~Uppermoon 3~
The air outside the train was thick with tension, the forest illuminated by the pale light of the moon. The ground beneath your feet was firm—a stark contrast to the chaos that had erupted moments ago. Rengoku stood a few paces ahead, his flame-patterned haori billowing in the cool night breeze. You gripped your katana tightly, heart pounding as the sinister presence of a powerful demon loomed closer.
From the shadows, Akaza, Upper Rank Three of the Twelve Kizuki, stepped into the moonlight. His aura was suffocating, his power radiating in waves. A cruel smile curved his lips as his golden eyes landed on Rengoku, then shifted to the battered Tanjiro lying on the ground.
Your palms grew slick with sweat as Akaza advanced, his target clear. His fist shot toward Tanjiro with merciless intent.
“Not on my watch!” Rengoku’s voice rang out as he intercepted, his katana slicing cleanly through the demon’s arm.
Akaza recoiled momentarily, then chuckled, unfazed by the loss of his limb.
“What a fine blade,” Akaza remarked, casually licking the blood from his wound as it regenerated.
“Going after a wounded person first—how utterly pathetic,” you spat, your voice cold.
The demon's laughter was low and condescending. “I simply cannot abide weakness.”
Rengoku’s eyes burned with fury as he stepped forward. “It seems our values are worlds apart.”
Akaza’s attention sharpened. “Why don’t you both become demons? I can tell you’re strong—Hashira, aren’t you? Such talent would be wasted on your fleeting humanity.” His gaze flicked to you, his interest piqued.
“I am Rengoku Kyojuro, Flame Hashira,” Rengoku declared with unyielding resolve.
You stepped forward beside him, your voice unwavering. “And I am Y/N, the Celestial Hashira.”
Akaza smiled, a predator sizing up his prey. “I am Akaza. Become demons, both of you. Together, we could achieve strength beyond your comprehension.” He extended a hand, as if offering salvation.
“Not in a million years,” you snapped, raising your blade. Rengoku’s refusal was equally firm, his voice steady.
Akaza’s smile twisted into something darker. “A shame. I’ll have to kill you, then. Though I may spare you,” he added, his eyes locking on you, “since you’re a woman.”
The remark made your blood boil, but you didn’t let it rattle you. Instead, you exchanged a knowing glance with Rengoku, both of you slipping into combat stances. His golden eyes blazed like wildfire, and you nodded, ready to fight side by side.
“Celestial Breathing: First Form—Starburst Strike!”
You lunged forward, your katana slicing downward in a cascade of shimmering light. Akaza dodged with inhuman speed, but a glimmer of satisfaction filled you when one strike seared his shoulder.
“Flame Breathing: Fifth Form—Flame Tiger!”
Rengoku followed seamlessly, his fiery strikes roaring with feral intensity as they drove Akaza back.
But the demon retaliated swiftly, leaping into the air.
“Destructive Death: Compass Needle!” he called out, his fists flying in a blinding flurry of punches. Rengoku shielded himself with his blade, but the relentless force knocked him momentarily off balance.
“Fight me, you wretched demon!” you shouted, dashing forward with renewed vigor. Akaza, however, ignored you, his interest clearly lying elsewhere.
“Celestial Breathing: Third Form—Solar Flare Slash!”
The battlefield lit up as a blinding light emanated from your blade. The burst of radiance stalled Akaza’s assault, giving Rengoku a moment to recover.
Akaza turned to you, his golden eyes narrowing with intrigue. “You fight well... but you care for him, don’t you?” His voice was laced with mockery. “How noble—and foolish.”
He lunged at you with disorienting speed, but Rengoku intercepted once again, his blade stopping Akaza’s fist mid-swing.
“Stay back, Y/N!” he shouted.
“I won’t!” you fired back, your voice steady despite the terror coursing through you. “We fight together, or not at all!”
Rengoku gritted his teeth, his golden gaze blazing. “This isn’t about pride, Y/N. It’s about survival. Please, step back!”
But you were unrelenting. “I won’t let you face this alone!”You dashed around him, unleashing another powerful technique.
“Celestial Breathing: Fourth Form—Nebula Veil!”
Your katana spun in a vortex of shimmering light, distorting Akaza’s trajectory. He faltered for a brief moment before his expression hardened.
“Humans are so fragile,” he sneered, disappearing in a blur. His fist collided with your side before you could react, sending you crashing to the ground. The pain was excruciating, your ribs screaming in protest as you struggled to breathe.
“Y/N!” Rengoku’s voice was sharp with concern as he knelt by your side, his blade raised defensively.
“I-I’m fine,” you gasped, though the blood trickling from your lips betrayed the lie. You pushed yourself to your feet, trembling but resolute.
“Akaza!” Rengoku roared, his katana a blazing arc as he charged.
“Flame Breathing: Third Form—Blazing Universe!”
His strike connected, carving into Akaza’s side. But the demon laughed, his wounds already knitting themselves back together. “You waste your strength, Flame Hashira. Imagine how much more you could achieve as a demon.”
Rengoku’s voice cut through the battlefield like a blade. “Strength means nothing if it’s used to destroy. My life may be fleeting, but it is precious because I dedicate it to protecting others.”
As the fight wore on, you could see Rengoku beginning to falter. Blood stained his haori, his breaths ragged but unyielding. Akaza was relentless, his taunts growing more sinister.
“I won’t let this happen,” you murmured, forcing yourself to stand.
Rengoku steadied himself, his voice low but powerful. “Set your heart ablaze.”
With every ounce of strength, you pushed forward.
“Celestial Breathing: Fifth Form—Comet Crash!”
Your blade struck true, severing Akaza’s arm as he lunged for Rengoku. Without pause, you cut through his other arm, halting his assault.
Akaza stumbled, his golden eyes wide with shock. “You dare—!”
“I dare!” you spat, your energy spent as you collapsed to the ground. Rengoku caught you, his arms steady despite his own exhaustion.
The sun crept over the horizon, its light sending Akaza retreating into the forest. “This isn’t over, Rengoku,” he snarled before disappearing.
Rengoku knelt beside you, his golden gaze soft with concern. “You shouldn’t have pushed yourself.”
“I’m sorry, Rengoku-san,” you whispered, the edges of your vision darkening. “Take me to Shinobu... I’ll be fine...”
His grip tightened. “You did well. Rest now. I’ll take care of everything.”
A/n's note: We saved Rengoku from being donated yay. So I won't be following the main storyline accurately from here. There will be some major changes
YOU ARE READING
𝘙𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 || 𝙸.𝙾
Fanfiction[ON HOLD] "You're reckless," Obanai muttered, his tone colder than usual. "Do you even think before you swing your blade? If I hadn't been here, you'd be dead." "I wasn't reckless!" you shot back, frustrated. "I handled myself just fine. Or did you...
