章 6: 3 vs 1.
—
Accelerator took a moment to assess the three before him. "What are you doing?" he asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and annoyance.
The cheerful one, stepping forward again, introduced himself. "We're training. My name's Tanjiro Kamado," he said, bowing politely. "We're practicing our Breathing Techniques to strengthen our bodies and enhance our fighting abilities."
Accelerator's interest was piqued. "Breathing Techniques, huh?" He eyed Tanjiro up and down, considering the implications. Despite being the strongest esper, his physical body was rather weak. If these techniques could enhance his body, they might be worth exploring. "Show me," he ordered rudely, gesturing for Tanjiro to stand in front of him.
Tanjiro, always eager to help, was happy to oblige. He took a deep breath, his chest expanding as he demonstrated his technique. Accelerator watched intently, his mind already racing with calculations. He observed Tanjiro's breathing pattern, noting the rhythm and the way his muscles seemed to respond. The benefits were clear—enhanced strength, speed, and endurance.
Accelerator's analytical mind went to work, dissecting the process and mapping out how to replicate it. Within moments, he had grasped the basics. He mimicked Tanjiro's breathing, adjusting his own pattern to match. The sight was shocking to the three young Demon Slayers. Accelerator, who had just learned about the technique, was already mastering it with ease.
"That's incredible," Tanjiro exclaimed, his eyes wide with amazement. "It took us months to learn that, and you just picked it up in a few seconds!"
The blond, who had been cowering earlier, was now peeking out from behind Tanjiro. "Is he even human?" he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.
The wild one, still full of bravado, was struggling to process what he had just witnessed. "What the hell...?" he grumbled. "How did you do that so fast?"
Accelerator ignored the comments, focusing instead on the sensation of the new technique coursing through his body. He could feel the immediate benefits—his muscles felt stronger, his reflexes sharper. He was about to continue experimenting when the three apprentices who had visited him the previous day arrived, running towards him with infectious energy.
"Accelerator-san!" they called out in unison, their voices full of excitement.
He sighed, finding it hard to get used to their constant presence. He was more accustomed to destruction and chaos, not the carefree energy of children. Nonetheless, they seemed undeterred by his aloof demeanor and began pestering him with questions.
"Are you going to train with us?" one of them asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.
"Can you show us that cool breathing thing you just did?" another chimed in.
"What's your name? Where are you from?" the third one added, bouncing on her toes.
Accelerator, feeling overwhelmed, clicked his tongue in annoyance. Despite his irritation, there was something disarming about their enthusiasm. He found himself reluctantly answering their questions. "Again, it's Accelerator," he grumbled. "And no, I'm not from around here."
The trio of apprentices exchanged excited glances, their curiosity only growing. Before Accelerator could protest, they began dragging him towards the dining area. "Come on, Accelerator-san! It's time for breakfast!"
He resisted at first, but their persistence wore him down. He allowed himself to be led, his mind still processing the implications of the Breathing Technique. As they entered the dining area, he glanced back at Tanjiro and the others, who were watching the scene unfold with a mix of amusement and admiration.
In the dining room, Accelerator sat at the table, reluctantly sharing a meal with the three apprentices, the three young men who had been training earlier, Aoi, and Shinobu. The air was filled with the lively chatter of the apprentices and the clinking of utensils against plates. Accelerator ate in silence, his mind clearly preoccupied with something else entirely.
Shinobu, ever the dutiful host, broke the relative silence. "Accelerator-san, we will be having a gathering later. Your presence is required," she informed him in a calm yet firm tone.
Ten seconds passed without a response. Shinobu's patience, already thin, snapped. She assumed he was ignoring her. "Did you hear me?" she demanded, turning to face him. To her surprise, she saw him sitting with his eyes closed, his chest moving rhythmically in a manner that was distinct from normal breathing. He seemed to be adjusting his breath, focusing intensely.
"What are you doing?" Shinobu asked, her irritation momentarily replaced by curiosity.
Accelerator opened his eyes briefly, casting an annoyed glance at her before closing them again. He was deeply immersed in refining the Breathing Techniques he had observed earlier. Based on his analysis, Tanjiro's breathing technique was the most advanced among them, but even that had its flaws. Accelerator was already formulating various modifications, merging and integrating different aspects to create the most efficient and effective technique possible. His mind was a whirlwind of calculations, seeking the optimal breathing pattern that would enhance his physical capabilities to their fullest extent.
"Did you hear me?" Shinobu snapped again, louder this time, breaking through his concentration.
Accelerator's eyes opened fully, irritation flashing across his face. "What?" he growled, clearly annoyed at being interrupted.
