บท 19: A Clash of Thunder and Rain – The Battles Rage On

Lower Demons vs Senjurō Rengoku, Shadow Agents & Recruits

As the Demon Slayer HQ fell into chaos after Muzan's trap, the lower demons swarmed from all directions like a plague. The dark sky above seemed to pulse with the malicious energy they carried, and the atmosphere was thick with the stench of death. The lower rank demons—merciless creatures who lived only to serve their master—descended upon the battlefield with an insatiable hunger for blood.

At the forefront of the defense stood Senjurō Rengoku, the younger brother of the legendary Kyojuro Rengoku. Though still young, Senjurō had proven himself to be a formidable warrior. His flame burned just as brightly as his brother's once had, and now, it was his time to show his true strength.

Flanking Senjurō were a team of elite Shadow Agents and newly trained recruits. The agents, dressed in sleek black uniforms, moved like phantoms through the battlefield, using their stealth to cut down demons with swift, silent strikes. The recruits, though less experienced, fought with fervor, their hearts burning with a desire to protect their comrades and prove their worth.

The Lower Rank Demons that Muzan had unleashed were powerful in their own right, each one boasting unique abilities:

Fuhai, the Lower Rank Six demon, was a grotesque creature with six arms and a body covered in thick, bark-like armor. His power allowed him to manipulate and grow massive, impenetrable tree roots from the ground, entangling his enemies and suffocating them with his crushing grip.

Gekido, the Lower Rank Five, was a demon of sheer brute strength. His muscles bulged grotesquely, and he could unleash devastating shockwaves with his fists. Every punch he threw sent ripples through the ground, shaking the earth and shattering rocks with ease.

Sanzu, the Lower Rank Four, was a sly demon with the ability to control shadows, using them to create terrifying illusions and traps that disoriented his enemies. His laughter echoed in the air as he played cruel games with the minds of the weaker recruits.

Shiori, the Lower Rank Three, was a female demon with control over poisonous needles. She could launch them from her fingertips at lightning speed, paralyzing her targets with even a single scratch.

Makyo, the Lower Rank Two, had the ability to split into multiple copies of himself, each just as strong and fast as the original. The sheer number of clones overwhelmed the battlefield, leaving the recruits scrambling to differentiate between real and fake.

Sankai, the Lower Rank One, was the most dangerous of them all. He possessed the ability to manipulate gravity, crushing his enemies under intense pressure or launching them into the air, helpless against his power.

The battle was fierce, but Senjurō led his forces with unyielding determination. His Flame Breathing techniques lit up the battlefield with streaks of fire.

With a roar, Senjurō unleashed Flame Breathing, Fifth Form: Flame Tiger, sending a blazing, tiger-shaped inferno tearing through Fuhai's massive tree roots. The lower demon let out a guttural cry as his defenses were burned to ash. Not wasting a second, Senjurō dashed forward, his blade a blur as he cut through Fuhai's armor and decapitated him in a single strike.

Around him, the Shadow Agents moved like shadows themselves. One agent, cloaked in darkness, slipped behind Gekido, avoiding the demon's shockwaves with graceful precision. With a flick of his wrist, the agent severed Gekido's head cleanly from his body before the brute even realized what had happened.

However, Sanzu's illusions caught several of the recruits off guard, trapping them in shadowy prisons. But Senjurō saw through the trickery. "Your tricks won't work on me!" he shouted, his fiery eyes locked on Sanzu's true form hiding in the shadows. With a mighty swing of his sword, Senjurō unleashed Flame Breathing, Second Form: Rising Scorching Sun, a powerful upward slash that tore through the illusions and sliced Sanzu in half.

The recruits, inspired by Senjurō's strength, pressed forward, cutting down Shiori before she could launch more of her poisonous needles. The tide was turning, and the lower rank demons began to falter under the relentless assault.

Makyo's clones tried to overwhelm Senjurō, but with one final technique—Flame Breathing, Eighth Form: Fire Wheel—he spun through the clones, slicing them all to pieces before delivering the killing blow to the original Makyo.

Sankai, seeing his comrades fall, attempted to use his gravity manipulation to crush Senjurō, but the young Flame Hashira was too fast. He dodged the attack and closed the distance in the blink of an eye. "For my brother!" Senjurō cried as he delivered the final blow, severing Sankai's head from his body.

The battlefield fell silent as the last of the lower rank demons turned to ash. Senjurō stood tall, his blade still glowing with the heat of battle, and the recruits around him cheered, their spirits lifted by their victory.

