by MangaMoon

Demon Slayer - Akaza

Remember… Akaza appearing after the battle on the Mugen Train and offering to turn Rengoku into a demon? The passengers have survived, but a new danger confronts the wounded Tanjiro and Inosuke. Akaza, Upper Rank Three, recognizes Rengoku’s strength and urges him to become a demon. Then, he says, Rengoku could train for centuries and grow stronger still. Rengoku refuses. To him, the brevity and limitations of human life give it value. He draws his sword and faces Akaza. Flame Breathing meets a relentless storm of blows. Akaza’s wounds heal in moments, while every strike leaves Rengoku weaker. Still, he refuses to stop: behind him are the injured Tanjiro and Inosuke, as well as the passengers he has sworn to protect. At last, Akaza drives his fist through Rengoku’s body. Dawn is close. Though mortally wounded, Rengoku grips the demon’s arm and presses his blade against his neck, trying to hold him there until the sun rises. Akaza tears his arms free and flees toward the forest. Tanjiro cries out after him that Rengoku fought to the very end and protected everyone. Rengoku could not defeat the demon, but he never accepted his offer or abandoned the people in his care. Until his final moments, he held fast to what he had chosen to protect.

Material: wooden