Shinobu's expression shifted from anger to shock. "When did you learn to use Breathing Techniques?" she asked, astonished. "Yesterday, you were breathing normally, but now you're already performing Constant Breathing. That's unbelievable."
Accelerator looked at her incredulously, as if the question itself was beneath him. He had no intention of explaining his abilities to her. His silence only made Shinobu's curiosity grow.
Seeing the tension, Tanjiro chimed in with his characteristic cheerfulness. "Shinobu-san, this morning, Accelerator-san observed our training and learned the technique just by watching us. It was amazing! He picked it up in a matter of seconds."
Shinobu's eyes widened further, a mix of disbelief and admiration in her gaze. "Is that so?" she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.
Accelerator clicked his tongue in irritation. "What did you say again?" he asked, his tone making it clear he wasn't thrilled about having to ask her to repeat herself.
Shinobu regained her composure, though her surprise lingered. "As I said, we will be having a gathering later, and your presence is required," she repeated, her voice steady.
Accelerator gave a noncommittal grunt, acknowledging her words without fully committing to anything. He was still more focused on perfecting his breathing technique than engaging in any social or organizational gatherings.
The rest of the table, meanwhile, was abuzz with conversation. The three apprentices, Sumi, Kiyo, and Naho, were exchanging excited whispers about Accelerator's incredible abilities. The three young men, still processing the morning's events, were equally impressed.
"He's really amazing, right?" Tanjiro muttered.
"Yeah, I've never seen anyone pick up Breathing Techniques so quickly," Zenitsu added, his voice tinged with awe.
The third, the wild one, just grumbled, "Whatever. He's still just a guy."
Aoi, who had been quietly observing, couldn't help but be impressed by Accelerator's prowess. Despite his abrasive personality, there was no denying his skill and intelligence.
As breakfast continued, the conversation drifted to lighter topics, but the underlying tension and curiosity about Accelerator remained. Shinobu, now more intrigued than irritated, kept a close eye on him, wondering just how powerful this newcomer was and what role he would play in their fight against the demons.
Accelerator, meanwhile, was lost in his thoughts. He had much to learn about this world and its inhabitants, but he was confident in his ability to adapt and overcome. For now, he would play along, observe, and continue to hone his skills. The demons were a threat, but they had yet to encounter the true force of nature that was Accelerator.
–
Shinobu led Accelerator and Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke to the headquarters with a serene demeanor, though her smile held a hint of mischief. Just as they were about to enter, she stopped, turned to Accelerator, and smiled sweetly. "Good luck," she said, before sprinting off and vanishing from sight with the three.
Accelerator was immediately displeased. He could already tell what she meant by that. His displeasure turned into focused anticipation as he sensed the incoming attack.
Without hesitation, he stomped his foot, manipulating the vectors of the ground. A spike of earth shot up, aiming directly at the Wind Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa, who had been attempting a sneak attack. Sanemi barely dodged the spike, his face twisted in surprise and rage.
Accelerator turned to Sanemi, a disturbing smile creeping across his face. "So, you're challenging me?" he asked, his voice dripping with mockery.
Sanemi's rage grew, his own grin matching Accelerator's in intensity. "I'm not alone," he spat.
As if on cue, Obanai Iguro and Giyu Tomioka launched their attacks. Obanai, with his swift and serpentine movements, and Giyu, with his precise and powerful strikes, came at Accelerator from both sides.
Accelerator's eyes glinted with annoyance. "Three against one? How pathetic," he sneered.
Obanai's serpent-like attacks with his Nichirin Blade were deflected effortlessly, and Giyu's water-based strikes were rendered useless by Accelerator's reflection ability. Their combined assault, meant to overwhelm and find a chink in Accelerator's defenses, was failing miserably.
Sanemi, not one to be outdone, joined the fray, his Wind Breathing techniques creating powerful gusts aimed at disorienting and injuring Accelerator. But each attack, each strike, was met with the same result. Accelerator's reflection ability nullified their efforts entirely, making it seem as though he was merely toying with them.
"You call this a fight?" Accelerator mocked, his voice echoing with cruel laughter. "Your attacks don't even reach me."
His words cut deeper than their failed attacks, hitting their pride and fueling their frustration. The Hashiras regrouped, their faces bloodied but their spirits unbroken. They synchronized their breathing, channeling their energies to strike in perfect harmony.
Sanemi's Wind Breathing created a vortex of razor-sharp winds, Obanai's Serpent Breathing slithered with deadly precision, and Giyu's Water Breathing flowed with relentless power. The trio moved as one, a coordinated assault from all sides.
