Akaza and Kyojuro clashed in a fierce battle. Though Kyojuro wielded a Bright Red Nichirin Sword, it was clear that a single red blade was barely enough to contend with Akaza at full strength.
Within just a few minutes, Kyojuro had used every sword technique he knew, but none had proved particularly effective.
Flame Breathing had nine forms, but Kyojuro did not know them all. It was not that he could not learn them, but that he had no way to learn them.
After his father, Shinjuro, fell into despair, he stopped guiding Kyojuro's training. Left to teach himself from a few battered Flame Breathing books, Kyojuro had ultimately mastered only six of the nine forms.
Akaza had already noticed this, and it made him find the situation even more regrettable. Kyojuro's incomplete knowledge of the sword techniques also meant he still had room to grow.
Both his body and his swordsmanship could still improve. If only he had agreed to become a demon before Lord Muzan issued the order to kill him.
"What a shame! Such a terrible shame!!!"
Even as Akaza lamented, his fists continued raining fierce attacks on Kyojuro.
The Bright Red Nichirin Sword could suppress a demon's regeneration, but with the aid of his Compass Needle, Akaza could effectively evade Kyojuro's attacks. A blade like that had no value whatsoever if it could not land a hit.
"Flame Breathing, Fifth Form: Flame Tiger!"
"Destructive Death: Annihilation Style!"
Boom!!!
An explosive roar rang out amid raging flames. Akaza walked calmly out of the fire, while Kyojuro watched him, panting. More precisely, he was looking past him-toward the wreckage of the Mugen Train's carriages.
Kyojuro's distraction did not escape Akaza's notice. His expression instantly grew grave. "Kyojuro, forget about her. She took my Annihilation Style and Final Style