Kyojuro's massive flaming slash carved a deep, gaping wound across Barons' chest.
However, it was far from enough to bring him down.
Although the blazing flames scorched his thin moth-like wings, Barons' true strength was not to be underestimated.
Unlike demons, the Manjushri possessed an exceptionally refined digestive system.
They could absorb and assimilate the flesh of both humans and demons with extraordinary efficiency.
As a result, although they consumed far fewer humans than ordinary demons, the strength they gained from each meal far exceeded that of Muzan's creations.
Barons let out a furious shriek.
His hands transformed into razor-sharp claws once again as he lunged toward Kyojuro.
The Flame Hashira was already badly wounded.
Blood flowed from the injuries on his forehead and around one eye, forcing him to fight with only a single eye fully open.
Even so…
The confident smile never disappeared from his face.
To Kyojuro Rengoku, neither demons, nor Manjushri, nor even death itself were worthy of fear.
Enraged by that unwavering spirit, Barons suddenly extended one arm.
Countless fine silk threads shot outward like a deadly net, racing toward Kyojuro.
The unfamiliar attack caused him to hesitate for only an instant.
That single instant was enough.
Barons closed the distance and slashed viciously with both claws.
Kyojuro reacted immediately, twisting his body just enough to avoid having his abdomen torn open.
Although the fatal strike missed, his side was ripped apart, fresh blood spilling across his uniform.
"…"
That attack looked strangely familiar.
Almost identical to Akaza's close-range combat style.
Were these two secretly admirers of Upper Rank Three?
From the sidelines, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Nezuko instinctively wanted to rush in and help.
Kokushibo merely cast them a calm glance.
The four immediately fell silent.
Was he joking?
Did he truly have so little confidence in Kyojuro?
If Kokushibo genuinely believed Kyojuro was in danger, Barons would have already been cut down.
The real reason he remained motionless lay elsewhere.
He was waiting.
Waiting for Akaza.
More specifically…
Waiting for the perfect moment to administer the medicine prepared by Tamayo.
His entire plan depended on Akaza exhausting himself in battle against Mokō before the medicine was forced upon him.
If Kokushibo interfered now and eliminated Barons himself, Kyojuro would undoubtedly rush over to assist Akaza.
Then Akaza and Kyojuro would inevitably begin fighting each other again.
One demon.
One Hashira.
Exactly as expected.
That would completely disrupt Kokushibo's preparations.
Therefore, he simply watched.
As long as Kyojuro's life was never truly threatened, Kokushibo had no intention of interfering.
Naturally, Tanjiro could not understand any of this.
If Kokushibo wasn't planning to kill them…
Then why stop them from helping?
Before Tanjiro could think any further, Kyojuro and Barons clashed once again.
Despite his growing injuries, Kyojuro's attacks became increasingly fierce.
His Flame Breathing flowed naturally from one form into another.
Each movement linked seamlessly into the next.
There was no hesitation.
No wasted motion.
It was as though every technique had become instinct itself.
Under such relentless pressure, Barons found himself completely overwhelmed.
He could not understand it.
His physical strength clearly exceeded Kyojuro's.
So why…
Why was he the one being driven backward?
Strength alone had never determined victory.
Even Yoriichi Tsugikuni had chosen to evade certain attacks rather than challenge them with raw force.
Muzan Kibutsuji possessed overwhelming physical superiority.
As long as even a single cell survived, he could regenerate.
His lifespan dwarfed that of any human.
And yet…
The outcome of that battle was known to history.
Muzan had been utterly overwhelmed.
Realizing brute force alone would not prevail, Barons became desperate.
His regenerated wings beat violently.
An enormous quantity of glowing phosphorus powder erupted at point-blank range.
The entire battlefield disappeared beneath a massive explosion.
This time…
Not only were Tanjiro and the others alarmed.
Even Kokushibo briefly considered intervening.
His hand rested upon his sword.
Then…
He relaxed.
"Someone's here."