Accelerator stood at the center of the onslaught, his smile widening. As the attacks closed in, he activated his reflection ability with a thought. The combined might of the Hashiras was redirected, their techniques bouncing back with a force that left them reeling.
"Is this all you've got?" Accelerator taunted, his voice carrying over the battlefield. "You're supposed to be the strongest, yet you can't even touch me."
Sanemi, blood dripping from a cut on his forehead, growled in frustration. "Don't get cocky, bastard!"
Obanai's eyes narrowed as he adjusted his grip on his sword. "We need to find a weakness. He can't be invincible."
Giyu, always calm and calculating, analyzed the situation. "We need to coordinate better. Use his own power against him."
But their strategizing was cut short as Accelerator moved with blinding speed. He appeared in front of Sanemi, his hand gripping the Wind Hashira's throat. With a cruel grin, he slammed Sanemi into the ground, creating a crater with the force of the impact.
Obanai and Giyu lunged to help, but Accelerator was already moving. He intercepted Obanai mid-strike, deflecting the Serpent Hashira's blade and sending him crashing into a wall. Giyu's water-based attacks were met with the same fate, each strike redirected and countered with ease.
The Hashiras, renowned for their strength and skill, found themselves bloodied and beaten, struggling to rise. Accelerator, standing over them, seemed to relish their pain. His foot pressed down on Sanemi's chest, a triumphant smile plastered on his face.
"Is this the best the Hashira can offer?" he jeered, his voice filled with contempt. "You're nothing at all!"
The three Hashiras lay on the ground, panting and bloodied, their bodies broken but their spirits unyielding. Despite their defeat, they glared up at Accelerator with defiance in their eyes. They had faced demons and survived, they would not be cowed by this newcomer, no matter how powerful he was.
As Accelerator stood there, triumphant, the scene was a testament to his overwhelming strength and the brutal efficiency of his power.
Accelerator loomed over the fallen Hashira, savoring their defeat. He was about to continue his assault when a voice interrupted him.
"That's enough," Shinobu called out, stepping into view with a strained smile.
Accelerator turned to her, his expression dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, look who decided to show up. Done hiding and watching the show? Or maybe you want to join in? Another one won't make a difference to me."
Shinobu's composure wavered, a mix of anger and concern flashing in her eyes. She knew the situation was precarious. If Accelerator's perception of their leader, Kagaya Ubuyashiki, was tainted by their actions, it could jeopardize everything. Swallowing her pride, Shinobu took a deep breath and slowly dropped to her knees, her voice soft but steady.
"This was our fault," she said, bowing her head. "I have nothing to say in our defense. I only ask that you don't involve the Master in this. He had no part in our actions."
Accelerator's eyes gleamed with a predatory light. "Oh? Begging already? How touching." He stepped closer, grabbing her face with one hand. "You know, you're actually quite beautiful."
Shinobu's heart raced, a mix of fear and an unfamiliar flustered feeling. No one had ever spoken to her so aggressively. "It would be a waste to let that get away, right?" Accelerator continued, licking his lips in a grotesque mimicry of flirtation.
Despite her desperation, Shinobu couldn't help but feel a flush of embarrassment. She had faced countless demons, endured unimaginable horrors, but this was different. This was personal.
But then, just as quickly as he had grabbed her, Accelerator released her, stepping back with a sardonic grin. "My thoughts will depend on my mood" he said vaguely, leaving Shinobu in a state of confused relief and lingering dread.
Sanemi, Obanai, and Giyu struggled to their feet, glaring at Accelerator with a mixture of hatred and grudging respect. They had been bested, but they were far from broken.
"Don't think this is over," Sanemi growled, wiping blood from his mouth. "We'll find a way to take you down."
Accelerator laughed, a chilling sound that echoed through the courtyard. "You're welcome to try. It'll be amusing to see you fail again."
Obanai slowly stood up, his gaze hardening. "We will try to cooperate with you, but if you continue to be a threat to us, we won't hesitate to take action."
Accelerator's smile widened. "Good luck with that," he said dismissively, turning his back on them. "Now, if you're done wasting my time, I have better things to do."
Shinobu watched him walk away, a sense of foreboding settling over her. They had brought a powerful and unpredictable force into their midst, and she could only hope that they could find a way to control it before it was too late.
The three young trainees—Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke—approached cautiously, having witnessed the entire confrontation. Tanjiro, ever the optimist, stepped forward.
"Thank you for stopping," he said sincerely. "We can work together to defeat the demons."
Accelerator glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "Just stay out of my way," he said flatly. "I don't need a bunch of kids slowing me down."
Zenitsu, still trembling, muttered under his breath, "He's so scary..."
