Slaughter

In a daze, Anxia Niaozi saw a "S"-shaped stream flow past her. The moment the stream passed, it was gentle, then turned sharp and cold. Guiding that stream forward was Giyu Tomioka.

Water Breathing, Third Form: Flowing Dance.

After dealing with the clones that surged onto the shore, Giyu rushed back to the battlefield to assist Hiruma.

His greatest talent was his precise observation and calm judgment in battle. When fighting together, he could predict the opponent's next move by the details of their movements, allowing him to coordinate with his allies at any time.

However, Steel Sickle was worthy of being a former Lower Rank One. It fought two opponents without being at a disadvantage. Of course, both sides were probing and not using their full strength.

In Tsutako's eyes, she could only see three afterimages—one blue, one yellow, and one white. But even if she couldn't see anything, she still stared intently.

Because she knew that the blue afterimage was Giyu.

"Damn little brat, ahhhhh!"

Steel Sickle roared, its body erupting with an even more formidable aura. The sickle in its hand flashed with cold light and rapidly grew in size.

In the blink of an eye, the sickle had grown to over ten meters long. Gripping it, Steel Sickle swung it fiercely, the giant sickle cutting through the air with a sharp whistling sound.

This attack was like a meteor, instantly smashing towards Hiruma and Giyu. But the two could not retreat; they could only block. After all, the island was small, and dodging would injure innocent people.

Hiruma had underestimated the strength of a Lower Rank, especially a former Lower Rank One.

Although he and Giyu were talented, they were still young, and their stamina had not reached its peak. They had to take this seriously.

Way Breathing, Mountain Form: Black Tortoise.

Hiruma's body was surrounded by yellowish-brown Battle Qi as he swiftly swung his blade in all directions. However, the starting stance of Black Tortoise was vastly different from Vermilion Bird.

Black Tortoise was a defensive sword technique he had comprehended by meditating on Stone Breathing. He swung his Nichirin Blade in a wide circle, the blade's wind circulating inward, remaining as still as a mountain.

Vaguely, a faint golden Black Tortoise phantom covered in rocky patterns appeared. The snake on its back bit the blade, and the giant sickle was blocked. Seeing this, Steel Sickle's pupils dilated in shock.

Not a Hashira, but better than one. This damn brat was holding back. Was he looking down on me?

Thinking of this, it was so enraged that its face turned green. Under its dry skin, small snake-like veins bulged. The giant sickle tilted like a falling mountain, and the ground beneath Hiruma cracked.

Giyu gripped his sword tightly. He didn't understand why Hiruma had given him the main attacker position, even though he was stronger and more suited for it.

Hiruma thought, You've already done all the bragging, so as your bro, I have to set the stage for you.

You said you were going to avenge them, so you have to cut down that demon.

"Hahaha!" Steel Sickle hid its surprise and began to mock, "Two brats who don't know their place! One is suppressed by me and can't move, and the other is too scared to move, tsk tsk tsk!"

"Two trash, it's your honor to die by my hand."

However, as soon as it finished speaking, thunder rumbled, and a crimson-gold Kirin-shaped blade wind surged from the ground, snapping the giant sickle in half.

Hiruma retorted without yielding, "Your trash isn't even durable. Do they count as Lower Ranks if they've been kicked out?"

"Tsk tsk tsk!"

Hearing this, Steel Sickle was provoked again. It didn't understand why this damn brat kept bringing this up.

"You, want, to, die!" It was so angry its teeth ached and gnashed like firecrackers.

The trash talk session concluded, and Steel Sickle's sickle instantly appeared in its hand. It transformed into a cannonball and charged directly at Hiruma, the ground cracking wherever it passed.

Giyu quickly retreated to the side. Since he was meant to be the main attacker, he had to seize the opportunity for a decisive blow.

Hiruma's body was enveloped in pale blue Battle Qi. His agile figure was like a flood dragon churning the seas. For a moment, sword light flashed, and he and Steel Sickle fought to a draw.

Giyu disengaged from the fight. In this exchange, he had used seventy percent of his strength, still retaining thirty percent to deal with unforeseen situations.

"Brat, you're starting to struggle!"

"Keep bragging. Did you think you could beat me alone?"

"You will pay for your arrogance!"

Seeing that he was gaining a slight advantage, Steel Sickle couldn't help but boast. It felt that killing this arrogant brat was only a matter of time.

Seizing the opportunity, it slammed down its weapon. In an instant, five white clones emerged from the ground. Its traps were not only in the water but also on the shore.

The clones surrounded Hiruma from all directions. Even the tranquil Giyu couldn't remain calm. If he didn't act now, something truly bad would happen.

However, he met Hiruma's confident gaze, and his thoughts changed.

When the five clones pounced on Hiruma, Steel Sickle was surprised to find that they were just afterimages. That's right, to become a qualified wingman, he had used ninety percent of his strength, still keeping ten percent to deal with any accidents.

Unfortunately for Steel Sickle, it was distracted, and Hiruma seized the new opportunity.

A Jiaolong formed by his afterimages locked onto Steel Sickle. Its legs vanished, and its body tilted uncontrollably.

Now was the time. This was Giyu's turn.

He twisted his body and charged towards the demon with the fastest speed he had ever achieved.

Water Breathing, Tenth Form: Flowing Water.

Wave after wave, a water faucet appeared on the azure Nichirin Blade. In just a few breaths, Giyu had already twisted ten times.

Each twist was accompanied by a surge of powerful energy. As his movements grew faster, the faucet's rotation speed increased.

When he swung his blade towards Steel Sickle's neck, Flowing Water had stacked to the twelfth rotation, Giyu's current best.

With one strike, the demon's head was severed.

The Steel Sickle's world turned upside down. Its withered head traced a beautiful arc through the air before plummeting into the sea.

With a gurgle, a few bubbles erupted on the water's surface, and then all returned to calm, just like Giyu's state of mind at this moment.

He held his blade, watching the demon's body slowly dissipate. It seemed he had grasped something, though he still needed time to refine it. But having this moment as a starting point was good enough.

"Well done!" Hiruma, who was the MVP and best wingman of the match, patted Giyu on the shoulder, then pushed him towards Anxia Niaozi.

Tsutako looked up, her eyes like black jewels sparkling. She just gazed at Giyu Tomioka.

"Revenge has been served!" Giyu, still with his usual cold, expressionless face, said.

"Mhm!"

"Thank you, Giyu!"

Tsutako covered her face and wept bitterly, her small figure so pitiful.

Hiruma, standing nearby, was dumbfounded.

That's it?

Then what? The girl just lost her parents and is crying so sadly in front of you, and you're just watching?

Shouldn't you offer her some comfort, or at the very least, a tissue?

Seeing Giyu still standing there blankly, Hiruma helplessly pressed his forehead.

Sigh!

Can't carry him, absolutely can't carry him!

He walked over to Giyu's side and whispered, "Give her something to wipe her tears."

"I don't have any!"

"Then comfort her!"

"How do I comfort her?"

"I'll be damned..."