After hearing Aoyama's words, Kagaya Ubuyashiki nodded in approval.
Aoyama was right.
Humans have good and evil.
Demons do as well.
After all, Ubuyashiki himself had personally met a kind demon—Lady Tamayo.
With Sanemi's hand finally removed from his head, Tanjiro quickly straightened up, clutching the wooden box and stepping behind Aoyama.
The way he looked at Sanemi had changed.
There was anger now.
Even after being beaten like that, he still refused to acknowledge Nezuko's existence.
Among the Hashira, some opposed.
Some remained neutral.
As the Master, Ubuyashiki could not decide solely by his own will.
He lowered his head slightly.
"Bring out the letter."
One of the attendants stepped forward, retrieving a folded letter from within her kimono.
"This letter was sent by former Hashira, Sakonji Urokodaki. I will now read a portion of it."
Aoyama knew what Ubuyashiki intended—to persuade the opposition with Urokodaki's words.
But Sanemi's earlier demand still irritated him.
"Let's hold off on the letter for a moment," Aoyama said calmly. "Before that, there's something we can do first."
"Aoyama!!!"
Sanemi roared, barely suppressing his anger.
He had interrupted something the Master was about to do.
His fist clenched at his side, bones cracking.
Aoyama ignored him completely.
Whether the letter was read now or later wouldn't change much.
Those who opposed would still oppose.
Better to settle this directly.
"What matter do you propose, Aoyama?" Ubuyashiki asked gently.
Aoyama's gaze swept across the four who had opposed: Gyomei Himejima, Tengen Uzui, Kyojuro Rengoku, and Sanemi Shinazugawa.
"Someone among the Hashira said they wanted proof. I say we prove it now. The letter can wait."
Behind him, Tanjiro tugged at his sleeve.
"Senior Brother! Are you going to duel them? Let me fight too! I'll fight for Nezuko!"
His voice rose with fierce determination.
He was her older brother.
Even if it cost him his head, he would protect her.
Seeing the fire in Tanjiro's eyes, Shinobu reminded him gently,
"Your pain is only suppressed, not healed."
"Thank you! But I can do this!"
Tanjiro insisted loudly.
Rengoku stepped forward, voice booming.
"Master! Please permit it! Let us determine whether this demon should remain!"
Ubuyashiki did not speak.
But he lifted his hand slightly.
Permission granted.
All of them were his beloved children.
As for Aoyama—
Was he truly gifted?
Or merely reckless in youth?
He wished to see for himself.
The moment permission was given, Rengoku sprang to his feet.
His Nichirin Blade flashed from its sheath—
And thrust straight at Aoyama.
Aoyama had already braced himself the instant Rengoku rose.
He pulled Tanjiro aside with one hand and drew his own blade to block.
Clang!
"Haha! Blocked!" Rengoku laughed.
He hadn't warned Aoyama.
Just as Aoyama had surprised Sanemi earlier.
Now it was his turn.
Aoyama shielded Tanjiro and the box with one arm.
"If you want to help," he said without looking back, "protect Nezuko. Leave the rest to me."
Tanjiro nodded firmly and retreated.
Rengoku's blood was burning now.
"If you defeat me," he declared, "I will acknowledge Tanjiro and his demon sister."
Aoyama smiled faintly.
"Good."
That was exactly what he wanted.
"Total Concentration! Flame Breathing!"
"First Form: Unknowing Fire!"
Shinobu's expression shifted slightly.
This wasn't casual sparring like before.
Rengoku had activated his breathing technique.
The red blade blazed with flame-like patterns, cutting through the air.
Aoyama moved instantly.
He dashed to a tree and sprinted up its trunk, landing on a branch—
Crack!
Rengoku's strike cleaved the tree in half.
Before the trunk even finished falling—
Aoyama leapt.
His blade raised high.
"Total Concentration! Light Breathing!"
"First Form: Flash—Revised!"
Light shimmered along his blade as he descended like a falling star.
"Ah!"
Mitsuri gasped.
At the final second, Rengoku raised his blade.
Clang!
He caught the strike overhead, knees bending under the impact.
Sanemi watched closely.
If he had used breathing earlier—
Would things have gone differently?
The two separated.
Rengoku's arm trembled slightly.
Aoyama steadied his breath and lunged forward again.
Clang!
Their blades met, sparks flying.
Rengoku poured his strength into the clash—
But Aoyama changed.
Suddenly, he withdrew his blade and shifted aside.
Rengoku, caught mid-force, stumbled forward—
Aoyama seized the opportunity.
He grabbed Rengoku's cape—
And yanked hard.
Rengoku fell backward—
Thud!
Flat onto the ground.
The courtyard fell silent.
The Flame Hashira…
Had been thrown.
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