Inosuke, ever the hothead, puffed out his chest. "I could take him! I was just warming up!"
Shinobu sighed, rubbing her temples. "Let's just focus on the task at hand. We have a lot of work to do."
As they made their way back to the main building, the atmosphere was tense but resolute. They had faced a significant challenge and come out stronger for it. With Accelerator's unpredictable power on their side, they had a chance to turn the tide in their battle against the demons.
But they also knew that their greatest challenge might not be the demons themselves, but rather keeping Accelerator in check and ensuring he remained an ally rather than a threat. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but they were determined to see it through. Together, they would find a way to overcome whatever obstacles lay in their path.
Accelerator arrived at the meeting place, his presence immediately drawing the attention of the assembled Hashira. Their surprise was evident, as not only were Sanemi, Obanai, and Giyu conspicuously absent, but Shinobu was also missing. Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the gentle and calm leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, greeted Accelerator with a serene smile.
"Welcome," Kagaya said warmly. "May I ask where Shinobu is?"
Accelerator shrugged nonchalantly. "They tripped," he replied vaguely, his tone dismissive.
The Hashira exchanged glances, understanding what had likely transpired. Tengen Uzui, the flamboyant Sound Hashira, clenched his fists in frustration. He had vouched for Accelerator, and the fact that the others had attacked him felt like a personal affront.
"I apologize for their behavior," Tengen said, bowing slightly. "It seems we have a lot to learn about trust."
Accelerator waved it off. "Whatever," he said. "Just get on with it."
Kagaya nodded, maintaining his calm demeanor. "Very well. We are here to introduce you to the Demon Slayer Corps and inform you about our enemies. As you might already know, we are engaged in a relentless battle against demons. Our primary targets are the Twelve Kizuki, especially the Upper Moons, who are Muzan Kibutsuji's most powerful subordinates."
Tengen spoke up, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "The Upper Moons are formidable foes, each possessing immense power and unique abilities. They have been responsible for countless deaths, and defeating them is our top priority."
Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira, added with a soft yet determined voice, "We have lost many comrades to the Upper Moons. They are ruthless and cunning, but we will stop at nothing to defeat them and protect humanity."
Muichiro Tokito, the Mist Hashira, chimed in, his tone distant but focused. "We must understand their strengths and weaknesses. Knowing our enemy is crucial to our success."
Accelerator listened intently, his sharp mind absorbing the information. Despite his dismissive attitude, he understood the gravity of the situation. These demons were not to be taken lightly.
Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira, spoke with a deep, resonant voice. "The Upper Moons have regenerative abilities and are incredibly resilient. Conventional attacks are often ineffective. We must find ways to exploit their weaknesses and sever their heads to ensure they do not regenerate."
Shinobu, who had finally arrived and quietly taken her place, nodded in agreement. "Their blood demon arts are varied and dangerous. Each Upper Moon has a unique ability that makes them especially deadly."
Accelerator's eyes narrowed as he processed this information. "So, what are you expecting from me?" he asked bluntly.
Kagaya's smile remained gentle but firm. "We hope that with your unique abilities, you can help us turn the tide in this war. Your power is unlike anything we have seen before, and it could be the key to defeating the Upper Moons and ultimately Muzan himself."
Accelerator leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "Alright, I get it. You've got some nasty enemies, and you need all the help you can get. Just point me in the right direction."
Sanemi, Obanai, and Giyu finally joined the meeting, their expressions wary but respectful. Kagaya acknowledged their presence with a nod before continuing. "Thank you, Accelerator-kun. We will work together to develop strategies and ensure that your talents are utilized to their fullest potential."
The meeting continued with each Hashira sharing their experiences and insights about the Upper Moons. They discussed tactics, the importance of teamwork, and the necessity of remaining vigilant. Despite their initial distrust, the Hashira began to see the value in having Accelerator on their side.
As the meeting concluded, Kagaya addressed Accelerator once more. "We appreciate your willingness to join our cause. Together, we will fight to protect humanity and bring an end to Muzan's reign of terror."
Accelerator stood up, his usual smirk in place. "Yeah, yeah. Let's just get this over with."
The Hashira dispersed, each of them carrying the weight of their responsibilities. Accelerator watched them go, his mind already strategizing the best ways to take down these powerful demons. He might not fully understand this world, but he knew one thing for certain: he would crush anyone who stood in his way, demon or otherwise.
With a final nod to Kagaya, Accelerator left the meeting room, ready to face the challenges ahead. The battle against the demons was far from over, but with his unparalleled abilities, the Demon Slayer Corps had gained a powerful new ally.
—
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