章 4: Chapter 4: Reluctant Partnership
The moon hung high over the scorched ruins of the village as Guts moved through the destruction, his eyes scanning the horizon for any remaining threats. The fight had left him exhausted, the pain from his injuries seeping into his bones. Yet, his resolve remained unshaken. He didn't need anyone—especially not someone like Giyu Tomioka, who had just stood there, watching.
Guts was about to turn away, intending to leave the village and find somewhere quiet to rest, when Giyu's voice interrupted the silence.
"Leaving already?" Giyu called from behind.
Guts didn't respond at first, but the sound of Giyu's calm footsteps drew closer, until the man was standing just a few feet behind him. Guts gritted his teeth. He could tell that Giyu wasn't going to let him go so easily.
"You've got a lot of fight in you," Giyu continued, his voice steady and direct. "But you're not going to last long like this."
Guts spun around, his hand gripping the makeshift spear. "I've survived without you or anyone else for years. I don't need your help."
Giyu didn't flinch. "Maybe not now. But when you run into demons stronger than the ones you've faced, you'll realize you can't do it alone. You need to learn. You need to grow."
Guts's eyes narrowed, but he didn't respond. His mind was already made up. He would fight alone—always alone.
But just as he turned to leave, a sudden growl echoed from the darkness. The air shifted, and Guts's instincts flared. Something else was out there. Something stronger than the demons he had just killed.
Before Guts could react, a massive shape emerged from the shadows—a demon, towering and monstrous, with bulging muscles, jagged spikes covering its back, and eyes glowing with a malevolent red light. Its mouth was open, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth.
The demon's massive fist swung toward Guts, too fast for him to avoid. But Guts didn't back down. He raised the spear in a desperate, quick strike, aiming for the creature's oncoming blow.
The collision of their strength sent shockwaves through the air, shaking the ground beneath them. Guts barely managed to hold his ground, but the impact sent a jolt of pain through his body. The demon's punch was relentless, forcing Guts to stumble back.
"Watch out!" Giyu's voice cut through the air, and in a blur of motion, Giyu was suddenly by Guts's side, drawing his katana in a flash.
Without hesitation, Giyu slashed at the demon's exposed side. The blade connected with a sickening screech, but it didn't pierce deep enough to sever the creature's thick skin. The demon howled in pain but retaliated quickly, swinging its claws at Giyu with ferocious speed.
Guts didn't wait for Giyu's next move. He was already back on his feet, charging at the demon's flank with a roar. He thrust his spear forward, aiming for the demon's weak spot—its chest. The spear punctured deep into the demon's side, but it didn't fall. The demon grabbed the shaft with one hand and wrenched it out of Guts's grip, throwing him several feet away.
Guts landed hard, rolling to his feet with a grunt. He could feel the strain in his muscles, the blood dripping from his side. The demon was stronger, faster, and more dangerous than anything he had faced before. He needed a better strategy.
As the demon lunged toward Giyu, Guts quickly scanned the battlefield. His eyes locked onto a pile of debris nearby—a collection of broken wood and stone. Without hesitation, Guts dashed for it, kicking up dust as he ran. He grabbed a large beam of wood and swung it like a battering ram, using his momentum to slam it into the demon's skull.
The impact was brutal, but the demon only staggered, growling in fury. It turned toward Guts, its red eyes glowing with murderous intent.
"Stay focused, Guts!" Giyu shouted, his katana raised to block another incoming strike. "It's not just strength that will win this fight—it's precision."
Guts grunted, his muscles aching, but his eyes narrowed in concentration. He had fought countless enemies, but this demon was different. Its sheer size and power made it a terrifying opponent. Still, it had a weakness—every demon did.
With a sudden burst of speed, Guts charged again, aiming for the demon's throat. He ducked under a wild swing, sidestepping to avoid the demon's claws. The creature roared, swinging its massive arms in an arc that could level entire buildings.
Guts's spear thrust forward again, this time finding its mark. He drove the makeshift weapon deep into the demon's neck, the tip of the spear puncturing the thick skin. Blood sprayed out in torrents, and the demon let out a deafening scream of pain.
The demon staggered backward, disoriented. It was weakening. Guts saw the opening and lunged, pulling a short sword from his side and plunging it deep into the creature's chest. The demon let out one final roar before collapsing in a heap, dead.
Breathing heavily, Guts stepped back, his body battered and bruised but still standing. He wiped the blood from his brow, his gaze moving to Giyu. The Demon Slayer stood tall, his katana dripping with demon blood, but his eyes were not filled with triumph. Instead, there was a calculating look in them, as if he were already assessing Guts's potential.
"You're strong," Giyu said, his voice steady. "But you fought like a wild animal, not a warrior. That will get you killed one day."
Guts glared at him, still panting from the battle. "I don't need your lessons."
"You do," Giyu replied. "Strength without control is just a waste. If you join the Demon Slayer Corps, you'll learn to fight smarter, not harder. You can be a weapon, but you'll need discipline to be a warrior."
Guts's expression hardened. He didn't like the idea of being tied down by rules, by some corps. He had seen what organizations like that did to people—used them, chewed them up, and spat them out.
But the fight had shown him something. He was strong, but strength alone wouldn't be enough to survive in this world. His mind was already starting to weigh the options.
"I'm not joining anyone," Guts muttered, turning to leave. "But I'll fight with you—for now."
Giyu gave a small nod, acknowledging the reluctant agreement. "That's a start."
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Chapter 4 - Key Points:
Guts's Reluctant Partnership with Giyu: After the battle with the demon, Giyu continues to press Guts to join the Demon Slayer Corps, emphasizing the need for discipline and precision in combat.
Guts's Growth in Combat: Despite his refusal to accept help, Guts learns the importance of working with others and using strategy over raw strength during the fight against the demon. This battle showcases Guts's raw talent but also reveals the need for structure in his combat style.
Tension between Guts and Giyu: While Guts agrees to fight alongside Giyu for the time being, his reluctance to join the Corps remains, creating an ongoing tension between the two characters.
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To be continued...
In the next chapter, Guts's internal struggle will continue as he faces new demons and dangerous situations, testing both his strength and his ability to cooperate with Giyu. Will he embrace the opportunity to become a true warrior, or will he continue to fight alone?
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