Inside the exploding cloud of fire and dust, Barons believed Kyojuro had finally exhausted his strength.
Surely…
This time, the Hashira could no longer swing his sword.
Whoosh!
A sharp sound cut through the smoke.
Water Breathing, Second Form: Water Wheel!
A spinning blue arc burst through the explosion.
In a single slash…
Half of Barons' head was severed.
Caught completely off guard, he hastily retreated from the smoke-filled battlefield.
As the dust slowly dispersed…
Two familiar figures emerged.
The Water Hashira
Giyu Tomioka.
And beside him…
The Insect Hashira
Shinobu Kocho.
The arrival of two additional Hashira instantly eased the tension weighing upon Tanjiro and the others.
Seeing reinforcements finally arrive, Kyojuro allowed himself a brief sigh of relief.
Blood covered nearly every part of his body.
His face was stained crimson.
Yet he showed no concern for his own injuries.
He simply welcomed the opportunity to catch his breath.
Without wasting a second, Giyu entrusted Kyojuro to Shinobu before stepping forward himself.
Shinobu immediately began examining Kyojuro's wounds.
"I'm fine," Kyojuro insisted with his usual smile.
Shinobu ignored him completely.
"This opponent uses toxins."
"You don't get to decide whether you're fine."
As expected, traces of phosphorus powder clung to Kyojuro's injuries.
The surrounding flesh had already begun showing signs of chemical corrosion.
Without hesitation, Shinobu administered an antidote.
Meanwhile…
Giyu faced Barons alone.
The Manjushri regenerated the missing portion of his head almost instantly.
Then he noticed Giyu's indifferent expression.
His pride suffered another devastating blow.
"I'll ask you one question."
"Am I flamboyant?"
Giyu blinked.
For a brief moment, he wondered whether this strange creature somehow knew Tengen Uzui.
After all…
If anyone embodied flamboyance, it was the Sound Hashira.
Jewels.
Extravagant clothing.
Flashy techniques.
Compared to Uzui…
Giyu honestly could not describe Barons' appearance as anything remarkable.
So, with complete sincerity, he answered.
"No."
"You're not flamboyant."
Somewhere far away…
Gyokko would probably have felt strangely understood.
Barons completely exploded with rage.
"You irritating human!!"
Without another word, he shot into the sky.
His wings scattered enormous clouds of phosphorus powder across the battlefield.
But Giyu had already understood its properties.
There was no reason to confront it directly.
Water Breathing, Third Form: Flowing Dance!
His movements became fluid beyond belief.
Each step flowed naturally into the next.
He glided through the battlefield like a stream weaving around every obstacle.
Watching from afar…
It looked less like Barons was hunting Giyu.
And more like Giyu was effortlessly leading Barons exactly where he wanted him.
"Stop running away!" Barons roared.
He released even more phosphorus powder, attempting to overwhelm Giyu through sheer volume.
Yet every explosion struck only empty air.
Only drifting smoke remained behind.
Then…
Giyu suddenly turned.
His sword flashed.
Water Breathing, Second Form: Water Wheel!
Launching high into the air, he spun toward Barons.
His blade descended directly toward the creature's chest.
Experience had taught him that the Manjushri's true body was most likely hidden there.
This time, however…
Barons had anticipated the attack.
Fine silk threads shot outward, wrapping tightly around Giyu's Nichirin Blade.
"Hah!"
"You fool! Did you really think I'd fall for "
He never finished speaking.
A tiny shadow suddenly appeared behind him.
Insect Breathing, Dance of the Bee Sting: True Flutter!
Shinobu Kocho moved with blinding speed.
Her thrust pierced through the base of Barons' delicate wings, shattering them completely.
The sudden attack left him defenseless.
Giyu immediately twisted his body free.
His breathing shifted once more.
Water Breathing, Sixth Form: Whirlpool!
The spiraling slash engulfed Barons before he could recover.
Caught between the perfectly timed assault of the Water Hashira and the Insect Hashira…
Barons was sent crashing helplessly to the ground.
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