting you demons in the dark of the night where you have the advantage! That's right, us flesh and blood humans!" Tanjiro's sword pierced the demon's chest. 

"Don't run away, you bastard! You bastard! You coward! Rengoku-San is way more amazing than you! He's stronger! Rengoku-San didn't lose! He didn't let anybody die!" Tanjiro's voice broke as he cried out in frustration.

Inosuke trembled, his mask unable to hide his sorrow. 

"He fought to the end! He protected us to the end! You're the one who lost! It's Rengoku-San who won!" Tanjiro cried, falling to his knees and sobbing.

"Heh... stop yelling already. You'll reopen that stomach wound," Rengoku smiled in resignation.

I held his unexpectedly cold body in my arms, my heart breaking. "Forgive me. If only... if only I was a bit quicker," I stammered, my lips trembling.