Kaigaku vs Zenitsu Agatsuma & Genya Shinazugawa

While the lower rank demons had been vanquished, another deadly battle was unfolding deeper within the Infinity Castle. The air was thick with tension as Kaigaku, the new Upper Moon Six, stood face-to-face with his former peer, Zenitsu Agatsuma. Kaigaku, who had once been a fellow disciple of Thunder Breathing, had betrayed his humanity and become a demon, now wielding a corrupted version of the same breathing technique. His eyes gleamed with malice as he stared down Zenitsu, who stood beside Genya Shinazugawa.

Kaigaku's transformation had given him immense power. His body had grown more muscular, his veins pulsating with demonic energy. His once kind face was now twisted with arrogance and disdain. He wore a dark, ornate robe that shimmered with an ominous glow. His weapon—a jagged, black katana—was infused with demonic energy, crackling with corrupted lightning.

"You're still weak, Zenitsu," Kaigaku sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "I surpassed you long ago. You don't stand a chance against me now."

Zenitsu, for once, didn't quiver in fear. He stood firm, his hands gripping his sword tightly. His eyes burned with resolve, his thunderous aura growing stronger. "Kaigaku," Zenitsu began, his voice calm but filled with determination, "I always looked up to you, even though you treated me like garbage. But now... I see the truth. You were always afraid of being weak."

Kaigaku's smile twisted into a snarl. "You dare talk to me like that? I'll show you true power!"

Kaigaku raised his sword, and in an instant, he unleashed Thunder Breathing, Seventh Form: Honoikazuchi no Kami (Flaming Thunder God). Black lightning erupted from his blade, surging towards Zenitsu and Genya with devastating speed.

Zenitsu's heart raced, but he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. In the blink of an eye, he disappeared from sight, his body moving faster than the lightning itself. Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash—Godspeed! He shot forward, narrowly dodging Kaigaku's attack. His blade hummed with energy as he swung it towards Kaigaku's neck, but Kaigaku blocked it just in time.

The two former comrades clashed with terrifying speed, their swords sparking as they struck against each other. Kaigaku grinned wickedly. "You're faster than I remember, but you're still nothing compared to me!"

Zenitsu didn't respond. His focus was razor-sharp, his mind completely locked on the battle. He knew Kaigaku was stronger, but he had trained for this moment. Every lesson from his master, every ounce of pain and hardship, had prepared him for this fight.

Meanwhile, Genya, wielding his sawed-off shotgun and his Rain Breathing, watched for an opening. He couldn't match the speed of the Thunder Breathing users, but his keen eyes noticed something. Kaigaku's movements were precise, but there was a moment—a brief second—where he left himself open after each strike.

"Zenitsu!" Genya shouted. "I've got a plan!"

Zenitsu, locked in combat, nodded subtly, trusting his friend without question.

Genya took a deep breath and unleashed Rain Breathing, Second Form: Scattered Showers, firing his shotgun at Kaigaku's feet, the pellets spreading like raindrops. The attack wasn't meant to hit, but to distract.

Kaigaku dodged easily, his focus still on Zenitsu. But in that split second, Genya charged forward with Rain Breathing, First Form: Drizzle Slash, his blade slicing through the air like falling rain. Kaigaku blocked Genya's attack, but the force pushed him back, giving Zenitsu the opening he needed.

With lightning speed, Zenitsu unleashed his final technique—Thunder Breathing, Seventh Form: Honoikazuchi no Kami. His blade became a streak of golden light as he slashed at Kaigaku with all his might. Kaigaku, caught off guard, tried to counter, but Zenitsu's speed overwhelmed him.

The force of the attack sent Kaigaku crashing to the ground, blood spraying from his wounds. He snarled in rage, but before he could recover, Genya was on him, unleashing a flurry of attacks with his Rain Breathing. Together, the two Demon Slayers fought in perfect sync, their breathing techniques complementing each other.

Kaigaku's arrogance had been his downfall. He had underestimated Zenitsu and Genya, and now, as he lay on the ground, bleeding and gasping for breath, he realized too late that he had lost.

With one final, coordinated strike, Zenitsu and Genya brought their swords down, and Kaigaku's head was severed from his body.

The battle was over.

As the last echoes of thunder faded from the battlefield, Zenitsu stood tall, his chest heaving with exhaustion but his spirit unbroken. He glanced at Genya, who nodded in silent respect. Together, they had overcome one of the most dangerous demons they had ever faced.

But the war was far from over.